AND, it cannot get much better. Two stops and adventures – one unplanned – and spending time immersed in things I enjoy and have been threads in my life forever e.g. COUNTRY STORE – OLD TRAINS – MODEL T and A FORDS, and related collectibles. I am ready to repeat this day’s outing. Remember last August (2023) I discovered Potter Place, a small section of Andover, NH? Check out that link to see what I found, and I vowed to attend a function and experience the Railroad Station and Country Store. That opportunity was Saturday, 29 June for the Potter Place Festival, formally the “Old-Time Fair.” From the Andover Historical Society Website – “On Saturday, June 29th from 10am-4pm, the Andover Historical Society will host the Potter Place Festival, formerly known as the “Old Time Fair” a 41-year-old tradition that will take place at the old Potter Place Train Station at 105 Depot Street in Andover. Named after the first black celebrity magician and ventriloquist Richard Potter (1783-1835), Potter Place is now officially part of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, after the unveiling of BHTNH historic marker to Richard Potter August 2022. … .”

Easy to get to northeast of New London (NH that is) I expected a bigger crowd when I arrived about 10:45, but Potter Place is just a small community in Andover, whose population is 2,400 – and the festival was featured in the morning news on WMUR. I parked close to this view below as I approached the three blocked off street intersection.

Folks could run the hand-truck on the old Boston & Maine tracks – I did not take a turn, but did run one by myself in September 2011 at the Shelburne Trolley Museum – great picture of me in action there.

You should know there are “threads in my life,” and one is early country stores. I could not wait to see the inside of J. C. Emons’ store – closed for decades and now owned by the historical society. Remember to click my “galleries” to see larger images. The left hand wing (with Coca-Cola sign) houses the old post office.

my galleries of interior views of this great country store – I have many of the items here, but did a few years back sell my curved glass showcase as seen below.

Although a village in Andover, Potter Place had its own post office until closing in 1988. As with the store, the post office closed, and left as is when closed. Another “Ray Thread.” I saw my first country store post office in Greenfield Village in 1957 – I now own two. My grandfather started me collecting US Commemorative stamps in 1952, and I decided then that I wanted to be Postmaster General. That did not happen – but commemorative stamps led to my insatiable curiosity of history.

I then crossed the street for the Potter Place train station – also left as it was when closed, but now with a few related exhibits done by the historical society that now owns the station.

Below first the waiting room — original when closed – but now with some exhibits.

The station master’s office – note the handles above the desk to control the signals outside — need to write about the various signals so you will then know.

I learned about Richard Potter at OSV in December 2017. Here is what I wrote – …The magician patterned his act after acts done by Richard Potter – the first American born magician making fame – read his story. And, also fascinating, Potter (1783-1835) purchased 175 acres in Andover, New Hampshire, building his estate in 1814.  The area is still called “Potter Place”  – I have stopped to read more about Richard Potter, and I cannot wait to visit Potter Place with BB1 or BB2 and all the points to see….”

I next headed over to the caboose.

some modern upgrades, but I still want one and have room in my back yard to have one – do you have one for me? I need one for my ultimate “backyard plans.”

and, looking back down the tracks…

on display – but in a trailer – is this circa 1850 Concord Coach owned by the Andover Lions Club. Soon a permanent building may house this treasure.

and, below history of the historical society and the buildings in this amazing little “Potter Place.” Click to enlarge for easier reading.

And, the unexpected bonus for the day THE ICE HOUSE Museum in New London, NH. I believe I heard of this amazing place years ago, and may have passed on the way to Pleasant Lake, BUT on the counter in the Potter Place train station was this flyer. A private collection, this wonderful collection is available and shared with the public with limited days and hours, But, with my great timing, I was in the right place at the right time. I later learned from Ashley (a member of the museum’s board) that at a recent meeting of area attractions she suggested everyone bring flyers to share — well it worked, and telling Ashley what prompted my visit she was pleased. She and I have emailed, and I will share this post with her to share that her “networking worked.”

