Featured Guardians August 2021
Bob & Clarice Girouard
Our former landlord, who became a dad to us, learned that Stan Mackey wanted to sell his place on Nippo Lake. We had just sold a property at Hampton Beach and were in the market to invest in another real estate. We took a ride to Nippo Lake and walked around the property — it just felt right. We were both fortunate enough to have spent summers on very similar lakes up north in homes built by our fathers and grandfathers who worked rotating shifts at the paper mill. Though our parents’ incomes were low, hard work, help from family and friends and being do-it-yourselfers, made up for thin wallets. What especially captured our interest in this body of water was how clear it was.
We closed on the property in October 2003. We could not wait to spend weekends here after completion of each summer workweek. We love the calming effect of the lake. Taking a left on Nippo Court on Fridays gives you that "Ahhh" moment of relief..
Our former landlord, who became a dad to us, learned that Stan Mackey wanted to sell his place on Nippo Lake. We had just sold a property at Hampton Beach and were in the market to invest in another real estate. We took a ride to Nippo Lake and walked around the property — it just felt right. We were both fortunate enough to have spent summers on very similar lakes up north in homes built by our fathers and grandfathers who worked rotating shifts at the paper mill. Though our parents’ incomes were low, hard work, help from family and friends and being do-it-yourselfers, made up for thin wallets. What especially captured our interest in this body of water was how clear it was.
We closed on the property in October 2003. We could not wait to spend weekends here after completion of each summer workweek. We love the calming effect of the lake. Taking a left on Nippo Court on Fridays gives you that "Ahhh" moment of relief..
In the months of preparation for the sale, Stan Mackay told us he started coming here to help his good friend, Ted Scott, build his camp. He told us he soon realized, if he was going to be here, he might as well build his own place. So he acquired the property next to Scott’s and started to build. He said he purchased a load of green lumber for the camp in early 1950’s. The Korean War broke out and he was recalled to active duty. Two years later he returned and his wood had properly seasoned over that time. Stan and Ted built these camps like our fathers did.
Soon after purchasing the property the Association was looking for someone to help Jay Corcoran perform water monitoring for the UNH Lay Lake Monitoring Program (LLMP). Bob volunteered and with Jay’s patient training and guidance from Bill Totherow and Bob Craycraft (UNH), he samples to this day. He enjoys facilitating sampling trips by UNH students and interfacing with Bob - a task he hopes his grandchildren will someday perform. This year, Dave Cullen has joined the LLMP and is filling the gaps quite effectively.
We open the camp each season with an Easter egg hunt for the grandkids and Clarice cooks a ham dinner. Although the grandchildren are now older, they still won’t let the egg hunt tradition stop!
Soon after purchasing the property the Association was looking for someone to help Jay Corcoran perform water monitoring for the UNH Lay Lake Monitoring Program (LLMP). Bob volunteered and with Jay’s patient training and guidance from Bill Totherow and Bob Craycraft (UNH), he samples to this day. He enjoys facilitating sampling trips by UNH students and interfacing with Bob - a task he hopes his grandchildren will someday perform. This year, Dave Cullen has joined the LLMP and is filling the gaps quite effectively.
We open the camp each season with an Easter egg hunt for the grandkids and Clarice cooks a ham dinner. Although the grandchildren are now older, they still won’t let the egg hunt tradition stop!
Time spent with family and friends here are memorable. Some of the best times at Nippo are when the grandchildren are all here. We bought them each their own kayak, Hope getting hers when she was just 3 years old. Now the five grandchildren range in age from 9 to 17.
Bob usually goes “catching” after dinner in the boat that is set to self navigate around the lake while he reels in all those fish. He’s a catch release fisherman so the loons don’t have to worry about their next meal.
The walk on Sarah Lane and to the top of Nippo Court and back is close to a mile from our yard. It’s Clarice’s time to get a bit of exercise. She likes to contribute by having served on the BOD and bringing her infamous desserts to any meetings. Contributing for a guardianship was just an extension of caring to improve the health of the lake, so other families can enjoy it for generations to come. Clarice also enjoys sewing and thought if she made a quilt it would be another avenue to raise funds for our Association’s efforts.
Bob usually goes “catching” after dinner in the boat that is set to self navigate around the lake while he reels in all those fish. He’s a catch release fisherman so the loons don’t have to worry about their next meal.
The walk on Sarah Lane and to the top of Nippo Court and back is close to a mile from our yard. It’s Clarice’s time to get a bit of exercise. She likes to contribute by having served on the BOD and bringing her infamous desserts to any meetings. Contributing for a guardianship was just an extension of caring to improve the health of the lake, so other families can enjoy it for generations to come. Clarice also enjoys sewing and thought if she made a quilt it would be another avenue to raise funds for our Association’s efforts.
We can’t thank the BOD enough for their efforts and the untold hours the members invested in this lake to make it as clear as it was 16 years ago. They provided guidance to all of us and in return the property owners have responded with donations, and property improvements.
We Love it Here! Bob and Clarice
We Love it Here! Bob and Clarice
Featured Guardians June 2021
Doucett Family
My husband and I both grew up spending summer vacations on various New Hampshire lakes. These vacations created a love of all things lake related and when we married, we settled in southern NH before moving into our first home in Barrington in 1999. We spent our summers driving to various lakes to spend days on the water as a family. Our favorite place to vacation as a family was not a huge resort down in the tropics or up in the mountains, but at a quaint little resort on a beautiful lake. We spent our time there swimming, kayaking, fishing, and searching for loons and turtles, much like we do today on Nippo. Our young children developed a love of the lake as well and every summer was packed with day trips to the lake. In 2011 we decided to look for a new home, but knew we wanted to keep our children in their current school systems. One of our house visits brought us into the Liberty Lane neighborhood where there is the shared beachfront access. After touring the house, the agent walked us down the hill to the hidden gem of Nippo! We didn’t get that home, but the desire to have access to that lake stayed with us, so when we had the opportunity to buy a house lot in the neighborhood we jumped on it. We love living on Nippo, and spend as much time on the lake as we can. There is nothing like having your early morning coffee by the water when it is still and quiet, seeing the variety of wildlife that visit or make this lake their home, or on a humid afternoon, taking one last dip in the lake as you watch the storm clouds roll in over the lake. We have been blessed to spend hours enjoying the fishing, swimming, and water sports here on Nippo, and now that we are grandparents, we look forward to sharing this amazing resource with another generation and making even more family memories. Every summer we have watched the water clarity and wondered if or when we will get the email alerting us to a cyanobacteria outbreak. Nippo is such an important place to us, that we thought it was essential for us to do our part to protect this resource. We have enjoyed reading so many of the stories from the other Guardians and learning more of the history of Nippo Lake and the crystal clear lake they all remember. We are grateful that so many people have given to the fundraising goal and are excited for what the future holds for Nippo Lake.
