Family, Farm Land, Flea Market, and Free Critters

Submitted by Marge Thompson, Granite State Ambassador

Radisson Hotel Class of 2006

Welcome to the town where I live, Hollis, New Hampshire, population 7,500. Hollis was incorporated by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth in 1746. The name 'Hollis' comes from a Wentworth ancestor John Holl ‘e’s Earl of Clare. We’re located 7 miles west of Nashua, and Hollis abuts the Massachusetts line.

Hollis still has mixed-use farm land, apple orchards, corn fields, vegetables. We have several farm stands for Pick Your Own apples, peaches, blueberries, raspberries in season. The largest farm stand is Brookdale Fruit Farm founded in 1847 by the Edwin Hardy and the Hardy family still runs the farm to this day. The history as to how this farm developed over the years is very interesting. These farms bring in migrant workers who return year after year, as they are treated like family. Good housing is provided for these family men who come to our town each growing and harvesting season.

Thousands come to Hollis in June and October for the Strawberry and Apple Festivals sponsored by the Hollis Women’s Club and Hollis Town Band. The band plays while everyone is enjoying the delicious Strawberry Sundaes and Apple Crisp. Old Home Days in September is a three-day event starting with a dance and ending with fireworks.

Hollis Town Hall and The Common
(Source: Wikipedia)

Like all small towns, the center of Hollis has Monument Square, the Historic District which is a pleasant place to walk starting with the Nevins Stone and the Church Yard Cemetery, where many Revolutionary War soldiers are buried. Many lovely homes are located both in the Square and on Main Street, such as Cummings house 1743, Fisk House 1750, Goodale House 1600’s, which was part of the Underground Rail Road, and Whiting-Poole House 1771. The 'Always Ready' Engine House 1859 is a museum and you’ll find among other items the Horse Drawn Hearse, purchased in 1858. The hearse is a handsome vehicle with etched cranberry windows and upholstered interior. It was retired in 1920. The Ruth Wheeler house is also located on Main Street. It’s the home of the Hollis Historical Society as a permanent home for their possessions. The Engine House and Wheeler House are open by appointment only and are open during the Festivals.

Down Depot Road about ¼ mile is the Historic Restored Lawrence Barn dating back to 1780. It is a double English-style timber framed, it is one of ½ dozen still remaining in New England. It was dismantled in 1999 as it was going to be destroyed by a developer, but a group stored its lumber for several years then reconstruction began and it is now a Community Hall where many activities are held.

Hollis State Line
(Source: Wikipedia)

A short drive down Rt. 122 onto Ridge Road is the Beaver Brook Association, an Educational Conservation Association. It is a non-profit organization that began in 1964 by two cousins, Hollis P. Nichols and Jeffrey P Smith. It started with 12 acres and now there are 2,000 acres located in Hollis, Brookline and Milford. Within these acres, there are 35 miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding trails, and lots of wildlife. I live near Beaver Brook and have almost too many deer in my yard, lots of wild turkeys, and one mountain lion ran thru while I was standing in my driveway several years ago. Just this summer while watering my flowers, I heard a rustle in the bushes and there was a good size black bear! This guy has been in my yard several times according to my neighbors, and he left his scat, but this time I saw him for myself. 

Silver Lake State Park is also located in Hollis on Rt. 122 and is a very popular swimming beach. Further up on Rt. 122, the Hollis Flea Market is open during the good weather.

So this is where I live, and I know if you take a drive to Hollis, I know you’d want to live here.