Walking Tour of Exeter, New Hampshire | Then and Now
A “then and now” look at the charming and historic town of Exeter, New Hampshire.
By Brenda Darroch|Jan 06 2016|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
A mere 30 miles from Manchester, the small town of Exeter, New Hampshire, has always been prized for its location. The freshwater Exeter River, tumbling into the brackish waters of the Squamscott, drew English settlers interested in harnessing that power for mills, and when Reverend John Wheelwright brokered a deal with the native Squamscott people in 1638, the town was established. Today this vibrant community is home to the American Independence Museum, Phillips Exeter Academy, and an abundance of historic architecture that stretches back to the 19th century.
Exeter, New Hampshire Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
Unexpectedly finding ourselves with a free afternoon, Jim and I decided to spend a few hours visiting some of Exeter’s most notable sites. Armed with a walking tour brochure and map from the Exeter Historical Society, we studied the grand architecture that lines up along Front and Water Streets. As luck would have it, the Historical Society was open when we strolled past, and the friendly folks there graciously pulled out their archival collection of images and allowed me to photograph them for this “then and now” tour of Exeter. (Unfortunately, I did not note the dates the original photographs were taken.)
Note: Walking tour stops noted in parentheses.
1. Constructed in 1855, the Town Hall (1) served as both a courthouse and town hall. A wooden statue of Justice perches atop the cupola.
Exeter Town Hall Photo Credit : Courtesy of the Exeter Historical SocietyExeter Town Hall in 2015 Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
2. String Bridge (2)
View of the String Bridge. Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
3. Robert Lincoln, son of our 16th president, lived in the Simeon Folsom House (4) while attending Phillips Exeter Academy.
Simeon Folsom House Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
4. The Great Bridge (5) is located at the site of Exeter’s first bridge.
The Great Bridge Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
5. Noted for its fortified construction, the Gilman Garrison (6) is a public museum.
Gilman Garrison Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
6. The Eagle Steamer House (not included in walking tour brochure).
The Eagle Steamer House on Water Street in the 1920s. Photo Credit : Courtesy of the Exeter Historical SocietyThe Eagle Steamer House in 2015. Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
7. Now vacant, the IOKA Theater (7) was built in 1915.
IOKA Theater Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
8. The Bandstand (8) – which boasts a bronze roof and mosaic ceiling – was gifted to Exeter by Ambrose Swasey in 1916. The Exeter Brass Band performs there each summer.
The Bandstand Photo Credit : Courtesy of the Exeter Historical SocietyThe Bandstand in 2015. The Sullivan-Sleeper House, County Record Building, and Gardner House can be seen in the background. Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
9. The Sullivan-Sleeper House (9), County Record Building – which currently serves as the town offices (10), and Gardner House (11) have bordered Front Street since the 19th century.
This photo, taken at the turn of the century, shows the Sullivan-Sleeper House, County Record Building, and Gardner House. Photo Credit : Courtesy of the Exeter Historical SocietyFront Street in 2015 Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
10. Though the Town House (13) itself is no longer standing, you can visit the site where the first state constitution of the original 13 states was signed on January 9, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence was read to the citizen’s of Exeter on July 16 of that same year.
Exeter Town House Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
11. Construction began on the Congregational Church’s fourth meetinghouse (14) in 1798 and the structure retains the features of its original Palladian exterior.
Congregational Church Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
12. Designed for use as Exeter’s Public Library and Civil War Memorial, the classical revival building at 47 Front Street now houses the Exeter Historical Society (20).
Exeter Historical Society Photo Credit : Courtesy of the Exeter Historical SocietyExeter Historical Society Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
13. No visit to historic Exeter would be complete without strolling past Phillips Exeter Academy, established in 1781.
Phillips Exeter Academy Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
Visiting all the points on Exeter’s walking tour would require additional time – and warmer weather – but we hope to make that happen in the coming months. Should you decide to visit Exeter, New Hampshire, be sure to allot enough time to take in all its historic sites.
