History of Milford, New Hampshire, USA

1839 - Milford
Milford, New Hampshire
Hillsborough county, is bounded E. by Amherst, and is 31 miles S. by W. from Concord. Milford lies on both sides of Souhegan river, which runs through the town from W. to E., forming a rich meadow or intervale, from 1/ 4 to 1/ 2 a mile wide. The banks of this river are annually overflowed, by which means, the soil, which is black and deep, is much enriched. This town has excellent water privileges and there is a valuable factory in the village. Population, 1830, 1,303.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - Milford
Milford, a post-township of Hillsborough co., New Hampshire, about 29 miles S. by W. from Concord. Population, 2159.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1865 - Drowning
Mr. Ephraim Crosby, a son of Rufus Crosby of Milford, was drowned last week. He was subject to fits, and having gone out for chestnuts, stopped at a brook, and probably in a fit fell in and was drowned. His age was twenty-five years. - Farmer's Cabinet Newspaper
New-Hampshire Sentinel
Keene, New Hampshire
October 26, 1865

Flood - 1869
MILFORD.

We learn from Milford that the damage there is great. The double arch granite bridge over the Souhegan at the village was affected. Both foot bridges were carried away, and the County Bridge, as it is termed, near East Wilton line, made impassable. The dam and canal of the Pine Valley Carpet Co., are ruined, and also the stone bridge across the road near that point. Daniel Putnam's dam, near the stream mill gave way. Several small buildings were carried away from just below Gilson's dam, and some of the residents of houses there were rescued in boats. At the lower corporation a building was carried away, and the water ran three feet deep, through the lower story. The loss to this Company along is estimated at $15,000.

Messrs. Howison & Marvell lose very heavily in lumber, an immense quantity of which was floated off.

Four hundred coads[sic] of wood belonging to the Souhegan Manufacturing Co. was carried off. The loss to the Pine Valley Co. is $5,000.- Messrs. Gileon... Read MORE...

1869 - Parsonage Problem
A church society in Milford, N.H., having repaired its church and raised its pastor's salary, set about providing him with a parsonage. Contributions of five thousand dollars were made, and a house bought, the deed drawn up, and the money ready to be paid, when it was found that the former deed was given in Know Nothing times, and forbade the sale of the land to any foreigner, and also prohibited any foreigner ever to reside upon it. Such restrictions were not to be agreed to, and the society are now looking for another house.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
November 13, 1869

1895 - Milford
Milford, a post-village in Milford township, Hillsborough co., N.H. on Souhegan River, and on the Nashua & Wilton Railroad, 11 miles N.W. of Nashua, and 25 miles N.W. of Lowell. It has 1 or 2 cotton-mills, a tannery, several granite-quarries, a furniture-factory, a national bank, a savings bank, a high school, a newspaper office and 2 churches, Pop. of township, 2606.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Milford, a banking post-village in Milford township (town), Hillsboro co., N.H., on the Souhegan River and on the Boston and Maine R., 25 miles NW. of Lowell. It has cotton-mills, granite-quarries, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3739.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1910 Schoolhouse and Farm Buildings Are Burned
Milford, N. H., March 25. - Two forest fires that raged here simultaneously today destroyed the Shedd schoolhouse and the buildings on the Totterman estate in West Milford and the buildings on the Charles Penault farm in South Milford. Students from Milford Academy aided in fighting the flames, which threatened the home of Charles Flanders, near the Totterman place. The total loss is placed at about $600, distributed as follows: Schoolhouse, $1000; Penault buildings, $1700; Totterman buildings, $2500.
The Boston Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
March 26, 1910

1914 - Carrier Pigeon is Bridal Messenger
"NEW YORK, Nov. 3 - Ever since a Belgian rabbit escaped from one of the rooms on the fifth floor of the Prince George hotel, A. M. Gutterson, the assistant manager, has been especially on alert to see that no persons take animals to their rooms. Yesterday Mr. Gutterson observed a man carrying a small basket. He had looked at the register and observed that the man was E. Alburn of Milford, N. H."

"Mr. Alburn seemd to be very careful about the little basket, which he had refused to give to one of the hallboys. Finally Mr. Gutterson thought that Mr. Alburn was hiding a small dog, and he asked him what he had in the basket."

"'I live on a small farm outside Milford.' said Mr. Alburn, smiling, 'and unfortunately I have no telephone. The telegraph station is closed on Sunday. I have just been married and have been called to this city on important business. It was impossible to bring Mrs. Alburn with me and she was anxious to receive word when I arrived in this city, so I brought a... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Milford:
Heron Pond Farm: Start your visit with some farm-fresh fun at Heron Pond Farm. You can pick your own fruits and vegetables, depending on the season, or explore their farm stand for delicious local produce.

Milford Oval: The Milford Oval is the heart of the town. Stroll around this historic village green, which is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and colonial-style buildings. It's a great place to start your exploration.

Milford Historical Society Museum: Dive into the town's past by visiting the Milford Historical Society Museum. Learn about the history of the area, its early settlers, and its role in the American Revolution. The museum is housed in a beautiful old schoolhouse.

The Pasta Loft Restaurant: Hungry? Head to the Pasta Loft Restaurant for a cozy dining experience. They serve up delicious Italian cuisine, hearty burgers, and a great selection of craft beers. It's a local favorite.

Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary: Nature enthusiasts will love the Ponemah Bog... Read MORE...