ASK, RANT OR PRAISE, BUT NEVER IGNORE

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PERFORMED AT WENTWORTH  
My mother was one of the performers at Wentworth by the Sea approx 60 years ago.  Her name was Mary Shegda at the time.  When she recently mentioned to me about her summer doing the plays, she spoke of it with such wonderful memories.  I was wondering if there are any old programs that would have her name in them, that I could purchase a copy.  I know that it would mean so much to her.  She is now in her early 80's.
If it is possible, could you please let me know the price, and if I could send a check, or credit card #. I appreciate your help.
Laura Bock

EDITOR’S REPLY:  Your best bet is to visit the Portsmouth Athenaeum and look through the items in the Smith Collection archived in this private library (open Tue, Thu, Sat afternoons to the public). There were thousands of performances over the Smith Years from 1946-1980 and there may be some show fliers in the archives. I don’t recall any specifically, but it might be worth a trip to go through the items in the collection. Other than that, your best bet is to keep checking in on eBay where these items pop up now and then. There is nothing specifically for sale since there are thousands of ephemera items that were generated by the hotel over its 130 years. The Wentworth itself also has items that have been donated by guests since 2003, but I don’t believe the items are catalogued or for sale. -- JDR

SEEKING THE HACKETS
Dear Mr. Robinson, Greetings from London, England. I am a retired head of the International School of London researching the roots (and branches) of the Hackett family. I would be most grateful if you could guide me to any useful sources on the shipbuilding Hacketts of colonial New Hampshire. 
Does your book, Strawberry Banke, have any references to them? Are there any of them still around?
Ian Hackett, editor, www.worldfed.org

EDITOR’S REPLY: I'm afraid I don't have any references to the Hacketts in that book although there is a summary history of the Portsmouth waterfront.. There are a lot of books locally that mention the Hackett family, but no major study. Charles Brewster's Rambles About Portsmouth is often available on eBay as a CD. That's a good place to start. One of the Hacketts was in charge of the building of Paul Jones' RANGER and somewhere there is an obscure historical article with a list of his expenses in the process. Besides research via the Portsmouth Atheaneum here in NH, I suggest looking for these out of print books -- (1) Ports of the PIscataqua by Saltonstall, (2) Clippers of the Port of Portsmouth by Brighton, (3) They Came to Fish by Brighton, (4) Portsmouth's Heyday in Shipbuilding by Pickett,  (5) The Ships of the Piscataqua by Brighton. Deep in my files is an entire file of materials about the Hackett family that someone sent a decade ago. I call it the "Hackett Packet", and if I come upon it, I'll send you a note. It's a rich largely untapped vein of local history that would be great for someone with a lot of time and no need for income to explore.
 

SEEKING SAMUEL HAINES
Deacon Samuel Haines was my relative on my fathers side, and Ilocated his homestead in Greenland. I have read the history of Greenland, obtained from the Greenland Library. It was interesting to see  he was a Selectman when Greenland and Portsmouth were one. He is buried not far from the Homestead next to the Winnicut River. Kathy thought maybe he was also mentioned in the History of Portsmouth. He landed in Pemaquid Maine on the ship Angel Gabriel in 1625, and was an apprentis to a Mr. Cogswell. A relative of Mr. Cogswell lives in Wolfeboro. Would you please let me know if he is, and if so, I will visit the Historical Society when I get home in mid April and acquire a copy of the book.
Bob Haynes, Melvin Village NH

THE EDITOR’S RESPONSE: There is no official history of Portsmouth, as such, but there is a one sentence mention of a Samuel Haines being ordained as a deacon at the first official church in Portsmouth in 1671. This note appears on page 53 of Nathaniel Adams', Annals of Portsmouth. Haines is also mentioned in an essay by Charles Brewster from Brewster's Rambles (Ramble CXIVII) page 359 in an article about the Weeks House in Greenland. The article only notes where the Weeks House is located in relation to a number of properties including that of Haines. Hope that helps. Both book are, unfortunately, out of print, but are available online on used book sites. For more detailed research you can contact the local archives like the Portsmouth Athenauem or public library records. -- JDR
 

STRAWBERY BANKE MEMORIES
Dennis, I look forward to your book on Strawbery Banke Museum. I remember when it first opened in 1966. I spent the summer hanging around there (I was 15). There was a balsa wood model of the project available for viewing in the building where the potters are now. I used to point out the names of the buildings and their history to the tourists. I did this on my own. I also helped paint the restrooms within hours of the opening. I used to talk often to Jim Garvin who was staying in what is now called the Shapiro house. Interesting person. There was an archeology student from New Castle (father was a doctor?) who was digging in the area next to the actual docks. I also new a guy named Frank Lawlor. He worked for a paper company (Hoyt's?) on Market St. He had large access to the project and was friendly with the mother of the first president. She had an attic apartment in the Chase House and we'd visit her there. I don't know if Frank's name came across your research. I believe both he and the student have since died. I was also there when Lady Bird Johnson dedicated the Dunaway General Store. I was close enough to touch her. It was a long time ago.
Michael Cryans in GA

SEEKING ARTIST
I just found out about the Richard Moore exhibit on SeacoastNH.com. It looks wonderful, and I would love to see it, but may not be able to get there before it closes. Can you tell me if it will be shown somewhere else in the future, or put me in touch with someone who would know?
Linda M in Boston

EDITOR’S REPLY: We forwarded your note to the artist himself, but you can also find him via his official web site here. 

MICKEY MOUSE CLUB COLLECTOR
I recently purchased on ebay an apron that was once worn by Eileen Diamond, one of the original Mouseketeers. I would love to be able to get a copy of the picture that she mentioned in her response to your story about the apron. This means so much to me, as Mickey Mouse Club was a sweet and memorable part of my childhood. The apron will be passed on down to my granddaughter, who watches the old shows with me. I thought a photo of Eileen wearing the apron would add to the provenance of the apron. I would be willing to pay for the copy if necessary. The irony of this story is that it was just by happenstance that I found your article in a search for more wardrobe items from the vintage program. I was stunned to see it and feel honored to have it mentioned in your paper. Thank you for writing about it, and could you help me in this quest for the picture? I would really love to see her wearing it! Thank you
Kathy Weishar

MY NAME IS EARL 
Hello. My name is Earl and I am so so interested in Track Cycling. I have two concerns. First, I would love to know where I can purchase a Track/Fixed gear bike? Second, are you talking about a velodrome in Portsmouth, Virginia? That, (if what I am thinking as location) will be a tremendous event for Virginia all over!!! I thank you in advance so much for your response...God Bless.

DAVID BALKIN RESPONDS: Thanks for the inquiry. You're right a velodrome would be brilliant in VA, but this is about Portsmouth New Hampshire and so far there's no movement toward building one. The New England Velodrome is active and they may be able to provide more information you. Fixed gear bikes can be found at most bike shops and because they are simple they are cost effective. On ebay they are really cheap because the market is so limited. 

I THINK I’M THE MYSTERY BOY
I believe that mystery boy in the picture (Puddle Dock boys in Strawbery Banke archive) is me. It looks so much like I did when I was a kid. I lived across Liberty Hill from Melvin Pendergast and in front of the Locke's house. The address was 55 Charles St. I served 20 yrs. in the Air Force and was married with 3 children and I now live in Pembroke NH outside of Concord. The Westgate family was the last ones to live in the house at 55 Charles St and our family picture used to hang there on the wall to the right as you entered. I understand it was taken down during work and stored in the Archives. I hope so.
Sincerely Gordon Westgate

JESUS GUY MAKER
Thanks again for the great review of The Jesus Guy. I always like your writing, and thanks, too, for the story about Hilary's Portsmouth Moment.
Sean Tracey