On May 30, 1886, the cornerstone of the Soldiers Memorial Building on North Park Street was laid, initiating construction of the remarkable building designed by Lebanon architect Ferdinand Davis. It was an important milestone for the architect; it had taken five years to raise enough money to start construction. More importantly, however, the architect was a veteran of the Civil War, and the Soldiers Memorial — believed to be the first such building in New Hampshire — was built to honor him and his fellow veterans.

Ferdinand Davis, 1880 (Lebanon Historical Society)

Ferdinand Davis was born in Maine in 1840 and as a young man trained as a carpenter. He first came to Lebanon at the age of 18 in 1858; two years later, he enlisted in the Union Army and fought in the 7th New Hampshire Infantry Regiment. After the war’s conclusion Davis returned to Lebanon and married Eliza Thompson. Though carpentry work must have been plentiful in Lebanon’s post-war industrial boom, Davis wasn’t content with his line of work, and he eventually spent a year in New York City studying architecture.

The Soldiers Memorial may have been Ferdinand Davis’s highest profile work in Lebanon, but it wasn’t his first or only design in town. In 1881, he drew up plans for the Whipple Block at the corner of West Park Street and Hanover Street (today the pedestrian mall). That same year he designed a state-of-the-art mill for Frank Kendrick and the Mascoma Flannel Company — Lebanon’s first woolen mill, and the only one to survive the 1887 fire that destroyed most of the central village. Davis’s mill has been substantially enlarged over the years, but it still stands as part of the Rivermill Complex on Mechanic Street.

By 1884 Davis was designing buildings outside of Lebanon’s borders, including the Union Block in Bradford, Vermont, and an elaborate Queen Anne house for Horace Pease in Hartford, Vermont. Union Block, Bradford’s The United Opinion extolled, was “one of the handsomest and most commodious buildings to be found in this section of the state.”

Ferdinand Davis’s growing architectural success in the Upper Valley abruptly ended in 1887, however, when Ferdinand and Eliza moved to Pomona, California. At the time, Pomona was home to fewer than 4,000 residents (roughly equivalent to Lebanon’s population), and the town wouldn’t be incorporated until the following year. The rapid growth of southern California at the beginning of the 20th century quickly made Pomona an attractive place to be, however, and Davis’s architectural career soared in his new community.

Lebanon Soldiers Memorial, 1911 (Lebanon Historical Society)

Only two years after settling Pomona, Davis designed the city’s First National Bank. His architectural style and talent must have suited the region, and Davis produced a bevy of buildings throughout southern California over the next three decades. Among his many designs were the Seventh-Day Adventist Church (1895), Currier House (1907), Barbara Greenwood Kindergarten (1907), Orange Grove Meeting House (1908), Pomona Masonic Lodge (1909), Pomona City Stables (1909), Pilgrim Congregational Church (1910), Pomona Ebell Clubhouse (1910), and several residences in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Many of these structures remain striking and historically significant buildings, and several are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ferdinand Davis passed away in Pomona at the age of 81. Upon his death, The Pomona Progress claimed that Davis “drew plans for every business block on the north side of Second Street from Garey Avenue to Main Street.” Nearly two decades later, the paper further observed that “more of the public buildings, office structures, and residences of the valley were designed by him than by any other man.” While the same cannot be said of Davis’s work in Lebanon, it’s hard to imagine three more significant structures to carry on his legacy in Lebanon than the Whipple Block, the Mascoma Flannel Mill, and the Soldiers Memorial.

Wait! My older daughter was only 18 then? About to be a freshman at Northeastern? She’s 28 now and just got engaged. How could that be?

It seems like a lifetime has happened since I launched the inaugural issue of the Lebanon Times 10 years ago. In fact, many lifetimes have happened and we’ve been able to capture and share moments in time from those lifetimes. For ten years, four times per year, the Lebanon Times has had the privilege of getting to know the good people, good places and good things happening in and around Lebanon and then celebrating the stories in our pages.

And I really do mean privilege.

When someone lets you into their life and shares their story, and then digs up old photos to accompany that story, and then lets you print the whole shebang for the entire community to see… that’s a gift and a privilege for us all. When neighbors share their authentic stories with each other, every citizen is uplifted and the community is strengthened.

And, for some reason, Lebanon grows ’em good. People are authentic, kind, caring, hard-working, innovative, creative and actively engaged in nurturing Lebanon’s ongoing evolution. What a privilege it is and has been for us to have such a vast melting pot of good things to write about.

Let’s take a look to see what we mean. We’ve included thumbnails of every cover we’ve printed thus far. I hope by glancing at the snapshots in time throughout the past 10 years, you will be reminded about how awesome Lebanon is and about the big and small changes that have shaped who we are today as a community (as a reminder, you may download a copy of every issue ever printed from our website: www.thelebanontimes.com/archives). After reviewing past issues, I see where we have room for improvement: over the next 10 years, we will include more stories about our young people and about the many new Americans who help make Lebanon so rich, interesting, and resilient. 

