History of 'The Farm at the Laconia State School' topic of presentation at Moultonborough Public Library May 31

MOULTONBOROUGH — The history of "The Farm at the State School" will be the topic of a free program hosted by the Heritage Commission at the Public Library at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31.

For the first in this year’s Community Landmarks Series, Gordon DuBois will speak on the history of self-sustaining agricultural enterprise in operation from 1901-1971. The farm was an integral part of the Laconia State School, which was established by the state legislature in 1901 and opened in 1903 as the New Hampshire School for the Feeble-Minded. The original 250-acre school and farm property was located along Parade Road, a site selected in part because of its prime agricultural land. Inducements offered by Laconia also helped to secure the city’s bid for the institution. By 1913, the property had expanded to 485 acres.

The working farm was crucial to the school’s operation, both for its production of food and for its role in providing residents the benefits of "hard labor" in contributing to their keep. The farm was a source of pride for the institution, and annual reports list extensive agricultural and dairy products, while detailing income generated by the farm. A 1962 brochure notes how “The School farm not only provides a training area for the residents but produces (annually) more than $100,000 worth of produce each year.” The dairy herd was recognized as one of the finest in the state, and the auction of its 105 head of registered Holsteins in 1971 marked the end of the State School farm operation.

All are welcome to attend this presentation. For more information, call 476-8895, see the Heritage Commission web page at www.moultonboroughnh.gov, or visit www.moultonboroughlibrary.org.