Photo by George Meyer _

— The Farmington News, 1882 -

The clock was manufactured and placed in position by E. Howard & CO, of
Boston, whose productions are considered to stand foremost in this country.
The following dimensions, while some of them may not be exact, are sufficiently
correct for the purpose: Height of clock frame- 6 feet; length of clock frame-5 feet;
width-22 inches; Diameter of main wheel-16 inches; Length of striking line-140 feet;
length of pendulum- 8 1/2 feet; weight of pendulum ball-75 lbs; and weight of
striking hammer-60 lbs.
continued on page 2

The striking weight weighs 1200 pounds. The hands are moved by four horizontal
shafts connected by bevel gearing to the main shaft, which extends perpendicularly
to the clock below, a distance of some thirty five feet. "What is the matter with the
clock?" is a question for which there has been an occasional reason for asking, more
particularly of late. One cause during the winter is the lodgment of snow and ice on
the dial and hands, but the chief trouble is, and always has been, from the moisture
contained in the warm air which rises from the church below; this condenses and
forms frost and ice on the walls of the tower, and in the shaft box; during warm
days it melts and not withstanding all the means taken to prevent it, will sometimes
find its way to the hangings and gearings connected to the shaft; this afterward
becoming again frozen, stops the clock.

An occasional stoppage from the above caused during the winter season is
unavoidable. The only exception to this was that last autumn, some of the numerous
sets of gearing connected with the shafting in the steeple, became bound in
consequence of the springing of a timber. Being absent from town, the clock
remained at a standstill.

It has also failed to strike a few times, by reason of the breaking of the wire rope
which draws back the striking hammer.

There are three main areas to the tower. There is the clock itself, which is
uppermost. Below it is the bellhousing and below that is the gear room, which
houses the 4*X2! gear assemt%—fhe bell housing contains the giant bell itself,
approximately five feet across at its base. There are three separate clapper motions
to the bell.

A clapper on the outside, driven by the gears, automatically hits the bell to chime
the hours. The inside clapper is attached to two ropes. One moves only the clapper
and arouses a series of short intonations. The second moves the whole bell, and
continuous pulling on this rope causes the tolling sound.

It is not an easy climb into the tower, but a fascinating one. Names of those who
made it to the top are etched on the walls.

In the mid 1940*s Farmington almost lost it's Town Clock, when lightening struck
the bell tower.

continued on page 3



August 6, 1943's Farmington News reported: Farmington and vicinity was the
chief target for the bombardment in the midafternoon last Saturday, when almost
from a clear sky, the lightening, accompanied by deafening thunder, flashed out and
caused considerable damage over a wide area. Damage of major importance was
inflicted on the Farmington Congregational Church when a bolt of lightning struck
the tip of the weathervane and ripped open the tall spire for a distance of over
twenty feet downward, then crossed the space and crashed out through the rear side
of the steeple. Fortunately, it passed out before reaching the clock, so that the
timepiece was not disturbed. No fire resulted, but the damage is not yet estimated.
However, the building was well covered by insurance.

August 20, 1943 Farmington News went on to say: Work is underway in the
repair of the spire on the Congregational Church which was damaged to the amount
of $1350 by lightning which struck during a storm on the afternoon of August 1.
Examination by contractors and adjusters disclosed that the bolt destroyed some of
the supporting timbers for a distance of about sixty feet and had torn open the
steeple to considerable extent. The full amount of the estimated cost of replacement
was granted by the insurance and no time was lost in preparing to restore the spire.
The Hall Brothers of Berwick, experienced steeple workers, are the contractors in
charge of the repairs, and the men working on their lofty rigging have fascinated all
who had the opportunity to observe them.

Operations are progressing rapidly and soon this portion of the church will be
restored to its former appearance.

The Farmington News, Sept. 3, 1943: Everyone within hearing distance of the
Town Clock, welcomed the sound of its striking the hour on Wednesday evening
after a silence since operations started to repair the steeple of the brick church
which was damaged by lightning. The large dials of the clock were removed to the
repair shop of Andrew Foss, chief engineer of the precinct, where they were newly
painted black with gold letters. This completed the restoration work on the spire
which has been in progress for several weeks.









This is a digital file and also resides in the physical collection.


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The opening text reads:

FARM1NGT0N HIGH SCHOOL
DEDICATION
AUGUST 25, 1996

This date was the culmination of
just over two years of eager
anticipation beginning July 18,
1994.

It was on that date that James
and Beulah Thayer proposed their
generous donation to a very
surprised School Board.
Their gift, coupled with State
Aid, the sale of bonds, and voter
approval, started the beginning of
the dream of a new high school.
That dream is now a reality.

Good luck to all the students for a
great school year!!




This is a digital file and also resides in the physical collection.

FHS-Kyle Leach]]>

The text reads:

This issue of The Puddledock Press is dedicated to the memory of Roger Belanger or Rog-B as most knew him. Roger recently passed away after a period of declining health at age 71.

It has been said that the typical date of birth, dash, date of death is misleading. The dash is such a small symbol for a life. Rog- B's life was that of a very dedicated person. He was dedicated to his family, church, community and this publication.

He started at the Press in advisory capacity and of course, that was not enough so he began to work with the staff at every meeting, finding old stories, setting up the pages, laying out the stories, delivering the paper and more. In the months that Rog was not well and unable to help, this staff realized how much he contributed and how he was missed!