From the very first advertisers and businesses who said “YES” to the idea of supporting a local, good-news-only community publication, to the writers and subjects who captured and told their stories, respectively, the Lebanon Times is a community effort and success story. Every business and organization that has advertised their goods and services off and on over the 10 years has been absolutely essential in keeping good news delivering to every address in the Lebanon and West Lebanon zip codes. As always, there are some standouts that deserve a shoutout: Mascoma Bank, Coop Food Stores, Dartmouth Health, Lawn Master, Hanover Road Dental Health, Mascoma Dental Associates (and others). These financial partners have not missed having an ad or a sponsored article in every issue for 10 years! Thank you for your unwavering support. Your message is delivered along with the good news the entire City of Lebanon has come to look forward to for 10 years.

Obviously, just like at the Oscars, one cannot possibly name everyone who should be celebrated for helping bring the Lebanon Times to life. Allison Rogers-Furbish who grew up in Lebanon and has many generations of family members here, was LT’s founding editor. While I had worked in Lebanon for many years and had many connections, it was Allison’s insider’s knowledge and tremendous story-telling and editing skills that helped bring Lebanon’s authentic personality to the forefront. 

Cindy Heath was the first person I approached with the idea of starting a good-news-only paper in Lebanon. As Director of Parks and Rec in the 1990s, I knew she had a sense of what might work. She gave it a thumbs up and has been writing for us ever since!

And, while he hasn’t been directly involved, Steve Christy, the longstanding former President of Mascoma Bank, planted the seed for the merits of good-news-only media in my receptive mind in 1991 and, without realizing it, shaped my entire life’s work. To read the details, see the first ever cover story about Steve in the Lebanon Times Fall 2013 edition at www.thelebanontimes.com/archives.

While the LT focuses on good news, more importantly we celebrate people, places and events that uplift and inspire. I would be terribly remiss in not expressing my deepest gratitude to those contributors who have passed on and without whom this publication would have wilted. Donnie Perkins wrote “These Times” from the very first issue until he passed away suddenly in 2020. A lifelong native, Donnie was a “character” and wrote about his escapades and musings that would strike a resonant chord with many a local. I am honored that he willingly added his downhome perspective about “These Times” for old timers and newcomers, alike, to enjoy. 

Ruth Sylvester, while a Norwich resident, was a tireless volunteer with Lebanon’s Upper Valley Music Center and played the cello with many UV music ensembles. She wrote for all three of the Greater Good Media publications – including the first Norwich Times 25 years ago and the first Lebanon Times 10 years ago. She was a brilliant writer and captured the heart and soul of her subjects with grace and simplicity. Ruth passed away in 2020 after battling cancer, yet her legacy lives on through her words, deeds and the music she shared. 

A force of nature, Dave Nelson helped everyone in his path –  from his elder neighbors at Quail Hollow to his grandson during important ski races to a days-old fawn that needed attention. Without Dave and his willingness to write multiple articles for every issue, the Lebanon Times would have floundered during life moments when I had too much to manage.

Dave was highly principled and admired and respected our local civic institutions. He politely insisted on submitting articles about the Lebanon Police Department, the Lebanon Fire Department and many other government entities because he staunchly believed in giving them the respect they deserve.

Dave passed away quite suddenly after a short struggle with cancer. His incredibly generous, optimistic and gregarious personality can be brought back to life when reading the many stories he wrote for the Lebanon Times and by viewing the many phenomenal photographs he took for multiple outlets.

So, it is with tremendous gratitude that we bring you this issue of the Lebanon Times as we head into the next decade of focusing on and celebrating the good news that happens in and around this remarkable community every day.

Lebanon’s Recreation Director Paul Coats scans Colburn Park and says, “You don’t get settings like this everywhere.” At 400 x 235 feet, Colburn Park is not huge, but what might be no more than a giant roundabout, is in fact the physical hub and community anchor of Lebanon’s compact downtown. This was never more apparent than in the summer of 2021, when Covid weary citizens took to the park for escape, diversion, and connection. 

Coats first discovered New England while hiking the Appalachian Trail in 1998. When he returned home and saw a job opening for a recreation coordinator in Lebanon, he went for it. Since then, he’s been instrumental in the evolution of the park and the activities it hosts. Many of them may be new, but the little park’s ability to serve the community in a big way is a long-standing tradition. 

The area that is now Colburn Park was given to the town by Robert Colburn, on the condition that it become the site for the town meetinghouse. Over time two turnpikes converged in the park, and in 1839, the town voted to move the meetinghouse to the present-day Lebanon City Hall. 

In 1849, the State of New Hampshire agreed to route the turnpikes around the common, thus opening the opportunity to make the common a proper park. It was then graded and surrounded by the granite and wrought iron fence which still stands. The roadways became the four cross-park footpaths, and in 1884, the common officially became “Colburn Park.”

