Anything Happen in North Hampton Since 1975?

Anything happen in North Hampton since 1975? 

Several years ago, the Historical Society was fortunate to obtain the services of a Plymouth State University intern, Hillary Christopher.  A graduate student in its historic preservation program,  she began the task of updating the town timeline.   The timeline, available in multiple PDFs on this website at https://www.northhampton-nh.gov/historical-society/pages/time-line-documents, was a labor of love by Jenny Holbert (formerly Jenny Holbert Landman), and her twin sister Penny Holbert, using the sole published town history, The Way it was in North Hampton, as one of the chief sources.  It lists local, state, and national events from pre-history to 1975.  

A goal of the Historical Society is to bring the timeline up to date and make it a more inviting internet presence. Hillary’s other projects included 275th anniversary efforts that took precedence, but she got the updated timeline off to a good start.    Here are some highlights from Hillary’s perusal of the annual town reports from 1976 to 2011 readily available online. The UNH Library has digitized the town reports of many NH towns and cities --  for North Hampton FY1950-FY2011  -- which are only an internet search away.  

1976.  

Recreational park named in honor of Revolutionary War General Henry Dearborn opens. 

1978.  

The Blizzard of ’78 wreaks havoc along North Hampton’s coast. 

1979.  

The State of New Hampshire takes control of the beach and parking area.  

1980.

Town seal, after being used on Fire Department vehicles for many years, is officially adopted at Town Meeting.

1981.

North Hampton School begins using three microcomputers in its mathematics curriculum 

1983.  

There’s cable TV coverage in 75% of the Town.

Library purchases an Apple computer, thanks to the Friends of the Library, to use for acquisitions, overdues, and budget records. 

1984.  

Coakley pit is closed down. 

Library purchases computer for children’s use.

Kindergarten program established at the School. 

1985.  

Private wells are contaminated; Hampton Water Works brings in water.

986.  

North Hampton’s William Plumer makes the case that Edward de Ver, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the real William Shakespeare.

1988.  

Town gets a computer system.

1989.  

Recycling operations begin at Cherry Road facility.

1991.  

First female Selectman,  Mary Herbert, elected.   

New Police station opens.

1992.  

Town celebrates the 250th anniversary of its incorporation; more than 750 people attend parade and supper.

1993.  

Police Department hires its first female officer. 

1994.  

Coakley Superfund site remediation begins. 

1996.  

Bandstand built on Town Common; concerts begin.  

Library automates its catalog and circulation with database of titles.

$4.5 million addition and renovation project for the School includes classrooms, computer room, gymnasium, and cafeteria. 

 1997.  

North Hampton becomes an SB2 town, voting on warrant articles by ballot rather than holding a traditional town meeting.     

Creation of the Heritage Commission approved by voters.  

Capping of Coakley landfill completed.

1998.  

Centennial Hall purchased by non-profit Friends of Centennial Hall with the purpose of restoration and use as a performing arts center for the seacoast. 

1999.  

A portion of Little Boar’s Head political district becomes a National Register Historic District.  

Town establishes a website.

2000.  

20-year project to restore the Little River Salt Marsh completed.  $1.2 million from various sources makes this the largest salt marsh restoration in New England.

Voters approve having an elected Planning Board rather than one whose members are approved by the Board of Selectmen.

2001. 

Jenifer Landman elected to the Board of Selectmen and is addressed as “Selectwoman”.

Voters approve $4 million bond to purchase conservation easements; slogan “North Hampton Forever” used.

A central storage area for Town records, including those of Heritage Commission and Historical Society, created above the Police Station.

Centennial Hall crowned with a replica of the original tower constructed in 1876, thanks to the craftsmanship of Arthur Knowles.  

2002.  

Town Administrative Offices move to the second floor of the Police Station.  Town Clerk and Tax Collector remain in the stone building.

North Hampton Business Association donates colonial - era looking lamps to the Common.  First illuminated for the 9/11 Memorial Service. 

2003.  

Library now offers DVDs. 

2005.  

Town Hall named to the State Register of Historic Places, thanks to the work of high schooler Kathy Shea and the North Hampton Historical Society.

2007.  

New Highway Department facility, garage and salt / sand shed constructed on Cedar Road, the first step in the rehabilitation of the Town’s municipal buildings property on Atlantic Avenue.  

2008.  

The Board of Selectmen becomes the Select Board.

Dalton Town Forest opens, after receiving overwhelming support at the polls. 

Restoration of Town Hall begins. 

First Winterfest held. 

2009.  

Agricultural Commission established by voter approval. 

2010.

Agricultural Commission opens Community Garden.

2011.  

Police Department sets up prescription drug drop off box.

Town joins Twitter and Facebook.  

So there we are – the bare bones of North Hampton events for a portion of the last 45 years.  Anyone willing to go through town reports since 2011 and jot down what seems significant?   They are available at the Library, Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office, Town Offices, and Historical Society.                     

How about checking other sources of information?  Newspapers for one.  

There’s not much relating to the School in the timeline.  Is there a student or two or three or perhaps faculty and staff who would like to provide data?  We need the year,  brief description of the event, and the source. 

Contact us at nohamptonhs@gmail.com to get the ball rolling.  To see the existing timeline, go to https://www.northhampton-nh.gov/historical-society/pages/time-line-documents.   Any errors you spot or items you think should be added, let us know. 

And, if you’d like to catch up on the Town’s history from the late 1600s to 1975, 

The Way it was in North Hampton is for sale at the Town Clerk/Tax Collector Office and Library or by mail from the Historical Society for $10.