History comes to life at Hopkinton celebration

Bow Editor — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:09:00 GMT

It might be an understatement to refer to Goffstown’s Ben and Jane Hampton as “patriotic” Americans.

Both have traced their roots back to Revolutionary War soldiers, visited all but one of the major Civil War battlefields and, on Thursday, July 4, the two were asked to make a presentation at Hopkinton’s celebration of the United States’ Independence Day.

The history presentations stem from the couple’s passion for their personal history, but Ben is also a retired Massachusetts high school history teacher and now lectures on history and politics at New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord. Within the past year, Ben has given presentations via video to schools in New Hampshire and New Jersey, and he’s traveled to Virginia for a high school and middle school presentation.

During their presentations -- largely about New Hampshire’s role in the war -- the Hamptons wear authentic recreations of 18th-century garb.

The clothes, which people wore during the day and then to bed without bathing or changing, draw a usual response from children, said Jane.

“Most of the kids say, ‘Ewww,’” she said.

One tidbit the Hamptons might share at their presentation is the military prowess of New Hampshire’s John Stark.

“He developed the idea or the procedure of keeping almost-rapid musket fire,” Ben said.

The muskets, which were about 5 feet long and had 18-inch bayonets, were hard to handle and inaccurate because of misshapen musket balls, he said.

“It might go left, it might go right, it might go up, it might go down. They weren’t accurate,” Ben said.

So during the Revolutionary War battle of Breed’s Hill, in Massachusetts, Stark marched out about 40 yards from his troops and planted stakes. He told his troops to not fire until the British advanced that far. Then he told his troops to form lines that would fire one after another, while each took the time to reload -- a 13-step process for their muskets.

“Stark’s reputation as a military man, a good fighter and a military leader spread,” said Ben.

The Hamptons are two of more than 1,000 New Hampshire residents that come from Revolutionary War families.

Ben is a member of -- and historian for -- the New Hampshire Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, while Jane is a member of its sister group, the Daughters of the American Revolution.
To join the group, applicants must show genealogical proof of their ancestors. Visit www.nhssar.org for more information.

Changes made to July 4 festivities

Bow Editor — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:30:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Times are changing in Hopkinton.

Residents have spoken out against rising taxes, a new senior center is in its finishing stages, the town has a new recreation director, and now, after decades of tradition, the Fourth of July celebration is changing.

Gone is the Strawberry Festival at the community center and the typical parade route, replaced by an old-fashioned family fun day at Houston Fields and a new, improved course for the kiddie and town parades.

On July 4, the Hopkinton Recreation Department will unveil many of new activities, including games, live music, raffles, a pie-eating contest and a chili cook-off, as well as historical presentations from Ben and Jane Hampton of Goffstown.

“The Recreation Department had a vision and the community stepped up and helped put it together. and now we have a real family-oriented, good old-fashioned good time event that brings us all together,” said Louise Carr, chairman of the town’s recreation department, who noted the event will offer an inexpensive alternative for townspeople to gather on summer’s most festive holiday.

“I was really amazed at how this all came together,” she continued. “Everyone has been so flexible and enthusiastic about putting this all together. It sounds like it’s going to be a great event this year and hopefully it will grow every year. I think this is really going to take off.”

Prior to the noon to 4 p.m. fun day events, the town will hold its annual parades.

The town will also bring back a 5K (3.1 mile) road race, for residents to run or walk only, from the Contoocook fire station, up Pine Street to Bound Tree Road and back. The race begins at 9 a.m., though participants are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early.

A canoe and kayak race will follow at 11 a.m., at Multi Weld on Riverside Road. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and carries a $15 fee. Life jackets are required of those 12 and younger.

This year, rather than circling Contoocook Center, the kid’s parade will take place in the municipal parking lot behind TD Banknorth. Participants must arrive at the town gazebo by 11:15 a.m. for the 11:30 a.m. event and are encouraged to decorate their trikes and bikes in festive red, white and blue decor.

The Fire Department will then hold its Independence Day Parade, which, rather than beginning at Hopkinton Middle/High School, will start at HMC Corporation at 284 Maple St., at noon, and will travel down Maple Street, to Contoocook Center then turn up Pine Street toward Houston Fields. Those walking, driving or displaying floats will gather at 11 a.m.

Hopkinton News : Independence Day

History comes to life at Hopkinton celebration

Changes made to July 4 festivities