WALKING AROUND TOWN, MOSTLY

A typical New England neighborhood will mix a range of architectural styles and history. Dover is no exception.

One of the joys of living where I do comes in the variety of architectural periods you can encounter even within a block or two. While little in Dover remains from the first half-century of settlement here – a consequence, in part, of King Philip’s War along the Colonial frontier – that still leaves three centuries of development. Because my community was spared the ravages of big-city development, housing filled out neighborhoods over time as owners one by one sold side lots and pastures where new houses were then built. This makes for a rich tapestry, especially while strolling down a side street.

Throughout this year, the Red Barn will feature snapshots of some of these distinctive touches, especially in the housing styles. Hope you stroll along.

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FLOCKING TO CITY HALL

I love seeing birds perched atop a prominent weather vane.
I love seeing birds perched atop a prominent weather vane.

The previous building included an opera house that would have been the largest auditorium in New Hampshire, if it hadn’t burned down. Rather spectacularly, at that.

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Without the birds, too. Once a month, folks flock to a contradance on the top floor.