A unique legend of Lake Winnipesaukee
is that of Becky’s Garden, the smallest charted island
in the lake.
An early settler of Center Harbor had several
daughters, of whom the loveliest was Rebecca. While her
sisters were frivolous and spoiled, Rebecca was a model
young lady, and she beautified the surroundings of her father’s
house by her care of her garden, of which she was justly
proud. One day her father’s cattle escaped, and, before
they were noticed, they had laid waste the beautiful garden
plot. Rebecca was heartbroken, and her father, by way of
consolation, offered her as a gift any one of the numerous
islands in the lake which she might care to choose. Her
sisters clamored for the same dower, and their father finally
consented, giving Becky her first choice. This caused her
sisters to be so envious that Becky decided to choose the
smallest island she could find, and selected the one which
bears her name today, an island that is scarcely more than
a bush-covered rock. The other daughters picked out large,
verdant islands.
The story of Becky’s choice travelled far, as stories
will; and a wealthy young farmer in the vicinity became
so interested in hearing of the unselfish young maiden that
he sought her acquaintance, and, finding her an attractive
young lady, wooed and won her for his bride. Thus it was
said that Becky’s Garden, though the smallest of islands,
produced the greatest results. Today, each year, a model
house, complete in every detail, is placed on the island
to distinguish it as inhabited despite its size— all
in memory of the unspoiled Becky.
