What Is This Stone Structure?

Rattlesnake Gal · 05-05-2005, 06:39 PM

Can anyone tell me what this stone structure is?

Located in Gilford, beside the white house on the corner of Endicott Road and Summit Ave.
(11B & the road heading into Governor’s Island.)
If heading into Governors, the home is on the left. It can be seen best from 11B.
Thanks for helping me figure this out.
Hopefully I won’t have to knock on their door to find the answer!

Mee-n-Mac · 05-05-2005, 10:56 PM

... a base for a statue, with the statue now removed. I don't know for sure but I'll have a look next week and see if it becomes any clearer when viewed in person.

Rattlesnake Gal · 05-06-2005, 08:15 AM

I hadn't thought of a statue.
Here is another view of the structure with the house in the photo.

If it was a statue, it must have been pretty big.
McDude, is there anything about it in your Gunstock Parish book?

Zee · 05-06-2005, 09:07 AM

Could it be a cistern of some sort?

Kona Bay Girl · 05-06-2005, 08:59 PM

It looks like one of the structures they made railroad bridges out of...but in the middle of the woods?

billy · 05-07-2005, 08:01 AM

chimney all thats left from structure

ApS · 05-07-2005, 09:43 AM

Looks pretty fancy for having been built by a private individual. Maybe there's a doorway on the other side?

A chapel?

A U. S. Government-built smokehouse?

A kiln?

Mausoleum?

CEP · 05-07-2005, 02:30 PM

RG:

May I say your camera takes very nice pictures!

Have you found out what that stone structure is yet?

The only thing I can think of is a base for a lookout tower!

This has got me thinking of all kinds of things.

I'll have another a beer and think about it! hahahahahaha!

cp

Paugus Bay Resident · 05-07-2005, 05:09 PM

A couple we know were thinking about buying that home some years ago. If memory serves me, they said that the structure was part of the well. Can't remember why it's so high, but we'll check with them and report back.

RI Swamp Yankee · 05-07-2005, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paugus Bay Resident

.... Can't remember why it's so high, ....

So you can find it after it snows?

Rattlesnake Gal · 05-08-2005, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CEP

RG:
May I say your camera takes very nice pictures!
Have you found out what that stone structure is yet?
The only thing I can think of is a base for a lookout tower!
This has got me thinking of all kinds of things.
I'll have another a beer and think about it! hahahahahaha!
cp

I am very happy with my new camera. (Last fall.) I have always been a bit of a shutterbug, but now I’m positively incorrigible.

Rattlesnake Guy came up with the same idea as you when we were driving by today. It looks like it could have been a lookout tower, kind of like the one at Spindle Point. If the trees weren’t there, it would be a great view.
Did the beer spark any new thoughts?

A cistern is a very good possibility.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paugus Bay Resident

A couple we know were thinking about buying that home some years ago. If memory serves me, they said that the structure was part of the well. Can't remember why it's so high, but we'll check with them and report back.

That would be great! Inquiring minds want to know.

I knew the forum would be just the place to find possible ideas of what this is.

KBoater · 05-09-2005, 08:07 AM

How about a base of an old windmill. Is the location right for that?

Island Girl · 05-09-2005, 11:22 AM

A bridge abutment would be my guess.. There are lots of these in the woods of New England where railroad bridges used to be... in these cases, the trees are new and were probably not there when the bridges were used. We have a few of these in East Central MA.

4:04 PM Looking at the picture with the house.. this is probably too small for a railroad abutment. Could be a ventilator though. Is there an aqueduct around anywhere?

RLW · 05-09-2005, 11:40 AM

How about a place to put mcdude on and take a picture of him to put on a post card for future history.

CEP · 05-09-2005, 01:35 PM

No! RG, the only thing the beer did was make me think of how many people I would like to lock up in the thing!!!

A buddy of mine asked if there was a door or some kind of entrance on the back side. If there is, he said that it could be some sort of storage for food and etc. Years ago, they didn't have refrigerators or coolers!
Do you think he had to many beers too?

I do hope someone comes up with the answer soon! The beer is running low!

cp

Jonas Pilot · 05-09-2005, 05:07 PM

Can it be seen from the water?

