Around Town


Town HallTown Hall

Constructed in 1847, the Town Hall was originally used for voting and Town Meeting. Women would sit in the upstairs area, while the men, allowed to vote, would sit downstairs. The building was also used as a community building, hosting many dances, variety and talent shows, and suppers. Town Meeting was held in the Town Hall until 1972. Town offices moved from the Library to the Town Hall in 1979. (Source: Barnstead town records)


Barnstead Parade GroundsBarnstead Parade Grounds

In 1796, Eli Bunker provided a 1.3 acre level plot of land known as the Parade Grounds for the military and a site for a church. Drills and inspections were held in May and September, by one or more companies, so long as the New Hampshire military system existed. This system required service for all competent males between the ages of 18 and 45 years of age. The last official military use of the Parade was for the muster of the NH National Guard. The troops marched to the train station and boarded a train to Hoboken, NJ. From there, they departed for Europe and Word War I, becoming part of the US Army Yankee Division in 1917. (Source: Pastor Sandy Pierson, Barnstead Parade Congregational Church)


The "Lock Up"The "Lock Up"

The jail is referred to as the "Lock-Up", as it was to lock the vagrants or beggars (known as tramps) up for one night only. Situated between the Town Hall and the Center fire station, the "Lock-Up" was originally built in 1888. Its interior was unfinished with one grilled window, a box stove, two chairs and a lamp. It had a narrow board on the side for sleeping. The first man appointed by the Selectmen as constable (or policeman) was Albert Jenkins. If the Constable was not available, the Selectmen were appointed to serve in his place. The 1888 Town Report reported the construction cost of $130.00. (Source: Annual Report of the Town of Barnstead, 2005)


Oscar Foss Memorial LibraryOscar Foss Memorial Library

In 1917, Sarah Foss donated funds to the town for a town office and Library in memory of her husband, Oscar. A Barnstead businessman and lumber dealer, Mr. Foss was involved with many mills in town, including the Seward Mill, featured in the curtain on the stage of the Town Hall. In 1979, the town offices moved to the Town Hall. The building was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1986. Long since outgrowing the available space fundraising began in 1998, with final construction of the existing library addition and rededication in 2000. (Source: Oscar Foss Memorial Library; Barnstead town records)


Earl B. Clark American Legion HallEarl B. Clark American Legion Hall

Originally constructed as a church in 1896, the Earl B. Clark Legion Hall is dedicated to the memory of a Barnstead man killed in the Argon Forest in World War I. Stained glass from the church still adorn the windows, and pews provide bench seating in the Hall. (Source: Earl B. Clark American Legion)