New Hampshire

Historical marker dedicated to feminist, Communist Party leader removed in New Hampshire

Published

2 years ago

May 16, 2023

Historical marker dedicated to feminist, Communist Party leader removed in New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A historical marker dedicated to a feminist and labor activist in New Hampshire who also led the Communist Party was removed Monday just two weeks after it was unveiled.

The green and white sign describing the life of Elizabeth Gurley Flynn was installed May 1 in Concord close to where she was born in 1890. But it quickly drew criticism from two Republican members of the Executive Council, the five-member body that approves state contracts, judicial nominees and other positions. They argued it was inappropriate given Flynn’s communist involvement. Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, meanwhile, called for a review of the historical marker process.

“All polices and guidelines were followed in removing this controversial marker,” said Sununu’s spokesperson, Ben Vihstadt. He said Concord city officials weren’t advocating to keep it, and once state officials realized it was on state property and not city land as previously believed, the state removed it.

But supporters of the sign accused the state of violating its own rules for the markers. They argued markers can only be “retired” if they contain errors of fact, are in a state of disrepair or require refurbishment.

“We still say that under the department’s own guidelines, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn’s birthplace in Concord is a fitting location for a historical marker,” said Mary Lee Sargent, a former U.S. history teacher and longtime labor and feminist activist.

Known as “The Rebel Girl” for her fiery speeches, Flynn was a founder of the American Civil Liberties Union who advocated for women’s voting rights and access to birth control. The marker also says she joined the Communist Party in 1936 and was sent to prison in 1951. She was one of many party members prosecuted “under the notorious Smith Act,” the marker says, which forbade any attempts to advocate, abet or teach the violent destruction of the U.S. government.

Flynn later chaired the Communist Party of the United States and she died in Moscow during a visit in 1964, at age 74. Her marker was one of 278 across the state that describe people and places — from Revolutionary War soldiers to contemporary sports figures.

Under the current process, any person, municipality or agency can suggest a marker as long as they get 20 signatures from New Hampshire residents. Supporters must draft the marker’s text and provide footnotes and copies of supporting documentation, according to the state Division of Historical Resources. The division and a historical resources advisory group evaluate the criteria.

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New Hampshire

Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays From Patch In New Hampshire To You

Published

9 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays From Patch In New Hampshire To You

CONCORD, NH — From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays.

We hope you have a great time with family and friends during this joyous time of the year.

Unlike last year, when it was kinda dreary due to not having any snow, there is a little bit on the ground this year, thankfully. It’s incredible how something as simple as a little white stuff on the ground can make the mood festive.

If you need some posts and videos to get into the holiday spirit, check out some of the ones I put together this season:

Also Read

The Concord Nativity scene outside the Statehouse on Christmas Eve 2024. Credit: Tony Schinella

This year, I ran out of time and did not get to put together a Christmas lights video. I ran out of time last year, too. However, I’ll make a mental note to do one in 2025; it’s work to put together, but they are a lot of fun.

If you haven’t seen the prior videos, check them out here:

Christmas Lights in Concord 2022:

Christmas Lights in Concord 2021:

Christmas Lights in Concord 2020, Part 1:

Christmas Lights in Concord 2020, Part 2:

I’ll have a few “Best Of” posts next week, and we can then welcome in the New Year.

Until then, stay safe and enjoy your time with your family and friends.

Got a news tip? Could you send it to tony.schinella@patch.com? View videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel.

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New Hampshire

NH Supreme Court issues ruling in airport fueling station fight

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Dec. 24—The state Supreme Court has issued a ruling in a legal fight over a proposed jet fueling station at Portsmouth International Airport, determining only landowners are able to offer environmental concerns on matters before the New Hampshire Wetlands Council, not renters. Million Air, an international fixed-base operator (FBO) provider based in Houston, Texas, and doing business as Pease …

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