HANCOCK NH

HANCOCK NH

Hancock Common

Built - 1909

The Village of Hancock is located in the heart of the Monadnock Region of the beautiful state of New Hampshire. The village is so-named after the patriot whose most memorable signature graces the Declaration of Independence. The town has a tremendous spirit of its origins and maintains its buildings on Main Street so well that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "A stroll down Main Street in Hancock...is like a walk through history" - Woman's World, February 1997.

The town also houses the Hancock Inn which dates back to 1789, the first year of George Washington's presidency and is the oldest of New Hampshire's inns. It has been in continuous operation since it opened and has hosted thousands of visitors over the many years of its existence from cattle drovers, rum runners, aristocrats and even a U. S. President. A short stroll from the Inn will take you to the red brick vestry - the town's white steepled meetinghouse that houses Paul Revere's #236 bell chiming on the hour.

The village is also very proud of its unique bandstand on Hancock Common which was built in 1909 and still plays host to summer programs which include the town band, rock, western and country concerts.

The bandstand was built over a hundred years now through private donations and local volunteer labor. At that time, "music lovers" complained that there was no place in town to fully showcase some of the enthusiastic local bands. Local records list The Hancock Commission donating $63.50; New Ideas Club - $20.00; Hancock Fire Department Show - $57.39 and the rest through citizen donations.

Many special events are held on the bandstand and in the common area with the 1976 Bicentennial, annual Old Home Weekend celebrations and Saturday night concerts being some of these events.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Eleanor H. Amidon

Hancock Museum Director