James House Association To Celebrate Salt Marsh Heritage In Hampton

Hampton is indeed fortunate to have a small piece of its history preserved by the James House Association at 186 Towle Farm Road. That is the site of the Benjamin James House, a property registered with National Registry of Historic Places. Rescued from the strong potential of destruction and re-development in the early 1990s, the James House is a standing memory of times past - it was the home of salt marsh farmer and weaver Benjamin James, his wife, Sarah and his family. The James House Board has made slow but steady progress in its commitment to preserve and restore the house and its beautiful grounds. Any one is welcome to visit the James House, have a tour of the house or simply have a picnic lunch.

On October 5 the life of Benjamin James and the history of salt marsh farming on the seacoast will be celebrated with a Harvest Festival of old-timey fun. When is the last time you attended an old fashioned bake off? On October 5 contestants will enter their baked goods consisting of either apples, blueberries or pears (or any combination thereof) for judging by three professional culinary specialists. Prizes will be awarded the best entries. The public is also invited to taste and judge for a nominal fee. There are still openings for contestants. Anyone interested should call 603-969-2968 for details.

As the bake-off is taking place, visitors will be serenaded consistently throughout the entire afternoon. Bluegrass/Celtic and traditional folk group, Deep Hole Road, The Silver Strummers (a ukelele big band) and pop, folk and country songstress Jennifer Mitchell will all perform. Children are also invited as face painting, games and other fun activities will be offered. Grilled hot dogs, snacks and beverages will be sold. There will be a silent auction to take home baked goods as well as a 50-50 raffle.

The event will run from 1-4 pm. Admission and parking are free. Again, the location is 186 Towle Farm Road in Hampton. The James House Association invites everyone for a relaxing, nostalgic afternoon of community fellowship, fun and historical observance.