Those of us who call New Hampshire home and those who have been fortunate to live in or vacation in our state have long recognized the beauty that surrounds us. Myriad scenic natural wonders engulf us—we are awed by the magnificence of our mountains, lakes, trails, farms and coastline. Seven distinct regions and a unique four season appeal mark the Granite State with distinction. But, it is the warm, inviting communities filled with the kindness and generosity of hard-working, honest and kind folks and families that really put the shine on our state. Simply put, New Hampshire is a place where neighbors know neighbors and friendships endure, where the beauty of our land overwhelms you, where there is always a welcoming and unmistakable feeling of “being home.”

Over the past three years, we have been proud to showcase the individuals and towns that make New Hampshire so special. When we re-launched the Troubadour in 2008 after more than a 50-year hiatus, we did so in an effort to share uplifting, positive and genuinely good stories about life and the lives of those in New Hampshire. We explored the history and heritage of our state, uncovering untold tales, visiting charming one-of-a-kind towns and meeting some of the nicest people around.

We embarked on a journey together, sharing photography, poetry and prose. We offered images, ideas, anecdotes and words that brightened our days as we viewed them and, we hope, helped to brighten yours. We introduced you to individuals and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others by assisting those in need. And, throughout it all, you stood alongside us. Traveling our interstates, the signs near our borders are unmistakable. “Bienvenue Au New Hampshire.” A welcome extended to new friends. We have been fortunate to make many new friends as you have welcomed us into your homes and hearts, and we are eternally grateful for the outpouring of support you have shown us. Grazie.

One regular contributor of ours submitted the note below that we pass along to you.

“I hope you will consider this little poem for your last issue…It is my heartfelt way of thanking you for all you’ve given me.”-Rose Kowaliw

My Troubadour

I lost a friend today,

one I’ve grown to love.

I’ll miss the poetry

and prose you’ve shared

and all the photographs

But most of all, I’ll miss

your generosity.

Though it is time for us to put this “wonderful little magazine to bed for now, this is, by no means, goodbye. The spirit of The Troubadour lives on in you, the greatest troubadours of all, and in the knowledge that the unmistakable collection of good things that make life in our state so delightful will always endure and make us proud to call New Hampshire home.

Posted under Letter From The Editor

April marks National Poetry Month, a month-long celebration of poetry established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. The Academy says, “The concept is to widen the attention of individuals and the media—to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our complex poetic heritage, and to poetry books and journals of wide aesthetic range and concern.” Since its inception, the Troubadour has prominently featured the verses of poets of all renown. We, like the Academy, encourage you to take pleasure in reading poetry year-round, and the Troubadour has long taken delight in highlighting the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of our nation’s poets.

This issue we proudly present several unique poems, including the contribution of Susanna Hargreaves, (“Troubadour Treasures,” pg. 18), which settles seamlessly alongside this issue’s feature focus.

Our feature story (“The Road He Took,” pgs. 4-11) examines one of our nation’s most distinguished and revered poets, Robert Frost. Frost, was honored four times with the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, with an inclusion from his first such accolade appearing on the opposite page.

Though born in San Francisco and educated at Harvard, Frost, a longtime New Hampshire resident, considered the Granite State his true “home.” In the beauty of our state, Frost found the inspiration and vision for many of his most celebrated poems including his acclaimed 1923 creation below:

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening
by Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Posted under Letter From The Editor

When the State of New Hampshire first began publishing The Troubadour in 1931, the mission of the magazine was detailed by the Troubadour’s first editor, Thomas Dreir, whose words appear below:

“Although this is a printed publication, we like to think of it as one of those old-fashioned, leisurely letters, such as men and women used to write,” wrote Dreier.

“Usually those letters were written by people who desired intently to share themselves and their experiences with their friends at a distance,” he continued. “This monthly then…will tell you much about New Hampshire folks, their ideals, their ways, their standards, their hopes, their accomplishments, their adventures in neighborliness.

“To those of you who live and work in big cities—rushing, driving, fighting—this monthly visitor may bring something suggestive of the clean country, of high hills, of sunny meadow, of farm houses tucked into hollows that end in mountains, of a comfortable way of living richly…

“Our hope is that many of you who have been paying guests will like us so well that you will eventually become permanent residents.

“The Troubadour, then, is more than a mere invitation. We hope you will find that in reading it you are having a pleasant adventure in contentment.”