Rattlesnake Gal · 05-09-2005, 06:11 PM

If trees and houses weren't in the way, it could be seen from the lake.
From either of the roads, there are no visible signs of any doors. There is only a small section that cannot be seen, so that is still a possibility I guess.
It could be the base of a windmill, but not sure this would have been a good area for one. Without the trees maybe it might have been?
The railroad didn’t go up that far, so I don’t think it could be a railroad bridge abutment.
This map from McDude’s collection shows a farm. Perhaps it has something to do with that? Making either a cistern or windmill would be a good candidate.

Rattlesnake Gal · 05-09-2005, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billy

chimney all thats left from structure

Here is the view from the other road.
It is hard to say if this fireplace is part of a home that is gone or if it was built for outdoor use. It looks pretty old though.

I think we might need to take a break from using this road. One of these times, they are going to call the police!

upthesaukee · 05-09-2005, 09:44 PM

RG, it almost looks like a door into the structure through the yellow forsythias. Could it have been a small observation tower with it's observation deck gone.

the fireplace looks outdoorsy to me, not something that would have been part of a house.

Grab yourself a nice potted plant, pull into their driveway like you know them, go up to the door and knock/ring the bell, and then explain there are over two thousand people dying to know what the heck the stone tower is. Oh, and then tell them "the flowers are my way of saying thanks for the info!"

mcdude · 05-10-2005, 06:41 AM

[QUOTE/]This map from McDude’s collection shows a farm. Perhaps it has something to do with that? Making either a cistern or windmill would be a good candidate.

[/QUOTE]

.....ah!...I came across some information on the Nestledown Farm when I was putting the Weirs thread together. Let me dig into my 'archives' and see what I can come up with. It DOES look like a railroad trestle, however, the railroad was a mile or so away from there. Saunders (or the 'Gilford' stop)would have been the nearest station (somewhere ner the present vicinity of Bertha Mae's) in one direction or Weirs in the other direction.

I'll get back to you!

PS - I can never seem to get the hang of the "QUOTE" feature.
PPS - I thought it looked like some kind of primeval altar for sacrificing young nubile virgins to the Lake God...????

Rattlesnake Gal · 05-10-2005, 06:42 AM

What a great idea Upthesaukee! I may just do that. Thanks!

I think it is a depth perception illusion of a door behind the forsythia's.
In the frontal shot of the structure, there is nothing around it.

Island-Ho · 05-10-2005, 11:04 AM

Might this tower have been the support for a wooden (long gone) water tank providing gravity feed to the original farm on the property?

trfour · 05-10-2005, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

Here is the view from the other road.
It is hard to say if this fireplace is part of a home that is gone or if it was built for outdoor use. It looks pretty old though.

I think we might need to take a break from using this road. One of these times, they are going to call the police!

Just tell them trfour sent you!

" Bet Pepper knows "!

mcdude · 05-10-2005, 07:20 PM

....I'm afraid, but I did delve into the archives and came up with some stuff about Nestledown Farm as referenced on the map link above.

Nestledown was the summer residence of Mrs. John F. Zebley. Mrs. Zebley's father was Loammi Bean for whom the fountain in Veteran's Square in the Weirs is named. Mrs. Zebley commisioned the fountain. Loammi Bean purchased the property in 1861 so his family could reside there during his absence in the civil war with the 8th NH regiment. (See the "Weirs Souvenir" thread)

If the road going horizontally across in mid-range is the road to the bridge, would the stone structure be just to the left in this image?

Nestledown was destroyed by fire (as so many fine old lake structures were - *editor's note) on April 25, 1923. The place was later developed and called the Plantation. It was a 'typical farm' from the old south, run by Mrs. Lillian B. Carroll. It accommodated 68 guests and the grounds covered 150 acres with private beach. The last of the buildings burned in 1954. Today the site is occupied by the Sundown Condominiums.

In 1861 could this have been all one big parcel?

Nestledown in 1923.

Rattlesnake Gal · 05-11-2005, 06:38 AM

Thanks McDude!
We can see from your photos that a lookout tower would have worked well here to see the lake. There are hardly any trees to obstruct the view. The stone part of the structure would have survived a fire too.
It is very likely that the Nestledown had a generous amount of property early on.

