Northern New Hampshire Towns Explored in New Book

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - May 6, 2013 - PRLog -- The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Dixville, Colebrook, Columbia and Stewartstown from local author Susan Zizza. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images chronicling the history of these northern New Hampshire towns.

The four towns of Dixville, Colebrook, Columbia and Stewartstown are nestled in the mountainous Great North Woods of New Hampshire. These communities lie in the lovely valleys that wind along the Mohawk and the Connecticut River. At the turn of the 20th century, the rich resources of the deep forests and rivers drew industry to these remote towns, with logging, farming, manufacturing and tourism boosted by the advent of the railroad.

The book includes the story of settlement of all four towns, with a focus on life from the towns’ beginnings through the first half of the 20th century. This publication also includes the area’s efforts to preserve its precious heritage, while presenting a positive face to the future.

Today, the region draws thousands of visitors with its small-town Main Street merchants, annual festivals and outdoor recreation, such as hiking, boating, snowmobiling and other off-the road activities.

Highlights of Dixville, Colebrook, Columbia and Stewartstown include:
•   The Glory days of the Balsams Grand Hotel in Dixville.
•   The tale of a 19th century-born local boy made good--Neil Tillotson, the tycoon philanthropist who brought the historic hotel back to life.
•   The role of the railroad and the rivers, with a focus on the heyday of logging.
•   Early era of snowmobiling, with a look back at its forerunner—dog sledding.
•   Highlights movers and sharers in this region including Colebrook resident Alice Converse, the first woman hunting and fishing guide in New Hampshire.
•   Draws a spotlight on the French-Canadian immigrant community which contributed to the economic strength of the region.
•   The silent movie and early theatre eras are honored, with vintage photographs and memorabilia from Colebrook’s Opera House and the Jax and Halcyon Theatres, as well as Stewartstown’s Gem Theatre.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.  

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.