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THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF :
Life in Effingham has developed such characteristics as old fashioned virtue, a simple mode of living and a willingness to work. It's bounded on the north by Freedom (separated by the Ossipee River), south by Wakefield and Ossipee, east by Parsonfield, Maine and the west by Ossipee. The Effingham and Freedom townships were formerly united. In 1749 Effingham was granted as Leavitts Town and in 1778 was incorporated under its present name. The section north of the Ossipee River was incorporated as North Effingham in 1831 and in 1832 assumed the name Freedom. Some of the most serious obstacles encountered by the first settlers were the constructing of roads and bridges, and development of the beautiful but rocky terrain. A bounty was offered to entice people to settle in the area - however some of the land was unsuitable for farming and those people were given extra land. The power of the river at Effingham Falls was harnessed in 1820 and sawmills and gristmills were erected. Soon roads, stores, a church, school and tavern were built. By 1858 Effingham was more populated than it is now! In 1830 James W. Bradbury (later United States Senator from Maine) took the Effingham Union Academy Building (1819) and established The First Normal School - the first college of its kind, designed for training teachers. Another historic landmark is "Squire Lords Great House" on Lord's Hill. The impressive 19th century architecture is throughout, even to the carriage house and stable. Most of the people in Effingham are self-employed or own small businesses. Effingham is governed by town meeting and three selectmen. Town budgets are voted on in March.
Emergency . .911 Fire Dept ... . 539-2261 Selectmen .. .. ..539-7770 Tax Collector . ....539-7551 Town Clerk ....539-7551
FREEDOM
With its eastern boundary running along the Maine border, Freedom is a little town surrounding a small village, well off the beaten path. It's name reflects it's history- in 1831 the village of North Effingham voted to secede from Effingham, and in 1832, the new town celebrated its independence by changing its name to "Freedom". The local historical society maintains a charming museum where lemonade and cookies are served to visitors on summer afternoons. Members can also provide a quick sketch of the history of Freedom as seen in the houses standing along the quiet village streets. Freedom has a volunteer fire department and an independently governed water precinct. The public library is open several days a week. There is a Protestant church and a Masonic Lodge in the village. Several community clubs for adults and a 4 H program for young people provide on-going activities and socializing. All the local organizations participate in the annual "Old Home Week", which was designed to encourage people to come back to their roots in an annual week-long homecoming celebration during the second week in August. Freedom is governed by town meeting and three selectmen. It has a planning board, zoning board of adjustment and a conservation commission. In 1987, in an attempt to control the town's growth, a "Master Plan" was adopted. Among its goals are the preservation of natural assets- the town's lakes, streams, woodlands and wildlife habitats, the protection of outdoor recreation resources, and the continuation into the future of Freedom's peaceful lifestyle.
Freedom's OLD HOME WEEK Schedule
MADISON
Madison is a charming and dynamic town in which geological, historical, and modern times blend. The town's most prominent natural feature is the Madison Boulder, left behind by a melting glacier. At 37 feet long and 4660 tons, the boulder is one of the largest freestanding rocks in the world. Eaton was founded as part of a land grant from King George III in 1776. In 1852 Madison split from Eaton, and was renamed in honor of President James Madison. In its early years, farming and lumbering were the town's main enterprises, and lumbering still continues to be a major industry, In 1826, the Madison Lead Mine, on site of Goodwin Town Forrest, was discovered, and for many years yielded zinc, lead, silver and iron ores. "Madison Corners" prospered because it was on a major stagecoach route connecting Boston and other seacoast towns with the White Mountains. Then, in 1875, a railroad was completed along the shores of Silver Lake, and many new businesses were opened in that area to accommodate the growing tourist trade. Tourism is still a prominent part of Madison's economy with a resort, ski area, several inns and bed & breakfasts. The town has three selectmen and a town meeting system of government. Recently, residents joined together in large scale volunteer efforts to build a playground for the elementary school. Madison's annual Old Home Week is the first full week in August, beginning on Saturday, and draws many former citizens "back home" for this week-long celebration of small town life. Light industry ranging from a traditional blacksmith shop to space-age technology is scattered throughout the town.
