North House Inn

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

The First Roadside Stand—Billie Walker's Mineral Spring, Woodstock, New Hampshire

Printed in The Weirs Times, Thursday, December 25, 1997
Reprinted from New Hampshire Profiles Magazine, August 1953

"According to Mr. James F. Keating, who owns the Jack O'Lantern Estate in Woodstock, this odd-shaped building was the first roadside stand in the White Mountains area. To those who are familiar with the region, "Billie Walker's Mineral Spring" is located adjacent to the roadside, close by the Trout Pond at Jack O'Lantern. This picture was taken about 1905, when mountain wagons or stage coaches stopped at the spring to water the horses. Promotion-minded "Billie" Walker discovered the "spring water" and for several years (circa 1875) he bottled and sold it throughout the East. It is reputedly very strong in mineral content and does have medicinal qualities. Mr. Keating reports that some guests at his estate have been prompted to visit there because of this water. One elderly lady claimed that it cured a foot disorder (when applied externally!). In the last few years that "Billie" operated the stand, he sold candy, sodapop, and the like to the many vacationers who stopped by."

This photograph and newspaper clipping are part of the Upper Pemigewasset Historical Society's collection.

More information about this picture, from Walker Genealogy, p. 45. Reproduced in Historical New Hampshire, Winter 1977:

"Uncle Billy's Roadside stand at North Woodstock, N.H. It was taken about 1905 and this was probably the first such stand in New Hampshire. He was William Crawford Walker. He called it the 'Dew Drop Inn' and sold mineral water from a spring at his right. The spring is still there in the pond at the Jack-o-Lantern." -Frank A. Walker, 1/16/54.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Sat., June 13, 10am-1pm—Cheers to 40 Years! Museum Opening Day
Wed., June 17, 7 pm—"The Tract Shall Be Known as the Merriam Woods" with presenter James Chesebrough
Sat., June 20, 12 pm—3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off and Block Party

06/04/2026

Disaster struck the Flume House on July 18, 1857.

During a thunderstorm, lightning struck the Flume House's flagpole, sending a powerful charge down through the bell-wire system and throughout the building. The tragedy claimed the lives of hotel clerk Willard Blandin and guest W. H. Smith of Boston, Massachusetts. Several others were injured, including proprietor Frederick A. Tyler, and the hotel itself sustained extensive damage.

The event marked a turning point in the history of the Flume House. Although the building remained standing, it appears to have ceased accommodating overnight guests shortly afterward. Tyler would eventually leave the Flume and Franconia Hotel Company in 1869.

Shown here is the Flume House and its chapel as depicted in John Badger Bachelder's 1858 lithograph print, created just one year after the lightning strike. The familiar landmark would survive for another decade before fire claimed both structures on January 12, 1871.

Fortunately, this was not the end of the Flume House story. Following the fire of 1871, a second Flume House rose on the site—larger, grander, and more elegant than its predecessor. The property continued to evolve, and in 1883, underwent yet another dramatic transformation when an expansion doubled its size. The second Flume House would welcome guests for nearly half a century before another devastating fire brought its story to a close in 1918.

This 1858 lithograph print by John Badger Bachelder (1825-1894) is part of the New Hampshire Historical Society's collection.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Sat., June 13, 10am-1pm—Cheers to 40 Years! Museum Opening Day
Wed., June 17, 7 pm—"The Tract Shall Be Known as the Merriam Woods" with presenter James Chesebrough
Sat., June 20, 12 pm—3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off and Block Party

06/03/2026

Great road trip!

06/03/2026

Today's specials!

05/31/2026

Sliding Down the Railway, c. 1890s—Mount Washington, New Hampshire

When Sylvester Marsh organized the Mount Washington Railway Company in 1866, the area around present-day Marshfield Station was still heavily forested. Before construction of the railway could begin, workers cleared the land, cut timber for ties and trestles, built a log cabin for offices and lodging, and improved the road to Fabyan so supplies could be hauled in by oxcart.

Once work on the railway was underway, Marsh employed hundreds of laborers—including many Civil War veterans—to tackle the enormous task of building a railroad up the side of Mount Washington. But after a long day's work, many workers found a much faster way down the mountain.

Using homemade slideboards known as "Devil's Shingles," workers rode the railway's center rack track from the summit to the base. Little more than narrow wooden planks fitted with seats, footrests, and hand brakes, these contraptions could make the trip down the mountain in about fifteen minutes. For some riders, however, that wasn't fast enough. Competitive descents became common, and one reported record run covered the route in just 2 minutes and 45 seconds—an average speed of 60 miles per hour!

While the Devil's Shingles became a legendary part of Cog Railway history, they also proved dangerous. Following a few fatal accidents, New Hampshire eventually banned their use, bringing an end to one of the most daring—and perilous—commutes in the White Mountains.

05/30/2026

05/25/2026

The Cascades along the Pemigewasset River in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, is a favorite natural landmark that has drawn locals and visitors alike for generations with its rushing water and rugged granite in one of the White Mountains’ most scenic settings.

This undated photograph is part of the Upper Pemigewasset Historical Society's Hallworth Collection.

05/25/2026

Get ready for blueberry season!

05/15/2026

Our signature clam chowder recipe carries a special history from The Lobster Tub, once a beloved spot in Littleton and owned by one of our founders, Irene “Muffy” Copenhaver. We hope you’ll join us to experience the care and tradition that continue in every bowl. 🥣