Jackson Historical Society
23 Black Mountain Road
Jackson, New Hampshire 03846
. . .keeping the past alive
Career day—Jackson Grammar School: May 30, 2025
What a thrilling day at the schools in Mount Washington Valley for Career Day! At Jackson Grammar School, students dove into the world of construction through the Jackson Historical Society project. Stephen Weeder, the vice president and general contractor, and Leslie Schomaker, President, joined a crew of skilled contractors to share the ins and outs of their exciting careers. From architects to electricians, the kids learned about the teamwork that brings projects to life. After lunch, the students, decked out in bright yellow hard hats, embarked on an unforgettable tour of the bustling job site, marveling at the real-world action!
The Work Begins and Makes Progress—May 2025
In these pictures the construction site hums with purpose as an earthmover carves a trench for the sturdy culvert—a corrugated steel guardian that will channel water and shield utility lines. Nearby, workers hoist a towering utility pole that will connect the site to the grid’s pulsing energy. A concrete truck rumbles in, its spinning drum unleashing a cascade of liquid stone into meticulously crafted wooden forms, where carpenters shape the foundation with practiced precision. As the concrete flows, cameras capture the mesmerizing pour, while massive granite foundation stones promise enduring strength for generations.
The first two photos showcase our dedicated crew in action. They both feature Leslie Schomaker, president of the Jackson Historical Society, leading the charge with passion and dedication and Anne Pillion, a committed board member, contributing to the effort. Meanwhile, excavation is underway at the building’s new site, setting the stage for progress. The final image captures the Town Hall dramatically elevated on building jacks, poised for its transformation.
These captivating photos capture the heart of the Town Hall relocation saga! The excavation along the roadside reveals the building’s hidden struggles, exposing significant rot in the original sill—a dramatic discovery that underscores the urgency of the project. The skilled crew from Gary Sylvester Building Movers has triumphantly broken through beneath the structure. With grit and determination, a robust new sill has been installed, breathing fresh life into this historic landmark as it prepares for its bold journey to a new foundation!
In these images, the construction site is making progress as additional cribbing is methodically installed to bolster the building’s center and projection room. Meanwhile, Stephen is busy marking out the paths for the new water lines, carefully plotting their route to ensure a seamless connection to the building. The scene captures a pivotal moment in the project’s steady transformation.
In these photos, the building is undergoing cribbing, a practical construction method that lifts and supports the structure, creating space underneath for essential work, which is shown in the first picture. Cribbing involves carefully stacking wooden beams or steel jacks in a stable, interlocking pattern, like a sturdy scaffold, to hold the building securely in place. This process has opened up access to the area beneath, allowing Doc Gillmore to plan the installation of a new water line. Once planned, the team moves forward with digging the trench and provisioning for the hookup of the new water line.
The construction site was active as equipment moved in to begin reshaping the area.
The project kicked off with the removal of several arborvitae, their green branches carefully cleared to make way for new development.
During the work, the crew made an interesting find: a relic from the Historical Society’s archives, uncovered during excavation,
adding a touch of historical significance to the project.
Nearby, Stephen was on the phone with the insurance company, sorting out details, while Gary Silvester skillfully operated his equipment,
positioning it for the next steps. The steady hum of machinery filled the air as the site took shape.
One photo shows the simple entrance to the projection room, hinting at its role in the ongoing work.
Ductwork, Windows, Construction Vehicles—April 2025
These pictures show that Gary Sylvester collaborates with Stephen Weeder to dismantle the basement ductwork. Construction equipment is being moved into place behind the Town Hall. The original windows are being removed to be replaced with historically accurate new ones.
These pictures show that the mighty tree is being skillfully carved to craft the perfect sill, while site work moves forward to establish the Town Hall's new location, setting the stage for an historic move!
Treework -- Prepping the Sill: March and April 2025
In these pictures and videos, Stephen Weeder and David Shed, with the green light from USVLT, take on the Dundee Community Forest, wielding an antique hand saw to expertly fell a tree! The two trees were carefully selected, away from sensitive areas. This was not a commercial harvest but a collaboration between JHS and USVLT. The timber, now masterfully sawed, is destined to become the sill for the Town Hall’s bold new location, marking a historic moment in the making!