Paugus Bay Resident · 05-11-2005, 08:16 AM

Here's the reposonse that I got from the couple who were considering purchasing the house some 10 years ago.

Quote:

The house had on the premise an Artisan well. That is what they told me that structure was ... though it is very tall. You can climb to the top and look out on the lake.

Jonas Pilot · 05-11-2005, 04:46 PM

Could it have been a light house?

angela4design · 03-25-2010, 03:37 PM

I was searching for an image on Flickr today, and found a photo that reminded me so much of this mysterious structure, I had to post the link here. It's of an observatory (Oak Hill, Derryfield Park in Manchester), which you can actually enter and go to the top.

The mystery structure looks similar, except that it looks like just the base, in the same granite octagonal shape. Could the top have deteriorated (wooden?), or perhaps the project was abandoned before completion?

Weston Obsesrvatory on Flickr

Another link says "Constructed in 1896-97, the building is named for James A. Weston, who left the city $5,000 to build an observatory for "the advancement of science, for educational purposes, and for the use, enjoyment, benefit, and mental improvement of the inhabitants of the city of Manchester." The man who grew up on a local farm became the first native to serve as both mayor (four times) and governor (two terms)... His home was on the grounds of what is now Wagner Park, fitting for the mayor who also created an extensive parks and cemetery beautification program."

So, it would fit that he could have built another near GOVERNOR's Island, right?

jmen24 · 03-26-2010, 07:53 AM

No actual match that I have found, but some research showed that this structure has a close fit with an above ground cistern. Now having the height of the structure creating the biggest issue with this use, you have to be able to get the water out, but a simple pipe and valve near the bottom would surely help with this observers theory or even an access door to drop a bucket into the pool if below grade, the rest could just be an elaborate way to keep the neighbors or cows out and protect the water.

Amgela4design, now mind you I am no expert on stone towers, but while in school for Architecture (which is really the study of contruction theory) it is hammered away quite early that the foundation of a building needs to support any above ground load. That being said, this structure is far to small in diameter to handle any form of height that would be needed for an observation tower. It is quite possible though that this was a DIY project for someone that may not have known better and then got bored with it, but the quality of the work suggests that someone at least knew what they were doing when they started. I would not throw out your thought though, until someone knocks on the door and asks, we are all just guessing, could be refueling spot for the Rattlesnake Is. space craft!

Just Sold · 03-26-2010, 09:12 AM

One thing that has not been discussed is that there is the reminant of a long granite wall out behind where this "structure" is. Are they related? I cannot be positive but I lean toward that they may be. Was there some sort of estate there many many years ago and this is all that is left?

As far as the trees being there now - I imagine that there were none when this tower and wall were built.

What is the history of this land? Anyone know? There is history that has been discussed here before regarding Govenors Island itself.

I have driven through the area and cannot see any other structure relating to the tower or wall.

jmen24 · 03-26-2010, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Sold

One thing that has not been discussed is that there is the reminant of a long granite wall out behind where this "structure" is. Are they related? I cannot be positive but I lean toward that they may be. Was there some sort of estate there many many years ago and this is all that is left?

As far as the trees being there now - I imagine that there were none when this tower and wall were built.

What is the history of this land? Anyone know? There is history that has been discussed here before regarding Govenors Island itself.

I have driven through the area and cannot see any other structure relating to the tower or wall.

Good questions, I wonder if this was part of a house or other structure. The plot thickens!

fatlazyless · 03-26-2010, 10:14 AM

Waterville Valley has a similar stone tower structure, close to the tennis courts, thats about 2 1/2 stories high now which was never completed. A plaque there says something like 'Built in 1885 by local Reverend Holly Roller who felt that every town should have its' own ruin.' .....no kidding.....that's what it says....or something to that effect...probably had nothing better to do?