My husband and I both grew up spending summer vacations on various New Hampshire lakes. These vacations created a love of all things lake related and when we married, we settled in southern NH before moving into our first home in Barrington in 1999. We spent our summers driving to various lakes to spend days on the water as a family. Our favorite place to vacation as a family was not a huge resort down in the tropics or up in the mountains, but at a quaint little resort on a beautiful lake. We spent our time there swimming, kayaking, fishing, and searching for loons and turtles, much like we do today on Nippo. Our young children developed a love of the lake as well and every summer was packed with day trips to the lake. In 2011 we decided to look for a new home, but knew we wanted to keep our children in their current school systems. One of our house visits brought us into the Liberty Lane neighborhood where there is the shared beachfront access. After touring the house, the agent walked us down the hill to the hidden gem of Nippo! We didn’t get that home, but the desire to have access to that lake stayed with us, so when we had the opportunity to buy a house lot in the neighborhood we jumped on it. We love living on Nippo, and spend as much time on the lake as we can. There is nothing like having your early morning coffee by the water when it is still and quiet, seeing the variety of wildlife that visit or make this lake their home, or on a humid afternoon, taking one last dip in the lake as you watch the storm clouds roll in over the lake. We have been blessed to spend hours enjoying the fishing, swimming, and water sports here on Nippo, and now that we are grandparents, we look forward to sharing this amazing resource with another generation and making even more family memories. Every summer we have watched the water clarity and wondered if or when we will get the email alerting us to a cyanobacteria outbreak. Nippo is such an important place to us, that we thought it was essential for us to do our part to protect this resource. We have enjoyed reading so many of the stories from the other Guardians and learning more of the history of Nippo Lake and the crystal clear lake they all remember. We are grateful that so many people have given to the fundraising goal and are excited for what the future holds for Nippo Lake.
Featured Guardians April 2021
Sam Robinson
My first introduction to Nippo was back in early 1950 when my family moved to New Castle, NH. My stepfather, Henry Walker, worked at the shipyard and knew Freeman Drew. Freeman had recently bought the Buzzell farm from John Ginneen of Dover, who purchased the property from the Ida Buzzell estate. Freeman took Henry, my brother Stan Mackay, and Ted Scott deer hunting around Nippo Pond (later changed to Nippo Lake) and showed them his property as well as his lake front subdivision. Ted Scott bought the first two lots and our family the next three. Freeman showed Ted and Stan how to build their cabins and I was the “go-fer." Stan was 15 years older and had just finished college and a stint in the Navy. When he went to his camp he usually brought me along. When Stan and Ted married their sweethearts and started raising their families, I was always invited to their Nippo cabins.
My first introduction to Nippo was back in early 1950 when my family moved to New Castle, NH. My stepfather, Henry Walker, worked at the shipyard and knew Freeman Drew. Freeman had recently bought the Buzzell farm from John Ginneen of Dover, who purchased the property from the Ida Buzzell estate. Freeman took Henry, my brother Stan Mackay, and Ted Scott deer hunting around Nippo Pond (later changed to Nippo Lake) and showed them his property as well as his lake front subdivision. Ted Scott bought the first two lots and our family the next three. Freeman showed Ted and Stan how to build their cabins and I was the “go-fer." Stan was 15 years older and had just finished college and a stint in the Navy. When he went to his camp he usually brought me along. When Stan and Ted married their sweethearts and started raising their families, I was always invited to their Nippo cabins.
In 1963, our mother thought we needed more room. She discovered the log cabin was for sale and bought it. I graduated from college in 1964 and attended UNH graduate school. During those summers I lived in the log cabin as I didn’t mind “roughing it." In 1967 I started teaching and had enough money to buy the cabin.
I was told the original cabin was built in the late 1920s or early 1930s with logs that were cut and slid across the ice. It had one large room with a fireplace and an alcove for bunk beds beside the screened porch. An addition to the back created a small area for an ice box, toaster oven, toilet, and bedroom. The lot was transferred by the Walter Buzzell estate to Arnold R. Tucker in 1933. Evidently NH Fish & Game stocked the lake with rainbow trout as one of the guests at the Tucker cabin, John Dunn of Winthrop, MA, caught a 23” rainbow trout (see photo).
The Tuckers sold the cabin to William Rockwood in 1952. The Tuckers or Rockwoods were avid hunters because when I took ownership there were two large moose heads hanging on the walls (still hanging), one very large brown bear (ruined by squirrels), and a large boa constrictor skin about 10 feet long and 24” wide.
In 1967, I replaced the bunk beds in the alcove with a kitchen. In 1971, I married Gloria and my bachelor days were over. Our family grew to 4 children and we needed more space. In 1976 the first addition replaced the screened porch and in 1980, I replaced the back addition with a two-story addition consisting of three bedrooms, a full bathroom, a second-floor deck, and storage areas. Our family spent many days swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and picking wild blueberries on Nippo. Many afternoons I would paddle Gloria around the lake in our yellow Old Town canoe. Like all families, our children went to college, married and started their own families. During the summers our daughter from Madison, WI and her family would spend several weeks at Nippo. Gloria and I occasionally entertain at the cabin with a golf outing at Nippo Lake Golf Club.
I was told the original cabin was built in the late 1920s or early 1930s with logs that were cut and slid across the ice. It had one large room with a fireplace and an alcove for bunk beds beside the screened porch. An addition to the back created a small area for an ice box, toaster oven, toilet, and bedroom. The lot was transferred by the Walter Buzzell estate to Arnold R. Tucker in 1933. Evidently NH Fish & Game stocked the lake with rainbow trout as one of the guests at the Tucker cabin, John Dunn of Winthrop, MA, caught a 23” rainbow trout (see photo).
The Tuckers sold the cabin to William Rockwood in 1952. The Tuckers or Rockwoods were avid hunters because when I took ownership there were two large moose heads hanging on the walls (still hanging), one very large brown bear (ruined by squirrels), and a large boa constrictor skin about 10 feet long and 24” wide.
In 1967, I replaced the bunk beds in the alcove with a kitchen. In 1971, I married Gloria and my bachelor days were over. Our family grew to 4 children and we needed more space. In 1976 the first addition replaced the screened porch and in 1980, I replaced the back addition with a two-story addition consisting of three bedrooms, a full bathroom, a second-floor deck, and storage areas. Our family spent many days swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and picking wild blueberries on Nippo. Many afternoons I would paddle Gloria around the lake in our yellow Old Town canoe. Like all families, our children went to college, married and started their own families. During the summers our daughter from Madison, WI and her family would spend several weeks at Nippo. Gloria and I occasionally entertain at the cabin with a golf outing at Nippo Lake Golf Club.
A side story: Like many folks of my generation when we owned our first autos money was tight. We learned auto mechanics to fix our autos and other engines like outboard motors. Stan and Ted loved to race their boats and Nippo was their testing site. Needless to say, they were very competitive and had their preferences. Ted preferred Johnson outboard motors and a Grady White boat but Stan preferred Evinrude outboard motors and a Lyman boat. They would race up and down Nippo testing their new props, etc. Occasionally something went wrong. Ted, being a mechanical engineer, fixed his mistakes, and I fixed Stan’s. One day in the late 1960s, I was doing one of those fixes of Stan’s outboard motor on my screen pouch during a thunderstorm when a lightning bolt hit and killed the tallest tree across the lake. My nephew, Rae Mackey, who did a lot of photographing, took this 1977 picture of that now dead tree in the skyline above the canoe.