On the opposite page, you will see the final Troubadour publication as issued by the State of NH in November 1951. Despite adhering to its unchanging mission for twenty years and eight months, times had changed forcing the Troubadour to bow out of the scene. Though the Troubadour was absent until we-launched the publication in September 2008, it is unmistakable that the good things that make life in NH so delightful, have always endured.

Now, 80 years after Thomas Dreir penned his introductory words, we are proud to further the legacy of the Troubadour into the next decade, with a reverent nod towards the past and an energized eye to the future. Our spring issue will highlight some exciting changes for the publication which promises to remain a collection of original human interest stories, poetry, photography, anecdotes and regular features about the Granite State’s history and one-of-a-kind towns. The Troubadour is, and always will be, a gift to the people of New Hampshire.

Posted under Letter From The Editor

We have much to be grateful for in our great state. Mother Nature has blessed us with majestic mountaintops, valleys of splendor, serene lakes, a coastline offering an expansive view across the Atlantic and forests and foliage unrivaled in their brilliance. Grand surroundings to be sure, but at times the beauty of our setting can be found in the subtlety of the details.

Look closely at the image on the opposite page and you will notice a passage of time caught in the camera eye. A change of seasons and more as the last traces of fall are frozen in place. Allow yourself to conjure a moment that remains forever unchanged in your mind—perhaps a memory that brings unbridled joy. Of course, change is inevitable, and life moves on, often more quickly than any of us would like or could imagine. At times we are left wanting for things that are no more. But, it might be wise to remember the lessons of our youth and seek comfort in the words of Theodor Geisel, or, to most of us, renowned children’s author Dr. Seuss, a graduate of Dartmouth College who said simply, “Don’t be sad it’s over. Be glad it happened.”

Acorns, like the one photographed on the opposite page, appear only on adult trees and are often seen as a symbol of patience, maturation and the fruition of long, hard labor. In this month’s “LABOR and LOVE” (pg. 15) Ron Roberts gives us a thoughtful glimpse of patience, strength and support that has stood the test of time, much like the acorn suspended in ice.

As we honor those veterans who have served our country we are reminded of the freedom we have to live life as it’s meant to be. This month’s “Troubadour Trumpets” (pg. 23) profiles “Doc” Stewart and his passionate efforts alongside numerous volunteers with NH’s chapter of Rolling Thunder, an organization dedicated to helping U.S. Servicemen and their families, who’ve fought selflessly to defend our freedoms and now face personal trials and tribulations in their lives.

It is the example set by individuals like Stewart and found in communities throughout the Granite State, filled with hard-working, honest and kind neighbors that make us proud to call New Hampshire our home.

Yes, there is comfort to be found living in New Hampshire—a peace of mind and heart that can be described with detail in all this state has to offer, or as succinctly as “a man alone with his walking stick.”

Posted under Letter From The Editor

If it is, in fact, true that— all things are better in threes, or that three is indeed the magic number, then we eagerly anticipate the wonder that awaits us in this, our 3rd year of bringing you The NH Troubadour.

Since re-launching this publication, we have set off across our great state, exploring communities, identifying stories, and profiling people that define the wonderful quality of life we are so fortunate to enjoy in the Granite State. And, we have made countless new friends at each stop along our journey. Yes, it has been our great fortune to sing the praises of New Hampshire throughout the pages of this “wonderful little magazine.”

In this issue we take you on an east-west trek from the Seacoast to the Monadnock region with a stop along the way in our state’s capital. Our feature story (“A Sanctuary Away From it All,” pgs. 4-11) offers a historical perspective on the hidden gem that sparkles as the Isles of Shoals, a secluded group of small islands filled with mystery and romance that straddle the border of New Hampshire and Maine. We follow the shining beacon of the famed White Island lighthouse all the way to the fiery glow of nearly 30,000 jack-o-lanterns, in the Elm City of Keene, which maintains its small town charm, despite looming nearly four times larger than any other town in Cheshire County (pgs. 12-13). Standing prominently in the center of our travels is Concord, where we settle in and share with you the good deeds of the non-profit Fixit organization and its incredible volunteers (“Troubadour Trumpet,” pg. 23).

All told, it’s a heckuva nice trip and we hope you enjoy the ride. As always, we suggest you sit back, relax, and flip through the pages of this issue at your leisure. Enjoy the Troubadour Treasures and how life in our state has both changed and stayed the same over decades. Take pleasure in the original poetry submissions from readers just like you (“Your Troubadour,” pgs. 16-21). And, be sure to reach for the Troubadour when you need a smile, a laugh, a feeling of nostalgia, or a reminder of what makes life in our state so special.