NoBozo · 03-26-2010, 01:38 PM

Check Figure #2 in this article on Rockport, Me. NB

http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/e...ites/dec09.htm

Newbiesaukee · 03-26-2010, 02:17 PM

FLL:" A plaque there says something like 'Built in 1885 by local Reverend Holly Roller who felt that every town should have its' own ruin.' .....no kidding.....that's what it says....or something to that effect...probably had nothing better to do? "
__________________
Hard to believe, but there are "fake" ruins that people have built throughout Europe known as "follies" constructed just because they were thought to be attractive. Who knew?

birchhaven · 03-26-2010, 03:24 PM

I would be willing to bet it is from the same time frame as the Kimble Castle and is directly related to it, since the original owner of the castle probably owned all the way over there.
I am completely guessing though..

Slickcraft · 03-26-2010, 03:34 PM

Here is a photo of a lime kiln.

Rattlesnake Guy · 03-26-2010, 08:14 PM

When I drove RG around to take pictures of the structure, we did not observe any doors.

Jonas Pilot · 03-26-2010, 08:30 PM

So far I think the best guesses are , observation tower and statue base. My guess, a mini light house a distant third.

angela4design · 03-26-2010, 09:10 PM

On the Kimball Castle theory...

The man who built that owned and/or operated the Boston to Maine Railroad. The stone for the castle was subsequently brought in via train to Alton from overseas; from Ireland as I've heard it.

Now, I've been inside the Castle, and can't say that I could tell the difference in the granite. (Although it is an interesting structure!)

ApS · 03-27-2010, 03:52 AM

1) The structure is hexagonal.
2) A cistern should be below ground.
3) A kiln would be a simple structure, as in jmen24's photograph.
4) Those are all 2nd-growth, fast-grown, white pines—none of which appear 50-years old.
5) A mausoleum should have a written/engraved indication on the outside.
6) Granite isn't in shortage here.

That leaves (with more possibilities—a possibility

)

1) a statue base
2) lighthouse base
3) windmill base, or
4) A marker of a property corner, connected with the granite wall mentioned.
5) a what-the-heck, shovel-ready, pre-built "ruin".

But for what other reason would the structure's top be flat?

I'm partial to FLboater's windmill base for pumping a well previously dug below it.

(If there is a well below it).

05-05-2005, 06:39 PM	#1
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	What Is This Stone Structure? Can anyone tell me what this stone structure is? Located in Gilford, beside the white house on the corner of Endicott Road and Summit Ave. (11B & the road heading into Governor’s Island.) If heading into Governors, the home is on the left. It can be seen best from 11B. Thanks for helping me figure this out. Hopefully I won’t have to knock on their door to find the answer! Last edited by Rattlesnake Gal; 03-08-2010 at 04:46 PM. Reason: Re-add the pictures to thread

05-06-2005, 09:07 AM	#4
Zee Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Union Wharf, Tuftonboro Posts: 173 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 1 Post	Could it be... Could it be a cistern of some sort?

05-06-2005, 08:59 PM	#5
Kona Bay Girl Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Middlesex County, MA Posts: 160 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	It looks like one of the structures they made railroad bridges out of...but in the middle of the woods? __________________ Yo soy un casco.

05-07-2005, 08:01 AM	#6
billy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 87 Thanks: 192 Thanked 38 Times in 19 Posts	chimney all thats left from structure chimney all thats left from structure

05-09-2005, 08:07 AM	#12
KBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 521 Thanks: 10 Thanked 29 Times in 15 Posts	Windmill How about a base of an old windmill. Is the location right for that? __________________ Home Permanently in NH

05-05-2005, 10:56 PM	#2
Mee-n-Mac Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,943 Thanks: 23 Thanked 111 Times in 51 Posts	I'm going to guess it's ... ... a base for a statue, with the statue now removed. I don't know for sure but I'll have a look next week and see if it becomes any clearer when viewed in person. __________________ Mee'n'Mac "Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by simple stupidity or ignorance. The latter are a lot more common than the former." - RAH

05-06-2005, 08:15 AM	#3
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	I hadn't thought of a statue. Here is another view of the structure with the house in the photo. If it was a statue, it must have been pretty big. McDude, is there anything about it in your Gunstock Parish book?

05-07-2005, 09:43 AM	#7
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,821 Thanks: 2,112 Thanked 753 Times in 538 Posts	Looks pretty fancy for having been built by a private individual. Maybe there's a doorway on the other side? A chapel? A U. S. Government-built smokehouse? A kiln? Mausoleum?

