The Fells, a local nonprofit organization that has maintained and managed the John Hay Estate on Lake Sunapee for over a decade, acquired the northern half of the property from the US Fish and Wildlife Service on March 25, 2008. The 84-acre parcel includes all of the buildings and gardens that had been deeded by the Hay family to the government. Another 80 adjacent acres will continue as a federal wildlife refuge.
According to Nicholas Mitchell, Chairman of the Board of The Fells, "Fish and Wildlife had made it clear that they could not maintain the house or take care of the gardens. By purchasing this special property, we can ensure that it will remain open for the public to enjoy."
John Hay, who built his New Hampshire summer home in 1891, had been a private secretary to Abraham Lincoln and later Secretary of State under both Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. Outstanding and varied gardens were added to the estate by the next generation of the Hay family. In addition to gardens and lawns, the property includes meadows, woodlands and lake shoreline.
Known as The Fells, the property is open to the public. Last year, more than 10,000 visitors came to The Fells to experience exhibits, classes, walks, camps and more around the themes of history, horticulture and ecology. The Fells enjoys growing support from over 1,000 member households and from a strong corps of volunteers. Acquisition of the property was funded by contributions from more than 450 donors.
Representing The Fells at the acquisition closing are (left to right) Fritz Hunting, Board member and Strategy Committee Chair; Karen Zurheide, Executive Director; Nick Mitchell, Board Chair; Gusta Teach, Board Emeritus and Capital Campaign Committee Chair; Roger Wells, Board Vice Chair and Strategy Committee. |
Nick Mitchell, Fells Board Chair signs acquisition papers. |
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