SWANZEY PRESERVATION SOCIETY
PRESERVING THE PAST
IN THE
PRESENT
FOR THE
FUTURE
GREETINGS FROM THE SWANZEY PRESERVATION SOCIETY
In the past decade, historic preservation has quickly become a nationwide movement of citizens committed to the protection of the past from the rush of a fast-paced and modern world.
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Preserving the best of the past greatly enhances the present and future, and one need not look further than recent renovations to Whitcomb Hall in West Swanzey and the Cultural Heritage Center of the Cheshire Historical Society next to the Wyman Tavern on Main Street in Keene for proof.
The Society hopes to make a lasting impact on Swanzey by restoring the Golden Rod Grange No. 114 to its place as a hub for community activity.
To this end, we have moved forward with a feasibility study thanks to funding in full through donations from supportive Swanzey citizens and a grant from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance.
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You can help this vision unfold by learning more about us on our website and Facebook page, joining the Swanzey Preservation Society, and exploring volunteer opportunities.
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Look for the for clickable links to learn more.
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Thank you for taking the time to get to know us.
Welcome!
If America’s soul could sing, it would sound something like bluegrass, a combination of old-time mountain music, square dance fiddling, blues, gospel, jazz, and popular music.
If you’re ready to trade the heavy heat of summer for cool autumn breezes, the Swanzey Preservation Society invites you to attend the First Annual Golden Rod Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, October 21, on the lawn of the Grange Hall in historic Swanzey Center from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This year’s festival will feature sets from three award-winning New England bluegrass groups: The Splinters, The New Englanders, and Southern Rail. THE SPLINTERS, a bluegrass and old-time string band from Massachusetts, deliver a relentless groove to accompany tight three-part harmonies. A Splinters set veers from full-on bluegrass to traditional fiddle tunes and back, with the occasional detour into a modern song. Hailing from southern New Hampshire, THE NEW ENGLANDERS serve up a variety of original and popular cover tunes ranging from Johnny Cash and Alison Krause to the Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan. As always, their music is toe-tapping and family friendly. Last, but certainly not least, SOUTHERN RAIL will be in the house, delivering high energy exuberant fun with stunning harmonies, irrepressible good humor, and sparkling banjo, guitar and mandolin.
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Meet our amazing performers on Facebook
or follow the links to visit their websites!
http://www.thenewenglanders.com/home.html
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https://www.splintersmusic.com/
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Beginning at 11:00 a.m., these talented artists will play warm Americana and folk classics on our sprawling green lawn and keep the music going until 5:00 p.m. Relax and enjoy hours of music from your favorite lawn chair from home or as you stroll the property. Snack on a hot dog and a cold beverage, and consider trying your luck at a special fifty-fifty raffle. Take a guided tour of the Grange and learn about its place as a hub of community life in Swanzey, as well as how you can help preserve this property listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Tickets, which include a barbeque chicken dinner, are on sale for $35, for ages 8 and up. Children 7 and under are admitted free of charge with a paid adult although free admission does not include the barbeque.
Tickets may be paid for at the door in cash or in advance by visiting TICKET LEAP at
goldenrod-bluegrass-festival.ticketleap.com/2023/.
Parking will be available within a short walking distance of the venue. Parking for those with disabilities is reserved at the Swanzey Town Hall. There is no parking on the grounds the day of the event.
Donations are gratefully accepted and may be sent to:
The Swanzey Preservation Society,
P.O. Box 10323, Swanzey, NH 03446.
Corporate sponsorships are available
by calling 603.393.0021 or 603.499.5826.
Find and like the Golden Rod Bluegrass Festival 2023
on Facebook!
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This event is sponsored by the Swanzey Preservation Society to preserve the past in the present for the future. Profits from this event will aid in the restoration and cultural programming of the Golden Rod Grange Hall in Swanzey Center.
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GOLDEN ROD GRANGE No. 114
on the NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC SITES
Learn more about the Swanzey landmark which has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, an official list of America's historic buildings, districts, sites, structures, and objects worthy of preservation. Established as part of the National Historical Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service oversees the Register.
“It is good people who make good places.” - Anna Sewell
GET LOST IN THE PAST
We're so glad you've found your way to our site.
Come on in and stay awhile.
golden rod grange
no. 114
Learn more about the
Golden Rod Grange No. 114
and its very special place
in the history of Swanzey.
impact generations
to come
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Give the gift of preservation.
Consider the ways you can leave your mark for generations to come.
swanzey
then and now
Join host Jodi Turner
for a walk through Swanzey history. Special guests will introduce you to the days
of yesteryear.
If the past speaks to you as it does to us,
please join us in charting the course for restoration.
Together, we'll make great things happen for our community.
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JOIN
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One way to join the effort is to join the Swanzey Preservation Society.
Membership is open to all residents of Swanzey and to anyone with a direct connection to the Town.
Annual memberships cost $15 for a single and $20 for a family or business.
We are a registered 501 3(c) non-profit organization and all fees and donations are tax-deductible.
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Print, complete, and mail this membership form!
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ATTEND OUR MEETINGS
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The Swanzey Preservation Society meets once each month, and guests are always welcome! During spring and summer, we meet at the Grange. During fall and winter, other venues are utilized, such as the Town Hall and Monadnock Regional Middle-High School. All meeting information is posted on our Facebook page, so be sure to follow us.
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Visit and like us on Facebook!
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EMAIL US
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CALL US
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603.352.3442 or 603.903.0530
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T I M C A M P B E L L
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NEW HAMPSHIRE FOLK ARTIST LENDS SUPPORT
TO GOLDEN ROD GRAGE PRESERVATION PROJECT
Tim Campbell identifies himself as an “outsider” artist, from the French term “art brut” which means raw or rough art created by a self-taught individual. Born in Keene, New Hampshire, Campbell's work can be found in galleries around the world, work that reflects his sharp sense of humor and interest in primitive folk art, as well as contemporary political and religious imagery. Campbell works in his studio in Keene, New Hampshire, with his dog Otis, a Jack Russell terrier who keeps him company while he works and serves as a muse for this whimsical self-taught artist.
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Learn more about Tim Campbell on his website, follow him on Facebook, or shop his work at Etsy.
home
etsy
CALL US
Tel: 603.352.3442 | Tel: 603.903.0530
EMAIL US
OPENING HOURS
The Golden Rod Grange No. 114 is open by appointment only.