Windham Life and Times – June 14, 2024

Elm Knoll Farm was one of many boarding houses that were once located in Windham. It was located in West Windham on what is now Route 111 bear Balmorra Road. 

Windham Life and Times – June 7, 2024

“Benjamin F. Johnson, a lifelong resident of Somerville. Died suddenly last Saturday afternoon, Dec. 22, at Canobie Lake Depot.  He had gone to New Hampshire to spend the weekend with his daughter and was about to enter an automobile to drive to her home, when stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage. Two weeks ago he sustained an injury while at his business, and it is believed that his death resulted from its effects.”

     “Mr., Johnson was born in Somerville, Nov. 20, 1864 and finished grammar school, entered the employ of the Boston and Maine Railroad, with which companyhe had been associated for 38 years. At the time of his death he was a passenger conductor.  He was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Hayden of Charlestown in April 1884 and the couple lived for about 14 years at 286 Highland Avenue. For another long period, they resided at 262 Medford Street and had been at 25A Cherry Street a short time.”

     “For 17 years Mr. Johnson was connected with the Somerville fire department as a call man at the Central fire station. He is affiliated with the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. Besides his wife he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Edith, wife of George Dinsmore of Windham, NH., and Mrs. Annie, wife of former Alderman James A. Butler of 25A Cherry Street, this city. There were two brothers, Edward E. and George W Johnson both of Windham, NH…”

     “Benjamin Franklin Johnson of Somerville, dropped dead Saturday evening at Canobie Lake shortly after alighting from the train. Mr. Johnson was well known here and has a number of relatives in Salem and Windham who were shocked to hear of his sudden death. Mr. Johnson and his wife had alighted from the train and were packing their Christmas packages into the automobile waiting for them, intending to spend the Christmas holiday with their daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. George Dinsmore of Windham. Mr. Johnson was standing at the side of the machine and they spoke to him. He did not answer. He then dropped to the ground and was dead when picked up. Dr. L.F. Soule was summoned and the coroner from Derry called who attributed the death to a clot on the brain. About two weeks ago, Mr. Johnson, who has been employed by the B & M Railroad for the past 42 years was making up cars when he was hit on the forehead by one of the cars and has since been unable to work. The doctor believes his death is the result of the accident.”

    “Mr. Johnson was 59 years of age and is survived by his wife Agnes, two daughters Mrs. Al Butler of Somerville and Edith Dinsmore of Windham; also two brothers, George W. Johnson of Windham and Edward E. Johnson of Canobie Lake. A Somerville undertaker was called and the body was removed to his home in Somerville. The funeral will take place, Wednesday afternoon and the body brought to Windham for burial in the cemetery on the Plains.” Frank R. Johnson 2.17.98

Windham Life and Times – May 31, 2024

This photograph shows Mrs. Baker’s Pavilion on Cobbett’s Pond. It was a place for picnics and outings as well as a place to buy a cold beer on Cobbett’s Pond.
 

Windham Life and Times – May 24, 2024

This photograph records a hike by the Brooks family to the top of Dinsmoor Hill before the castle was built there by Edward Searles. The hike took place between 1900-1903 when the Brook’s were renting a cottage from Will Harris on North Shore Road. I always found pines the easiest to climb as a kid, in spite of the inevitable pitch.
 

Windham Depot

This photographs show a panoramic view of Windham Junction. Its interesting how few trees there were, since today the rail trail is surrounded by ancient old trees.

Searles Estate Grounds

This old photograph shows the grounds of the Searles Estate. There is a massive windmill in the center of the photograph and there are cows grazing in the pastures of the old Morrison farm. The gate in last weeks photo can be seen from the inside in the upper right of the photograph and slabs of cut granite are strewn around the work-houses.

Gate to the Searles Estate

This old photograph shows an entrance to the Estate of Edward Searles. Before Searles persuaded the town of Windham to move Range Road, this was the path of that road. At that point, the home and barn of Windham historian, Leonard Morrison, and the old brick school-house were held captive by the massive stone walls and prying eyes kept at bay.

Climbing Dinsmoor Hill

This photograph records a hike by the Brooks family to the top of Dinsmoor Hill before the castle was built there by Edward Searles. The hike took place between 1900-1903 when the Brook’s were renting a cottage from Will Harris on North Shore Road. I always found pines the easiest to climb as a kid, in spite of the inevitable pitch.

Hauling wood at Johnson’s Farm, Range Road.