19 and 20 Mile Bay

[WeirsBeachBoater]

I drove past these two bays twice in the last couple days. I am wondering if someone knows the history behind the names? I know most mile markers on the lake were named for the distance from Center Harbor, ie: 3 and 5 mile island. However that doesn't make any sense with these particular bays??? Anyone know?

[tis]

I was always told 19 and 20 miles from Alton Bay.

[upthesaukee]

Whereas Alton Bay was "the gateway to Lake Winnipesaukee", I put in Alton Bay in Google Map with a destination of 19 mile bay. I came up with 16.5 miles.

Back in the day, as they say, many would arrive at the lake via railroad, and I was thinking that perhaps travelling on the east side of the lake, via the old rte 28 and Kings Highway, and starting at the old railroad station on the west side of the bay by the Mt. Washington dock, it may very easily stretch out to 19 miles. And another mile or so to 20 mile bay.

Just a thought :rolleye2:.

[tis]

I have a feeling you are right, upthesaukee. The old road was much windier (how do you like that word?) and I have a feeling it would have been three miles longer.

[camp guy]

If you were an Abenaki Indian paddling from Alton Bay to 19 Mile Bay, after the first 15 miles all the rest is academic, plus, "19 Mile Bay" rolls off your tongue so much more smoothly than "16.5 mile Bay" does.

PS: "Windier" = great word, tis.!!

[tis]

If you were an Abenaki Indian paddling from Alton Bay to 19 Mile Bay, after the first 15 miles all the rest is academic, plus, "19 Mile Bay" rolls off your tongue so much more smoothly than "16.5 mile Bay" does.

PS: "Windier" = great word, tis.!!

LOL, and I didn't mean as in wind, I meant as wind. Don't you just love the English language??

You must remember the old Alton Road, Camp Guy??

[WeirsBeachBoater]

Ok, so measured landmarks were taken from both ends of the lake. Makes perfect sense. ;)
Imagine the early Steamboat Capt's amazement on how short a run from CH to 20 mile bay! :laugh:

[skprbob]

upthesaukee and tis have it right. 19 and 20 miles are via the old roads. Over the years, the roads have been "improved" (frost heaves notwithstanding!) and straightened so the distance is now less. From the intersection of NH109 and Union Wharf Road to Alton Bay via NH109, NH28 and NH28A is now about 17.5 miles.