When not working on the Puddledock, Rog was active with St. Peter's Church where he was recently honored with a plaque from his church "family". He assisted with the Interfaith-food Pantry. He was recognized with a Community Achievement Award and was the Puddledock Press Person of the Year in 1987. The Farmington Historical Society had him present programs on Farmington history several times and of course his famous political collection was featured at the Goodwin Library on occasion.

Perhaps more than -the awards, we would like to think he enjoyed the waves, hellos, and thank-you's from many, many people who knew him as he walked around town sprucing up our comrmunity He will be missed.






FHS-Kyle Leach]]>

Text of article reads:

Photo cations:

Eugene Nute, First President, Farmington Historical Society
Group Photo-

Back Row Ned Parker, Delores Bridges, Mary Cloutman
Front Row Iola Sabine, Lillian Emerson, Henry Johnson


FHS-Kyle Leach]]>

The article reads:

Varney's Market

There is a country store in town that his been here since approximately 1900. Eighty-six years ago; Ma,. Pa, Junior and Sally could have walked into this store and been greeted by friendly and soft-hearted "Mr. Owner" He would have supplied Ma with her cooking staples and Pa with his tobacco or cigar, and I Just bet Junior and Sally would have left with a smile , compliments of "Mr Owner" who had Just given
them each a candy stick.

The scene has not changed much today at Varney's Market aside from the products family members might purchase. For example, Pa probably steps in for a pack of cigarettes and a rack of beer. Ma picks up her instant potatoes & microwave veggies. Junior and Sally, their rock magazines & diet soda and chances are they might still leave with a smile, compli-ments of Mr Dick Nichols, Proprietor, who had Just given them each a fruit roll-up.

Mr. Nichols, a native of Mass, brought his wife & family to Farmington nine years ago. Looking for an Independent and quieter way of life , they bought the store and started their business  and new way of life.

Well-known to children and dogs for his soft heart and tasty treats, he is the perfect reflection of the"Mr.Owner" character. He stocks a variety of items that meet the needs of everyday life, making it convenient for residents to shop in town rather than travel to a grocery store out of town, especially for those who have no transportation.

Mr. and Mrs. Nichols  are happy residents of Farmington, who enjoy the people and simple living of a small town, which In turn  makes doing business at Varney's Market an enjoyable experience.

These photos are stored together. They are from different periods of time. Last pulled together for possible use in August 1986.

FHS-Kyle Leach

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The text of the article reads:

The First Annual Puddledock Press Man & Woman of the Year contest was certainly a great success. With the choices, you, the voters, have made, we have two well -deserving public worthies reigning for this
year. Man of the Year, John Nolan, is well known within the commun-ity for his work with our youngsters. His dedication has given kids innovative programs suited for healthy development, which is vital in the growth into productive and responsible adults. Also, John's work in the community as a whole has shown the system of civic input as one way of concerned residents making a difference in the change or improvement of their town.

Woman of the Year, Phyllis Kuligowski, is also active in community affairs. After twenty-one years of service to the Goodwin Library , Phyllis is retiring. She has been instrumental in the growth and up-
dating of our Public Library and has instituted such programs as the Children's Reading Hour and the annual Art Exhibition. Phyllis is currently holding an office in the New Durham and Farmington Histori-
cal Society along with Deaconess of the Congregational Church in town As a co-worker states, "Phyllis is involved in many organizations,but
does not advertise her civic commitments," She is dedicated and me-ticulous in every endeavor she may fortake, yet, she prefers to re-main "unsung".

We The Puddledock Staff, would like to congratulate John and Phyllis and thank YOU, the public, for participating!



These photos are stored together. They are from different periods of time. Last pulled together for possible use in September 1986.

FHS-Kyle Leach]]>


These photos are stored together. They are from different periods of time. Last pulled together for possible use in August 1986.

FHS-Kyle Leach]]>

Better known as "Brownie" by most of the
townspeople, Sgt. Brown first joined the
police department back in 196^, as a
part-time police officer. Four years
later he became a full-time officer, and
finally was promoted to his present rank.

having 22 years in this department, we
asked Sgt. Brown to talk about some of
the changes that have taken place. "Law
enforcement itself has changed over the
years," he said, "as well as the depart-
ment. We have grown from a 2 man depart-
ment to the present, which consists of 8
full-tine officers, 11 specials and two
dispatchers."

The safety of all our citizens is a main
concern of Sgt. Brown's, especially the
children who walk to and from school each
day. It is for this reason that he would
like to see a new sidewalk installed a-
long School Street, so the kids will no
longer have to walk in the road.


These photos are stored together. They are from different periods of time. Last pulled together for possible use in August 1986.

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"Located at 113 North Main Street is the HILLTOP NURSERY, owned and operated by Orrin J. Wilson. Mr. Wilson has been in the Nursery business for 20 years. A native of Farmington, he resided in Rochester for 37 years before returning to his home town 7 years ago. His nursery offers a wide selection of decorative trees, fruit trees, and a varied supply of shrubs. Among all of this greenery, you will also find lovely crafts made by Mrs. Wilson and beautiful clocks made by Mr. Wilson, who states that each one is an original , not any two are alike. These clocks would be a plus to any home and are very reasonably priced. I am sure you will find that doing business at the HILLTOP NURSERY a pleasant experience."


These photos are stored together. They are from different periods of time. Last pulled together for possible use in July 1986.

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