This article is dedicated in memory of my parents Henry and Nancy Smith, Bob and Mary Borsari, Judge and Mrs. Brighton, Mert Dyer, Paul Hobbs and Hans Kaufhold. These individuals instilled the values of hard work, community involvement and respect for family and friends.
As I reflect back on Peterborough in the 1950s and 1960s, it is impossible to include all of those business owners and community members that exhibited the qualities that Thornton Wilder wrote about in his famous play Our Town. The common themes that were evident in Peterborough were community first, supporting your neighbor and being honest and trustworthy. Peterborough was a hard-working, blue-collar town where hard work was valued and the wealthy provided support and assistance in silent ways.
During the 1950s and 1960s, the population was approximately 3,500. We had immigrants from Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain and France. There were 11 grocery stores, eight car dealers, seven department or hardware stores, 12 dairy farms, nine barber and beauty shops, seven restaurants including a bakery and caterer, three local banks and two funeral homes. The funeral homes also served as the local ambulance service.
Derby’s Department Store was the equivalent of an upscale Walmart today. The Guernsey Cattle Club registered all of the Guernsey cattle in the world. The Peterboro Basket Company, which is closing this year, is the oldest basket company in the United States. New Hampshire Ball Bearings was a major employer. All of these businesses reflected an emphasis on customer service, providing quality goods or services and showing how important it is for employers to stand behind those goods and services.
A unique aspect of the business community was that the owners were local residents who got actively involved in community activities. Peterborough Shoe Store, owned by Bob Borsari, became a place for high school students to stop by and talk about sports. The store was also a place for local residents to stop by and discuss politics, current events and sports. He was always referred to as “The Shoe Man.”
Our police chiefs stressed to their officers the importance of developing positive relationships in the community. It was not uncommon to see a policeman giving a young person a ride home, not because they had committed a crime, but to provide a safe ride home. Doesn’t this sound like community policing?
Two individuals who also helped to shape Peterborough were Hans Kaufhold, owner of Peterborough Marble & Granite Works, and Paul Hobbs, owner of Hobbs Jewelers. Although, they were two different businesses, they shared common traits: superior craftsmanship, attention to detail and a gentle listening ear. Peterborough embraced both of these individuals – one a German immigrant and the other who grew up in Maine.
People watched out for each other. A person’s dignity was always revered. Mutual respect, trust and hard work were stressed from an early age. A handshake was not only a symbol of friendship, but was a gesture of trust, respect and honesty.
In closing, I hope that if you’re from Peterborough, you will take time to reflect on how the town helped to shape you in your life’s journey. As you drive into Peterborough and see the sign, “Peterborough: A Good Town To Live In,” pause and say, “How has Peterborough been a good town for me and my family to live in?”
Donald J. (Jimmy) Smith is a former resident of Peterborough. He delivers lectures about the town during the 1950s and 1960s, most recently in August at Union Congregational Church in Peterborough.