After Thoughts About Old Home Day on the Heights

Yesterday former and current residents came together to renew friendships, meet new residents, enjoy food, music, possibly win a prize, view numerous posters attached to the back wall of the Heights Community Center, and talk about memories of the Heights formerly known as the Concord Plains, Dark Plains, and as one newspaper reporter didn't report, Burglars Island.  Yes, the first official name for the Heights was Burglars Island.  Then it became known as the Dark Plains, Concord Plains, and Concord Heights.   While some who moved to the Heights in the later 50's, 60's or 70's and then moved away, there were some who were born on the Heights and never moved away.  Mrs. Irene Spaulding, who was born on the Heights and never moved away received a cane for the oldest person present at 92.  Her parents or my grandparents Howard & Ethel Dale built the first house on East Sugar Ball at the very end.  Today that house or my first home was taken when they built I-393.    Rick Barasso and his family came from Florida to attend the event.  His mother and sister along with other relatives still reside in the area.  Concord Grange, first known as Pineconia Grange, held a bake sale to raise funds for their 100th anniversary yesterday.  Unfortunately, it was never announced they were there but members sold some goodies.   Some of the older residents talked about the Grange and brought photos of the inside of the hall showing a musical show that had been presented.  The Grange was the hub for many activities on the Heights.   Today, the hall was sold and torn down by the new owner.  In its place is a beautiful grassy area with a nice flagpole.   Dave Ford has created a nice area.   

It was nice to see some former school mates who went to Dame School and then onto Rundlett or some went to the Catholic schools.   Many of us talked about Mrs. Guimond, who was the principal or Mrs. Sanderson (later Westover) who taught second grade.   You never got into trouble with either of these two ladies because if you did, well let's say, you didn't want to get into trouble.   

Although, the homes that once stood on either side of Loudon Road are gone with fast food restaurants, convenience stores with gasoline pumps, or a mall now standing there, the memories are still there.  Today, the Fourth of July parade is gone, but the Christmas Parade is still going and brings many people to the Heights to view it.  The Grange Hall may be gone, but the members are still here meeting, working on numerous projects to help members and non members alike.   The Immanuel Community Church is over one hundred years old is still holding worship services in their small church on Grover Street.    Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, some thought was the only church on the Heights, is heading toward its 60th birthday.  Concord Christian Academy located on Pembroke Road or Regional Drive has transformed the former Centennial Senior Center into a great Christian School for students in K-12.   There are several more smaller churches who fill the needs for those needing religion in their life.     

Dame School, which closed about two years ago, is now reborn as the new home for the Concord Recreation Department.  The halls and rooms used to be active with students and teachers now feature programs for all ages, Concord Community Television taping shows from two rooms, and much more. 

The brush fires that many people remembered that happened where the Steeplegate Mall stands or where Shaw's Supermarket is, used to be Twin State Lumber Company are now history.   The brush fires that started at the back of the Airport, jumped to Pembroke Road and then through the brush and to Loudon Road and jumped again to Old Loudon Road.  That was one of the worst brush fires I can remember.   There were fears that it was going to go to Portsmouth Street and into East Sugar Ball Road.  

Yesterday's event may have been dedicated to one or two families in particular, but let's not forget Everett & Victoria Mahoney, Bill & Barbara Perry, Vivian, Vera, Henry, Raymond Lillia Champney, the Coloumbe family, the Foote family, the Prescott family, The Venne family, the WElcome family, the Drew family,the Towle family, the Maxner family, and yes the Dale Family who were here in the early 1900's and so many more!   They were the ones we should remember and thank for passing onto us a great community.     I can remember someone saying don't build it in our section of Concord, send it to the Heights, they accept everything.  Well, maybe we do but we are very proud of our  Burglar's Island.  

I am currently writing a second part to the History of the Heights remembering Leigh & Edna Woodman,  Sylain family, Mardens, Paiges, Welch, and more.   If you didn't get a copy of the first history I wrote, please let me know and I will be happy to get one to you.   Contact me at   dickpatten7@gmail.com    and i will mail it to you.