In The Beginning . . .
On a cool winter’s day in early 1991, memories of prosperous years gone by flowed through the minds of two local men, Dick Webb, Stagecoach Road and Jolyon Johnson, Wendell, as they each independently of one another walked the shore of Sunapee Harbor. Upon meeting each other, they shared their concerns about what might happen to the harbor area in the future. They both thought it should be preserved from undesirable development. But how and by whom?

Unfortunately, like many communities, the Harbor in recent years had seen bad times. In the 1980’s Sunapee Harbor was particularly hard hit due to an economic decline. This had a negative effect on the health of the harbor, as the low tourist traffic did not support the economic needs of the businesses in the harbor. Due to inadequate finances, several businesses closed, and a bank foreclosed on several pieces of property. For several years some of the buildings stood empty. The picture of the Harbor was not very comforting to these two men.

On March 14, Paul Grevstad was invited to attend a Sunapee Planning Board meeting at Everett Pollard’s invitation where the subject “Sugar River Bank-Buy the Harbor” was discussed. In the days that followed, Grevstad and Pollard continued the conversation concerning the Harbor.

On March 20, Paul Grevstad discussed the Harbor situation with John Rauh. He also visited the town office again to talk with Everett Pollard. Out of these discussions came the first group meeting to discuss how the Harbor could be saved. (Note: Paul, John and Everett were very interested in the Harbor as they were active as members of “Sunapee 2000”, a citizen-based civic improvement organization).Thus, on Thursday, March 28, 1991, at Paul Grevstad’s home on Fernwood Point, the first group meeting was held with Dick Webb, Stagecoach Road, Jolyon Johnson, Wendell, and John Rauh, Lake Ave. Also in Attendance were Everett Pollard, Fisher’s Bay, and Richard Smith, a Sunapee Selectman. They met to discuss the possibility of securing the Harbor from undesirable development.

Today . . .
When you visit Sunapee Harbor today, you will find the Harbor bustling with activity. Bring your family and friends and enjoy shopping for all ages, waterfront dining, water sports, scenic boat tours, ice cream, a historic Riverwalk, and free entertainment. The Harbor is also home of the Sunapee Historical Museum where you will find wonderful pictures and nostalgia of the Steamboat Era and the grand hotels that once operated around Lake Sunapee. Be sure to bring your camera, the scenery is fabulous.

The real difference in the Harbor is what is now surrounding it. Whereas, some of the properties adjacent to it were previously in varying states of disrepair, they are now being carefully restored if possible and replaced when necessary. The mission is not over but the direction is clearly going full steam ahead! What used to be hours upon hours of SHR Board of Director time is now years upon years and the results are well worth it.

What happened in 2005 . . .
You could walk along the newly landscaped Brick Walkway, located in front of the storefronts, and read over 1800 engraved bricks that were purchased by families and businesses who share a memory in Sunapee Harbor. The Trout Family Concert Series had a fantastic summer line up and the Woodsum Gallery was open showcasing wonderful "artists of the Sunapee Region". The "Sunapee Secret Garden Tour" happened on July 30th and the proceeds raised went to the continue efforts supporting the great work of the local Harbor Gardeners.