05-07-2005, 02:30 PM	#8
CEP Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Charlton City,MA Posts: 110 Thanks: 8 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	RG: May I say your camera takes very nice pictures! Have you found out what that stone structure is yet? The only thing I can think of is a base for a lookout tower! This has got me thinking of all kinds of things. I'll have another a beer and think about it! hahahahahaha! cp

05-07-2005, 05:09 PM	#9
Paugus Bay Resident Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Gilmanton, NH Posts: 754 Thanks: 136 Thanked 92 Times in 51 Posts	A couple we know were thinking about buying that home some years ago. If memory serves me, they said that the structure was part of the well. Can't remember why it's so high, but we'll check with them and report back.

05-09-2005, 11:22 AM	#13
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,352 Thanks: 18 Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts	Bridge Abutment A bridge abutment would be my guess.. There are lots of these in the woods of New England where railroad bridges used to be... in these cases, the trees are new and were probably not there when the bridges were used. We have a few of these in East Central MA. 4:04 PM Looking at the picture with the house.. this is probably too small for a railroad abutment. Could be a ventilator though. Is there an aqueduct around anywhere? __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade Last edited by Island Girl; 05-09-2005 at 02:58 PM. Reason: Changed my mind

05-09-2005, 11:40 AM	#14
RLW Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay on the mountain by a lake Posts: 2,023 Thanks: 563 Thanked 444 Times in 311 Posts	What is it stones??? How about a place to put mcdude on and take a picture of him to put on a post card for future history. __________________ There is nothing better than living on Alton Mountain & our grand kids visits.

05-09-2005, 01:35 PM	#15
CEP Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Charlton City,MA Posts: 110 Thanks: 8 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	No! RG, the only thing the beer did was make me think of how many people I would like to lock up in the thing!!! A buddy of mine asked if there was a door or some kind of entrance on the back side. If there is, he said that it could be some sort of storage for food and etc. Years ago, they didn't have refrigerators or coolers! Do you think he had to many beers too? I do hope someone comes up with the answer soon! The beer is running low! cp

05-09-2005, 05:07 PM	#16
Jonas Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365 Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,047 Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts	Can it be seen from the water?

05-09-2005, 06:11 PM	#17
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	This Brainstorming Is Fun! If trees and houses weren't in the way, it could be seen from the lake. From either of the roads, there are no visible signs of any doors. There is only a small section that cannot be seen, so that is still a possibility I guess. It could be the base of a windmill, but not sure this would have been a good area for one. Without the trees maybe it might have been? The railroad didn’t go up that far, so I don’t think it could be a railroad bridge abutment. This map from McDude’s collection shows a farm. Perhaps it has something to do with that? Making either a cistern or windmill would be a good candidate.

05-09-2005, 09:44 PM	#19
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,559 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,414 Thanked 1,922 Times in 1,064 Posts	door in this view? RG, it almost looks like a door into the structure through the yellow forsythias. Could it have been a small observation tower with it's observation deck gone. the fireplace looks outdoorsy to me, not something that would have been part of a house. Grab yourself a nice potted plant, pull into their driveway like you know them, go up to the door and knock/ring the bell, and then explain there are over two thousand people dying to know what the heck the stone tower is. Oh, and then tell them "the flowers are my way of saying thanks for the info!" __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

05-10-2005, 06:41 AM	#20
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,361 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,044 Times in 490 Posts	Nestledown Farm [QUOTE/]This map from McDude’s collection shows a farm. Perhaps it has something to do with that? Making either a cistern or windmill would be a good candidate. [/QUOTE] .....ah!...I came across some information on the Nestledown Farm when I was putting the Weirs thread together. Let me dig into my 'archives' and see what I can come up with. It DOES look like a railroad trestle, however, the railroad was a mile or so away from there. Saunders (or the 'Gilford' stop)would have been the nearest station (somewhere ner the present vicinity of Bertha Mae's) in one direction or Weirs in the other direction. I'll get back to you! PS - I can never seem to get the hang of the "QUOTE" feature. PPS - I thought it looked like some kind of primeval altar for sacrificing young nubile virgins to the Lake God...???? Last edited by mcdude; 05-10-2005 at 06:48 AM.

