Perkins Manor, Contoocook

Perkins Manor is a historic building in Contoocook, New Hampshire. It is the birthplace of Commodore George H. Perkins and later served as one of several homes of his daughter Isabel Weld Perkins and her husband Larz Anderson.

One 19th century commentator described the approach to the house thus:

"In passing up the Concord and Claremont Railroad from Concord, the observant traveler has doubtless noticed the substantial and comfortable-looking homestead with large and trim front yard, shaded by thickly planted and generous topped maples, on the right-hand side of the road after crossing the bridge that spans 'Contoocook's bright and brimming river' at the pleasant-looking village of Contoocookville in the northern part of Hopkinton."^[1]

History

In 1825, Roger Eliot Perkins came from the vicinity of Salem, Massachusetts and built Perkins Manor on land purchased from the Algonquians.^[1]

His property passed to his son, Hamilton Eliot Perkins, a counselor-at-law and member of the Merrimack County bar. This Perkins built profitable mills at Contoocookville (now called Contoocook) on the Contoocook River.^[1]

Commodore Perkins as a young midshipman during the 1850's.

Hamilton Eliot Perkins married Clara Bartlett George. Their son George Hamilton Perkins (the future commodore) was born here in 1835. When he was eight years old, the family moved to Boston. Here Hamilton Eliot Perkins invested his means in shipping, including trade with West Africa.^[1]

After the property had passed to the commodore's daughter, the Andersons opened the house to the public for a few summers. Visitors entered to the sight of an elaborate, crystal chandelier. The stairs were carpeted with bright red, thick carpeting. On each side of the hall was a formal parlor. One parlor was lavishly decorated in red velvet with beautiful antique furniture. The other parlor was done in blue velvet.^[2]

From the blue parlor was a large dining room furnished with antiques. There were swinging glass doors from the dining room to a butler’s pantry. The kitchen was very large with many shelves, a large cupboard and a large pantry. Upstairs there was a spacious hall. From it were four equally spacious bedrooms, each one elegantly furnished.^[2]

Today

Perkins Manor is now an apartment house consisting of eight residential units. It is the largest residential building in Contoocook.^[3]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} The Bay State Monthly, April, 1884
2. ^ ^{a b} Doris Coen Currier
3. ^ NH Resource Guide