Samples of Houses with Markers

111 Mace Road

Members of the Hampton Heritage Commission visited the home of Sandra Kent at 111 Mace Rd. in Hampton to view the latest Hampton House Marker to be displayed. Mrs. Kent researched the origins of her home and found that although the exterior resembles a home built in the mid 19th century, it was actually built over 200 years ago in 1806, and was remodeled to a Federal style sometime around 1850. She was able to find information about the building in local history books and maps, as well as information about the Dow & Lamprey families who were past owners.

When originally built, the home had only 4 rooms and 3 fireplaces (that are still working today) provided heat and a cooking area. The cellar floor was dirt and the foundation was constructed of boulders. In the middle of the basement is a large brick arch supporting the weight of the fireplaces and center chimney. It is evident that the building timbers were hand cut and many still retain pieces of the tree bark. Original wood panels on the walls are from single boards that measure 18 to 24 inches wide.

Mrs. Kent acknowledged that maintaining an older home requires ongoing maintenance and can be a big undertaking. She admits that she loves living in an old house and she keeps on top of it by planning a few projects to do each year. She calls the work “a labor of love”.

52 Little River Road

Photo (left to right): Maryanne McAden, Franklin Knowles, Diane Knowles, Elizabeth Aykroyd, Fred Rice

Members of the Hampton Heritage Commission were at home of Franklin and Diane Knowles at 52 Little River Rd to view the Heritage House Marker that they have displayed. The home is located in the area once known as Blakeville, so named for the many members of the Blake and Godfrey families that lived in the vicinity.

Diane grew up in the home, and for her research she relied on family history, deeds and other documents and information that she had gathered. She discovered that the home was originally built by Everett L. Godfery around 1888 and was both his residence and his cobbler shop.

Franklin discovered a great deal about the original workmanship of the house while installing new windows and doing other updates. The home features the original granite foundation and wide floorboards that were common in homes of that age. Franklin and Diane said that they enjoy living in 130 year old home and knowing about the past inhabitants.

During her investigation Diane discovered that the home next door was also built by a Godfrey, possibly the brother of Everett. That seems to have sparked more curiosity. She said she is considering asking her neighbor if she can do the research on that home as well.

175 North Shore Road

Members of the Hampton Heritage Commission visited the home of Jon and Martha Williams to view the newly installed Hampton Heritage Marker. Located at 175 North Shore Rd. the Dutch Revival style home was originally built around 1904 as part of the "North Beach Highlands".

Mr. & Mrs. Willaims were able to research the origins of the home through past property deeds and information gathered at the Hampton Historical Society. Mrs. Williams said that gathering the information and completing the application was "much easier than I originally thought it would be". She added, " Everyone was so helpful. People should know how easy it is."

Marelli's Market

Photo (left to right): Heritage Commission members Fred Rice, Maryanne McAden, Richard Reniere, Proprietor Richard Marelli, June Bean, Jim Workman and Roger Syphers.

Recently members of the Hampton Heritage Commission were on hand to present a Historic Marker to the Marelli family in acknowledgment of Marelli’s Market recognition by the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources and listing on the State Register of Historic Places.

The building housing Marelli’s Market was erected in 1841. It first stood on the south side of Exeter Rd (Rt 27) next to the railroad tracks, and was moved to its present location in 1900 as part of the effort to refocus the town center when the bridge was constructed over the railroad tracks

Luigi and Celestina Marelli’s family business has become an institution. Beginning as a fruit store in 1914, it is the longest continually operating business in downtown Hampton. From sending Christmas packages to Hampton’s servicemen during WWII and the Korean conflict, to today’s popularity as a gathering spot where locals come to discuss local events over a cup of coffee, Marelli’s Market has played a significant part of life in Hampton for almost 100 years. Well known to generations of the area’s children for its large selection of candy, it also popular for its delicious roasted cashews.

The store’s proprietor, Richard Marelli is one of the four children of Luigi and Celestina. He is quick to acknowledge that it is a combined family venture that goes beyond just running the store. Even the extensive research needed for inclusion on the state register was done by Luigi and Celestina’s granddaughters, Marcia Raynes and Karen Hannon.

As the only site in Hampton to be recognized on the State’s Registry of Historic Places, Marelli’s Market is a wonderful example of our heritage, deeply rooted in our past, and an essential part of today.