Did you know the first known crosswalk was discovered in the village of Pompeii in Rome and dates back 2,000 years because, well, horse-drawn chariots were obviously a problem back in the day. Today, pedestrians in Somersworth will tell you walking across any of the crosswalks in our city is often akin to taking your life into your own hands.
The Somersworth International Speedway or SIS, as it has been dubbed by some city residents, is also known by its official title of High Street. More specifically, I’m referring to the stretch of road that runs downtown and into Market Street.
Many of us who walk in this area feel the crosswalks are invisible or at least only visible to the poor pedestrian that is trying to cross the road. Although I am almost as excited as Father Andrew Nelson that the new columbarium will finally be installed at Mount Calvary cemetery this week, I have yet to purchase my spot and would like the chance to do so at some point in the future.
Of course this is not a problem specific to Somersworth, but as you drive through the city please take time to consider those of us that have but two legs and cannot outrun your vehicle despite our best effort. Thank you.
A Real Race Track
Talking of speedways, did you know that at one time Dover/Somersworth had its own speedway track? The Granite State Park was located next to Willand Pond and began life as the Granite State Trotting Park in 1858, when the New Hampshire State Fair was held there. According to local author Terry Nelson, in his newest book, “Hidden History of the New Hampshire Seacoast,” at one point the park was one of the premier trotting parks in the country.
Over time, the Granite State Park gave way to motorized vehicles. Motorcycle racing was held at the track as early as 1912 and as late as 1960, according to Nelson’s research. When the last harness race was held in 1933, the void was filled with auto racing and more specifically Midget car racing. As the name suggests, these were small cars but they packed a mighty punch and make an exciting spin around the small track for both driver and spectators alike. According to Nelson, the last race was held on the track in 1965 and heralded the end of a 106-year run that spanned the test of time. Today very little evidence of the track remains. You can read more about the speedway in Terry Nelson’s book.
City News
In case you missed the news, the Somersworth dog park is now officially open within Millennium Park on Stackpole Road. The park features two fenced sections, one for small dogs and another for our larger canine companions. The park is currently open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. but will close for the winter. Please respect other dog owners and be sure to follow the laws as posted on signage at the park itself. Of course, please be sure to pick up after your canine friend as this helps keep the park a safe and healthy space for everyone.
This past Friday, the Somersworth Fire Department welcomed its newest piece of equipment home with a dedication ceremony. The ceremony is a traditional event and is known as a “wetdown” that dates back to the era when fire pumpers, such as the one housed at the Summersworth Historical Museum, were horse-drawn and powered by hand. According to tradition, following a fire, the horses would be separated from the pumper cart and both horse and pumper would be washed by the firefighters. The pumper would then be pushed into the station so it was ready for when the next fire struck. Today a recreation of this event signifies placing a new piece of apparatus into service. The forestry fire truck is now all washed and ready to go into service. It will enable our firefighters to reach brush fires in places that are often very hard to access.
Bagged leaves will be picked up by the Somersworth Public Works the week of Oct. 26-30. Just leave your bagged leaves curbside on your regular trash day and they will be picked up.
I’ll end this week by reminding you that there really is no better time to walk around Somersworth’s hidden gem in the form of the Forest Glade Cemetery on Maple Street. The old maples are not disappointing this year and the yellow and golds are spectacular as always. I hope to see you there.
That’s it for this week but I will be back. In the meantime, stay safe and above all be kind to one other as we are all in this together.
Did you know the first known crosswalk was discovered in the village of Pompeii in Rome and dates back 2,000 years because, well, horse-drawn chariots were obviously a problem back in the day. Today, pedestrians in Somersworth will tell you walking across any of the crosswalks in our city is often akin to taking your life into your own hands.
The Somersworth International Speedway or SIS, as it has been dubbed by some city residents, is also known by its official title of High Street. More specifically, I’m referring to the stretch of road that runs downtown and into Market Street.
Many of us who walk in this area feel the crosswalks are invisible or at least only visible to the poor pedestrian that is trying to cross the road. Although I am almost as excited as Father Andrew Nelson that the new columbarium will finally be installed at Mount Calvary cemetery this week, I have yet to purchase my spot and would like the chance to do so at some point in the future.
Of course this is not a problem specific to Somersworth, but as you drive through the city please take time to consider those of us that have but two legs and cannot outrun your vehicle despite our best effort. Thank you.
A real race track
Talking of speedways, did you know that at one time Dover/Somersworth had its own speedway track? The Granite State Park was located next to Willand Pond and began life as the Granite State Trotting Park in 1858, when the New Hampshire State Fair was held there. According to local author Terry Nelson, in his newest book, “Hidden History of the New Hampshire Seacoast,” at one point the park was one of the premier trotting parks in the country.
Over time, the Granite State Park gave way to motorized vehicles. Motorcycle racing was held at the track as early as 1912 and as late as 1960, according to Nelson’s research. When the last harness race was held in 1933, the void was filled with auto racing and more specifically Midget car racing. As the name suggests, these were small cars but they packed a mighty punch and make an exciting spin around the small track for both driver and spectators alike. According to Nelson, the last race was held on the track in 1965 and heralded the end of a 106-year run that spanned the test of time. Today very little evidence of the track remains. You can read more about the speedway in Terry Nelson’s book.
City news
In case you missed the news, the Somersworth dog park is now officially open within Millennium Park on Stackpole Road. The park features two fenced sections, one for small dogs and another for our larger canine companions. The park is currently open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. but will close for the winter. Please respect other dog owners and be sure to follow the laws as posted on signage at the park itself. Of course, please be sure to pick up after your canine friend as this helps keep the park a safe and healthy space for everyone.
This past Friday, the Somersworth Fire Department welcomed its newest piece of equipment home with a dedication ceremony. The ceremony is a traditional event and is known as a “wetdown” that dates back to the era when fire pumpers, such as the one housed at the Summersworth Historical Museum, were horse-drawn and powered by hand. According to tradition, following a fire, the horses would be separated from the pumper cart and both horse and pumper would be washed by the firefighters. The pumper would then be pushed into the station so it was ready for when the next fire struck. Today a recreation of this event signifies placing a new piece of apparatus into service. The forestry fire truck is now all washed and ready to go into service. It will enable our firefighters to reach brush fires in places that are often very hard to access.
Bagged leaves will be picked up by the Somersworth Public Works the week of Oct. 26-30. Just leave your bagged leaves curbside on your regular trash day and they will be picked up.
I’ll end this week by reminding you that there really is no better time to walk around Somersworth’s hidden gem in the form of the Forest Glade Cemetery on Maple Street. The old maples are not disappointing this year and the yellow and golds are spectacular as always. I hope to see you there.
That’s it for this week but I will be back. In the meantime, stay safe and above all be kind to one other as we are all in this together.
This article first appeared in Fosters Daily Democrat on October 20th, 2020.