About the Program: On December 26, 1980, Mylon and Ida Merriam, longtime summer residents with a deep commitment to conservation, donated 119.56 acres of forested land to the Town of Woodstock, located on the North-Northeast side of Tripoli Road. By deed, the property was to be known as the Merriam Woods and “...be maintained forever as open space devoted to general conservation purposes and the protection of forest and/or agricultural resources.” The Woodstock Conservation Commission (WCC) was charged with managing the property. Who were Mylon and Ida, and how has the Town of Woodstock worked to preserve this property for public benefit and recreation? Jim Chesebrough, Secretary of the WCC, presents a short history of the land and the actions taken by the Town of Woodstock “to maintain and enhance the productive capacity of the land for present and future forest crops” and “ensure conservation and/or preservation of the property for public benefit and recreation."
About the Presenter: Jim Chesebrough first visited the area in the late 1950’s but did not come to live here until 1981. He was a music teacher at the Lin-wood Public School for twenty years and left to teach first at Yale and later at Keene State College. In 2018, he retired and was once again able to enjoy the many opportunities Lincoln-Woodstock had to offer. He has always been interested in local histories and has been a member of the Upper Pemigewasset Historical Society since its inception. He and his wife Connie are active in many community and cultural organizations.
Join us for an afternoon of great food, friendly competition, and community fun at our 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off & Block Party!
Whether you're bringing your best chili recipe or coming to taste and vote, this event is a highlight of the season—and a delicious way to support the Upper Pemigewasset Historical Society.
🧑🍳 **Chili Cook-Off Competitors:** FREE to enter! Think your chili is the best around? Sign up and put it to the test. Register here: https://forms.gle/JpFhbfqLZWTTVk1w6
🌶️ **Taste & Vote:** $15 per person. Sample the competing chilis and help crown this year's People's Choice winner. No advance purchase required—tasting tickets will be available at the event.
🎉 **Block Party:** FREE to attend! Enjoy music, yard games, community fun, and the UPHS Museum. No ticket required to attend the block party—only those tasting and judging chili need to purchase a tasting ticket.