Big Island Pond

It is beloved by many, yet southern New Hampshire's Big Island Pond-with its large, protected island-still retains its wild nature. The first Royal Governor of New Hampshire, Benning Wentworth, built a farm on the big island and named Lake Wentworth in 1741. By 1878 a dam on the Spicket River raised water levels, uniting Lake Wentworth in Derry, and Atkinson with Perch Pond in Hampstead, creating present-day Big Island Pond. Following the dam construction, farming waned, and picnickers...
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It is beloved by many, yet southern New Hampshire's Big Island Pond-with its large, protected island-still retains its wild nature. The first Royal Governor of New Hampshire, Benning Wentworth, built a farm on the big island and named Lake Wentworth in 1741. By 1878 a dam on the Spicket River raised water levels, uniting Lake Wentworth in Derry, and Atkinson with Perch Pond in Hampstead, creating present-day Big Island Pond. Following the dam construction, farming waned, and picnickers arrived. Controlling the water levels turned waterfront farmland into campgrounds. Amongst the notable residents was Inventor and steam car pioneer, George Eli Whitney. Another, Hosea Carter, testified at the Lincoln assassination trial. Neighbors included an All-Star major leaguer and a Hollywood starlet. Many war heroes called the pond home, including the CEO of Parker Brothers Games and another who dined at the White House with George Washington. Martin Klein tested Side Scan Sonar technology here before scanning Loch Ness and then finding the Titanic. Mercury and Apollo astronaut Commander Alan B. Shepard honed his athletic skills pond side before Teeing up on the moon.The Penobscot Maritime Museum and Derry Museum of History are the main sources for the photographs; their best were selected for publication. The author, longtime pond resident Tom Goulet, wishes to thank the generous BIP residents who shared treasured snapshots, histories, and memories.