History of Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA

1833 - First tax-supported U.S. public library founded, Peterborough, New Hampshire

The Old Farmer's Almanac www.almanac.com

1839 - Peterborough
Peterborough, New Hampshire
Hillsborough county. This town lies midway between Amherst and Keene, being 20 miles from each. It is 75 miles W.S.W. from Portsmouth, 60 N.W. from Boston, and 40 S.W. from Concord. Peterborough lies in a N.E. direction from the Grand Monadnock and is bounded on the E. by a chain of hills called Pack Monadnock. Contoocook river runs in a N.W. and N. direction through the centre of the town, affording several good privileges for mills and factories. The N. branch, from Dublin, originating partly from waters near the Monadnock, and partly from Long, or Hunt's pond, lying in Nelson and Hancock, affords a never-failing supply of water, and furnishes those noble falls, on which are situated several factories. There are extensive and valuable meadows on this branch, above these falls; and the soil generally throughout the town is excellent. In the centre of the town is a high hill, on which is situated the meeting house, at an elevation of 200 feet above the... Read MORE...

1854 - Peterborough
Peterborough, or Petersborough, a post- township in Hillsborough Co., New Hampshire, 34 miles 8. W. from Concord. Population. 2222.
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.

1875 - THE PETERBOROUGH FIRE
A Journal dispatch gives the particulars of the disastrous fire at Peterborough, by which the machine shop of Granville P. Felt with the storehouse connected therewith, were entirely consumed at 1 o'clock on Wednesday morning. It appears that the fire was discovered by Mr. Felt at 5 minutes before 11 o'clock on Tuesday night, and had made such headway that he was unable to start his force-pump, but gave the alarm and directed his energies to saving his books and papers, in which he succeeded. The progress of the fire was so rapid that but comparatively little of the stock on hand was saved. Mr. Felt is proprietor and manufacturer of the so-called People's Pump, and employed when in full operation 25 hands, a large part of whom will be thrown out of employment during the winter months. He had also recently added a large amount of new and valuable machinery for his pump manufactory, all of which, with a large stock in course of completion, will be a total loss. The entire loss,... Read MORE...

1895 - Peterborough
Peterborough, peeter-bür-rüh, a post-village in Peterborough township, Hillsborough co., N.H., on the Contoocook River, and on the Monadnock Railroad, about 33 miles S.W. of Concord, and 18 miles E. by S. of Keene. It has a newspaper office, a national bank, a savings-bank, 5 churches, and manufactures of cotton and woollen goods and thermometers. Pop. of the township, 2236.
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

1902 - Flames Cause Serious Losses In Peterborough
Peterborough. N. H., Dec. 7.---Tarbell’s block, a three story granite building owned by A. B. Tarbell, was gutted by fire early today, causing a loss of $15,000 on the building and $20,000 on personal property.

The building, which was one of the most important in town, contained six stores, five of which were occupied, four offices and three tenements.

The principal losers are Henry S. Peabody, a dealer in small wares, over $7000, Mrs. F. K. Langley, milliner, $5000, and Frank E. Russell, boots and shoes, $2000.
Portsmouth Herald
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
December 8, 1902

1903 - WORST IN YEARS. Peterborough The Victim Of A Disastrous Conflagration.
Peterborough, N. H., Jan. 15.---The most disastrous fire in years raged for 3 hours this afternoon in Peterborough.

It started in the establishment of the Peterborough Steam Laundry and the 4-story building occupied by the Laundry company, the Peterborough Transcript Publishing company and several other concerns and the grain elevator of Walbridge and Taylor were destroyed. George Jarvin, and employe(sic) of the laundry, was seriously burned.

The fire was caused by the explosion of a can of naphtha in the laundry. The money loss is $22,000, with an insurance of $18,000.
Portsmouth Herald
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
January 16, 1903

1906
Peterboro, pee'ter-bur-rfih, a banking post-village in Peterboro township (town), Hillsboro oo., N.H., on the Contoocook River and on the Boston and Maine R., 33 miles SW. of Concord. It has manufactures of cotton and woollen goods, thermometers, trusses, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2527.
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

Whether you're a local looking for new experiences or a visitor exploring this lovely town, there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Peterborough. Here's a list to get you started:
Downtown Stroll: Begin your visit with a leisurely stroll through downtown Peterborough. The town center is lined with historic buildings, unique shops, and inviting cafes. It's a great place to soak in the local atmosphere.

Mariposa Museum: Explore the Mariposa Museum, which showcases a diverse collection of international art and artifacts. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into different cultures from around the world.

Peterborough Players: If you enjoy theater, don't miss a performance at the Peterborough Players. This professional theater company has been entertaining audiences for decades with a wide range of productions.

MacDowell Colony: Discover the MacDowell Colony, an artist's retreat located just outside Peterborough. While you can't tour the private studios, you can visit the grounds and experience the serene environment that has inspired countless artists, writers, and composers.

Hiking: Peterborough is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Take a ... Read MORE...