A few weeks ago I told you it was “Fair Season” and I was visiting a wide range of fairs – more so than in previous years. Why? I do not know, I go in cycles “chasing interests and learning” and that is my fun. My history article, DID YOU KNOW THAT…? for my October issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION is all about Town Fairs held in Walpole over the years. I decided not to go to the Greenfield or Tunbridge fairs this year, but today attended neighboring Landgon’s small festival/fair. At the total opposite end of the “size” spectrum I will experience for the first time THE BIG E – THE EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION this coming week – and will report on that.

You have to purposely plan to visit the Village of Langdon, NH, just a few miles from me. You will not pass the Village with its Town Hall, cemetery, little school, and a couple houses by accident. And you should plan a side trip, I will be making more. Small fair, well planned out with the cross roads in the village all blocked off, signs well placed on the “main routes” (ha-ha re: main) to parking, up over a dirt road, lots of kids controlling “traffic” (could be another local laugh), and into a hilly field for parking above the Village. A short walk down hill to the center of the festivities.

getting closer —

and, looking back at the Langdon Meeting House. Completed in 1803 as a combination town hall and church. When the NH 1819 Toleration Act established the separation of church and state, the building became multi-use. It is claimed by the town to hold the record for consecutive town meetings held in the same space – now 220 years. I will not argue that.

There were several performances scheduled, and I was in time for this group of “Company of Witches” – is it Halloween yet? Am I ever getting ready.

just beyond was the Pinnacleview 4-H Club from Walpole, and their exhibits.

Below, turning around at the end of the vendors’ booths looking to the Town Hall. I could not believe how many folks – both vendors and visitors – there that I knew, and we chatted. Did I say you have to visit this spot?

I planned my visit to have lunch, and add support to the organizers that way. But while waiting for my cheeseburger and cider, what’s a country fair without SMOKEY?

a blacksmith had set up to show his craft and sell some wares. Ready to purchase some candle stands for $29 (I know, I know, my collection of candle holders probably exceeds forty different), sadly I saw them marked “sold.”

small fairs as today’s was in Langdon you often can get inside a building that otherwise may not be open when you “discover” the town. Such was the case with the Town Hall, completed in 1803 as I mentioned. Sadly I realized when I got home I did not find how to see the second floor (reason to return) but here is the lower level with history exhibits, and the ubiquitous fair quilt display. In a side room is a Town history exhibit – reminder you may click my “galleries” for larger views.

But while reading the panels on the raised platform, I learned much that ties in with my current projects. I came home, and of course had the right books in my own library and shop, to dig into, and although not part of the fair, I NEED TO SHARE with you now what I learned and you may find of interest, hopefully.

One thing leads to another in my study and research. My son, Gary, and I discuss the fact that our “rabbit holes” have multiple levels and passages for that further study. So – some background to the below – I am giving a presentation this week on local taverns and turnpikes. In my Connecticut bookshop in the 1990s whenever I had a book on the itinerant painter, Rufus Porter, it flew off the shelf every time I had a copy. Then my Cathy and I would stay in an inn with Rufus Porter murals when scouting for books in NH prior to moving here. And, settling in our 1806 colonial, we had Dutchie paint our dining room in the style of Rufus Porter. Our dining room was featured one evening on WMUR-TV, and documented in NH Magazine – CLICK HERE FOR A PDF of this November 2005 article.

Reading the history panels I learned the Bidwell Tavern was built about 1818 near where the entrance for Fall Mountain Regional High School is now. It was an extremely celebrated hotel in Langdon. It had a bar room, a large ballroom, and an elegant room with frescoed walls done by Rufus Porter. The inn was located on the Cheshire Turnpike which entered Langdon from Drewsville. An extremely popular spot sadly the tavern burned to the ground in 1930.

Between two books I have, one on Langdon, and the other written in 1927 by Marion Rawson from East Alstead, there are conflicting comments on the murals in the Bidwell Tavern. But the authoritative book by Jean Lipman (yes always in my library) discusses Porter’s work here in detail. Sadly lost in the fire, here is the image of this bed chamber found in Rawson’s book.

The mural shows a lake in the background. From the 1987 history of Langdon, “there is no lake to be seen in Langdon today and the previous history failed to mention anything more than a few ponds.… A flood however appears to have washed out the lower end of his lake and subsequent drainage and land-use nearly obliterated what was once a considerable body of water.” Supposedly an old shoreline can be seen — I guess another trip is needed. Again, above is the lost Rufus Porter mural in the one room. Supposedly he did work around Bidwell Tavern.

See how “one thing leads to another,” and “I have no idea where my days go?” At least my brain is active, and I will be here to educate and entertain you for some time to come — I hope.

Get out there – shunpike and explore – stay well, love, RAY