Posted under Letter From The Editor

Entering its 40^th year, Andy’s Summer Playhouse in Wilton has been providing summer entertainment for visitors and artistic opportunities for children since 1971. The brainchild of a pair of Mascenic Regional High School teachers, Andy’s has thrived on the support of countless parents, students and professional artists, including illustrator Elizabeth Orton Jones, of “Little Red Riding Hood” fame. Named in honor of noted Mason author and illustrator C.W. Anderson, Andy’s Playhouse is one of a handful of community theater gems found in the Granite State. In this issue we shine the spotlight on some of NH’s most revered playhouses, prime players, and most precious performances (“All New Hampshire’s a Stage,” pgs. 4-11).

We also celebrate another milestone of sorts—namely the conclusion of our second year of sharing the Troubadour. Since re-introducing this unique blend of people, places, history, heritage and home-spun tales in 2008, we have seen a level of response, enthusiasm and participation that even we didn’t anticipate, both throughout the state and beyond. So much has your support inspired us, that we are creating another opportunity for you to become part of the Troubadour experience (“Our NH,” pg. 22).

In fact, the smiles and stories of life in NH know no borders as we have expanded our reach to include delivery to residents of 39 states, D.C. and parts of Canada. Former NH residents, frequent and casual visitors to the state, and even complete strangers who happen upon an issue of the Troubadour, consistently ask to join our mailing list. And, we happily oblige. Now the challenge is to sign up folks from the states that have not yet discovered our “wonderful little magazine”. So, if you have friends or family in Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri or either of the Dakotas, share a Troubadour and encourage those you know to take part in our publication so we can blanket the country with all the good that NH has to offer!

Posted under Letter From The Editor

Each month as our team collaborates to assemble the magazine you hold in your hands, we giddily surmise that this issue is “The Best Troubadour yet!” Of course, once the pages of the calendar turn, we assume the same routine. Eyes wide with wonder, we review the brilliant photography and vivid poetry, the feature stories and profiles we’ve compiled, and we are reminded of how amazing the state is that we are blessed to call home.

You see, it is easy for us to relish the task of bringing these images and words to you, fresh and focused, in our magazine. And, it’s simpler still, to believe that each new image, poem, town profile, Troubadour Treasure and more, is even better than the last. What takes a moment to ponder, however, is why we are so fortunate to feel this way. The reason that each new issue is indeed better than the last is precisely because of you.

It is you who consistently share this journey with us every step of the way. It is you whose loyal readership and constant offerings of appreciation for this magazine, helps fuel our drive. Through your eyes, we are all reminded how special life in NH can be. You are wizards with words, so gifted and reflecting our feelings and fascination about our special place, and places, in life. You permit us all to live vicariously through your cameras, presenting snapshots of magical moments and superb scenery. You are the boundless source of history, tradition and basic goodness that allows us to write story after story. Collectively, the Troubadour has always been created for and by you.

So, perhaps as we reflect yet again on “The Best Troubadour yet,” we should really remember that we are paying homage as much to the content of the magazine as its creators. With this in mind, I can firmly declare this is, in fact, “The Best Troubadour yet!” And, assuming your continued endorsement and enhanced participation, I expect to make the same proclamation again next issue, and each subsequent issue along the way.

Posted under Letter From The Editor

One glance at this month’s cover should melt away any lasting memories of an icy-blue winter in New Hampshire while offering you a glimpse into a Granite State spring where whispering warm breezes dance in and out of lush greenery and flowering buds. Credit photographer extraordinaire Mark Stevens for expressing the essence of the season that is upon us with his cover image titled “Spring Birches”. We are fortunate to show off on the covers of many issues of the Troubadour the immense talents of Mr. Stevens, who always seems to capture the unique beauty of our state from behind his lens.

This month we treat you to even more impressive photographs, these standing tall atop the highest peak in the Eastern United States—the summit of our very own Mt. Washington. David Lazar braves the elements and opens the doors to the Mt. Washington Observatory to seek out the secrets behind the “world’s worst weather” (“A Seat Atop the Clouds,” pgs. 4-11).

