Canterbury Historical Society (CHS) President’s Report

2025 has been busy with various committees working on several significant projects. Of particular note is the creation of the Tricentennial Committee, co-chaired by Naomi Scanlon and Heidi Southard, that is tasked with coordinating the Town’s celebration of its Tricentennial in 2027. The committee is considering various events to be conducted throughout the year and is actively looking for volunteers to participate in the celebrations. The “One Room Schoolhouse” Committee is working with the Canterbury Elementary School (CES) to conduct the one room schoolhouse program at the Houser Museum in May for all CES students. This is the 16^th year of the program. This year’s event will focus on the 1930’s and include topics on music, railroads, hobos, and current events of the era. With the emergence of Spring, the “Cellar Hole” Committee is preparing for new explorations of cellar holes, foundations, and abandoned historic sites. Volunteers are needed for research and exploration, a good opportunity for an enjoyable walk in the woods. (See summary below on the results of one exploration). The “Historic Homes” Committee continues to prepare descriptions of 18^th and early 19^th century homes in the community with the goal of publishing a book for the Tricentennial celebration.  Community Education – In an attempt to expand knowledge of our history, various lectures and information sessions are being planned and will be offered throughout the year. Our first lecture of the year is scheduled for May 15, 2025, presented by Dr. Glen Rogers on “Count Rumford of Concord”. We encourage everyone to attend this informative presentation.

CHS Website – Lastly, Alan Stone has been working with each of the CHS committees to upgrade the Society’s website and create a truly integrated data base which will allow access to a broader range of Society materials.

While still in the developmental stage, this effort should greatly enhance historical research as well as provide an accessible centralized resource for capturing and presenting information about Canterbury.

Cellar Hole Committee Findings -The following is an excerpt of the Committee’s findings from a recent exploration and is offered as a brief introduction to the work that has been accomplished since the documentation of cellar holes began back in March 2024.

“… After receiving authorization from the land owners, our first simple step at the site was to expose the extent of the ruin by raking the leaves off the stones. Our research from available records revealed that when the town was granted by King George in 1727, Robert Huggins became the owner of Lot #86, upon which this house foundation is located. Huggins was a land speculator and never occupied the lot. We do have evidence that a family named Shaw was living there before 1858 but the building was gone by 1911.

Our documentation provided evidence that the house was small (15′ x 25′) and was heated by an iron stove. Most unusual was the fact that it was over 100′ from the Town road and faced east. A one-of-a-kind indeed. We found no well, but there is surface water some distance to the west. Also missing was an obvious barn foundation, though we did document what appears to be the stone remains of a small outbuilding.” The “cellar hole” section of the CHS website (canterburyhistory.org) contains additional information regarding this site and a regular newsletter documenting the Committee’s activities. We will respond to suggestions and questions addressed to our email: cellarholesurveys@gmail.com. Bill Adams for the Cellar Hole Committee.

For more information about any of these projects, see Canterburyhistory.org.

Respectfully submitted, Fred Brewster