In the spring of 1969, Ted Scott discovered that a group of people were petitioning NH Governor and Council to put a road into Nippo for a public access at the ledge outcropping on Landry’s land we called Indian Rock. The lake wide response to the petition was the start of collective action to protect Nippo that eventually led to the establishment of the Nippo Lake Association in the early ‘80’s. We were able to get plans for a public access dropped.
I served on the NLA board of directors for many years and helped monitor lake water quality. My seventy years of swimming, fishing, hiking and helping protect the lake made contributing to the Guardian campaign the only sensible thing to do. I encourage others to join me and my family in so doing.
In the spring of 1969, Ted Scott discovered that a group of people were petitioning NH Governor and Council to put a road into Nippo for a public access at the ledge outcropping on Landry’s land we called Indian Rock. The lake wide response to the petition was the start of collective action to protect Nippo that eventually led to the establishment of the Nippo Lake Association in the early ‘80’s. We were able to get plans for a public access dropped.
I served on the NLA board of directors for many years and helped monitor lake water quality. My seventy years of swimming, fishing, hiking and helping protect the lake made contributing to the Guardian campaign the only sensible thing to do. I encourage others to join me and my family in so doing.
Featured Guardians November 2020
Don and Diana Fortenbacher
My mother and father, Jim and Johanna Fortenbacher, purchased the property at 23 Bailey Way in 1975, 45 years ago. They had a cottage on another NH lake which had problems every summer: the water was brown and awful. Thus, one of the main reasons they chose Nippo Lake was the cleanliness of the water. My wife Diana and I took our cottage over in 1998 after my parents passed. We are the fourth generation at Nippo Lake. Today our two children and their spouses are enjoying the cottage with our 5 grandkids. We chose to join the Nippo Lake Guardians to keep up the quality of the water- it probably is the single most important thing we can do to retain our property values, not to mention enjoyment of the water, fishing, swimming, boating, etc. Thank you to all of the Nippo Lake Guardians for your interest as well as everything you do!
My mother and father, Jim and Johanna Fortenbacher, purchased the property at 23 Bailey Way in 1975, 45 years ago. They had a cottage on another NH lake which had problems every summer: the water was brown and awful. Thus, one of the main reasons they chose Nippo Lake was the cleanliness of the water. My wife Diana and I took our cottage over in 1998 after my parents passed. We are the fourth generation at Nippo Lake. Today our two children and their spouses are enjoying the cottage with our 5 grandkids. We chose to join the Nippo Lake Guardians to keep up the quality of the water- it probably is the single most important thing we can do to retain our property values, not to mention enjoyment of the water, fishing, swimming, boating, etc. Thank you to all of the Nippo Lake Guardians for your interest as well as everything you do!
Weitzell Family
My folks began searching for a summer cottage in the early 1970’s. They saw a cottage listed for sale on Nippo Lake in Barrington. Nippo Lake? They had never heard of it. My father thought it sounded like a location occupied by the Japanese in WWII. We hiked to the lake from Stagecoach Road in the middle of February. The snow was up to our knees as the road was not plowed. In those days, all cottages in the North Cove were seasonal. You left in the Fall and returned in the Spring. When we finally reached the cottage, my mother opened the front doors to the porch. She knew she wanted to be here, the connection was immediate. Sarah Nippo had captured her Indian heritage and spirit. The view was spectacular. We discovered most of the cottages in the North Cove had families with kids and the lake was crystal clear. A perfect spot for my brother and me to spend summers. And so it began. . .
We would arrive at the lake as soon as school got out, leaving on Labor Day. Each summer we looked forward to reuniting with our “summer friends.” We spent endless hours swimming, boating, water skiing, and hanging together into the night. Every afternoon, we lined up on the dock waiting for Mr. Colprit to arrive from work and then head directly to his boat. We all got two trips around the lake to perfect our skills on water skis. Summer at the lake? It was the ultimate playground for kids. Our community was tight, strong ties developed between the families. We all had multiple “moms” watching out for us. My brother was hired at age 13 for his first job at Camp Don Bosco. He commuted to work via boat with a 6hp outboard. We all spent time golfing on the course that was in our backyard. My folks both played in golf leagues, establishing many friendships. At age 83, my father still plays four to five mornings a week. You’ll also spot him in his rowboat or canoe, often with a fishing line trolling behind. In a crazy twist of fate, I found my partner in the cottage next to my folks. Yes, I now live with the “boy next door.” Phil Jodoin and I have been together for over eight years.
Countless gatherings with friends and family have provided years of memories. It’s impossible to summarize in a few short paragraphs. The lake has been an intricate part of our lives, supplying immeasurable joy. In troubling times the lake has been a refuge, providing solace and comfort. Each season we witness an ever changing nature show. The loon family provides hours of entertainment. How lucky we are to have them in our presence. Sunrise, sunset, change of seasons– no two are ever the same. So why did we contribute to the Nippo Lake Guardian campaign? We do not want to lose a part of our soul or peace of mind. This has always been our “piece of paradise.” Saving our lake and restoring it to its former pristine state is imperative as we approach our 50th season on Nippo Lake. We look forward to creating more memories and hope future generations will be privileged to the joys we were blessed to experience.
My folks began searching for a summer cottage in the early 1970’s. They saw a cottage listed for sale on Nippo Lake in Barrington. Nippo Lake? They had never heard of it. My father thought it sounded like a location occupied by the Japanese in WWII. We hiked to the lake from Stagecoach Road in the middle of February. The snow was up to our knees as the road was not plowed. In those days, all cottages in the North Cove were seasonal. You left in the Fall and returned in the Spring. When we finally reached the cottage, my mother opened the front doors to the porch. She knew she wanted to be here, the connection was immediate. Sarah Nippo had captured her Indian heritage and spirit. The view was spectacular. We discovered most of the cottages in the North Cove had families with kids and the lake was crystal clear. A perfect spot for my brother and me to spend summers. And so it began. . .
We would arrive at the lake as soon as school got out, leaving on Labor Day. Each summer we looked forward to reuniting with our “summer friends.” We spent endless hours swimming, boating, water skiing, and hanging together into the night. Every afternoon, we lined up on the dock waiting for Mr. Colprit to arrive from work and then head directly to his boat. We all got two trips around the lake to perfect our skills on water skis. Summer at the lake? It was the ultimate playground for kids. Our community was tight, strong ties developed between the families. We all had multiple “moms” watching out for us. My brother was hired at age 13 for his first job at Camp Don Bosco. He commuted to work via boat with a 6hp outboard. We all spent time golfing on the course that was in our backyard. My folks both played in golf leagues, establishing many friendships. At age 83, my father still plays four to five mornings a week. You’ll also spot him in his rowboat or canoe, often with a fishing line trolling behind. In a crazy twist of fate, I found my partner in the cottage next to my folks. Yes, I now live with the “boy next door.” Phil Jodoin and I have been together for over eight years.