Some say spring in New Hampshire is a paradox. Perhaps you agree. All you need to do is flip through the pages in this issue to find snow sharing space with fresh sod. After all, it is not uncommon to find, at the same time, perhaps just miles apart, one Granite Stater strapping a ski boot into a binding, while another tees up a dimpled ball on the links. And, there is the belief – though somewhat disputed – that on the first day of spring, or vernal equinox, there are exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. For some, this is a perfect balance or harmony in time.

You could advocate that New Hampshire provides the most wonderful symmetry, evidenced in all four of our distinct seasons. You could argue that nowhere else in this land will you simultaneously experience the sweet aroma drifting from a smoldering wood stove and the roar of a lawnmower engine coming to life. Yes, you could tout the many pleasures found within the changing seasons, their inevitable overlap, and the pure delight of those who witness this metamorphosis. For Granite Staters, however, no debate is necessary. We already understand.

Posted under Letter From The Editor

Most of us in New Hampshire will forever remember exactly where we were, and exactly what we were doing on the fateful day early in 1986, when news of the Challenger disaster spread. Many were watching the space shuttle launch, with immense pride, still captivated at the thought of one of our own, Concord High School teacher Christa McAuliffe, embarking on her journey into space. This freshman at Central H.S. in Manchester has a unique recollection of NASA’s teacher in space program, in large part due to the participation of one of our school’s science teachers, Bob Veilleux.

Classrooms throughout the school were broadcasting live network television footage, but for those, like me, in the cafeteria at the time of the launch, it was the grim announcement from our school principal moments after liftoff that will forever remain. This month we offer you not only a reminder of the endless possibilities that McAuliffe embraced with an enthusiastic smile that could brighten any horizon, but also a glimpse into the role Granite Staters have played in space exploration (“Small State, Giant Leap for Mankind,” pgs. 4-11).

Ever since he first set foot in New Hampshire more than two decades ago, Eddie Ithier has been sharing his own smile and so much more with every person he meets. To know Eddie is to immediately feel at ease. As a college basketball player, he first made his mark welcoming fans – none more so than the hundreds of youngsters cheering him on,  with an almost shy, ear-to-ear grin, comforting handshake and kind words after a game. And, he has never stopped reaching out to kids in the community (“Troubadour Trumpets,” pg. 23).

It is the hope that individuals like McAuliffe and Ithier give to all of us that makes each day special. It is a testimony to the power and will of the human spirit to conceive the inconceivable and then accomplish it.

It is a testament to the soul of this great state that whenever it seems darker, or a bit colder, we can find inspiration in the strength and kindness of a neighbor to light the way and warm us up. Yes, in New Hampshire, we are an especially lucky lot.

Posted under Letter From The Editor

Many of you have become dedicated Troubadour readers over these past fifteen months, while some of you may be holding “our wonderful little magazine” in your hands for the very first time. To our faithful friends, we thank you for your continued loyalty and to the newly acquainted, we say welcome.

Some of you, after discovering the Troubadour, ask us where you can find our magazine each month or locate past issues to read, or how you can submit an item of your own for publication. We are flattered that you appreciate our efforts and want to remind you of the following: The Troubadour is mailed to individuals at random, and those on our permanent mailing list. It is also delivered to all public libraries and public schools in NH. Lastly, all of our content is completely archived and easily accessible via our website (www.nhtroubadour.com) where you can browse through our catalog of pictures, poems, feature stories and more, at your own leisure, and free-of-charge, of course.

We have been heartened to see the Troubadour’s reach extend far beyond the borders of the Granite State. In fact, readers from 34 states plus parts of Canada have joined the faithful following of our mailing list. And, many devotees like Susan Scheno, who resides in South Carolina but spends time each summer on Mirror Lake in Tuftonboro, embrace this magazine, not just from afar, but also up close and personal as an original contributor (“Your Troubadour”, pg. 16).

Whether you choose to become intimately involved with this magazine by submitting your own work is up to you –though we hope you do! Above all, we hope that the inspirational images, poems and stories that you experience in each issue of the Troubadour remain fondly in your thoughts and provide you, when needed, with a quick reminder of just how wonderful the people and places of this great state truly are.

We consider it a privilege to act as a sort of goodwill ambassador for the Granite State. It is an honor for us to regale you and others with true tales of the beauty in this, our home. And we cannot stress enough the gratitude we owe you for joining us in our journey, and for celebrating the uplifting moments and memories that give us the greatest of gifts this holiday season and always.

– Michael DeBlasi

Posted under Letter From The Editor