Huse will speak on the history of Laconia Car Company

MEREDITH — Anyone who has lived in this area for a while has seen the word “streetcar” frequently used in various titles. At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, at the Meredith Historical Society, Warren Huse, well-known local historian, will tell the story of the Laconia Car Company and why the word “streetcar” is part of Laconia’s lexicon.

In the mid-1800’s, when the Boston, Concord and Montreal Railroad laid tracks to Meredith Bridge, now Laconia, the abundance of lumber in the area became an ideal location to build rail and streetcars. Passenger, freight and trolley cars were made here and in use throughout the Northeast, including the Mt. Washington Cog Railway. Huse will discuss the 80-year history of a company that once employed up to 1500 local men.

Huse is a life-long resident of Laconia, a Dartmouth graduate and retired Major in the U.S. Army. Much of his working career has been spent in the newspaper business, with jobs ranging from linotype operator to reporter. Since 1990 his “Our Yesterdays” and History pages were enjoyed in the Laconia Citizen, and now continue in the Laconia Daily Sun. He has authored three books on the history of the Laconia area, as well as being active in the Belknap Mill, and Laconia Historical and Museum Society. In addition, he was the stage manager for the New Hampshire Music Festival for 22 years.

The Meredith Historical Society is located at 45 Main St, next to the town offices. This presentation is free and the public is welcome. Handicap access is via the Highland St. entrance. Refreshments will be served. 

Warren Huse (Courtesy photo)