The "Londonderry Times" was published once a year in Londonderry, NH by the Levee Fair Association. The newspaper did not just focus on current events, but also dedicated several articles to discussing the history of Nutfield. First published in 1864, the newspaper was published until the late 1870s, and possibly even after. Each issue contained many anecdotes about life in Nutfield; how many of Windham's early settlers would have lived. It is from the Londonderry Times that the Derry News often acquired historical information. The issue below gives a brief account of the hunting season in 1867. The columnist writes that, "in this and neighboring towns the past season, all kinds of game have been very abundant, except partridges. It is supposed that the latter have been mostly destroyed by foxes, which have been unusually numerous. Their depredations were not confined to the woods, but many poultry yards suffered." Foxes were one of the most hunted animals in Windham, likely by those whose livestock was jeopardized by the animal. There is also a mention of the hedgehogs, which once populated the Nutfield region. While Morrison wrote that the last hedgehog in Windham was killed in about 1800, they were likely in the are for at least a few more decades. According to the author of the hunting article, the last sighting of a hedgehog came in the 1830s when one was killed in Londonderry. Wolves were also a once common animal that has now virtually disappeared from the area. There is a record of Margaret Dinsmoor being attacked, but ultimately left uninjured, by a wolf in 1775. Other game animals that still remain quite common in Windham include deer, rabbit, and squirrels. Many of such animals have been hunted by the inhabitants of Windham for nearly three hundred years.
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AuthorDerek Saffie is an avid Windham historian who enjoys researching and sharing his collection with all those interested in the history of the New England town. Archives
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