Welcome Video
Transcript of video:
NARRATOR: The history of New Hampshire is a shared story of its nature, its people, its politics, and the service of its citizens to this state and our nation. Henry Styles Bridges served New Hampshire as a teacher, a farmer, a businessman, and as governor from 1935 to 1937 and US senator from 1937 to 1961. As he worked for New Hampshire through the Great Depression, World War II, and the tremendous changes that came in the following decades, Senator Bridges called East Concord his home. As governor, Styles Bridges reached office at the age of 36 and at the time was the youngest governor in the history of the state. Two years later he was elected to the US Senate where he represented the state of New Hampshire for over two decades.
JUDD GREGG, GOVERNOR 1989-1993: He chaired the two most powerful committees and in sequence and then he was of course Majority Leader during a brief period when the Republicans controlled the Senate back in the late 1940s and then of course he was Senator pro-temporary. And on the Senate side of the building, there's a Styles Bridges room.
NARRATOR: Despite the demands of his office, Senator Bridges returned frequently to New Hampshire to visit with constituents and to farm his land.
JOHN BRIDGES, STYLES BRIDGES’ SON: Dad was terribly proud of his state and proud of East Concord and his neighbors and so forth. And as I recollect, he liked the Democrats and Republicans--It wasn't the divide that we have today.
NARRATOR: The Bridges House and farm was originally built in 1835 by a prosperous woodworker named Charles Graham. The house was built on land that was once owned by Revolutionary War veteran Joshua Thompson. It was one of the first brick structures built in the Concord area during this period.
SUSAN LYNCH, FIRST LADY 2005: It was quite unusual to see a home built in the Greek Revival style in this part of the state as early as this home was so that's a very significant piece of history. Certainly the folks that have lived here or occupied this land, in this building, the history is also very, very vital to who we are as a state.
NARRATOR: Senator Bridges’ impact and influences on the state of New Hampshire were immense and extended well beyond his years of service. It is fitting that this man of humble beginnings who gave so much of his life to the Granite State would also bequeath his prized home and all of its belongings to the people of New Hampshire. After the passing of his wife Dolores in 1969, the Bridges House became the official residence of the governor of New Hampshire. Until this point New Hampshire had no official home for its executive to meet and entertain guests and dignitaries outside of the official office of the State House and while its size and functionality limited its use by most of the following first families, it has become an important asset to the state.
GALE THONISON, FIRST LADY 1973-1979: I just think it's so unique to New Hampshire.
NARRATOR: New Hampshire's long-standing tradition of frugality and thrift are well known by all. As a result, the Bridges House has been relatively unchanged in the last forty years. Most of the improvements that have been made were minor and have come about through either private donations or the interest and efforts of the first families themselves.
NANCY SUNUNU, FIRST LADY 1983-1989: I got people to either donate the wallpaper and donate their time to put it up and the girl who did the stenciling came from Kingston and she did that and the coverlet that was somebody made that.
KATHY GREGG, FIRST LADY 1989-1993: The hallway wallpaper is actually my most favorite hallway wallpaper that I couldn't find anybody to donate it so I paid for it.
NARRATOR: Through the personal attention of New Hampshire's First Family members, the Bridges House has continued its important work of opening its doors to New Hampshire citizens and visiting guests. But the needs of the Bridges gift have proven to exceed any one individual's ability to balance family life, political work, and business endeavors.
BILL SHAHEEN, FIRST GENTLEMAN 1997-2003: The house is stuck in the middle of not being really a residence and a historical piece of property. And we as New Hampshirites need to change that. Its got to go to a different level.
NARRATOR: Basic upkeep of the Home is provided by the state but Bridges House needs outside support to continue its role as a greeting and social space for New Hampshire.
DOROTHY PETERSON, FIRST LADY 1969-1973: It's a big asset to the state. I certainly think we should try to keep it and improve it. It certainly needs some help in order to perform the functions that it well can.
NARRATOR: Security and climate control are primary concerns in keeping the house and its possession safe and sound. Enhanced meeting and kitchen facilities are essential to allow greater use of the house for visitors and guests. Modernized access and ADA compatibility would open the house and its history to all, and finally environmental upgrades from insulation, energy conservation measures and other green renovations throughout the house would showcase New Hampshire's home to its many visitors.
HEATHER MERRILL, FIRST LADY 1993-1997: When you're in office, you're always doing the state's business, whether it's in your home, in the residence, at the State House, and it's very important to preserve this and I think we need to maintain its historical integrity and honor Styles Bridges and his gift to the state and we have it so we should take care of it.
NARRATOR: The Friends of the Bridges House was formed in 2005 in order to honor the generosity of the Senator and Mrs. Bridges and to realize the full potential of their magnificent gift to the state. The group has initiated a capital campaign to renovate and improve the property. Like many executive residences in other states, the Bridges House is an ambassador of New Hampshire for its citizens and visitors. And like many other residences the operation of the house relies upon a combination of public and private funds. After 40 years of service to the state, Bridges House could use your help. Please help continue Bridges’ gift to New Hampshire.
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