Historic Belknap Mill hosting Anniversary Dinner on Friday evening

LACONIA — Start with complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres followed by a buffet of signature dishes from a dozen local restaurants. Add a program chronicling the invention of American capitalism, the constructing of the Belknap Mill building, and the roots of Laconia Savings Bank. Wrap it all together with a hilarious comedian to put things in perspective and you have the Belknap Mill’s annual fundraiser, “Lakes Region Cuisine and Anniversary Dinner” to be held Friday November 5, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The evening commemorates the completion of construction of the nation’s now, sole surviving, un-altered architectural specimen of the American Industrial Revolution. 187 years ago this November, the building was turned over by builders to its owners. To help preserve this landmark of our nation, the Board of Trustees will present a progression of social, historical culinary and cultural events through the evening.

Beginning at 5:30, guests will be invited to sample appetizers and complimentary wine while they socialize and take in the Women’s Caucus for the Arts 6x6 visual art exhibit in the first floor gallery. At 6:00 the buffet opens upstairs with signature soups, hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts from fine area restaurants.

At 7:00 p.m. the program reminds us all of the important place the nation’s textile mills held in transforming the American and global economies. Eight years after the Belknap Mill was built, Laconia Savings Bank was chartered. Though the bank has since grown to become the state’s largest mutually owned savings bank, the program asserts that the bank’s roots came from the modest savings of Meredith Bridge residents, many of whom had surplus income to deposit because of the new opportunity afforded them by industrialism and capitalism.

According to mill officials however, the evening isn’t to be construed to be a serious lecture on economics. “A well known guest with a propensity for whit and humor will provide the final thoughts on the subject. Our hope is that guests leave laughing, feeling well fed, fortunate to live in a democratic and competitive society, and knowing they have helped to preserve the Belknap Mill for future generations”, said John Moriarty the Mill’s director.

To purchase tickets or for more information call the mill at 524-8813.

CAPTION for MILL ANNIVERSARY

Organizers of the Belknap Mill’s annual fundraiser, Lakes Region Cuisine and Anniversary Dinner prepare to uncork an evening of food and fun. Left to Right are Jim Contigiani of Contigiani’s Catering, Julie Gnerre-Bourgeois of Giuseppe’s Showtime Pizza, and committee members, Marcia Cotter, Peggy Martin and Stephanie Wentworth. (Courtesy photo)