HISTORY MATTERS

With another exciting election looming, I thought it was a simple question. When, I asked a few knowledgeable Portsmouth people, did we start letting the city councilor with the most votes become mayor? "I do not know," one former Portsmouth mayor posted on my Facebook page, "but I certainly would support changing it."  (Click title to read full article) 

HISTORY MATTERS

Fall equals beer, and here in Portsmouth, beer equals Frank Jones. One hundred and eleven years after his death, the "ale tycoon" still looms large in his adopted hometown. Jones built Portsmouth's West End into the biggest brewery in New England, in America, or in the world, depending on whom you ask. But was he a guy we should look up to?  (Click headline to read full article) 

HISTORY MATTERS

The life-sized portraits of two war heroes dominate the wall of the Portsmouth Atheneum. But the first major American war has been forgotten, as has the British naval hero who ensured the victory. Today the painting of Sir Peter Warren is fading and, with his restoration, comes the restoration of  great story and an ancient friendship. (Full story below) 

HISTORY MATTERS

The annual sailboat race to the Isles of Shoals is awash with history trivia. The original Gosport Regatta drew competitors from up and down the New England coast. After the race those yachtsmen celebrated at a grand new hotel called the Oceanic. It was the height of Victorian luxury, but it no longer exists. What's that you say? The Oceanic Hotel still stands on Star Island? Read on. (continued below)