by Barbara Rimkunas
This "Historically Speaking" column was published in the Exeter News-Letter on Friday, April 23, 2021.
Exeter’s early records include the following: “On March 30, 1682, it was enacted by general consent that the piece of land between Edward Sewall’s fence, Christian Dolloff’s fence or land, John Bean’s fence, Henry Magoon’s fence or land and the way that goes from Henry Magoon’s land to Pickpocket mill, which said piece of land now lying common, shall lie perpetually common for the use of the town, either for a common field or for what else shall be thought convenient for the town.” Nancy Merrill would write, in 1972, that this was the first reference to a triangle of land later referenced as ‘lower plains,’ ‘plains common,’ and the current name ‘Park Street common.’ Since the 1680s, the flat open piece of land has been used for a variety of purposes.
An article published in the Exeter Gazette on June 2, 1877 states, “It is pretty evident that early in the settlement of the town, the ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ plains, were set apart for public use as ‘parade’ or ‘play grounds.’ The ‘lower’ plains has never been improved, although as late as 1825, perhaps later, it was used by the military.” The 1808 militia laws passed in New Hampshire required towns to form and train military units. Men and boys between the ages of 16 and 40 were required to serve. Several times annually the members of the first battalion of the 4th regiment (Exeter and Newmarket) met at the plains for training and drinking. The town was required to “furnish suitable meats and drinks for the refreshment of all non-commissioned officers and soldiers within their several towns and places… on regimental and battalion musters.” These were quite lively affairs. When, in 1840, John Strickland testified in the murder trial of his neighbor and fellow militia member, Bradbury Ferguson, he recalled they didn’t drink to excess at the muster held in Epping that day. He only remembered that they were drinking while on the way to Epping, twice during the muster, and twice on the road homeward. We can only assume that the Park Street common has seen some stuff.
The militia system faded over the course of the 19th century and was absorbed into the National Guard in the early 20th century. The common retained its status as town land, although its purpose was not recorded on any of the early maps. The area is located in one of the older parts of town. An article in the Exeter News-Letter published on November 23, 1894, makes note of the long history. “Upon this common, naturally one of the most attractive spots in Exeter, faces the fine old residence so long the home of Jerimiah Smith and upon it the state should erect the monument or statue due the memory of a Revolutionary veteran, member of Congress, chief justice and Governor of New Hampshire and the incumbent of other high offices under the state and nation. New Hampshire has had few sons who have served her so long and well and none whose memory she can more fitly honor.” No statue of Jeremiah Smith was erected on the common. Instead, the area was tidied up, “neatly fenced in wand steps for its ornamentation will soon be taken, and very wisely.” For a time, the old wooden bandstand stood on the plains. Occasionally, band concerts were held there, although the bandstand was notorious for its rickety construction. In 1904, Arthur Gray began holding “phonograph concerts” – bringing his new machine outside for everyone to hear.
The area had fallen on hard times by the 1970s. There was no sign of the “handsome turned cedar posts, with acorn tops” that were set out in 1895. Rather, the common was more of a public trash heap. Decades of debris, caused by the casual way we tossed our disposable bottles, cans, napkins, cigarettes and dog waste had turned the formerly “most attractive” spot into a despoiled lot. The surrounding neighborhood took up the call.
“To the Editor,” began the letter to the Exeter News-Letter penned by Mrs. Elliot C. Brown Jr., “Exeter neighbors in the Park St. Common area are concerned about the condition and use of the common. We would like to invite anyone interested in helping us to a meeting and tea at the home of Mrs. Brian Jefferson, 63 Park St., on Thursday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m.” Dubbing themselves the Commonfolk, the group quickly organized to clean up the park. The following April on “Keep America Beautiful Day” the Commonfolk set to work. By August, the town selectmen’s meeting, “told the Commonfolk Park Committee that the town fathers were very pleased with the efforts of the group to beautify a section of the Park Street Common, and that a program of matching funds from the town will be proposed to the voters for next year’s budget. The group, headed by Brian and Judith Jefferson, have already raised $750, and the new proposal, if approved on Town Meeting Day, would match that sum. In the meantime, work will start on the project this fall, with the committee turning its funds over to the town.” The funding was approved, and landscaping was added to the common along with a water fountain.
Winter months found the common used for public ice skating, even garnering annoyed letters when the ice wasn’t cleared quickly enough. In 1973, “As we recollect, it snowed here last Thursday. Friday the only town operated rink could have been cleared for weekend skaters. It was not.” A dedication ceremony was held on June 9th, 1973 with the erection of a flagpole given in memory of Fred Markey by the Lions Club of Exeter. The flag was donated in honor of Capt. Jones Bond Jackson. The D.A.R. planted a Liberty Tree. Mrs. Fred Page read, “this red oak tree, dug from the Exeter Conservation Nursery, is a fitting tribute to those brave men of the Revolutionary era who used this historic spot as a training ground.” The common was actively used during the 1976 Bicentennial year, although oddly, that particular part of town has never been included in a historic district. Marion Brant expressed her regrets on this issue as early as 1973. “Park Common, which, whether officially acknowledged as such or not, is already historically at the heart of the proposed area. For keeps. Revolutionary War soldiers did indeed train for battle with our now good neighbor, England, on this very site. The occupants of the oldest houses on the perimeter of the Common, must have gathered by their firesides and talked and wept over that harsh and bitter war even as present-day residents discuss the Vietnam War.” As for the Commonfolk, she had this to say, “There has been a spirit of community friendship and cooperation and joy in achievement generated among those taking part, that has been very rewarding.” Rewarding indeed to see our common land cared for and passed on to future generations.
Barbara Rimkunas is curator of the Exeter Historical Society. Support the Exeter Historical Society by becoming a member! Join online at: www.exeterhistory.org
Image: (News-Letter photo) Mrs. LeRoy Junkins (left) and Mrs. Fred Page are shown dedicating a Red Oak tree on behalf of the Exeter Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at the Park Street Common, November 6, 1974.