Town Turning Back the Clock to Celebrate Big Part of History

Atlantic Avenue will be transported back to the 1840s later this spring when selectmen board a ox-drawn carriage while wearing period clothing — complete with top hats — to celebrate a key part of North Hampton's past.

Saturday, May 18, will be celebrated as "Town Hall Day," and a variety of activities and entertainment are planned as part of a celebration that town officials hope will turn into an annual gala.

North Hampton Town Hall was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, and Heritage Commission Chairwoman Donna Etela said the May 18 celebration is meant as a way to honor that distinction through a re-creation of the March 12, 1844, ceremony in which the building was moved down Atlantic Avenue to its present location.

"The whole idea is to get the town involved, get them here to the campus and get them behind the town," said Etela, who added that she hopes for a "successful turnout" and that the event can be "fun for everyone."

Town Hall Day will be held on May 18 from noon to 3 p.m., and will also feature a North Hampton School student-run art show, various edible 1840s-style treats, possibly some live music, and more, said Etela. She said the celebration will be fully funded through private fundraising and won't pose any cost to taxpayers.

The North Hampton Select Board officially issued a proclamation Monday declaring May 18 as Town Hall Day. Chairman Jim Maggiore declared Town Hall as a "superb example of 19th-century public architecture" and "recommend[ed] and encourag[ed]" residents take part in a celebration to recognize the building "for its historic significance."

Etela said she has received a private donation for a bronze historic place plaque, and said she placed an order Monday for the sign, which will be displayed in front of the building.

Etela also said she recently spoke without someone who claimed he travels New England in search of towns with places on the national register, and she said she hopes North Hampton can encourage more tourism through a celebration of the location as well as visible identification that Town Hall is a historic place.

"I didn't think of it that way," said Etela. "Hopefully it'll bring people to town."