The Saturday Evening Post was one of the most widely read publications depicting life in America from a very respected view. The Post covers once featured the work of one of Americas most famous illustrators, Norman Rockwell. Rockwell was successful with his cover illustrations capturing the essence of everyday life and his work invoked countless thoughts and memories for thousands of Americans. Our ancestors would wait for each publication in great anticipation of the Rockwell illustrations as well as in-depth columns and opinions.
It was back in 1949 when the people of Concord were feeling quite good about the Saturday Evening Post, because one particular edition boasted of Concord.
Our ancestors gathered several decades ago during the autumn. They could not allow the famous Saturday Evening Post to visit Concord without some type of fanfare, for the world would become their stage and the stage must be perfect. The reporters representing the Saturday Evening Post were Henry and Katherine Pringle and they were scheduled to arrive in October with their photographer.
A committee was formed in Concord to welcome the traveling journalists to our town where a dinner and welcoming party would be held in West Concord. A summer lobster party was held to illustrate the social aspect of Concord. The gathering was held at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Chester Larson and the journalists enjoyed dinner with their generous hosts.
The photographer was kept busy at the dinner as well as the next day when they properly visited the city proper. It was the intention of the article to analyze the social, business and economic aspects of Concord while discussing the political landscape and visiting the bordering neighborhoods in Penacook and on the Concord Heights.
There were visits to the older homes in Concord that were steeped with history and the historic district, where Count Rumford and the Reverend Timothy Walker were discussed. The viewed the statues on the New Hampshire State House lawn and history flourished with every mile.
Columnist John Gunther was known to have made somewhat negative comments in the past regarding Concord and the Pringles strongly disagreed with those sentiments while offering nothing but praise for the appearance and structure of our little town.
Local industry and businesses were also included in the Concord tour for the journalists and photographer. Swenson Granite, Rumford Press, Page Belting and Merrimack Farmers Exchange being just a few of the locations visited. These businesses represented Concord well with a high degree of professionalism.
As the autumn of 1949 turned to the upcoming holiday season our ancestors welcomed the story about their community. The story was part of a series entitled “America’s Most Colorful Cities” and Concord was the 74th city in the visits by the Saturday Evening Post. There are times in life when a glimpse of fame may be fleeting, but it is that rare opportunity to tell a story that becomes so very inviting. Our ancestors were on their best behavior and they represented the town of Concord very well that autumn day in 1949.