There are places we go that are steeped with meaning. Perhaps an old building with time scarred walls and woodwork, images from the past that had meaning. A family might have lived in your house a century ago and celebrated the holidays just like you. Life dealt them a similar routine where they experienced times of happiness and sorrow — events that actually might have happened right in the very room where you are seated at this time.
Old houses are not just four walls, a roof and a floor. They are places steeped with meaning that is wonderful if we are aware of the past. I have always appreciated a fine old home, a home with a story.
Here in Concord, as well as surrounding areas in New Hampshire, we have many fine homes. The grand homes might possess a history that is recorded and noted in books of history. Perhaps a famous person lived there or a famous event happened there. Wonderful thoughts and wonderful events that are remembered and spoken about to this very day. It is the local homes that survive today that still have stories to tell. Perhaps these stories will be discovered and shared with the community, but many simply will never be known. Some of our local buildings that exist today have wonderful stories and to read about these buildings in our history books is a very enjoyable expedition.
I have always been intrigued with a quaint brick building on North Main Street here in Concord. It has been restored and renovated over the years. Additions have been tastefully made while accommodating and blending the original architecture with the modern additions. This building holds much history and has served a variety of purposes since it was built in 1826. Once used as the home to New Hampshire Historical Society, this building also housed the law offices of former president Franklin Pierce.
Around 1912, the building was closed and the public was not allowed access. After 12 years, the building was once again opened for the public in 1924. The public enjoyed an established historical museum boasting one of the finest collections of antiques in New Hampshire.
This historic property was originally constructed on North Main Street in 1826. It hosted the Merrimack County Bank on the first floor while Franklin Pierce had his office there. It has been said that the old law sign advertising the law offices of Franklin Pierce was presented to the Historical Society when they were located in the building and was mounted on the exterior for all to see.
The interior of the building has seen multiple renovations since Pierce had his law office there. Guy Lowell, the New Hampshire Historical Society architect in 1924, worked diligently to keep the items located within the building in line with the rich history. He incorporated the early years so that those visiting the New Hampshire Historical Society would sense the way the building was once furnished and decorated. His work was very appreciated by all and his attention to detail impressive. Lowell also planned a historic garden in the rear of the property to demonstrate the methods and varieties of food consumed by our ancestors.
There was a New Hampshire State House ornate table located in the building, a table that once stood in the Seante Chamber. War trophies captured by General John Stark at Bennington were also on display as well as very old portraits of George and Martha Washington. Royal Governor John Wentworth once owned an old thermometer and that was also on display. Old glass from the colonial period and Franklin Pierce’s old riding whip were on display too.
This building that we pass each and every day housed a priceless collection of history, a history that is both impressive and coveted. A collection that remains protected by the New Hampshire Historical Society.
As I venture along North Main Street, I pause to admire this impressive brick building. Yes, these walls hold history.