Telephone Numbers Emergency
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.911 Fire Dept
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..367-4602 Police
.367-8334 Selectmen
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..367-4332 Solid Waste Treatment
..367-8323 Library
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.367-8545 Town Clerk
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..367-9931
OSSIPEE
Ossipee is the county seat for Carroll County and the largest town in our six-town area. It shares its name with the Ossipee Mountains, once a range of ancient volcanoes, which border it on the west. The town is a geologists dream, with portions of the volcanic "ring dike" from the Ossipee Mountains still visible. Much of the town's soil is made of fine sand and gravel, left behind by the glaciers after the last ice age. Ossipee was incorporated in 1785 after an active pre-Revolutionary War history of skirmishes between Native Americans and British settlers. Captain John Lovewell built a fort near Ossipee Lake in the early 1700's, using the foundation of a former fort which the English built in 1650 to assist the Ossipee Indians in their war against the Mohawks. Ossipee is made up of many small villages scattered among the hills. Shops filled with unusual crafts and antiques dot the country roads. Good fishing abounds on Ossipee Lake and the rivers and streams that flow into it. The adventurous can hike into the Ossipee Mountains, and there are opportunities galore for swimming, boating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Manufacturing has always been a part of this busy town's history. That tradition continues with small industries ranging from a water-powered shutter factory to high tech producers of precision instruments. Ossipee businesses have access to a working railroad line. The town has developed innovative zoning regulations designed to encourage low-impact industry. Ossipee is governed by the town meeting system and administered by three selectmen who meet each week in the Town Hall. Take a moment to visit the Ossipee Historical Society Museum, enjoy the "walking tour" of the Historic Center of Ossipee Village and celebrate Ossipee Old Home Week during July 4th week held annually.
Telephone Numbers Dog Officer . ..539-4955 Highway Dept . ..539-4181 Incinerator . 539-4121 Police 539-2011 Library . .539-6390 Recreation Dept ....539-1307 Tax Collector . . ...539-2008 Town Clerk .. . 539-2008 Selectmen .. . ....539-4181 Water & Sewer .539-7150 SANDWICH
Renowned for its fine colonial and Federal style homes, the town of Sandwich is nestled in a classic New England setting of forests and rolling hills. One of its borders winds along the shore of Squam Lake (where the movie "On Golden Pond"was filmed) and to its north lies the "Sandwich Wilderness", crisscrossed with trails for hikers and skiers. Since the town's founding in 1769, Sandwich has thrived on it's reputation for fine handcrafts. The state-wide New Hampshire League of Arts and Crafts began here in the 1920's, through the efforts of a Sandwich resident who encouraged masters and mistresses of their crafts to come and settle in the town. Sandwich is still a center of "home industries: like weaving, pottery, furniture-making, and quilting, and many of the state's finest craftsmen can be found creating original works in their home-workshops. Celebrations and festivities highlight the year in Sandwich. Old Home Week in the summer draws many visitors and former residents to bean suppers, picnics and musical performances. Every Columbus Day weekend at the peak of autumn color, all other activities stop while everyone heads for the Sandwich Fair, a real New Hampshire country fair complete with parade, oxen-pulls, and 4-H competitions. In February, dogs and drivers from all over the country head out from Center Sandwich into the snow covered wilderness in the 60 mile Sandwich Notch Sled Dog Race. Sandwich has a selectmen/town meeting form of government, with town and school meetings held in march. Its library and historical society are treasure troves of original documents and other information on the early history of Sandwich and the surrounding towns.
Telephone Numbers Emergency
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.911 Fire Dept
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.284-6264 Police
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284-7777 Recreation Dept .....
....284-6473 Recycling Center
284-7732 Selectmen
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284-7701 Town Clerk
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284-7113 Library
.284-6665 TAMWORTH Five picturesque villages make up the town of Tamworth. Each one boasts a natural attraction, from the mountain trails of
Wonalancet, to Mount Chocorua (the most photographed mountain in the US"), White Lake State Park, and the Bearcamp and
Swift Rivers, ideal for both whitewater canoeing and just paddling. Tamworth is a cultural center for the region, with an active Arts Council and a professional theater. The Barnstormers,
which has the distinction of being the oldest summer theater in New Hampshire. Library services are available six days a week
from two libraries, carrying on a town tradition -- tiny Tamworth started the second free library in the brand new state of
New Hampshire just after the Revolutionary War. On July 4th of each year, the town's Family Day brings residents and visitors together for a parade, games, entertainment,
and a gala fireworks display. Village Christmas parties, snow
shoeing and cross-country skiing, and a two-day sled dog race on
Lake Chocorua liven up the winter season. Small businesses and a self-employment are the primary sources of work for Tamworth Residents. Several inns and bed and
breakfasts continue a two-hundred year tradition, Henry Thoreau enjoyed a stay here in the mind 1800's. Logging, carpentry,
and service related industries also provide employment. A town nurse, nearby doctor's offices, and three regional hospitals in outlying areas provide health services. Tamworth has
a Meals on Wheels and Congregate Luncheon Program for senior citizens. Two elderly housing facilities are located in town. Tamworth has three selectmen. Town and school budgets are debated and passed at town meetings in March.
Telephone Numbers Emergency
.911 Fire Dept
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.323-8874 Library
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..323-8510 Police
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323-7244 Selectmen
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323-7971 Tax Collector
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.....323-7971 Town Clerk
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..323-7971 Town Garage ...
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....323-7779 Town House .
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323-8085
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The Greater Ossipee Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve the villages and towns of
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Email: info@ossipeevalley.org
PO Box 323, Center Ossipee, NH 03814
(603) 539-6201
Toll Free 1-(866)-683-6295
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Photographs in this site are used by permission of the photographers, Bruce Bedford, and Linda White.