Historical Markers

August 05. 2012 10:41PM

Goffstown walking tours bring town's history to life

By KATHY REMILLARD
Union Leader Correspondent

Jim Beauchemin shows walkers old photos of Howe's Pharmacy as part of a historical walking tour of Goffstown Village. Goffstown Offers Historical Walking Tours Kathy Remillard (KATHY REMILLARD PHOTO)

Subject: Historic Walking Tours 004 The current School Administrative Unit building is featured in a walking tour of Goffstown Village, led by lifelong Goffstown resident Jim Beauchemin. Goffstown Offers Historical Walking Tours Kathy Remillard

GOFFSTOWN — For a short time, the history of Goffstown is brought to life as one resident offers walking tours of historic areas in Goffstown Village.

Jim Beauchemin, who is well known for his narration on the Trolley Tours, has extended his knowledge to give others a glimpse of Goffstown in days gone by as part of the Main Street Program's summer offerings, said Executive Director Robbie Grady.

Beauchemin worked on the content of the walking tour all winter to have it ready as an addition to Old Home Day in June, but rainy weather forced its cancellation, prompting the August rescheduling.

The tour begins on the common, and Beauchemin offers tidbits of information, not just from a historical perspective, but from a personal one as well.

A lifelong resident of Goffstown, Beauchemin has plenty of stories about the Goffstown of his youth, and many fond memories of some of the buildings on Main Street.

“I've always had a tremendous interest in our past and our forefathers,” Beauchemin said. “My own personal touches don't go back that far, but I get to reflect on my growing up in town.”

Famous historical families in town are mentioned often in the tour, including the Parkers, the Barnards and the Stinsons, names recognized today in the roads and parks named after them.

“I just have such a great respect for history and those who came before us,” he said. “Sometimes, I'll pick up a rock and just imagining who put it there. It's like touching history,” he added.

The walk lasts about an hour and a half, and Beauchemin brings along photos of some of the buildings as they stood decades ago.

What some people may not realize, Beauchemin said, is that Goffstown was once a destination for travelers.

“It was the mecca of places to be,” he said. “People rented out rooms in their own homes to tourists, because the hotels got full.”

Beauchemin said he hopes to be able to share what he knows with younger generations and that they will develop a sense curiosity about history as well.

He is hoping that the walking tours will come to have the same kind of popularity as the Trolley Tours, which sell out every year.

The next tour is scheduled for Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. on the Town Common.

kremillard@newstote.com