Belknap Mill Marks 188th Anniversary with November 4 Gala

LACONIA — The Historic Belknap Mill will celebrate its 188th anniversary with a fundraising dinner on Friday, November 4 which will feature fare from local restaurants and a performance by a bell ringing chorus.

"With the tremendous support of area restaurateurs, businesses and other organizations, we look forward to a fun evening themed around the Belknap Mill’s historic bell," said Stephen Cotter, president of the Belknap Mill Society.

The evening will begin with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at 5:30, followed by a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. donated by area restaurants.

Musical entertainment will be provided by the "Hallelujah Bells" ensemble from the First United Methodist Church of Gilford. Bell Ringers, those generous donors of $5,000 or more, will be recognized during the evening’s program.

The evening will also include a brief history of the Mill’s historic bell, originally cast in 1823 by George Holbrook, an apprentice to Paul Revere. This will be presented by Mary Boswell, former long-time executive director of the Belknap Mill and current executive director of The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens in Newbury, New Hampshire.

The public is encouraged to get a group of friends together to support this historic community landmark by purchasing a table for eight for the discounted rate of $300. Individual tickets are $40 each or two for $75. Call the Mill at 524-8813 to reserve seats.

Featured restaurants this year include Contigiani’s Catering Service, Fratello’s Ristorante Italiano, Giuseppe’s Pizzeria and Ristorante, Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant, Kevin’s Café, Laconia Village Bakery, O Steak and Seafood, Patrick’s Pub and Eatery, T-Bones/Cactus Jack’s, and Woodshed Roasters. Other donations have been made to date by Awakenings Espresso Café, Curt’s Caterers, Lyons Den Restaurant, The Soda Shoppe and Tavern 27.

The event is also supported in part by Taylor Rental, Belknap Landscape Company, and Appletree Nursery.

Founded in 1970 as the Save the Mills Society, the Belknap Mill Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to preserve and maintain the Historic Belknap Mill, a building of unique national and historical importance.

The Belknap Mill serves as the Official Meetinghouse of New Hampshire, as a center promoting the support of the arts, cultural growth and community activities. The mill is available for special events, programs and meetings, in addition to its educational exhibits and art gallery that are open free to the public. Its 4th grade New Hampshire History program entitled "My First Day of Work at the Mill" has shared local history with thousands of students from all over New England.

Built in 1823 as a textile mill, the Historic Belknap Mill is open all year round, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, and Saturdays until 3 p.m.

CAPTION

The Belknap Mill celebrates its 188th anniversary on November 4 with a fundraising dinner. Pictured are some of the event sponsors: Dale Squires of Belknap Landscape, Kevin Fisk of Kevin’s Café, Annelle Gnerre of Giuseppe’s Ristorante, Rob Clifford of Fratello’s, Arthur Kirk of Patrick’s Pub, Julie Gnerre-Bourgeois of Giuseppe’s, and Kevin Halligan of Laconia Village Bakery. Other sponsors include Contigiani’s, Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant, O’s Steak & Seafood, and T-Bones/Cactus Jack’s. For more information, call 524-8813. (Photo by Ann Sprague)