Countless gatherings with friends and family have provided years of memories. It’s impossible to summarize in a few short paragraphs. The lake has been an intricate part of our lives, supplying immeasurable joy. In troubling times the lake has been a refuge, providing solace and comfort. Each season we witness an ever changing nature show. The loon family provides hours of entertainment. How lucky we are to have them in our presence. Sunrise, sunset, change of seasons– no two are ever the same. So why did we contribute to the Nippo Lake Guardian campaign? We do not want to lose a part of our soul or peace of mind. This has always been our “piece of paradise.” Saving our lake and restoring it to its former pristine state is imperative as we approach our 50th season on Nippo Lake. We look forward to creating more memories and hope future generations will be privileged to the joys we were blessed to experience.
Featured Guardians September 2020
Tyler and Nicole Conroy
We have three children: Teagan (11), Quintin (7), and Alana (3). I grew up in Barrington, and Nicole in Dover. My first experience with Nippo Lake was at Jay Corcoran and Lynda Brushett’ s home (I knew it as Brendt's house). Brendt and I have been friends since elementary school and we spent a lot of time over the years on the lake or in the woods nearby. When the opportunity to make Nippo a permanent home for my family presented itself, the decision to reside in such a beautiful, fun, and ecologically rich place was easy. Our family chose to join the Guardians to support the alum treatment designed to improve water quality and eliminate cyanobacteria blooms. We are currently renovating our house on Flower Drive and installing a new septic and retaining walls to eliminate surface water runoff into the lake. We look forward to becoming more active in the Nippo Lake community after we move back into our house which we hope to be in a month or so!
We have three children: Teagan (11), Quintin (7), and Alana (3). I grew up in Barrington, and Nicole in Dover. My first experience with Nippo Lake was at Jay Corcoran and Lynda Brushett’ s home (I knew it as Brendt's house). Brendt and I have been friends since elementary school and we spent a lot of time over the years on the lake or in the woods nearby. When the opportunity to make Nippo a permanent home for my family presented itself, the decision to reside in such a beautiful, fun, and ecologically rich place was easy. Our family chose to join the Guardians to support the alum treatment designed to improve water quality and eliminate cyanobacteria blooms. We are currently renovating our house on Flower Drive and installing a new septic and retaining walls to eliminate surface water runoff into the lake. We look forward to becoming more active in the Nippo Lake community after we move back into our house which we hope to be in a month or so!
Ryan and Kayla Fitzgerald
We are Ryan, Kayla, Jack, Patrick, and Jake (the dog) Fitzgerald. Ryan is from Manchester, NH and is a firefighter for the Manchester Fire Department. I am from Bedford, NH and work as Nursing Director at Catholic Medical Center. Jack is a kind and fun-loving 6-year-old, while Patrick is a wild, yet sweet when he wants to be 3-yearold.
Ryan’s love for Nippo dates back to his early childhood when his grandparents, Beacon and Nana (Herb and Elaine Fitzgerald), hosted countless family gatherings at “The Camp.” Some of Ryan’s fondest memories were made here, from the July 4th boat parades, to bringing friends up for birthday sleepovers, to hosting some unauthorized keg parties. Ryan’s childhood summers often consisted of taking day trips to the camp with Beacon, while listening to AM sports radio and savoring a brown-bagged lunch packed with love, from Nana. Some kids might think spending the summer with your grandfather might sound uninteresting, but Ryan and Beacon had an indescribable bond. For Ryan, coming to Nippo Lake has always been about having a place to spend time with those you love and not being distracted by the hustle and bustle beyond Nippo Hill. When I met Ryan, he spoke of Nippo and was shocked to hear I already knew about this gem! My first time at Nippo was at the Thibaudeau’s, tubing in high school. I grew up with Joe and it is great getting together with him and friends from our past. Ryan and I have always dreamed of Nippo one day being our home to share with family and friends, the way Beacon and Nana did with so many.
Beacon and Nana purchased the camp in the 1970s. Beacon would always speak of how clean and clear the water was. He was very proud to be part of the Nippo Lake community. When presented the opportunity to continue the heritage of the camp, we could not pass it up. As the years have gone on, we have explored various options for living at Nippo. After 10 years of enjoying summers (and some winter days) in the camp, we are finally excited to be full time residents and to be building a home of our own (under construction on Harlan Drive).
Living at Nippo Lake naturally draws you outside and makes it easy to partake in outdoor activities you would not necessarily have the opportunity to do elsewhere. Since living here, we have spent more time as a family going on hikes, golfing, boating, and swimming. We also love sharing our home with family and friends, and they love visiting us at Nippo…but then again, who wouldn’t?
It is an honor to contribute, support, and be a Guardian. We cherish Nippo and one day hope our kids will want to make Nippo a place for their families. Improving the water means a safer place for us to live and more memories we can create here. Being a Guardian is such a rare opportunity to make a difference in improving the environment and the place we now call home. We are grateful for the hard work and time other property owners have already put in. The monetary contribution is the least we can do.
We are Ryan, Kayla, Jack, Patrick, and Jake (the dog) Fitzgerald. Ryan is from Manchester, NH and is a firefighter for the Manchester Fire Department. I am from Bedford, NH and work as Nursing Director at Catholic Medical Center. Jack is a kind and fun-loving 6-year-old, while Patrick is a wild, yet sweet when he wants to be 3-yearold.
Ryan’s love for Nippo dates back to his early childhood when his grandparents, Beacon and Nana (Herb and Elaine Fitzgerald), hosted countless family gatherings at “The Camp.” Some of Ryan’s fondest memories were made here, from the July 4th boat parades, to bringing friends up for birthday sleepovers, to hosting some unauthorized keg parties. Ryan’s childhood summers often consisted of taking day trips to the camp with Beacon, while listening to AM sports radio and savoring a brown-bagged lunch packed with love, from Nana. Some kids might think spending the summer with your grandfather might sound uninteresting, but Ryan and Beacon had an indescribable bond. For Ryan, coming to Nippo Lake has always been about having a place to spend time with those you love and not being distracted by the hustle and bustle beyond Nippo Hill. When I met Ryan, he spoke of Nippo and was shocked to hear I already knew about this gem! My first time at Nippo was at the Thibaudeau’s, tubing in high school. I grew up with Joe and it is great getting together with him and friends from our past. Ryan and I have always dreamed of Nippo one day being our home to share with family and friends, the way Beacon and Nana did with so many.
Beacon and Nana purchased the camp in the 1970s. Beacon would always speak of how clean and clear the water was. He was very proud to be part of the Nippo Lake community. When presented the opportunity to continue the heritage of the camp, we could not pass it up. As the years have gone on, we have explored various options for living at Nippo. After 10 years of enjoying summers (and some winter days) in the camp, we are finally excited to be full time residents and to be building a home of our own (under construction on Harlan Drive).
