Jackson Historical Society
23 Black Mountain Road
Jackson, New Hampshire 03846
. . .keeping the past alive
Moving Day Photo Op—July 24, 2025
On Thursday, July 24, 2025, the Historical Society welcomed children from Jackson Grammar School for a lively photo op, recreating the charming Pumpkin People display from October 2024. Leslie Schomaker and Jackie Connors proudly held up a photo of the original gourd-headed figures. The kids then grabbed a rope, laughing and tugging with all their might to shift the real building down the hill. The scene buzzed with community spirit, capturing Jackson’s playful heart in every snap!
Moving Day -- July 29, 2025
These awesome shots show the trucks gearing up for the big move! There is a powerful winch stationed in front of the building and another at the back, perfectly positioned to guide the Town Hall smoothly down the hill. The video captures the thrilling first moments of the building's journey!
Leslie Schomaker, the passionate president of the Jackson Historical Society, kicks things off with a warm welcome to the crowd as the big move begins. Nearly 200 enthusiastic spectators gathered to witness the spectacle! The video captures the building gliding smoothly along its path while panning across the buzzing crowd, soaking in every second of this unforgettable event. Video courtesy of Linda Little.
These incredible shots show the cribbing setup, expertly guiding the Town Hall to its brand-new home! The intricate framework is like a choreography of wood carefully laid out, steering the building with precision to its final destination. Photos courtesy of Tom Connors.
Dive into a captivating interview where Leslie Schomaker sits down with Gary Sylvester, the mastermind behind an incredible building relocation project. These videos don’t just tell the story—they bring it to life with stunning footage of the building gliding across the landscape, showcasing the teamwork and ingenuity that made it happen!
Alongside the gripping videos, these stunning photos capture the Town Hall’s epic journey to its new home! Check out Gary Sylvester and his family, beaming with pride after pulling off a flawless move. The excitement and triumph in these shots are absolutely infectious.
Witness Michael Callis in a heart-pounding display, expertly splitting a massive rock with jaw-dropping precision. Feel the energy soar as the Della Valla Trio unleashes electrifying melodies that set the scene ablaze. The final snapshot honors the Historical Society’s Board of Directors, whose tireless efforts brought this thrilling celebration to life!
More Resources on the Move
This is a link to the New Hampshire Public Radio story on the move.
This is a link to the article in the Conway Daily Sun, Saturday, August 2, 2025.
The move was a tremendous success, not only for Gary Sylvester and his crew but for the town of Jackson. The Historical Society extends its appreciation to the Della Valla Trio, who not only played pro bono but received tips which it donated to the Society. Michael Callis and Bob Cottrell had demonstrations. In case you missed Bob’s, this will take you to a blog with more information about his demonstration.