By Mary Carter
EAGLE TIMES CORRESPONDENT
Hanover, N.H. – Over seventy years ago this month, Dartmouth alumni received word that their class of 1923 reunion would be celebrated at the Granliden Hotel on Lake Sunapee.
In the 1870s, Civil War veteran Josiah Scott owned 160 acres of land on the western shores of Lake Sunapee. Before the turn of the century, two sisters from Springfield, Mass., purchased Scott’s farm. Carrie and Annie Covell created a family boarding house, naming it Granliden which means pine slopes in Norwegian. Initially, the sisters hosted “the right kind of working girls from the city.” Cottages, stables and other recreational facilities were added. With its ever-growing popularity, the Granliden increased in size year by year, becoming in 1905 a grand resort that could accommodate 250 guests.
Scott’s original farmhouse remained on the property as housing for the musicians who performed morning concerts as well as during afternoon tea and evening dance parties. Accomplished cellist Victor Tallerico served as the Granliden’s musical director from 1920-1932. His son Victor Alphonse, who learned to read music before grasping a single printed word, would take over the reins in the 1940s around a gap of military service in WWII. In later years, Victor’s son Steven would sit in on drums.
The invitation to the 1923 Dartmouth alumni promised a cocktail party at arrival on Friday, Aug. 5, 1950. Following dinner at the hotel, the evening get-together included a showing of movies from past reunions. After a full breakfast, morning golf was offered at Granliden’s private 9-hole course. Fishing, swimming, boating, tennis or just plain relaxing rounded out the day. At 5 p.m., alumni guests could enjoy a “Jug Party” at Sunapee Park, leading into a 6:30 lobster clambake presented at the crest of Mount Sunapee.
The reunion’s organizer, “Doc” Haubrich offered nightcaps and swimming at his lakeside camp. For the “ambitious individuals,” dancing at the Granliden was available into the wee hours. On Sunday morning, all could gather for a group breakfast and then enjoy a resort activity or two before check-out.
The cost for this weekend event, including lodging, cocktail party, hotel meals, lobster bake and transportation to and from the mountain was $25 per person. Haubrich was in charge of the event.
“It already promises to surpass any other rump reunion of ‘23. Need we say more?” Haubrich said.
Practicing in Claremont, Dr. Bernard Haubrich married his medical secretary Joan Russell in 1941. The bride was 21, and the groom 42. Haubrich would pass in 1960. Joan lived on, serving as a Claremont Welcome Wagon hostess and kayaking the Brandywine River at the age of 92. She passed away last year at the age of 102. Bernard and Joan are buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Claremont.
The Granliden closed its doors in 1954. Following a run as a Jesuit Center, a developer bought the property, auctioning off the fixtures, furniture and floors.
Among his many other accomplishments, Victor A. Tallerico started a music camp in Sunapee. His son Steven Tyler would go on to impress the world as the lead singer of Aerosmith.
The Granliden with its sloping pines and pleasing vistas may be gone. But the memories of music and laughter and happy reunions remain.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.