Sometimes people hold their beliefs to such a deep level the passion is difficult to contain. When other people with similar beliefs join in, a crowd gathers and the power held in numbers becomes quite evident. Such has been the case right here in Concord on a few noted occasions.
It was during the period when an abolitionist was traveling from town to town that the first riot occurred on the streets of Concord, the unfortunate gentleman visiting was subjected to a crowd that did not support his abolitionist views and launched a heated attack throwing rotten apples, eggs, stones and branches. This gentleman was able to escape and boarded the first train leaving Concord in this pre great rebellion period.
The second recorded riot followed the civil war period by just months. The Union troops were returning after the war concluded, arriving in Concord over a period of several months. The soldiers were battle weary but feeling fortunate to have survived the Civil War, many of their fellow soldiers from New Hampshire never returned. One of the local newspapers had strong views regarding the outcome of the war and published some very unflattering words regarding the soldiers that just returned. When the newspaper arrived down on Main Street the soldiers read with deep interest, quite insulted and certainly angry, they felt they had been very disrespected. As the sun settled over Rattlesnake Hill and the anger was fueled by spirits a riot erupted. The newspaper publisher and his associates were fortunate to escape out the back door of their Main Street office, unharmed but certainly very fearful. They had barely escaped from the Unions soldiers that ransacked their printing office, throwing everything onto Main Street, they set a fire. The presses, supplies and furnishings of the newspaper were ignited and black smoke drifted into the evening air as the soldiers continued to riot. Local people with a feeling of patriotism joined the crowd. The riot continued until midnight as the flames illuminated the street and the Concord Police Department settled the soldiers. There were some arrested while others simply dispersed with the satisfaction, they had set the record straight, no additional stories targeting the returning soldiers were ever published again.
There were other uprisings over the years, certainly relating to abolition, prohibition and the labor concerns during the great depression. This is unfortunate and certainly understandable, where there are people with opinions disagreements quite likely follow. As the years passed and our little community civilization here in Concord continued to become more civilized the streets remained safe and secure for our ancestors, without concerns for a century or more. No concerns until the year 1964.
During the 1960s our country witnessed some very devastating riots, protests and wars. There was much to debate and certainly many justifiable actions by the people of our great nation. We did see demonstrations here in Concord, no large riots, but some unsettling times indeed. The riot at Hampton Beach over Labor Day weekend in 1964 awakened much concern in both the residents of New Hampshire as well as all law enforcement. It was the eve of Labor Day in the year 1964 that between 2500 and 10,000 young people gathered at Hampton Beach and a riot erupted. This riot was quelled by many New Hampshire State Troopers, auxiliary police, multiple local police, Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department and the New Hampshire National Guard. A call for assistance was sent to both Massachusetts and Maine State Police for assistance. A contingent of Maine State Troopers quickly responded, waiting at the Maine and New Hampshire border to be sworn in to support the law in New Hampshire. The riot was swift and brutal, though nobody was killed there were many injuries. Molotov Cocktails were thrown along with rocks and other forms of weapons as the first line of New Hampshire State Troopers marched down the boulevard into the crowd attempting to disburse them. Law enforcement responded with shotguns loaded with rock salt and bird shot, tear gas and night sticks. The brutality was real and fear within the community rampart. Some estimates placed the number of rioters as high as 15,000 people. The riot was finally brought under control by law enforcement and the police officers and National Guard returned home to their families safely in time.
One little boy from Concord remembering his father returning home after the riot, injured but safe.
As the Labor Day riot in Hampton made the news around the country there were conversations within the communities raising concerns another riot might follow. The little boy was assured by his New Hampshire State Trooper father that he was safe, Concord was a good community far removed from violence. The little boy still worried.
Halloween was arriving soon and thoughts turned to treats that would satisfy the youth of Concord. A tradition that was both safe and time honored, roaming the streets of Concord anonymously in costume was certainly an event that was welcomed and supported by the children as well as the adults. With memories of the Labor Day riot fading the month of September, 1964 concluded. October arrived here in Concord as the fall foliage erupted and the hot summer days blended into cool autumn evenings. School held the local students interests as talk of Halloween arrived. With this discussion concerns also arrived too. The New Hampshire State Trooper in Concord spoke to his young son, expressing concerns about walking the darkened road about the city in search of treats this Halloween. Perhaps a Halloween party at the Concord Boys Club would be safer my son, barrels of apple cider and plain doughnuts were being served and the club was managed by Concord Police Officers. The young boy agreed to a quick visit to the Boys Club, followed by trick or treating.
The New Hampshire State Trooper living in Concord was justified to be concerned.
Word arrived at headquarters detailing plans for another riot. A Halloween riot was planned in Concord. This threat was not taken lightly by the New Hampshire State Police or the Concord Police Department. Evidence was surfacing each October day in 1964, placards inviting teenagers to “come to Concord for Halloween.” Other towns were also mentioned, but the concern in Concord was real, especially after the riot in Hampton. The young State Trooper kept a careful watch over his family as well as the other children in his Concord neighborhood. Investigations were ongoing, there was a genuine effort by a group of unknown people to bring crowds to the city of Concord on Halloween evening with the intent to riot once again.
The response to this threat was taken very seriously by state and local law enforcement. Concord Police increased patrols on the street in full force, the Governor stating that the police were ready to handle the situation on Halloween.
Fear can sometimes be healthy, though terribly unsettling. Halloween in Concord that year was one that will always be remembered. The crowds did not gather, the police were ready if they did. The streets of Concord were crowded with trick or treaters that Halloween, just like any other year. The young New Hampshire State Trooper returned to his home, embraced his young son and felt overwhelmingly relieved that Halloween in Concord was over.
I was the little boy from Concord, the young New Hampshire State Trooper that served at the Hampton riot was my father. Each year as Halloween arrives, I think back to 1964. In the midst of a possible Halloween riot in Concord I felt safe, secure and very relieved.
Remember to be safe this Halloween and thank every police officer and first responder that you encounter. Happy Halloween.