Living at Nippo Lake naturally draws you outside and makes it easy to partake in outdoor activities you would not necessarily have the opportunity to do elsewhere. Since living here, we have spent more time as a family going on hikes, golfing, boating, and swimming. We also love sharing our home with family and friends, and they love visiting us at Nippo…but then again, who wouldn’t?
It is an honor to contribute, support, and be a Guardian. We cherish Nippo and one day hope our kids will want to make Nippo a place for their families. Improving the water means a safer place for us to live and more memories we can create here. Being a Guardian is such a rare opportunity to make a difference in improving the environment and the place we now call home. We are grateful for the hard work and time other property owners have already put in. The monetary contribution is the least we can do.
James and Donna-Belle Garvin
My father and mother bought our first camp on Nippo Lake (then called Nippo Pond) in 1960. This is the camp now owned by Ryan and Kayla Fitzgerald. In my boyhood, my family had spent vacations on Blodgett’s Island in Northwood Lake, purchased by my greatgrandfather in the early 1900s after its timber was cut off, and my father was never content without the prospect of spending his brief vacation time near the water.
I don’t remember how we learned that a newly-built camp was for sale on Nippo, but we went for a look, were shown the place by its builder, Nathaniel Flagg of Boscawen, and immediately fell in love with the building and with the pond. Mr. Flagg and a grandson had built the camp more as a family project than as an investment. He told us that he had patterned the new building on his own camp, which is now owned by the Brighams.
Between 1927 and 1930, local landowner Laura Cilley had sold Mr. Flagg, his sister, and his niece parcels of land on the western shore of Nippo extending from David Cullen’s present house northward to the holdings of the Cocheco Manufacturing Company around the dam. Mr. Flagg had built his own camp and, one at a time, had sold camp lots. More to get a few good neighbors than to make a profit.
My father and mother bought our first camp on Nippo Lake (then called Nippo Pond) in 1960. This is the camp now owned by Ryan and Kayla Fitzgerald. In my boyhood, my family had spent vacations on Blodgett’s Island in Northwood Lake, purchased by my greatgrandfather in the early 1900s after its timber was cut off, and my father was never content without the prospect of spending his brief vacation time near the water.
I don’t remember how we learned that a newly-built camp was for sale on Nippo, but we went for a look, were shown the place by its builder, Nathaniel Flagg of Boscawen, and immediately fell in love with the building and with the pond. Mr. Flagg and a grandson had built the camp more as a family project than as an investment. He told us that he had patterned the new building on his own camp, which is now owned by the Brighams.
Between 1927 and 1930, local landowner Laura Cilley had sold Mr. Flagg, his sister, and his niece parcels of land on the western shore of Nippo extending from David Cullen’s present house northward to the holdings of the Cocheco Manufacturing Company around the dam. Mr. Flagg had built his own camp and, one at a time, had sold camp lots. More to get a few good neighbors than to make a profit.
Nippo Pond is unusual in southeastern New Hampshire in having crystalline water like that of Winnipesaukee and Squam, rather than sharing the brownish tint of most waterbodies in Rockingham and Strafford Counties. It was always a pleasure to gaze deeply into the limpid waters of the pond in those days. My sister used to lie on our wharf and watch for a big snapping turtle who moved slowly across the bottom. In the 1960s, the pond was never affected by cyanobacteria; the first report we ever had of this new problem was around 2010.
When we began to spend time at Nippo there were a number of other camps on both the east and west shores of the pond and a few at the northern end. The southern hillside was a vacant abandoned pasture that included the Clark Cemetery and was beginning to return to forest. Beyond the north end of the pond, the lands now occupied by the Nippo Golf Course were an active farm. When the wind was right, it was a pleasure to row toward the dam, smell the distant cows, and know that you were indeed in a “New Hampshire everlasting and unfallen” as imagined by Thoreau. I had (and still have) a little canvas kayak that I built from a kit advertised in a magazine. With that boat, which weighs less than fifteen pounds, I explored the shores of the pond, enjoying the scent of the summersweet along the shore of the Hale (now Landry) land on the eastern shore and carefully paddling near the grotesquely eroded rocks and ledges on the then-empty upper western shore.
Then as now, the western side of Nippo Pond was accessible by Nippo Path, now renamed Flower Drive. This is a right-of-way, called the “Old Path” on surveys and deeds, that crossed private land to the dam. The road originally passed very close to the barn of a yellow house on Route 9 and 202. That house (still yellow) was then owned by Harold and Addie Flower, in whose honor the road is now named. Harold was a genial neighbor who kept an eye on the road and greeted nearly everyone who drove past his barn. A veteran of World War I and long a fixture in Barrington, Harold had formerly served as a fire lookout in the tower on Blue Job Mountain. In later years, Flower Drive was re-routed farther away from the house and barn by cutting through an embankment that still defines its narrow entrance.
Nippo Path was not plowed in the winter in the 1960s since it served only seasonal camps. When we visited our camp after snow covered the ground, we and other winter visitors parked in the Flowers’ welcoming dooryard and walked in, on snowshoes if necessary. Sometimes pulling a child’s toboggan with any supplies we wanted to take. No place could have been quieter and more beautiful in wintertime than this path, sheltered by snow-laden hemlocks and offering glimpses of the frozen pond that had been screened by leaves in the summer.
Loving history even in my youth, I used to explore around Nippo Dam, knowing that the pond had been one of a network of reservoirs of the Cocheco Manufacturing Company, a great textile enterprise in Dover. I found a split granite boundary post in the woods near the shore, carved with the letters “CMC” and marking a corner of the company’s landholding around its dam.
When we began to spend time at Nippo there were a number of other camps on both the east and west shores of the pond and a few at the northern end. The southern hillside was a vacant abandoned pasture that included the Clark Cemetery and was beginning to return to forest. Beyond the north end of the pond, the lands now occupied by the Nippo Golf Course were an active farm. When the wind was right, it was a pleasure to row toward the dam, smell the distant cows, and know that you were indeed in a “New Hampshire everlasting and unfallen” as imagined by Thoreau. I had (and still have) a little canvas kayak that I built from a kit advertised in a magazine. With that boat, which weighs less than fifteen pounds, I explored the shores of the pond, enjoying the scent of the summersweet along the shore of the Hale (now Landry) land on the eastern shore and carefully paddling near the grotesquely eroded rocks and ledges on the then-empty upper western shore.
Then as now, the western side of Nippo Pond was accessible by Nippo Path, now renamed Flower Drive. This is a right-of-way, called the “Old Path” on surveys and deeds, that crossed private land to the dam. The road originally passed very close to the barn of a yellow house on Route 9 and 202. That house (still yellow) was then owned by Harold and Addie Flower, in whose honor the road is now named. Harold was a genial neighbor who kept an eye on the road and greeted nearly everyone who drove past his barn. A veteran of World War I and long a fixture in Barrington, Harold had formerly served as a fire lookout in the tower on Blue Job Mountain. In later years, Flower Drive was re-routed farther away from the house and barn by cutting through an embankment that still defines its narrow entrance.
