Reminiscences of a New Hampshire Town

If you are new to town and are curious about the history of Belmont or even if you’ve lived here your whole life and think you’ve got the history down, this book will surely give you more insight into Belmont’s history.  Written by Wallace Rhodes, the Belmont town historian for decades, this book begins with the story of how Upper Gilmanton (yes, we were once part of Gilmanton) became Belmont, and ends with information on the old families.  There is a lot in between like the history of the mills, the railroad connection, the schools, the fire department, the social goings-on, churches in town, the Governor Badger link, the cemeteries, and even bits and pieces and a little gossip.  There is even a list of the first French Canadian settlers from 1890 & 1891 (Frazier, Loranger, Sturgeon, Champagne, Laflam, Lavalley and Lebarge) and by the book’s copyright date of 1969 at least 50% of the citizens of Belmont were of French Canadian descent.  All of this information is complemented by the many photographs included.  

Wallace was a wonderful historian and the best champion of Belmont that I ever had the pleasure of knowing.  He worked tirelessly to promote town history and pride.  As we celebrate Belmont’s 156th year on Old Home Day celebrated in August, I hope this brings some recognition not just to this book, but to Wallace Rhodes, who truly was a town champion.