Photo Courtesy
AutoGlyph Prints - By
Keene Public Library
W.P. Allen, Gardner Mass
1886
Background taken in a hotel (Fairfield Inn & Suits by Marriott) in Keene in front of an encasing of photos of Historical Photos of Keene
Historical Keene
Welcome to the Historical Page. Here You will find Photos and Historical Information on Our Lovely City Of Keene in all its glory since way back!
History of :
Keene, NH
Places I Remember: Keene Celebrating 250yrs
First settlers arrived in 1736 and became a town in 1753. Keene became a City 1874. Governor Benning Wentworth renamed Keene after Sir Benjamin Keene. It was originally named Upper Ashuelot.
Keene was known for its numerous industries that were established such as water power, saw mills, grist mills and tanneries. Construction of railroads led to manufacturing of several other goods. For example, shutters, doors, pottery, glass, carriages and sleighs.
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Education
History
Keene is known as a College town as it is the site of Keene State College. Students make up large portion of the cities population.
Keene High school is the largest regional High school in Cheshire county. With 1 middle school and 4 elementary schools.
Ladies reading society was organized in Keene on July 1st in 1815. Education has been important since the beginning.
Keene State College. What it looked like back in its glory
Places of Interest
History
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1.Colony: The historic Colony House which sits on 104 West St in Keene was built in 1819 and enlarged about 1900. Was once owned by the cities first Mayor. His name was Horatio Colony and He bought in 1863. Today it is now a Bed&Breakfast/Inn.
Its an important piece of architecture representing federal period architecture.
2.Cheshire Railroad Stone Arch Bridge: The Stone Arch Bridge was built in 1847 and was built to carry the Cheshire Railroad. Its known to be one of the best preserved pre 1850.
3. Wyman Tavern: Its a Historical House and former Tavern which is now a local Historical Museum. Was built in 1762 by Isaac Wyman. It was used for militia to gather at the start of the revolutionary War. It became a museum in 1968.
It use to be a private school. Zedekiah Barstow was a minister who held a private school there.
4. Central Square: The Square is the center downtown where 5 Streets meet. For a countrified look the common was fenced and trees were planted in 1851. Stone posts were set in place in 1856 and Civil War monument was added in 1871. Two heavy Cannons were presented in 1899. All are still present to this Day.
Since 1913 Keene has been putting up a municipal 50' Spruce Christmas Tree. The tradition still stands to this Day.
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Keene Sentinel Articles
By
Alan F. Rumrill
Keene Sentinel: 1/7-8/2023 (Dates are for the pacific article below)Courtesy of Historical Society of Cheshire County
An article nicely written about going from rustic to modern by installing a water tank.
A Moment in (LOCAL)History
Historic Homes 1768, 1866, 1870
Jesse Clark Homestead -1768
Jesse Clark who was an early Miller and Tavern Keeper. Known for build his Home on Hurricane RD then the NEW road to Westmoreland. It is notable of becoming the first perspective center of Keene.
It was Important for the settlement, industries and craftsman because of him building a saw and gristmill.
It changed hands quite a few time over years. Each contributing to its history and preservation.
Brown Residence 1866
Calvin Page was the earliest owner of the Home and it was sold two times after Calvin including the first Librarian of Keene Public Library.
Frances Foster was one of the residents the homestead. He changed the appearance of the property and house.
Stone Homestead 1869-70
This Home is a good example of Victorian era. This included High ceilings, spiral staircase, deeply paneled doors. Was roman gothic style.
The Home had no fireplaces as others had in that time.
Posted outside (left side) of Old Post Office on West St in Keene.
A piece of unfortunate event in Keene's History
