Comments for Nelson, New Hampshire

Comment on Frank’s Kitchen by Val Van Meier

Val Van Meier — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:39:42 +0000

Wonderful story Karen. I wish I’d gotten to know Frank before the fire. Your story brings back memories of my Great Aunt’s kitchen and how it too was a warm gathering spot around the wood stove.

I see a wonderful idea happening here. What if one or two days a week if we have a “Franks Kitchen” at the library? People bring something to share if they have it, (perhaps donate a coffee maker & coffee) and enjoy good company. I say schedule it, only because with our busy lives, if our intent is to visit, it’s nice to know there will be people to visit with. Krys, it is always fun visiting with you – but variety is nice.

Comment on Frank’s Kitchen by Bert Wingerson

Bert Wingerson — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:49:56 +0000

Great story Karen! It is so important to capture and share these memories before they too are forgotten and lost. You have the ability to make Frank’s kitchen live for those of us who missed the opportunity.

Comment on Frank’s Kitchen by Hilda Wiggin

Hilda Wiggin — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:53:20 +0000

Karen, you’ve done it again. Creating a picture with a story. I loved Franks kitchen. It always reminded me of my Mother-In-Law’s kitchen – table and all. Door always open even if it was closed, always there, always welcoming everyone who came through it and time to talk. Impossible to duplicate the depths of those kitchens. My favorite times were late in the afternoons. (I preferred his bourbon to his coffee.) Sipping a bourbon one day the phone rang, I just heard , ya,ya,yup, (he was town constable)and off we went in his rusty old truck to track down some pigs that were on the loose. Never found them.. That kitchen just happened, never planned. His endless stories and imitations of certain individuals brought the past alive. He made me laugh hard and often. Whoops guess that was more about Frank than about a ‘third’ place. I’ll miss him forever.

Comment on Frank’s Kitchen by Susan Weaver

Susan Weaver — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:38:22 +0000

Great story, Karen. I could smellthe coffe and the dogs!

Comment on Frank’s Kitchen by Kris Finnegan

Kris Finnegan — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:11:09 +0000

Karen, I remember that kitchen and the company it kept. Something lost when it burned. Thank you for rescuing a bit of it. Your picture of words brings it all back. I know there is a picture of the front parlor and the chairs in the Nelson Picture book.
I put an invitation out to all in the community to use your library. It is already available and filled with comfortable chairs and good books. The more it is used, the more people will see it as a vital space in our community. The days of a quiet library are bygone. You may even have tea or coffee (coffee is harder because I can’t figure out how to make it).

Comment on Frank’s Kitchen by Don Bennett

Don Bennett — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:44:19 +0000

Hello Karen,
Nicely done! I was never in that kitchen, unfortunately for me, but now I feel as though I had spent hours there. Your story and content remind me of one of my favorite authors-Eric Sloane and the tales he weaves of yesteryear. A writing instructor once told me, ” show me, don’t tell me”.
You did that.
Please send more,
Don

Comment on Frank’s Kitchen by Dudley Laufman

Dudley Laufman — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:53:06 +0000

Top shelf story Karen. Postively top drawer. Some of the pieces in SHE PLUMB NED were garnered in Frank’s kitchen. Sometimes I would go in, nobody home. Old Frank asleep upstairs, young Frank out tooling about someplace. I’d make my own coffee. Always did anyway…Frank would say “Want some coffee? Get it yourself” Snow indeed sifting in under the porch door. One time sitting there late fall, Barry, Renn, Fran Felix, Frank. Frank said “Bi god there’s a deer up in back of Roger’s there.” And he scooted under the table, grabbed his gun and out the door, We all followed. Can’t remember if it was the season or not.
My own “third place’ is the Canterbury Village Store. I hang out there Saturday mornings , get my mail, have a coffee. Tell lies with Peter Fife, Stuart Fifield and
that lot. Peter always has on a different bill cap. One said O’Neil’s Boatyard. “Where’s you fetch that Pete?” He took it off, looked at it, said “Came with the boat. Sold the boat, kept the hat. It’s worth more than the boat”

Comment on Frank’s Kitchen by Kathy Schillemat

Kathy Schillemat — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:50:56 +0000

It seems to me that, in our busy lives, we need 3rd places more and more. We come away refreshed and feel connected, in more ways than just news of the community. I like Susan Peery’s idea about the safety building, but so far, the town officials haven’t been open to that.

Comment on Frank’s Kitchen by Susan Hansel

Susan Hansel — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:41:05 +0000

Karen, You are a story weaver. I really feel the atmosphere of Frank’s kitchen. Thank you so much for sharing, and for making us so aware of the need for such a place in Nelson.
Well done!

Comment on Frank’s Kitchen by Susan Peery

Susan Peery — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 01:40:32 +0000

Wonderful piece, Karen!
Too bad the kitchen in the Safety Center at the town barn isn’t open during the day — it is accessible, has lots of parking, and it would acquire some charm if it got used enough and people brought in mugs and old spoons. During the ice storm it was a real haven!