Karen Burnett-Kurie

Wolfeboro, NH 03894

KarenBK@gmail.com

This is the second in a series of articles about the history and ongoing care of the Abenaki Tower, Melvin Village, NH

The Abenaki Tower: An Enduring Community Asset is Rebuilt

Fifty years after the Abenaki Tower was built many changes in Melvin Village had taken place, including dramatic changes in its landscape. In 1923 when Mr. Joshua Q. Litchfield, headmaster of the Agassiz School in Jamaica Plains, MA and Mr. Frank Speare, President of Northeastern University, MA  stood on Edgerly Hill, they could see the potential view from the path because they were looking over open pastures.

In New Hampshire at the turn of the nineteenth century, logging was taking place at a rapid pace followed by fires due largely to left-behind tree branches and other debris. According to the Society for the Protection of NH’s Forests website, in 1903 more than 80,000 acres burned. In 1904 more than 200,000 acres burned.

As a result of farming, forestry and fires much of New Hampshire, even the steep hills and mountains, was fields or deforested. This is in sharp contrast to the forested land we see today. Protecting natural resources and scenic landscapes became increasingly important for many after experiencing the impact of the forestry methods used at the time and resulting fires, particularly as more and more people came to the area, for its qualities as a summer retreat.

Mr. Litchfield built his summer cottage in 1902. He was just one of the many people who recognized the beauty and attributes of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and were inspired to settle on the shores of the lake and add a new seasonal dimension to the local communities.

Many towers were built in New Hampshire during the early 1900’s as fire towers, but the Abenaki Tower was not one of them. It was also not built to watch for German air planes during WW2 which some people repeat. It was built simply to offer everyone enjoyment of the expansive and beautiful view.

By the1970’s there were more and taller trees and the number of summer residents and visitors to the tower had increased substantially. After 50 years, the tower had become dangerous. Kirk Titus, a lifelong resident of Wolfeboro, remembers climbing the tower as a kid and noticing “how rickety it had become”.

In the minutes of the 1976 Abenaki Tower and Trail Association, the 53^rd annual meeting, it is noted: “the main concern is the deteriorating and structural condition of the tower.” Deactivation and demolition of the tower was seriously discussed.

Admiral George C. Dyer, my grandfather, spoke to “repair and preserve.”  “Many local residents have climbed up Abenaki Tower and enjoyed the view of Melvin Village, the Ossipee Range, Lake Winnipesaukee and beyond. It is a location featured in the Lakes Region tourist publication “For spectacular views of our lakes and mountains: Take a hike.” Fortunately the association members were convinced to proceed with fundraising and rebuilding.

Kirk Titus’s company, Maine Line Tree Service, now Bartlett Tree Service, was hired to rebuild the tower. My father, Howard Weston Burnett Jr., was the treasurer of the Association and led the fundraising effort. My mother, Georgia Dyer Burnett, hosted a party to create interest and 54 people attended. 

According to my father’s letter to the membership, at first the plans for rebuilding involved using the old tower as scaffolding during the building process. In the end the old tower was demolished and “the four sides and top of the new tower were cut and assembled on the ground and hoisted into place with a large crane”, according to Kirk Titus.

Bill Cornell, a local builder, designed the structure which was taller but very similar to the old structure. Dick Mullen and Sam Snow, still Tuftonboro residents, as well as Bill Kotz of Effingham and Cecily Clark of Ossipee, were the primary crew. We are indebted to them for their skill and foresight because the tower still stands strong 38 years later.

Kirk comments: “It was a fun job … and took about a month. The timbers are all utility poles. Materials came from power company supply sources.”

Most of the construction occurred in the fall of 1977 but the stairs and railings weren’t installed until the spring of 1978, after which it was reopened to the public.

Chet Fernald, long-time owner of the Wawbeek Hotel and Cottage Colony, supervised the project which cost $12,000 (up from $500 for the first tower). The town of Tuftonboro contributed $750 and the Hurlburt Fund $500, each, for two years. The balance of the $12,000 was contributed by private donors.

Association president at the time, William David Chase, reported. “Our own membership and friends have donated generously…and the group of ladies in Melvin Village, known as “The Village Pinups”, have made a quilt which is being raffled off, for the benefit of the tower.”

He went on to say: “I’m sure that when you see the tower, each one of you will be very glad that you are a member of the organization that made such a great effort to construct an attractive, well built, worthwhile landmark for the use of the public for many years to come” The ‘new’ Abenaki Tower was dedicated July 22, 1978.

Kirk Titus takes his grandchildren to the tower at least once a summer. They are impressed that their granddad built it.

In the Tuftonboro Historical Society’s publication from 1960 “Stories of the Wawbeek and Merrymount Shores” longtime resident Susannah Schofield wrote: “The Abenaki Tower and Trail Association … has grown as the years have gone by. It now numbers over a hundred members, and has knit the communities of Merrymount and Wawbeek closely together.”

A group of local summer and year-round residents continues to maintain the tower. Many of the present members are second and third generation offspring from the group of ‘rebuilders’.  However, the number of Association members is smaller since the rebuilding.

Everyone who has enjoyed the tower can support its continuation by becoming an Association member and paying $25 per year in dues. These dues cover the ongoing costs of maintenance for the tower. Write to:  Abenaki Tower and Trail Association, PO Box 222 , Melvin Village, NH 03850.

Second in a series of three articles by Karen Burnett-Kurie, third generation summer visitor on Old Pasture Road and Wawbeek Rd., Melvin Village, NH, new resident of Wolfeboro, NH and Executive Director of the Lake Wentworth Foundation.