The Masonic Block Photo Credit : Courtesy of the Exeter Historical SocietyMasonic Block in 2015 Photo Credit : Brenda DarrochWater Street in Exeter, NH Photo Credit : Courtesy of the Exeter Historical SocietyView of Water Street and the Swasey Pavilion. Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
Have you ever visited Exeter, New Hampshire?
This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated.
What a great collection of photos. I work at 111 Water St in Exeter, the old Odd Fellows Hall. Have lived here for 20 years. It is so interesting to see where the trolley used to run. How the horses used to drink water from a fountain in the place where now the bandstand sits. And, by the way, it is called The Bandstand. In photo #8 it is referred to as the Swasey Pavilion, but that is not correct. The Bandstand sits at the intersection of Front Street and Water Street. It is where the Exeter Brass Band plays every summer, and is adjacent to The Inn by the Bandstand. The Swasey Pavilion is located on Swasey Parkway, a few blocks away from the center of town. During the summer, on Thursday evenings, the traffic is blocked off from that road, and different bands play in the Pavilion. We are lucky to have 2 such bandstands.
Hi Claire,
Thanks for your comment! We followed the walking tour offered by the Exeter Historical Society. They refer to the bandstand that sits on the corner of Front Street and Water Street as the Swasey Pavilion, although it does appear that it is also commonly referred to as the Bandstand.
Thank you for these photos. My grandmother visited her mother’s sister, Aunt Miriam Gardner, at the Gardner house while she was growing up. I have letters from my Great-grandmother Emma Frances White that were written to her sister there. Would like to know more about Perley Gardner.
Hello,
The Gardner house was recently purchased and my husband and I met the owner. We purchased a condo on the property, We would be interested in your letters to preserve the history of the house and its original owners. The new owner, an antique dealer, has been working with the historical society in Exeter.
We hope this letter finds you well!
Our beloved “Bandstand” really IS properly, the Swasey Pavilion. The original wooden bandstand was replaced by this lovely gift from one of the Swaseys. The wooden one was removed by Mr. Ralph Meras to the rear lawn of his home at 34 Court Street. I mowed around it there in the early ’50s.
The same Swasey family gifted the Swasey Parkway to displace the then Town dump.
Many years later the bandstand there was built. I believe by public subscription. Hope this helps clear up the confusion.
I lived Exeter while attending public high school. 15 years later I was back working at the Academy for a few years. And I was confirmed at that church. Many memories. It hasn’t really changed that much! Miss the beauty (but not the winters) of New England.
At one time I lived in Exeter, NH. down the street from Exeter Academy. Loved the town and the people. I was there when President Ford came to town. We moved south because l couldnt stand the winter. Miss the town.
I lived in Exeter for 10 1/2 years, leaving for Florida in 1982…wish I’d never left. I was in FL for 24 years, and am now in TN. I missed the four seasons. I worked at Exeter and Hampton Electric Company and ate often at the Loaf and Ladle. My two youngest children were born in Exeter, and all three attended school there, my oldest graduating from Exeter High. I was in the Junior Women’s Club, and remember decorating the bandstand at Christmas. It is a wonderful place to live. I still have family living there, so get to go home occasionally.
My sisters and I have completed ancestry search, back to John Sinkler, who was first in America and beyond. I am anxious to visit Exeter library and gather more info.
On family. That side of family had strong, industrious, people !
I’ve lived in Exeter all my 63 years of life. Took an extended series of tours in the Army but, when all was said and done, I had to come home. I would NEVER consider living anywhere else. Picturesque, peaceful, friendly…. perfect. My kids, now adults loved it here with our amazing school system. Rock on Blue Hawks! And to think, when I graduated all there was is the Tuck building for High School, how times change..
Cool article! my grandmother was from the area and loved the books by Henry Shute- Diary of a Real Boy that describes life in the 1860’s
lLove Exeter, place of my birth and home until I was 60! The pictures are great! Thanks.