Nippo Path was not plowed in the winter in the 1960s since it served only seasonal camps. When we visited our camp after snow covered the ground, we and other winter visitors parked in the Flowers’ welcoming dooryard and walked in, on snowshoes if necessary. Sometimes pulling a child’s toboggan with any supplies we wanted to take. No place could have been quieter and more beautiful in wintertime than this path, sheltered by snow-laden hemlocks and offering glimpses of the frozen pond that had been screened by leaves in the summer.
Loving history even in my youth, I used to explore around Nippo Dam, knowing that the pond had been one of a network of reservoirs of the Cocheco Manufacturing Company, a great textile enterprise in Dover. I found a split granite boundary post in the woods near the shore, carved with the letters “CMC” and marking a corner of the company’s landholding around its dam.
Of great interest to us, as to anyone who explores Nippo, was Nippo Rock, always submerged except for a tiny nubble when the pond was “drawn down” for the winter, but with its full flat surface reportedly above water before the dam was built to convert the natural pond into a reservoir. According to legend, this huge glacial boulder was the favored seat of Sarah Nippo, the last American Indian to live at the pond. That was all we ever heard of the Sarah Nippo legend until Morton Wiggin published his History of Barrington, N. H. in 1966. Wiggin portrayed Sarah Nippo in superhuman terms, “eight feet tall, in fact an Indian giantess” who lived to be “well over a hundred years old, but no one is sure how or when she passed to her ‘Happy Hunting Ground.’” Wiggin credited this information to George Buzzell, an earlier local historian.
With this sort of legend as an inspiration, I used to explore the woods around Nippo Hill, which was then easily recognized from as far away as Center Strafford by a tall, twisted pine tree that held fast to the rocky summit amid lesser trees. These woods are crisscrossed by a network of stone walls built from the angular broken granite left by the glaciers. Some are tall and beautifully laid; others disappear and reappear along old boundary lines. A favorite walk began not far from the dam, following an old woods road toward the west, past a cellar hole and burying ground with graves marked only by flat fieldstones, and eventually finding its way to another graveyard and cellar hole. Here was the only marked grave in these abandoned woods. That of George Parshley (1755-1829), a Revolutionary soldier. Although Parshley’s home site became better known with the publication of The Graveyards of Barrington in 1976, it seemed to me when I discovered it to be a remnant of a lost civilization.
Near the abandoned Parshley homestead site was a large sawdust pile, of the type that is found in New Hampshire woods where a portable sawmill did its work. These huge piles take many decades to be reabsorbed by nature. Sally Crockett, Nathaniel Flagg’s niece, told us that the horses from that logging operation, which perhaps occurred in the 1920s, were brought down to the pond to drink near her camp (now ours). This was the abandoned New Hampshire landscape of my youth. Fascination with that world led me to a life spent studying and preserving history.
My parents sold our first camp around 1970 to fund their purchase of a retirement home. My wife, DonnaBelle, and I were absent from the lake for twenty-five years. But during that time we kept in contact with Sally Crockett of Portsmouth, whose little camp stood next door to her uncle’s. Built around 1930 as a hunting camp by Otis Dunnell of Rochester, this building measures only 12 by 20 feet. Later a 10 by 12-foot kitchenette was attached. In 1995, Sally, then nearing ninety, was kind enough to sell her camp to us. She lived to be one hundred years old.
Having received treasured memories of Nippo Pond as it was in the 1930s from Sally and her uncle Nathaniel, and having memories of our own from the 1960s, Donna-Belle and I, and my sister Adele, want to help to preserve this beautiful pond and the lands around it. Our professional commitments have not given us much free time at our camp, but we look forward to future days at Nippo, made richer by our ability to see the pond and its watershed through the eyes of a generation that has passed from the scene.
With this sort of legend as an inspiration, I used to explore the woods around Nippo Hill, which was then easily recognized from as far away as Center Strafford by a tall, twisted pine tree that held fast to the rocky summit amid lesser trees. These woods are crisscrossed by a network of stone walls built from the angular broken granite left by the glaciers. Some are tall and beautifully laid; others disappear and reappear along old boundary lines. A favorite walk began not far from the dam, following an old woods road toward the west, past a cellar hole and burying ground with graves marked only by flat fieldstones, and eventually finding its way to another graveyard and cellar hole. Here was the only marked grave in these abandoned woods. That of George Parshley (1755-1829), a Revolutionary soldier. Although Parshley’s home site became better known with the publication of The Graveyards of Barrington in 1976, it seemed to me when I discovered it to be a remnant of a lost civilization.
Near the abandoned Parshley homestead site was a large sawdust pile, of the type that is found in New Hampshire woods where a portable sawmill did its work. These huge piles take many decades to be reabsorbed by nature. Sally Crockett, Nathaniel Flagg’s niece, told us that the horses from that logging operation, which perhaps occurred in the 1920s, were brought down to the pond to drink near her camp (now ours). This was the abandoned New Hampshire landscape of my youth. Fascination with that world led me to a life spent studying and preserving history.
My parents sold our first camp around 1970 to fund their purchase of a retirement home. My wife, DonnaBelle, and I were absent from the lake for twenty-five years. But during that time we kept in contact with Sally Crockett of Portsmouth, whose little camp stood next door to her uncle’s. Built around 1930 as a hunting camp by Otis Dunnell of Rochester, this building measures only 12 by 20 feet. Later a 10 by 12-foot kitchenette was attached. In 1995, Sally, then nearing ninety, was kind enough to sell her camp to us. She lived to be one hundred years old.
Having received treasured memories of Nippo Pond as it was in the 1930s from Sally and her uncle Nathaniel, and having memories of our own from the 1960s, Donna-Belle and I, and my sister Adele, want to help to preserve this beautiful pond and the lands around it. Our professional commitments have not given us much free time at our camp, but we look forward to future days at Nippo, made richer by our ability to see the pond and its watershed through the eyes of a generation that has passed from the scene.
Nippo was the last of three camps in New Hampshire we owned growing up, and our favorite. The family was our parents Leota and Delwood, my brother Jim who you know, our dog Chippy, and myself. We lived in Massachusetts and the drive to Nippo on Friday evenings was the perfect end to the week. And having to leave on Sundays was very difficult. We all loved nature, especially lakes and woods. I was in high school when we bought the camp. We were so fortunate to find such a peaceful, beautiful refuge where we were absorbed in the natural world. We got the morning sun and it was special to sit by the water early when it was totally quiet and watching it sparkle like diamonds on the lake.
