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Gundalow Company Moves to Jefferson House
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Written by Carol Walker Aten
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 April 2010 -- The non-profit Gundalow Company is moving its headquarters to the 1815-era Jefferson House, at 60 Marcy Street in Portsmouth in May. The historic brick building, owned by Strawbery Banke Museum, has been used as a store from the time it was built, and has housed a ship’s chandlery, butcher shop, liquor store, tavern, doll store and ice cream shop. Marcy Street, once known as Water Street, was known through the 19th century as Portsmouth’s "Red Light District" until the Prescott sisters came along in the 1930s and purchased and demolished the old buildings – now Prescott Park. (Continued below)
PORTSMOUTH -- Rodney Rowland, Director of Special Projects and Facilities at Strawbery Banke said, "It’s a natural fit to have the Gundalow Company here with the proximity to the Piscataqua River. They are bringing a much needed maritime perspective to an existing historic tourism corridor."
Gundalow Company Executive Director, Molly Bolster, expanded on the need to make the move. "Our programs and staff have grown since the organization was established in 2002. This new space will add an exhibit and retail presence on the ground floor that will bring greater visibility to the Gundalow Company as well as providing a new stop for tourists interested in the maritime heritage of this region."
Some minor updates and painting will be done on the old store in the coming weeks, with volunteers from the Gundalow Company. The goal will be to open the doors in time for Memorial Day weekend when the tall ships arrive into Portsmouth Harbor. The convenient new location is opposite Prescott Park and the dock where the gundalow, Captain Edward H. Adams, ties up when in Portsmouth.
Between 1690 and 1900, gundalows dominated the waters of the Piscataqua region. Harnessing the wind and riding the tide, gundalows moved bricks, hay, firewood, and other goods from ocean ports up the rivers of the Piscataqua Region. The Gundalow Company takes its inspiration from the vital role of those historic vessels and our mission is to protect the Piscataqua Maritime Region through education and action. Held throughout the tidal towns of the Piscataqua Region, Gundalow Company programs connect our maritime history with contemporary coastal issues such as stakeholder awareness, water quality, habitat restoration, conservation, and stewardship. For more information and a calendar of 2010 programs, go to the OFFICIAL WEB SITE.
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