Town of Hooksett New Hampshire

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About Hooksett, NH > History of Hooksett, NH

Hooksett Historical Sketches
written by Charles R. Hardy (1891-1978)

Mr. Hardy served as the Town Clerk of Hooksett for 37 years (1929 - 1966). "To the inhabitants of Hooksett and the descendants of its early settlers wherever located; and to all those with whom I became associated during my years as clerk of the town, this history is respectfully dedicated." Charles R. Hardy

Introduction
This is not intended as a comprehensive history of the Town of Hooksett, but as a record of some events and highlight happenings beginning from the time the earliest mention is made of people and events recorded in various town records and histories, namely: Chester, Goffstown and Dunbarton, of which this town was originally a part... read more>

Charter Data - Chester
In the early 1700's, interested parties began to hold meetings for the purpose of petitioning the Province Officials of the Province of New Hampshire for a charter to form the Town of Chester, or "Checher" as it was first referred to... read more>

Town Officers, Chester
Chosen at the first meeting under the charter of the Town of Chester held the 28th day of March, 1723, were Selectmen, a town clerk, Moderator, constable and Surveyors, sometimes know as lot-layers. By previous acts of George the 1st and George the 2nd, towns were required to designate persons to serve as deer inspectors, hay-wards, field drivers, fishwards, hogreeves, sealers of leather, tythingmen, and cullers of staves... read more>

Hooksett Historical Sketches

Hooksett Historical Sketches, a history of Hooksett from 1822-1968, was written by Charles R. Hardy who served as Town Clerk for Hooksett from March 1929 to March 1966.

This is the only stand-alone history of Hooksett. Originally published in 1969, it has been out-of-print for decades. A soft-cover second edition, sponsored by the Heritage Commission, is available in Hooksett for $20 at Barrett Insurance, Town Clerk’s Office, Public Library, and Robie’s Country Store.

All proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the Heritage Commission.

Copies may also be ordered by writing to
Hooksett.Heritage@verizon.net

The Boston Post Cane
The cane-presenting tradition dates back to the turn of the century when 431 canes were made. The stylish walking sticks were made available to numerous northeastern municipalities by the former Boston Post newspaper. The idea of having New England’s selectmen and mayors pay tribute to their eldest citizen by ceremoniously awarding them the canes was originally conceived as an advertising gimmick by the then Post Editor Edward A. Grozier. Baring no expense, Grozier reportedly hired a leading cane manufacturer in New York to craft the canes out of African-imported wood and to gild the tips of each with 14 carat gold. Grozier also specified that only the finest French varnish be used to coat the Post canes, each of which took nearly a year to produce from start to finish. This information was provided to the Administration Department by Alpha Chevrette of Hooksett, NH and John Gunnerson of Candia, NH and we thank both of them for providing us this history.

If you would like to see Hooksett’s Boston Post Cane, it is on display in a handmade case on the first floor of the Municipal Building. The glass encased display case was handmade by Lucien Duhaime, son-in-law of the current holder of the Boston Post Cane, Mrs. Mildred Currier Wrenn. Judith Casey assisted with a gold lame interior in which the cane rests on.

Our goal is to create two plaques to hang beside the display case. One will have the history of the cane listed above and the other will have the names and years of the cane holders.

If you know of anyone who had the honor of being awarded Hooksett’s Boston Post Cane please contact Evelyn Horn in the Administration Department at 485-8472 or e-mail us.

Town Clerk Hours:

Mon-Tue: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Wed: 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
Thur-Fri: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm