How long have you lived in New Hampshire? If you grew up here in the 1980s there are some things that you remember that no one else does. Your kids may roll your eyes when you talk about your love for all things from 1980s New Hampshire, but we understand, so grab your shoulder pads and big hair and come on a journey back in time.
1. Watching On Golden Pond
This hit staring Jane Fonda, Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn became was filmed on Squam Lake in Holderness and tugger at the heartstrings of anyone in New Hampshire who loves their lake cabin when it was released in 1981.
2. Visiting Toy Castle in Claremont.
If you were a kid in the 80s, this is what your dreams were made of. What kid wouldn't still love a toy shop in a castle??!
3. Watching the Horses Run at Rockingham Park
The now-closed Rockingham Park had a long history of horse racing, but it it was renovated and reopened in 1984, sparking the heyday of the park's success.
4. Hearing About The Bear Brook Murder Mystery
On November 10, 1986 a hunter walking near Bear Brook State Park found the remains of a woman and little girl in an oil drum. The search to identify the victims was fast and furious, but met only dead ends. Years later, in 2000, two more dead girls were found nearby. The mystery has still never been solved.
5. Shopping at the Pheasant Lane Mall.
When the mall opened in 1986, it was the biggest and best in New Hampshire, drawing shoppers from all over the state (and Massachusetts!)
6. Feeling the 1982 Earthquake.
The biggest earthquake in New Hampshire's living memory happened on January 19, 1982. The epicenter of the quake was in Laconia, although the 4.7 magnitude quake shook the whole state. Although the quake was powerful, only minor damage occurred.
7. Catching a show at Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom.
In the 1980s the ballroom hosted a lot of up-and-coming bands, including U2 in 1981.
8. Listening to the debates over the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant.
Seabrook Station opened in March 1990, but that was 10 years later than scheduled. The 1980s were filled with debates over the power plant and frustrations over the costly delays.
9. Preparing to wait out Hurricane Gloria.
It's not often that New Hampshire is threatened by a powerful hurricane, but that was the case in 1985, when Hurricane Gloria headed straight for New England. Luckily, the damage ended up being less than predicted.
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