Aside from the daily pleasure of being in such a cherished, hidden piece of the world, here are some life-long memories. First, the few not so good memories: having to do homework before I could be free to play; did not find the bloodsuckers welcome companions; wasn’t crazy about the long water snake that slithered rapidly past me while swimming. A memorable experience was walking in our woods and suddenly having a weird feeling in my legs. Oh great- I stepped right onto a yellow jackets’ nest and was engulfed by these infuriated neighbors. That was my first experience with being stung. Good thing I wasn’t allergic. They were inside my pants and I ran lickety-split for Mom and the camp.
I loved the adorable red efts that were a common sight. Maybe that’s why I love geckos today. Also, the sound of bullfrogs at night was a relaxing treat. I may be misremembering this but think the boys' Camp Don Bosco played taps in the evening. My brother Jim slept on the screened porch in warm weather. One Friday night in early spring, it was too chilly when we arrived so he got into his cot in the living room to discover he was sharing his bed with Momma Mouse and her little darlings. We all watched while she carried them off to some safe place. Eventually, peace returned. The water was so pristine. I enjoyed watching the sunfish on their nests and chasing intruders away. The large snapping turtle I often saw on the bottom off the deep end of the wharf was always on my mind while swimming. Other fish were easily seen.
I loved rowing our boat all alone. Especially to the completely quiet (except for fish jumping) marshy end by the dam. I read books there and watched the brilliantly colored dragonflies and darning needles who would land on me- scarlet, topaz blue, emerald green and purple. Dad loved rowing the whole family around the lake. I sat in the bow with Chippy on my lap- she had to be the first to see what was coming up. Sometimes Dad rowed like a crazy person to create chop for Chippy to bite. Otherwise, I splashed it up with my hand to relieve her boredom in the middle of the lake. We sometimes reached deep in the water to pull up a (slimy) water lily to savor its pure beauty up close in the camp. We were sometimes rowing at dusk and the sky was very busy with swallows gobbling up mosquitos and moths and swooping down for water bugs.
Another early spring evening when we arrived, I took pails to the lake to get water and surprised a lovely white ermine or weasel. A once in a lifetime delight. We put sunflower seeds in a hollow log outside the back door for chipmunks. If we forgot to put a stash in there, we would hear loud complaining outside the door. Dad and I slowly got them to eat out of our hands. Simple pleasures are the best.
I was grateful to be able to contribute to the alum treatment fund in gratitude for all our cherished times there. I am very concerned about the state of the environment all over the planet. While I’m here on Earth, I try to do whatever I can for as long as I can to try to make a difference for all life in its infinite forms. Now that we know all the damage we humans have done, to do nothing is not an option. No matter how small, as caretakers of this world we need to take every opportunity to undo some harm and hope we can make improvements.
Aside from the daily pleasure of being in such a cherished, hidden piece of the world, here are some life-long memories. First, the few not so good memories: having to do homework before I could be free to play; did not find the bloodsuckers welcome companions; wasn’t crazy about the long water snake that slithered rapidly past me while swimming. A memorable experience was walking in our woods and suddenly having a weird feeling in my legs. Oh great- I stepped right onto a yellow jackets’ nest and was engulfed by these infuriated neighbors. That was my first experience with being stung. Good thing I wasn’t allergic. They were inside my pants and I ran lickety-split for Mom and the camp.
I loved the adorable red efts that were a common sight. Maybe that’s why I love geckos today. Also, the sound of bullfrogs at night was a relaxing treat. I may be misremembering this but think the boys' Camp Don Bosco played taps in the evening. My brother Jim slept on the screened porch in warm weather. One Friday night in early spring, it was too chilly when we arrived so he got into his cot in the living room to discover he was sharing his bed with Momma Mouse and her little darlings. We all watched while she carried them off to some safe place. Eventually, peace returned. The water was so pristine. I enjoyed watching the sunfish on their nests and chasing intruders away. The large snapping turtle I often saw on the bottom off the deep end of the wharf was always on my mind while swimming. Other fish were easily seen.
I loved rowing our boat all alone. Especially to the completely quiet (except for fish jumping) marshy end by the dam. I read books there and watched the brilliantly colored dragonflies and darning needles who would land on me- scarlet, topaz blue, emerald green and purple. Dad loved rowing the whole family around the lake. I sat in the bow with Chippy on my lap- she had to be the first to see what was coming up. Sometimes Dad rowed like a crazy person to create chop for Chippy to bite. Otherwise, I splashed it up with my hand to relieve her boredom in the middle of the lake. We sometimes reached deep in the water to pull up a (slimy) water lily to savor its pure beauty up close in the camp. We were sometimes rowing at dusk and the sky was very busy with swallows gobbling up mosquitos and moths and swooping down for water bugs.
Another early spring evening when we arrived, I took pails to the lake to get water and surprised a lovely white ermine or weasel. A once in a lifetime delight. We put sunflower seeds in a hollow log outside the back door for chipmunks. If we forgot to put a stash in there, we would hear loud complaining outside the door. Dad and I slowly got them to eat out of our hands. Simple pleasures are the best.
I was grateful to be able to contribute to the alum treatment fund in gratitude for all our cherished times there. I am very concerned about the state of the environment all over the planet. While I’m here on Earth, I try to do whatever I can for as long as I can to try to make a difference for all life in its infinite forms. Now that we know all the damage we humans have done, to do nothing is not an option. No matter how small, as caretakers of this world we need to take every opportunity to undo some harm and hope we can make improvements.
Featured Guardians August 2020
Mario DellaPelle
Mario, how did you end up at Nippo Lake?
One of my best friends, Jimmy Cannon (212 Nippo Court) asked me to come up and help him hang some doors in his camp: a former WWII barracks. The government was selling off these buildings, but you had to disassemble and move them yourself. Jimmy bought half of a barrack for fifty dollars. He disassembled it and brought it up north to the lake where his wife Fran’s aunt and uncle had property.
What happened next?
Jimmy mentioned the camp next door was for sale (204 Nippo Court): “Why don’t you take a look at it?” I went next door with my wife Josephine and she immediately said, “Let’s get out of here. This place is a shack!" There wasn’t even a bathroom - the toilet bowl was in the bedroom. Being a modelmaker and woodworker by trade, I saw the potential and convinced her we could make it into something. That was in 1961 and the rest is history.
What attracted you to the Lake?
The water was so crystal clear. You could see the bottom of the lake for more than 10 feet deep. I also liked that it was spring fed and had no inlets.
Why do you love the Lake so much?
Nippo is my “Happy Place." It’s beautiful and brings back a lot of happy memories for me in addition to being a perfect place to cool off.
Why did you donate?
I have been coming here for 59 years with my wife Josephine, daughter Kathy, and son Ed. Since then it’s always been my family destination. We spent all our weekends and week-long vacations here. Mostly renovating and improving our vacation home in the morning and enjoying the lake in the afternoon. In 1984 my family started to grow and a few years later I had 3 grandchildren. My daughter, son-in-law Paul, and their children loved coming up to the lake. Fast forward, I now have 5 great-grandsons who also love family gatherings at the lake.
Why is the Lake so important to you?