05-10-2005, 06:42 AM	#21
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Great Idea UTS! What a great idea Upthesaukee! I may just do that. Thanks! I think it is a depth perception illusion of a door behind the forsythia's. In the frontal shot of the structure, there is nothing around it.

05-10-2005, 11:04 AM	#22
Island-Ho Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 176 Thanks: 19 Thanked 14 Times in 11 Posts	Tank Support? Might this tower have been the support for a wooden (long gone) water tank providing gravity feed to the original farm on the property?

05-10-2005, 07:20 PM	#24
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,361 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,044 Times in 490 Posts	Not Much Help.... ....I'm afraid, but I did delve into the archives and came up with some stuff about Nestledown Farm as referenced on the map link above. Nestledown was the summer residence of Mrs. John F. Zebley. Mrs. Zebley's father was Loammi Bean for whom the fountain in Veteran's Square in the Weirs is named. Mrs. Zebley commisioned the fountain. Loammi Bean purchased the property in 1861 so his family could reside there during his absence in the civil war with the 8th NH regiment. (See the "Weirs Souvenir" thread) If the road going horizontally across in mid-range is the road to the bridge, would the stone structure be just to the left in this image? Nestledown was destroyed by fire (as so many fine old lake structures were - editor's note) on April 25, 1923. The place was later developed and called the Plantation. It was a 'typical farm' from the old south, run by Mrs. Lillian B. Carroll. It accommodated 68 guests and the grounds covered 150 acres with private beach. The last of the buildings burned in 1954. Today the site is occupied by the Sundown Condominiums. In 1861 could this have been all one big parcel? Nestledown in 1923. Last edited by mcdude; 05-11-2005 at 06:52 AM.*

05-11-2005, 06:38 AM	#25
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Nestledown Was Beautiful! Thanks McDude! We can see from your photos that a lookout tower would have worked well here to see the lake. There are hardly any trees to obstruct the view. The stone part of the structure would have survived a fire too. It is very likely that the Nestledown had a generous amount of property early on.

05-11-2005, 04:46 PM	#27
Jonas Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365 Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,047 Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts	Could it have been a light house?

03-25-2010, 03:37 PM	#28
angela4design Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 353 Thanks: 45 Thanked 54 Times in 38 Posts	stumbled across a photo I was searching for an image on Flickr today, and found a photo that reminded me so much of this mysterious structure, I had to post the link here. It's of an observatory (Oak Hill, Derryfield Park in Manchester), which you can actually enter and go to the top. The mystery structure looks similar, except that it looks like just the base, in the same granite octagonal shape. Could the top have deteriorated (wooden?), or perhaps the project was abandoned before completion? Weston Obsesrvatory on Flickr Another link says "Constructed in 1896-97, the building is named for James A. Weston, who left the city $5,000 to build an observatory for "the advancement of science, for educational purposes, and for the use, enjoyment, benefit, and mental improvement of the inhabitants of the city of Manchester." The man who grew up on a local farm became the first native to serve as both mayor (four times) and governor (two terms)... His home was on the grounds of what is now Wagner Park, fitting for the mayor who also created an extensive parks and cemetery beautification program." So, it would fit that he could have built another near GOVERNOR's Island, right?

03-26-2010, 07:53 AM	#29
jmen24 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,139 Thanks: 223 Thanked 319 Times in 181 Posts	No actual match that I have found, but some research showed that this structure has a close fit with an above ground cistern. Now having the height of the structure creating the biggest issue with this use, you have to be able to get the water out, but a simple pipe and valve near the bottom would surely help with this observers theory or even an access door to drop a bucket into the pool if below grade, the rest could just be an elaborate way to keep the neighbors or cows out and protect the water. Amgela4design, now mind you I am no expert on stone towers, but while in school for Architecture (which is really the study of contruction theory) it is hammered away quite early that the foundation of a building needs to support any above ground load. That being said, this structure is far to small in diameter to handle any form of height that would be needed for an observation tower. It is quite possible though that this was a DIY project for someone that may not have known better and then got bored with it, but the quality of the work suggests that someone at least knew what they were doing when they started. I would not throw out your thought though, until someone knocks on the door and asks, we are all just guessing, could be refueling spot for the Rattlesnake Is. space craft!