Below is the view as you enter the grounds. AND – BEAR WITH ME — EVERYTHING HERE BROUGHT MEMORIES AND RECOLLECTIONS, of adventures with my Dad, and autos and things I have owned or driven.

The first building – the first car – a 1929 Model A Ford Roadster. My first car (1962-1982 – don’t ask why gone) and also my last (of seven or eight Model As) sadly sold a couple years ago. Sorely need another.

of the Fords in this building, my Dad (or me) had owned everyone but one. A couple were chatting about the T Speedster below, saying “I wonder if that is an original color.” Well, not only not an original color, but not a production car. My Dad built at least one speedster on a T chassis. I told them all about it – drop front axle, monocle windshield, gas tank, and on and on – oh memories.

the building below is the actual ice house for the pond down the road – great artifacts on display including ice cutting devices and a goat driven butter churn.

more great treasures and memories. See the little “Red Bug” in the first gallery image? In the late 50s I drove one at one of our car meets at Ray Keeler’s in Ridgefield, Connecticut — yes memories. The next image an interesting horse drawn snow plow.

And the “tin shop.” You better remember I apprenticed at Old Sturbridge Village in the tin shop when I “Boarded with the Bixby’s.” In the image below on the left are two tin books, used as lunch pails – yes I have examples of. both. And to the left rear is a heater for rail car wheels – yes bought one last year. I have a ways to go, but what I saw here means I need to collect more – may even need another building. In the gallery below is the opposite side of the below, and some great hanging examples that I “now need.”

below a 1931 Model A. Two Door Phaeton – yes my Dad had one and restored it. The extra Washington Blue paint (appropriate for a 30-31) we used to paint over the red on Belzebuth, my 1929 Roadster. As rare as this model is, my Dad was anxious to sell it, and I remember the transaction at the Jolly Fisherman restaurant at the intersection of US7 and the Merritt Parkway. You see, with a four door the rear of the front seats provide support for the sides of the body — not the case below. Silly thing – true – but bothered my Dad – but then again, buying, restoring, flipping cars was his life with over 600 he could remember. In the fifties when he made $50 on a car, that was equivalent to a week’s pay as an auto mechanic. He was amazing what he could do.

I often drove this car. At one car meet at the Kiwanis Park in Wilton, CT, I entered a speed event. Spinning tires, and slipping clutch and accelerating, I won the event. As I recall the “old-timers” were not pleased with the gravel I threw with the rear tires.

My Dad’s favorite car? A 1910 Model T Touring car just like the below, but he repainted the original wood body in an appropriate red. He saw the car for sale in the mid-50s in the New York Times at a New Jersey dealership. They took it in trade in 1922, and displayed it for just over 30 years. My Dad loved this car, broke his ribs during one cranking contest when he slipped and hit the running board — he still won the event. I too enjoyed driving this car.

Below an unrestored, original 1923 Model T Ford touring car. One of the first cars my Dad restored was a similar 1919. I was maybe 12 or 13 when driving north on US 7 just before Bob’s Hot Dog Stand in Wilton, Connecticut, my Dad said you drive. He pulled me in his lap and I steered. Could not reach the pedals, but still today, put me in a Model T, and off I will go with the three pedal planetary transmission.

Well, I have owned a 1930 Model A Pickup, but never a Roadster Pickup as below. Love this one with the roof built over the bed. BUT, we had a handyman, Beaumont, and all he drove was a 1929 Roadster Pickup. I was off to college, but my brother was able to purchase Beaumont’s Roadster Pickup when he stopped driving.

And, all the way in the back some carriages — well they did come before the “horseless carriage.”

In conclusion — I will repeat this day’s adventure any time — and recommend you as well visit Potter Place when the historical society buildings are open, and combine with a visit to The Ice House museum. Enjoy lunch in New London, and have a peaceful rural time – stay safe and well, luv RAY