We are very sorry to have to say that James David Whidden, 49, of Ashburnham, MA died unexpectedly on November 30th, of natural causes. We will miss him and hope to see Alexander Knight House project, that meant so much to him, be completed in his honor.

Back at the Taylor Sawmill

July 2011 - Wide white pine siding is currently being milled with the water powered sash saw (up and down saw) at the Taylor Sawmill, in Derry N.H. Again, Bob Spoerl and his son, Ed, are authentically milling some of the siding for our project. The Taylor Sawmill is open to the public on the second and fourth Saturdays during the summer with live demonstrations of how lumber was historically milled. Visit them on-line at: Taylor Sawmill or at Technical info on the Taylor Sawmill

Raising Scheduled for Saturday September 4th, 10:AM, at the Ipswich Museum

A work in progress at Jim Whidden’s shop will soon unfold as the Alexander Knight House at the Ipswich Museum. We invite you to come and watch the raising of an authentic reproduction, 17th century house.

The frame raising is scheduled for Saturday, September 4th, beginning at 10:00 AM, at the Ipswich Museum, on the lawn beside the Whipple House. Baroque violinist John Schnelle and viol players Sarah McManaway and Michael Hamill will be playing seventeenth centuryconsort music under the tree in front of the Whipple Garden from 11:00 to 1:00, food and refreshment will be available for purchase. (rain date following Saturday, September 11th 2010)

Possible Artifacts?

Winter may keep us in but often gives us that time to focus on intellectual pursuits. Sue N. has been researching from the cozy confines of home viewing records and digging up treasures. The subject of the most recent investigation is the location of the original Alexander Knight House. The possibility exists that there may be evidence of the structure within the house at that site. The team hopes to be granted the opportunity to determine if a bit of the original house remains.
During the skating party celebration at the Ipswich Museum, Sue and Jim look over plans of the newer house (1680) built at the old Knight address with Fred Hale past president of the Ipswich Historical Society looking on.

Foundation Celebration a Success

Though the skating was a little mushy being out on the pond, in the field with lots of kids, young and old, really was a treat. Happy faces, hot chocolate - with marshmallows even, cookies and brownies, warm February sunshine made the afternoon truly enjoyable. Thanks to the volunteers at the Ipswich Museum for hosting such a nice skating party.

SKATING PARTY - Saturday, 20 February 2010

SKATING PARTY - Saturday 20 February 2010 between 1-3 PM
Celebrate the completion of the foundation for the Alexander Knight House; skate with us on Sally's Pond next to the Whipple House. Hot cocoa and snacks will be served. Event runs weather and ice conditions permitting.
Parking in the Town lot next to the Police Station. FREE!

Taylor Mill, Derry, NH

The Taylor Sawmill in Derry, NH has a water powered sash (up and down) saw. Mills like this are quite rare, having been replaced by the circular and band saws still used today. Bob and his son Ed run the mill on the second and fourth Saturdays during the summer and were good enough to appropriately saw the floor joists and boards for the flooring of the Alexander Knight House. White oak is not the usual wood sawn here; the speed of the carriage was slowed to allow for the hardness and density. The blade leaves a 1/4" kerf with each pass, For more info about the Taylor Sawmill : http://www.londonderrynh.net/?p=10484
Many thanks and much appreciation for their help; we now have the right materials prepared in the authentic way.