What are the most significant ways that New Hampshire has changed over the past 25 years? The biggest change in the last 25 years is how New Hampshire is perceived by the rest of the country. Ridiculed on various levels–i.e. we had a governor who wanted flags flown half-mast at Easter, Memorial Day on a different date, no recognition of Martin Luther King Day. (I would not have been surprised if N.H. had refused to go along with the International Time zones!) Today, the “live free or die” philosophy is respected and admired. And we are both conservative (no taxes, or sales tax etc.) and liberal…civil unions etc. and Episcopal Bishop.
What in publishing has changed the most, especially in New Hampshire, over the past quarter century? My field is writing, editing and art. Fundamentally, this side of things never really changes. We strive to entertain, inform, amuse, inspire–make people laugh and cry and be astounded. 25 years ago–heck, 100 years ago–those in the arts were doing the same. Only the “tools” change–i.e. typewriters to computers etc.
What Granite Stater(s) would you say inspired you? In what way? Robb Sagendorph, founder of Yankee. I worked with him for 12 years until his death in 1970. Most influential person in my life. Other important people in my life: Rob Trowbridge and David Putnam (both recently died).
What would you consider your favorite spot in New Hampshire and why? 1. The northwest point of Sleepers Island on Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s where I can be with family (3 sons + 3 daughters-in-law + 8 grandchildren) the most.
2. The summit of Mt. Washington.
3. The summit of Mt. Monadnock.
What would you like to see accomplished in New Hampshire over the next 25 years? Over the next 25 years, I’d like to see the Red Sox and/or the Patriots play an exhibition game in Manchester. I’d like to be able to drink the water in Lake Winnipesaukee. I’d like to see telephone poles and wires eliminated in favor of wireless communication. I’d like another major company to move to the Berlin/Gorham area. I’d like the annual Road Kill Auction in N.H. to come back. I’d like Rt. 101 to bypass Dublin.
