Throughout the course of this year we’ve witnessed a mutual desire to reminiscence. “Our Rural Heritage” has proven to be a popular series, Alison Davis’s “Hampton Remembers” was re-published, and the page “Hampton Remembers the 2nd Half of the 20th Century” has attracted nearly 500 members. This interest has prompted current and former residents to send information on what life was once like, which in turn has prompted us to provide a place where people can share their memories; we invite yours.
Growing Up in Hampton
1936 – 1959
Life was so much simpler then with a population of less than 600. There was one General Store with the Post Office attached. I believe the store was owned by a Mr. Saunders. There may have been gas pumps there also, but I don’t remember them working. Hampton Hill Garage, run by Bob McDermott, was the place to go to. There was also, at the South end of town (may have been in Scotland) a store run by Mrs. Kemp. Later on, a store was built on Route 6 called Hampton Springs. George Meredith was the owner. He claimed to some that he was a brother to Burgess Meredith but to my knowledge, that was never confirmed. Our mailman was Reuben Pearl and our address was Route #1 Box 106.
The one room schoolhouse was the norm. My first four grades were at Bell School. Lois Richardson (Woodward) was the teacher. Then Clarks Corner reopened with grades 4 and 5. Next I went to Center School for 6, 7 and 8. That’s when Miss Ameer started the music curriculum. Hampton Consolidated School was completed, and I was among the first graduating class in 1950. The graduating class included Clyde Franklin, myself, Catherine Lamantia, Joyce Mason, Bobby Muise, Ellen Osborne, my cousin Arnie Pawlikowski and Evelyn Syphers. Then on to Windham High School. I remember my cousin and I working for the Town of Hampton road crew. We were not quite 16, so Carl Jewett, Second Selectman, told us to get lost whenever the supervisor, Tommy Martin, came around. As I recall, the main crew were Maurice Caya, Frank Kenyon, Bernie Edwards and Frankie Pawlikowski.
The Grange Hall was the center for dances, receptions, and I remember the Down Homers, a country band that would perform there also. The Hampton Ambulance Corp was formed by Helen and Bert Waite. I was then 16 so I joined. I also joined the Hampton Fire Department. The fire house was on the corner of Old Route 6 and 97. The town bought a brand new 1953 American LaFrance to replace the 1927 fire truck. We were now big time. I could go on and on. Vince Scarpino’s barber shop, Dr. Marsh, with his practice out of his home, Howard Valley Fish and Game Club on Cemetery Road, Koski’s Game Farm – we raised pheasants to sell to the State, the Holsom bread man who came on Wednesday and Friday — Wednesday was special as he had jelly donuts. The milk man that would put the milk in our refrigerator when we were not at home…
I finished school and in 1959 Uncle Sam asked me to join him. Thus ended chapter one in my life, an unforgettable, enjoyable experience.
Bill Koski