It was in a different time when John G. Hook wandered the Concord Forest. In fact, it was one hundred seventy years ago that his routine travel brought him into the deep forest, isolated from the residences and businesses down near Main Street. A spiritual man, he converted to the Miller or Advent faith and had spent years prior as a preacher himself. Moments of solitude were important to John G. Hook, time in the forest to reflect on all that was good. He was thrifty and a sound businessman too, making his money in business, not as a traveling preacher. For years prior he enjoyed the solitude of the forest just west of the town of Concord, on the hills and bluffs looking down upon the community he called home. Nature surrounded him one particular day, his pensive mood provoked thoughts about his natural surroundings and his business interest. These thoughts visited him several times and a plan became evident, the paths he traveled in the forest, the views he saw and the fresh air he breathed could result in a sound venture with a tidy little profit.
As the next years passed, a real estate transaction echoed to this very day, was completed. John G. Hook purchased the wooded domain he enjoyed so very much. He purchased the parcel and surrounding areas in the years 1855 and 1856, his very own slice of heaven, this high land simply known as Prospect Hill.
John set about planning after his acquisition was completed, mapping and drawing and thinking about what could be. For many an investor is shrewd, but at times they engage in a healthy dose of dreaming too. Months passed and John G. Hook cleared trees and roughed in roads. He divided a portion of his land into eleven streets and avenues, early house lots for those in search of peace and solitude living with nature. John was so pleased with his real estate development that he kept a select lot for himself and built his very own home, a sincere investment for the investor and a true testimony to his belief that this would be the premier place to spend his remaining years, the west end of Concord was born.
With his first home finally constructed and grand he continued to speak to the public about his beautiful piece of land west of the city. Life has a tendency to just happen sometimes, abolitionists were meeting routinely in Concord to help the oppressed, while war was on the horizon. Many spoke in a positive manner about this large parcel of land to the west, but the people simply did not come. The lone house sat in the forested land without another home in sight, John G. Hook set about evaluating his dilemma with much deep thought as he continued to walk the forest that he now owned.
Mr. Hook came to the conclusion that the charm his property possessed was not recognized by the people in the community. He needed to establish a plan that would spur growth and the desire to build on Prospect Hill. He decided the concept of a more direct thoroughfare from the center of our city, up over the hill to Long Pond would enhance his ability to sell his many lots, as well as adding additional lots too. John G. Hook consulted with the city engineers and received the support he desired, the city was very engaged and paid for the road to be constructed. The lowest bidder for this road construction was a gentleman named John G. Hook. Once plans were set, Mr. Hook set about with his plans to build a road for the city of Concord. Tree after tree was harvested from the forest and the base was established in the year 1860. Auburn Street had finally arrived.
The plan called for this new Auburn Street to connect the city where it was certainly needed. Many citizens during this era spent weekends at Long Pond, enjoying the long shore, boating, picnicking during the warmer months. Winter saw the arrival of the adventurous ice skaters alongside skiing on the nearby hills. The cold ice in demand on hot summer days in Concord was being harvested on Long Pond too during the winter months. Yes, Long Pond was calling, Mr. Hook and his dream could save you some time travelling to the pond with his new street, call it a shortcut if you desire, the new street was evolving and the people did finally come. Auburn Street ran from Little Pond Road, down through the Stickney pasture to High Street and then to Washington Street, in line with Centre Street.
As the year 1860 progressed, Mr. Hook completed the construction of Auburn Street, his future was secure as the primary landowner and there were houses to build. There was a sense of excitement as the road was completed, the city of Concord was very pleased with the new street that John G. Hook constructed, so pleased in fact that a celebration was called for, a most formal celebration that required planning. The date this grand celebration would take place was Saturday, September 15th, 1860.
The grand opening of Auburn Street was grand indeed. There were hundreds of citizens gathered, Concord Mayor Willard and many additional members of city government as well as the petitioners of the street. A journey started down on Main Street at the Eagle Hotel and was led in parade format with the Concord Cornet Band in front. This parade traveled along with the musicians playing their vintage tunes, up Main Street to Centre Street and arriving at the lower end of Auburn Street. The fine group, along with the hundreds of citizens gathered, found two hefty American flags suspended over the end of Auburn Street, as each person passed salutes were everywhere, honor was bestowed upon John G. Hook as he stood quietly beside the new street. The ribbons were cut, the parade was now joined by the citizens, the music played and the march continued up Auburn Street all the way to Long Pond. Upon arriving at Long Pond, the esteemed speakers sauntered atop the rear of an old wagon and began to address the crowd. Lyman Stevens spoke, John H. George, Anson Marshall and finally John G. Hook. As the people waited for the speakers to conclude the scent of freshly made chowder drifted across the crowd. Lunch was served, people bantered and discussed this new Auburn Street. Such a remarkable addition to our fine city, a quicker route to the pond and many beautiful new lots for houses to be constructed. It was a hard-won victory for John G. Hook, but he sustained and moved forward even with multiple petitions to combat.
John G. Hook knew his beloved Auburn Street was destined to showcase some of the finest homes in Concord. As he walked the forest to the west several years earlier his thoughts drifted to what could be. Even with opposition he never lost sight of his dream, a beautiful addition to our city to this very day, sometimes dreams are just meant to be.