What a great collection of photos. I work at 111 Water St in Exeter, the old Odd Fellows Hall. Have lived here for 20 years. It is so interesting to see where the trolley used to run. How the horses used to drink water from a fountain in the place where now the bandstand sits. And, by the way, it is called The Bandstand. In photo #8 it is referred to as the Swasey Pavilion, but that is not correct. The Bandstand sits at the intersection of Front Street and Water Street. It is where the Exeter Brass Band plays every summer, and is adjacent to The Inn by the Bandstand. The Swasey Pavilion is located on Swasey Parkway, a few blocks away from the center of town. During the summer, on Thursday evenings, the traffic is blocked off from that road, and different bands play in the Pavilion. We are lucky to have 2 such bandstands.
This is a lovely tour which brought back a lot of fond memories. I spent a lot of time at the Exeter Library and saw several movies at the Ioka.
Hi Claire,
Thanks for your comment! We followed the walking tour offered by the Exeter Historical Society. They refer to the bandstand that sits on the corner of Front Street and Water Street as the Swasey Pavilion, although it does appear that it is also commonly referred to as the Bandstand.
Thank you for these photos. My grandmother visited her mother’s sister, Aunt Miriam Gardner, at the Gardner house while she was growing up. I have letters from my Great-grandmother Emma Frances White that were written to her sister there. Would like to know more about Perley Gardner.
Hello,
The Gardner house was recently purchased and my husband and I met the owner. We purchased a condo on the property, We would be interested in your letters to preserve the history of the house and its original owners. The new owner, an antique dealer, has been working with the historical society in Exeter.
We hope this letter finds you well!
Nice, however Exeter is about 15mi from Portsmouth not 30…
The article says that it is 30 miles from Manchester, not Portsmouth….
Our beloved “Bandstand” really IS properly, the Swasey Pavilion. The original wooden bandstand was replaced by this lovely gift from one of the Swaseys. The wooden one was removed by Mr. Ralph Meras to the rear lawn of his home at 34 Court Street. I mowed around it there in the early ’50s.
The same Swasey family gifted the Swasey Parkway to displace the then Town dump.
Many years later the bandstand there was built. I believe by public subscription. Hope this helps clear up the confusion.
I lived Exeter while attending public high school. 15 years later I was back working at the Academy for a few years. And I was confirmed at that church. Many memories. It hasn’t really changed that much! Miss the beauty (but not the winters) of New England.
At one time I lived in Exeter, NH. down the street from Exeter Academy. Loved the town and the people. I was there when President Ford came to town. We moved south because l couldnt stand the winter. Miss the town.
I lived in Exeter for 10 1/2 years, leaving for Florida in 1982…wish I’d never left. I was in FL for 24 years, and am now in TN. I missed the four seasons. I worked at Exeter and Hampton Electric Company and ate often at the Loaf and Ladle. My two youngest children were born in Exeter, and all three attended school there, my oldest graduating from Exeter High. I was in the Junior Women’s Club, and remember decorating the bandstand at Christmas. It is a wonderful place to live. I still have family living there, so get to go home occasionally.
My sisters and I have completed ancestry search, back to John Sinkler, who was first in America and beyond. I am anxious to visit Exeter library and gather more info.
On family. That side of family had strong, industrious, people !
I was baptized at Christ Church and spent many years visiting grandparents in Exeter. Thanks for publishing this article and pictures.
I went to the old exeter Jr high and high school I even went to see movies at the ioka
I’ve lived in Exeter all my 63 years of life. Took an extended series of tours in the Army but, when all was said and done, I had to come home. I would NEVER consider living anywhere else. Picturesque, peaceful, friendly…. perfect. My kids, now adults loved it here with our amazing school system. Rock on Blue Hawks! And to think, when I graduated all there was is the Tuck building for High School, how times change..