Bruce D Heald

The quaint one-room schoolhouses dotting New Hampshire formed the backbone of the early Granite State education system. Education-minded communities began building these bare-bones schools in the late seventeenth century. In a modest log or clapboard structure, a single teacher faced the challenge of instructing students of all grades through farming seasons and the daily rigors of rural life. Often, these determined educators were limited to instructing students from whichever books pupils brought from home. Despite this, education was highly valued, and students trekked through the weather of all seasons and endured corporal discipline to become literate and learned. Author Bruce Heald explores the evolution of New Hampshire's one-room schoolhouses and shares the firsthand accounts and memories of former pupils.

The native Penacook, Winnipesaukee, Pigwacket, Sokoki, Cowasuck and Ossipee tribes, collectively known as the Abenaki, once thrived along the Granite State's great rivers. Influences of these "men of the east" abound today, from the boiling of sap for maple syrup to the game of lacrosse and traditional corn-and-bean succotash. Historian Bruce Heald has mined, curated and saved the real story of this land's first people. Learn the unwritten laws of hospitality, respect for the aged, honesty, independence and courtesy. Discover celebrations and innovations in the good times, later European disease epidemics and hostilities and a culture's enduring legacy.

New Hampshire was one of the first colonies to declare its independence from British rule. The patriotism and courage demonstrated in that act were by no means unprecedented--just before they began the Revolution, state residents attacked British-occupied Fort William and Mary in December 1774. While no battles were fought within the borders of the Granite State, these loyal sons of liberty contributed more men than any other state. Author Bruce D. Heald, PhD, celebrates the achievements and experiences of New Hampshire throughout the American Revolution. Learn how General John Stark gained battle experience in the French and Indian War that allowed him to successfully lead the First New Hampshire Regiment. Heald offers an in-depth description of the state's regiments, forts (including the Fort at Number 4 in Charlestown) and distinguished Patriots in addition to the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

New Hampshire was one of the first colonies to declare its independence from British rule. The patriotism and courage demonstrated in that act were by no means unprecedented--just before they began the Revolution, state residents attacked British-occupied Fort William and Mary in December 1774. While no battles were fought within the borders of the Granite State, these loyal sons of liberty contributed more men than any other state. Author Bruce D. Heald, PhD, celebrates the achievements and experiences of New Hampshire throughout the American Revolution. Learn how General John Stark gained battle experience in the French and Indian War that allowed him to successfully lead the First New Hampshire Regiment. Heald offers an in-depth description of the state's regiments, forts (including the Fort at Number 4 in Charlestown) and distinguished Patriots in addition to the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The Gypsy minority has had a rough path throughout history, and by an unusual turn in this road, a number found themselves in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. By and large, their cultural practices and unwillingness to conform to social norms caused European countries to take drastic measures against Gypsies. In many cases, they were deported to the New World. Traveling with county fairs and carnivals, they made their way to the White Mountains, finding a niche for their fortunetelling practices. They became entertainers and made their livings off palm readings, card readings, their musical talents and even gazing into crystal balls. Gypsies have been misjudged and persecuted throughout history, but their romantic traditions and ideals have greatly been overlooked. Historian Bruce Heald delves into the fascinating history of a stereotyped minority and presents the poetry of their wanderings in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

The Granite State has a remarkable record of service during the Civil War. It supplied a total of 10,657 recruits for the infantry, cavalry and field artillery divisions in 1861, with the majority of these first recruits enlisting for three years of service. Historian Bruce Heald lets the soldiers and sailors tell their stories in their own words by weaving together the letters to those left behind--families in Portsmouth and Nashua and sweethearts in Concord and Manchester. Heald includes brief introductions to each volunteer regiment, accounts of more than one hundred personal letters and an in-depth look at camp life. This book offers a personal and intimate connection with New Hampshire during the War Between the States through the voices of its heroic sons.

The Granite State has a remarkable record of service during the Civil War. It supplied a total of 10,657 recruits for the infantry, cavalry and field artillery divisions in 1861, with the majority of these first recruits enlisting for three years of service. Historian Bruce Heald lets the soldiers and sailors tell their stories in their own words by weaving together the letters to those left behind--families in Portsmouth and Nashua and sweethearts in Concord and Manchester. Heald includes brief introductions to each volunteer regiment, accounts of more than one hundred personal letters and an in-depth look at camp life. This book offers a personal and intimate connection with New Hampshire during the War Between the States through the voices of its heroic sons.

Sled dogs trot through expanses of sparkling white snow, pulling a musher and energetically surging with the command, "Let's go " From puppies to seasoned competitors, sled dogs partner with mushers in a passionate pursuit of a great racing tradition. The

On July 3, 1869, the approximately three-mile track leading to the summit of picturesque Mount Washington opened for public use. Once, only those daring enough to scale the 6,288 feet could enjoy the splendor of the scenery, but now everyone could journey to the summit using the invention of retired businessman Sylvester Marsh, who dreamed of this mountainous mode of transportation. Created at the height of the age of rail, the Cog Railway continues to chug up the mountain and into the hearts of tourists each year. Local historian Bruce D. Heald ties together the history of its construction with the grand romance of the railway as they triumphantly converge at the top of Mount Washington.

On June 27, 1835, New Hampshire chartered the Boston & Maine Railroad, and a juggernaut was born. By 1900, the B&M operated some 2,300 miles of track in northern New England, having taken over an astonishing forty-seven different railroads since its incep

On June 27, 1835, New Hampshire chartered the Boston & Maine Railroad, and a juggernaut was born. From the gravity-defying Mount Washington Cog Railway to logging transport trains to the famous Depression-era Snow Train, Heald traces the fascinating history of New England's most renowned railway.