Bank of New Hampshire Supports the Belknap Mill Society

LACONIA — Bank of New Hampshire is proud to support the Historic Belknap Mill Society's "Restoring an Iconic Laconia Landmark: The Historic Belknap Mill" capital campaign with a check for $20,000.

"Being 182 years old, Bank of New Hampshire understands the importance of preserving a historic landmark such as the Belknap Mill," stated Mark Primeau, President & CEO for Bank of New Hampshire. "The Belknap Mill is a staple in the Lakes Region community and Bank of New Hampshire is proud to be able to help."

The Belknap Mill Society was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1970. The Society's mission is "to preserve and protect the Belknap Mill, maintain an historical museum, and support and provide cultural and educational opportunities for Laconia and the Lakes Region." As they work to sustain their mission they recognize that their historic structure is in need of profound renovation and safety improvements, due to long-deferred maintenance and replacement and updating of critical equipment. The Board formed a Building Committee that obtained professional assessments of the building's needs and developed short- and long-term improvement plans. The capital campaign has set out to raise a total of $101,000 to meet its goal.

The Belknap Mill Society is working to restore the mill's exterior. This work is important; the Belknap Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Place and the exterior appearance of the Belknap Mill gives the public its first impression of the facility. Given the Mill's location, and its status as a very recognizable landmark in the city of Laconia, its appearance also contributes to viewers' impressions of Laconia's downtown area.

Work has already started on a number of restoration projects, including repair and restoration of the cupola, base, clerestory, main roof, and end gables and replacement of the flagpole that traditionally stood in front of the Mill. The generous donation from Bank of New Hampshire has given the Belknap Mill a jump-start on the work that needs to be done.

Commented Historic Belknap Mill Society trustee and building committee chair Steve Weeks, "The donation shows Bank of New Hampshire's commitment to the Lakes Region and the Laconia community. The Belknap Mill was built in 1823 and repairs are often needed on such a historic structure; we are proud to work with Bank of New Hampshire to preserve this important part of our shared New Hampshire heritage."

For more information on the Historic Belknap Mill, visit www.belknapmill.org.

Bank of New Hampshire, founded in 1831, provides deposit, lending and wealth management products and services to families and businesses throughout New Hampshire. With 21 banking offices throughout New Hampshire and assets exceeding $1 billion, Bank of New Hampshire is the oldest and largest independent bank in the state. Bank of New Hampshire is a mutual organization, focused on the success of the bank's customers, communities and employees, rather than stockholders. For more information, call 1-800-832-0912 or visit www.BankNH.com.

Photo Caption (L-R):

George B. Roberts, Jr., President of the Belknap Mill Society; Vickie Routhier, VP – Director of Marking and Public Relations for Bank of New Hampshire; J. P. Paquette of JP Paquette Construction and Steve Weeks, Belknap Mill Society trustee and building committee chairman. (Courtesy photo)