(August 3, 2007 – Weirs,
NH) The Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society
welcomes Linda DaBica of the NH Boat Museum for a presentation
on Vintage Boat Racing on Lake Winnipesaukee. The program
will be held on Wednesday, August 15 at 7:00pm at the
Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, Route 3, Weirs, NH. Admission
is free.
In the 1920’s, local business people were concerned
about the decline in tourism and were looking for a way
to generate more visitors to the Lakes Region. Local businessman,
James R. Irwin of the Weirs, together with other boating
enthusiasts, put together a four-race series held in the
Weirs. In 1926, with the strong support of the Boston and
Maine Railroad, 6,000 spectators came for this series that
ran from the 4th of July to Labor Day Weekend.
This effort to organize the sport was the beginning of
a very special tradition that continues today. The New
Hampshire Vintage Raceboat Regatta.
Ms. DaBica’s presentation is based on research
done by Mark Howard of Tuftonboro and includes a video
presentation. If you have any photos, stories, trophies
or film from this era through the 1950’s
that you would like to share, please bring them.
As a special offer, the first 50 guests to the presentation
will receive a two-for-one admission coupon to the NH Boat
Museum. Located in Wolfeboro, the NH Boat Museum is open
now through Columbus Day, Monday through Saturday, 10am
to 4pm and Sundays 12 noon to 4pm. For further information
visit their web site at www.nhbm.org or
call 569-4554.
Winnipesaukee Wednesdays is a free lecture program sponsored
by the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society. The next
program will be held on Wednesday, September 12th at 7:00pm
at which Mr. Roger Kelley of the Centre Harbor Historical
Society will share his Yankee wit and wisdom on the past
50 years in this beautiful lakeside town. For a complete
list of upcoming events, including the 1st Annual LWHS
Car Show & Poker Run on Saturday, August 25th, visit
their website at www.LakeWinnipesaukeeMuseum.org.
The Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society was established
to preserve and promote the history and heritage of Lake
Winnipesaukee and fulfills this mission in large part through
its Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, which is open all year Tuesday
through Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and is located directly
on Route 3 (503 Endicott St. No.) in the Weirs section
of Laconia, next door to Funspot. Admission is free; donations
appreciated. For further information on lake history, special
events, and volunteer opportunities, please contact 603-366-5776 or info@lwhs.us.