The park was consistently used for town meetings and auctions, speeches, celebrations, fairs and gatherings. Nicole Ford Burley, curator of Lebanon’s Historical Society says, “Colburn Park has had a bandstand since at least the mid-19th century, and concerts have always been regular occurrences.” Ford Burley tracks the park’s use through pictures dating back to the 1860s.

Pictures from 1910 show a crowded gathering of horse and buggies and a lone automobile. Soon Model T Fords filled the spaces around the park, their owners shopping at the bustling shopping district along Hanover Street. Photos from 1910 also show thick bundles of utility lines hanging on telephone poles around the park. Those were likely buried during the Urban Renewal that Lebanon undertook after the massive fire of 1964 destroyed the downtown shopping area, and Hanover Street was converted to today’s outdoor pedestrian mall.  

Jude Dutille grew up in Lebanon and works in the downtown Lebanon jewelry store his family has owned since 1959. Growing up, Dutille remembers the summer fair in the park as a major social event. His graduating class from Lebanon High had their annual Alumni Day parade around the park, a tradition that endures today. Having worked in the store daily since 1981, he attests, “There’s more going on in the park than there used to be.”

Music remains the mainstay of events, anchored by the Thursday night Front Porch Music Series concerts that can draw up to 1000 people. A robust Farmers Market runs from May through September every Thursday 4 – 7pm, leading into the concerts. For the past five years, Movie Screen on the Green has offered outdoor movies every Friday in September. The winter highlight is the long tradition of the lighted Christmas tree, though Ford Burley notes that during the 1920s, a part of the park was flooded each winter to allow ice skating.

The fair may have stopped in the 90’s but a steady uptick in annual festivals and special events at the park include 4th of July festivities, the Food Truck Fest in August, Lebanon Rotary Club’s Brew Fest in September and LebFest: a joint venture between the Recreation Department and the Upper Valley Business Alliance to showcase local businesses. 

The latest addition is the Lebanon Opera House Nexus Music and Arts Festival. When all performances were canceled for the summer of 2020, Joe Clifford, executive director of LOH envisioned and created Nexus Fest. The three-day event featured events and performances in three close venues – the Lebanon Mall, a stage behind the Opera House and Colburn Park. LOH also utilizes the park for “Silent Disco” nights, where a DJ transmits music through special glowing headphones. 

Private businesses and municipal efforts have collaborated to vitalize the area surrounding Colburn Park. Coats points to the renovation of the Lebanon Opera House in 2001, and the subsequent additions of Salt Hill and Omer and Bob’s to Lebanon Mall mainstays like Village Pizzeria and Three Tomatoes. Lucky’s Coffee Garage has become a lively anchor at the northeast corner of the park and Roger’s House – the luxury hotel converted to senior housing in 1970 – recently had a significant facelift. 

Covid, and the suspension of expensive city programs like the day camp and the pool, presented an unusual opportunity to divert funds to park improvements, like repaving the walkways to make every part of the park accessible to all. 

“Colburn Park really is the epicenter of the arts in Lebanon,” says Clifford, noting the proximity of the City Center Ballet, the AVA gallery, and the Upper Valley Music Center. “I’m really proud of the city for putting resources to it.” 

Coats’ tenure has seen steady upgrades at the park, from the modest but hugely popular play area to the Little Free Library kiosk, to the upgraded electrical outlets in and around the perimeter of the park. By the time of publication, two new streetlights will be installed, and with them, free town Wi-Fi.

Parking areas on the south side of the park that are allocated for up to three food trucks offer more options for park visitors, and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Lalo’s Taqueria, a popular eatery on the Lebanon Mall started out as a food truck on the park, as did Phnom Penh Sandwich Station which now has two permanent locations. 

As with any well-trafficked park, healthy, vibrant trees are both the greatest invitation and the greatest ongoing challenge. When the native Elm trees died off in the late 20th century, they were replaced by hardier species, like the invasive red Norway maples that thrive there today. The long-term plan is to replace them with native trees. 

Trees also figure into park lore. Dr Myrick Wood who lived on S. Park St, is said to have chased down the vandal who cut down the park’s former Christmas tree. The current tree was dedicated to Wood in 2006, with a plaque that stands guard next to it. Local war veterans are honored at two monuments on either side of the bandstand.

On a mild fall day, Amos Hoyt and Juliette King have pulled their motorized scooters up to enjoy the sun at a picnic table in the park. Hoyt lives across the street at Roger’s House and Juliette King lives a half mile away in Lebanon Towers. Hoyt comes to the park two to three times a day in warm weather, while King visits frequently. Both meet their respective great grandchildren over by the playground on occasion. When asked about their favorite event in the park Hoyt answers without hesitation: “All of them.” 

Learn more about Colburn Park at the Lebanon Historical Society http://www.lebanonnhhistory.org. Reserve Colburn Park free for a group or personal event at lebanonnh.gov