Historical Adventures: Winter on the Piscataqua

Along with my environmental adventures I also love to experience living history. Last weekend, I attended the "Winter on the Piscataqua" event hosted by the Association for Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH). While I missed the advertised outdoor activities, I enjoyed exploring the rich history of the Colonel Paul Wentworth House and learning about local traditions. 

Founded in 2003, ARCH was originally established with the goal of preserving and maintaining the Colonel Paul Wentworth House as an educational and cultural resource. The house itself has a fascinating history, having been relocated three times—first, up the hill in Rollinsford, second to Dover, Massachusetts, and finally brought back to its last site in Rollinsford. The organization’s efforts have ensured that this piece of local history remains accessible and preserved for future generations. 

My visit began at the rear of the house, stepping into the kitchen. Despite the lively atmosphere, I was captivated by a skilled baker working at the large stone fireplace. On the table lay a loaf of bread, possibly baked earlier, as he prepared the oven for a tart that was already waiting.   

I then moved into the East Room – I’m not sure if this would be considered a dining room or a parlor.  Three women sat at the table, engaging with visitors, knitting, and preparing food—an authentic snapshot of social and domestic life. During my time there, I captured this memorable photo of interaction with a guest. An intriguing moment unfolded as a Native American entered the room and ate an apple by the fire. 

In the entryway, a trader displayed a variety of containers and tools for sale, with bundles at his feet hinting at the goods and trade practices of the period. Nearby, in the west room, two other traders, including another Native American, laid out jewelry, furs, and bones on pelts. They appeared to be taking a break, and a bedroll was visible on the back side of the room, offering insight into the transient nature of traders and their lifestyle. 

Upstairs, I encountered Julia in what was likely the master bedroom. She was finishing a head covering for a baby (doll), discussing the clothing and accessories, such as a coral bead necklace, believed to ward off evil spirits. 

Later, I joined a guided tour that revealed a remarkable piece of preserved wallpaper. This fragment, framed like a poster sale display with hinges, revealed both the front and the rear where I could see stamps related to the historic taxation without representation issue. The stamps indicated that homeowners had to pay not only for the wallpaper but also the tax on the stamps themselves, with larger pieces requiring more stamps. This artifact vividly illustrated the economic and political tensions leading up to the American Revolution. 

Adjacent to the fireplace in this room was a door leading to the side of the chimney. The docent shared a story about how, during the house’s move to Massachusetts in the 1930s, a neighbor took bricks from the chimney for a personal project. When the house was returned in 1998, the neighbor hadn’t used them and asked would the association want the original bricks back? (so cool!) 

An addition to the house included a large kitchen area, complete with a traditional bread oven, and an attic that likely served as servants’ quarters. The attic contained cots, a basin, and a ewer, providing a glimpse into the domestic arrangements of the period and the likely living conditions of household staff. 

Returning to the kitchen, I was delighted to see a group of young men gathered around the fireplace. This was exciting because, 1. They made a great photo subject, and 2. It was great to see that many young men interested in local history. 

After the visit, I followed ARCH’s Facebook page, eager to stay updated on future events and activities. The experience reinforced my appreciation for local history and the value of community efforts to preserve it. The Colonel Paul Wentworth House stands as a testament to the region’s rich past, and initiatives like ARCH ensure that this history remains alive and accessible. 

For those interested in exploring further, the Association for Rollinsford Culture and History maintains a website at https://www.paulwentworthhouse.org/. I look forward to more adventures and learning opportunities with ARCH, discovering the stories that shaped our community and connecting with its history in meaningful ways. 

Did you find your way here after a hike where Kate was the volunteer photographer? Perhaps you've enjoyed her images or seen her byline on one of many environmental websites. Kate is a naturalist and largely self-taught photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty and urgency of the natural world. Having photographed hundreds of environmental events for nonprofit organizations—entirely self-funded—she is now asking for your help to upgrade her equipment. Your support will allow her to continue providing high-quality, impactful images that support conservation efforts. Ways you can help:

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