The lake brings my family together. I very much enjoy their company. I’m not saying they wouldn’t visit, but with the younger kids it would be very difficult to keep them busy if the lake was not usable and worst case a hazard to their health because of a bloom.
Why are the DellaPelle and Doucette families so committed to the Lake?
Buying the cottage next door a few years ago gave the next generations their own place to hang out and make their own family memories. We simply love our beautiful lake, family get togethers, wonderful caring neighbors, and various NLA activities.
Mario, how did you end up at Nippo Lake?
One of my best friends, Jimmy Cannon (212 Nippo Court) asked me to come up and help him hang some doors in his camp: a former WWII barracks. The government was selling off these buildings, but you had to disassemble and move them yourself. Jimmy bought half of a barrack for fifty dollars. He disassembled it and brought it up north to the lake where his wife Fran’s aunt and uncle had property.
What happened next?
Jimmy mentioned the camp next door was for sale (204 Nippo Court): “Why don’t you take a look at it?” I went next door with my wife Josephine and she immediately said, “Let’s get out of here. This place is a shack!" There wasn’t even a bathroom - the toilet bowl was in the bedroom. Being a modelmaker and woodworker by trade, I saw the potential and convinced her we could make it into something. That was in 1961 and the rest is history.
What attracted you to the Lake?
The water was so crystal clear. You could see the bottom of the lake for more than 10 feet deep. I also liked that it was spring fed and had no inlets.
Why do you love the Lake so much?
Nippo is my “Happy Place." It’s beautiful and brings back a lot of happy memories for me in addition to being a perfect place to cool off.
Why did you donate?
I have been coming here for 59 years with my wife Josephine, daughter Kathy, and son Ed. Since then it’s always been my family destination. We spent all our weekends and week-long vacations here. Mostly renovating and improving our vacation home in the morning and enjoying the lake in the afternoon. In 1984 my family started to grow and a few years later I had 3 grandchildren. My daughter, son-in-law Paul, and their children loved coming up to the lake. Fast forward, I now have 5 great-grandsons who also love family gatherings at the lake.
Why is the Lake so important to you?
The lake brings my family together. I very much enjoy their company. I’m not saying they wouldn’t visit, but with the younger kids it would be very difficult to keep them busy if the lake was not usable and worst case a hazard to their health because of a bloom.
Why are the DellaPelle and Doucette families so committed to the Lake?
Buying the cottage next door a few years ago gave the next generations their own place to hang out and make their own family memories. We simply love our beautiful lake, family get togethers, wonderful caring neighbors, and various NLA activities.
Peter Limoncelli / Susan Limoncelli Kornguth
Peter Limoncelli and his sister Susan grew up on Lake Quonnipaug in Guilford, CT with all those wonderful childhood memories that many on Nippo also have experienced. Unfortunately, the community at Lake Quonnipaug was not proactive and years of phosphorus buildup led to extreme vegetation growth making it impossible to swim or boat in certain areas.
Because Peter’s business is in Barrington, NH he had for years made a weekly commute staying in hotels and playing golf in the summer at Nippo Lake Golf Club, always keeping his eye out for property on Nippo. A few years ago, when Donna Sabin’s cottage at 252 Flower Drive came up for sale, “I jumped at the opportunity and bought it immediately." As Eileen and I settled in and began enjoying visits to Nippo year-round, my parents and sister Susan soon joined us at the lake too. After patiently waiting for the right property for her family to come available, Susan and her husband, Matt Kornguth, now fly their Guardian Flag at the cottage in the south cove formerly owned by the Totherows. As Susan said, “The beauty and aura of Nippo is instantly recognizable. Our families both recognize the importance of acting now with the fundraising for an alum treatment to avoid what we experienced at home in CT.”
Peter Limoncelli and his sister Susan grew up on Lake Quonnipaug in Guilford, CT with all those wonderful childhood memories that many on Nippo also have experienced. Unfortunately, the community at Lake Quonnipaug was not proactive and years of phosphorus buildup led to extreme vegetation growth making it impossible to swim or boat in certain areas.
Because Peter’s business is in Barrington, NH he had for years made a weekly commute staying in hotels and playing golf in the summer at Nippo Lake Golf Club, always keeping his eye out for property on Nippo. A few years ago, when Donna Sabin’s cottage at 252 Flower Drive came up for sale, “I jumped at the opportunity and bought it immediately." As Eileen and I settled in and began enjoying visits to Nippo year-round, my parents and sister Susan soon joined us at the lake too. After patiently waiting for the right property for her family to come available, Susan and her husband, Matt Kornguth, now fly their Guardian Flag at the cottage in the south cove formerly owned by the Totherows. As Susan said, “The beauty and aura of Nippo is instantly recognizable. Our families both recognize the importance of acting now with the fundraising for an alum treatment to avoid what we experienced at home in CT.”
Diane & Dave Dickson / Nancy & Kevin McIver
Their first impression of Nippo Lake, with its calm, clear water, deep green woods and cottages lining the shore made them want to have a camp as well. “When Roland learned the Wheelers were selling their camp, he gave us a call, and we acted quickly," notes Diane. “From then on, Nippo Lake has been a favored destination for both our families. We have had many family parties over the years – including reunions and Thanksgiving feasts. My sister Nancy and her husband Kevin McIver, loved being at the lake and have helped us with many of camp projects. They, and their three children, really wanted a place of their own and let us know they were interested in a cottage. When Ken Rice called us to say they were selling their camp, we immediately called Kevin and Nancy who came to look and bought the camp next door. Over the years their children have grown up on the lake and as young adults, continue coming to the lake."
"When the cyanobacteria blooms started erupting, we all became concerned. We wanted to continue to entertaining our families, hosting our large gatherings, and generally enjoying lake life. We became involved in the Lake Association to learn about how to protect the lake. We participated in the SOAK UP THE RAIN program and made many suggested improvements. Becoming a Nippo Lake Guardian was the natural next step to ensure our lake becomes and remains clear lake for generations.”
Their first impression of Nippo Lake, with its calm, clear water, deep green woods and cottages lining the shore made them want to have a camp as well. “When Roland learned the Wheelers were selling their camp, he gave us a call, and we acted quickly," notes Diane. “From then on, Nippo Lake has been a favored destination for both our families. We have had many family parties over the years – including reunions and Thanksgiving feasts. My sister Nancy and her husband Kevin McIver, loved being at the lake and have helped us with many of camp projects. They, and their three children, really wanted a place of their own and let us know they were interested in a cottage. When Ken Rice called us to say they were selling their camp, we immediately called Kevin and Nancy who came to look and bought the camp next door. Over the years their children have grown up on the lake and as young adults, continue coming to the lake."
"When the cyanobacteria blooms started erupting, we all became concerned. We wanted to continue to entertaining our families, hosting our large gatherings, and generally enjoying lake life. We became involved in the Lake Association to learn about how to protect the lake. We participated in the SOAK UP THE RAIN program and made many suggested improvements. Becoming a Nippo Lake Guardian was the natural next step to ensure our lake becomes and remains clear lake for generations.”