03-26-2010, 09:12 AM	#30
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,612 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 433 Times in 209 Posts	One thing that has not been discussed is that there is the reminant of a long granite wall out behind where this "structure" is. Are they related? I cannot be positive but I lean toward that they may be. Was there some sort of estate there many many years ago and this is all that is left? As far as the trees being there now - I imagine that there were none when this tower and wall were built. What is the history of this land? Anyone know? There is history that has been discussed here before regarding Govenors Island itself. I have driven through the area and cannot see any other structure relating to the tower or wall. __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

03-26-2010, 10:14 AM	#32
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,565 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 297 Thanked 960 Times in 701 Posts	Waterville Valley has a similar stone tower structure, close to the tennis courts, thats about 2 1/2 stories high now which was never completed. A plaque there says something like 'Built in 1885 by local Reverend Holly Roller who felt that every town should have its' own ruin.' .....no kidding.....that's what it says....or something to that effect...probably had nothing better to do? __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

03-26-2010, 01:38 PM	#33
NoBozo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Portsmouth. RI Posts: 2,231 Thanks: 400 Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts	Lime Kiln..? Check Figure #2 in this article on Rockport, Me. NB http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/e...ites/dec09.htm

03-26-2010, 02:17 PM	#34
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,351 Thanks: 926 Thanked 569 Times in 295 Posts	FLL:" A plaque there says something like 'Built in 1885 by local Reverend Holly Roller who felt that every town should have its' own ruin.' .....no kidding.....that's what it says....or something to that effect...probably had nothing better to do? " __________________ Hard to believe, but there are "fake" ruins that people have built throughout Europe known as "follies" constructed just because they were thought to be attractive. Who knew? Last edited by Newbiesaukee; 03-26-2010 at 02:17 PM. Reason: trying to show a FLL quote but not smart enough to do it

03-26-2010, 03:24 PM	#35
birchhaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 132 Thanks: 14 Thanked 54 Times in 30 Posts	Kimble castle I would be willing to bet it is from the same time frame as the Kimble Castle and is directly related to it, since the original owner of the castle probably owned all the way over there. I am completely guessing though..

03-26-2010, 03:34 PM	#36
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and West Alton Posts: 3,245 Thanks: 1,190 Thanked 2,023 Times in 928 Posts	Lime Kiln? Here is a photo of a lime kiln. Attached Images

03-26-2010, 08:14 PM	#37
Rattlesnake Guy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 423 Thanked 366 Times in 175 Posts	When I drove RG around to take pictures of the structure, we did not observe any doors.

03-26-2010, 08:30 PM	#38
Jonas Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365 Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,047 Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts	So far I think the best guesses are , observation tower and statue base. My guess, a mini light house a distant third.

03-26-2010, 09:10 PM	#39
angela4design Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 353 Thanks: 45 Thanked 54 Times in 38 Posts	On the Kimball Castle theory... The man who built that owned and/or operated the Boston to Maine Railroad. The stone for the castle was subsequently brought in via train to Alton from overseas; from Ireland as I've heard it. Now, I've been inside the Castle, and can't say that I could tell the difference in the granite. (Although it is an interesting structure!)

03-27-2010, 03:52 AM	#40
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,821 Thanks: 2,112 Thanked 753 Times in 538 Posts	Try Eliminations... 1) The structure is hexagonal. 2) A cistern should be below ground. 3) A kiln would be a simple structure, as in jmen24's photograph. 4) Those are all 2nd-growth, fast-grown, white pines—none of which appear 50-years old. 5) A mausoleum should have a written/engraved indication on the outside. 6) Granite isn't in shortage here. That leaves (with more possibilities—a possibility ) 1) a statue base 2) lighthouse base 3) windmill base, or 4) A marker of a property corner, connected with the granite wall mentioned. 5) a what-the-heck, shovel-ready, pre-built "ruin". But for what other reason would the structure's top be flat? I'm partial to FLboater's windmill base for pumping a well previously dug below it. (If there is a well below it).