By Mary Carter
EAGLE TIMES CORRESPONDENT
NEW LONDON, NH—June 1, 2023–Have you ever wondered how old-time theater movies were shown, where a Penny Farthing could roll or what it means to harvest ice? For those answers, let’s start with a pair of clever men from New London.
Certain that the automobile would soon become a way of life, William M. Kidder established the first New London, NH garage on the corner of Pleasant and Main Streets in 1911. His son Bill, born in 1912, took over the business in the 1950s.
Bill was the embodiment of Yankee ingenuity. He loved figuring out how to fix things and sharing that knowledge. Folks around the area loved visiting with him and bringing him things to tinker with. His collection of New England treasures became such that Bill bought an ice house down the street to store it all. This one building would welcome the glad company of seven others along the years. When Bill passed in 2005 at the age of 92, his family decided to honor his memory and his collection by establishing The Ice House Museum.
The Ice House, located at 91 Pleasant Street in New London, is more than just an exhibit. It’s a treasure trove of years of family and community affection. A few years back, a seacoast family donated their parents’ 1917 Model T. The parents were longtime friends with Bill Kidder and his wife Petie. This unique right-hand drive Model T had been a special part of many a Profile Automobile League event of which Bill Kidder was a founding member. The family felt it fitting that this classic car reside in the museum that honors Bill’s legacy.
A visit to the Ice House Museum holds delights for any member of the family. Those of us who’ve been around awhile will smile at the meter maid scooter, the push lawn mowers and the antique washing machines. Vintage car enthusiasts will believe themselves in heaven. Children of all ages will love the hands-on antique toys, gadgets and games. And, for those who don’t care to behave, there’s even an early 1900s cell block onsite from the old New London Town Hall.
Special events this coming season include Cars and Coffee gatherings on June 10th, July 1st, August 12th, September 9th and October 7th. Old Ford Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 22nd. That’s a golden opportunity to share and discuss Model A & T repairs and enjoy free rides. On Wednesday, June 21st, the Ice House will host an evening Cracker Barrel talk about the King Ridge ski area, NH’s ‘upside-down’ mountain. Participants are welcomed to bring memorabilia or trade a tale or two.
Open May 30 — October 7th this year on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-4pm and Saturdays from 9am-2pm, admission to this one-of-a-kind museum is FREE. Visit wfkicehouse.org for further information, Facebook, or call 603-526-9394.
For this much outdoor fun and fascinating learning, you can’t steer yourself wrong.
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