Mt. Prospect Lookout Letterbox LbNA #42732
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Add Location| Owner: | Matty & The Teacher  |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Aug 13, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Lancaster |
| County: | Coos |
| State: | New Hampshire |
| Boxes: | 1 |
| Found by: | The Keswick Clan |
|---|---|
| Last found: | Aug 5, 2013 |
| Status: | FFFFFFFFFa |
| Last edited: | Aug 28, 2019 |
Mt. Prospect Lookout Letterbox
Placed on August 13, 2008 by Matty and The Teacher
Replaced missing Letterbox on August 28, 2019
A Little History
Mt. Prospect is home to Weeks State Park. It was originally the summer home of John W. Weeks. Mr. Weeks was born in Lancaster, on April 11, 1860. Mr. Weeks’ great–grandfather, (John Weeks) a Revolutionary War veteran from southern New Hampshire settled in the nearby town of Dalton in 1786. Mr. Weeks’ grandfather settled on the south side of Mount Prospect (these building are still well maintained by the Weeks Family and are locally known as the Davidige Estate).
John W. Weeks was educated in Lancaster and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1881. He was the commander of the Second Division, U. S. Auxiliary Naval Force on the Atlantic Coast during the Spanish-American War. He was a member of the National House of Representatives for Massachusetts from 1904-1913 and a member of the United States Senate from 1913-1919. According to Wikipedia Information, Weeks was notable mostly for his contributions to banking and conservation legislation, including the Weeks Act in 1911 that created the foundation for the United States National Forest system. Despite his defeat for re-election to the Senate in 1918, Weeks remained an active and influential participant in the national Republican Party. He was an early supporter of the nomination of Warren G. Harding for President in 1920, and when Harding became President, he named Weeks to his cabinet.
As Secretary of War, Weeks was a competent, honest, and respected administrator and adviser, who guided the Department of War through its post-World War I downsizing. Weeks' hard work and long hours led to a stroke in April 1925, which led in turn to his resignation as Secretary in October of that year.
Weeks died several months later, at his summer home on Mount Prospect in Lancaster, New Hampshire.
Weeks' son, Charles Sinclair Weeks, was Secretary of Commerce during the Eisenhower administration.
Clues to the Letterbox
Starting in Lancaster, follow Route 3 for approximately 2 miles up a steep hill known as Corrigan Hill. At the top of the hill, you will notice a turn off on the right and the Weeks State Park road on the right. The climb up Mt. Prospect to Weeks State Park is approximately 1.5 miles. If you park in the turn off you can hike this road (I have done this hike with first graders). This climb is accessible all year round. If the park is open you can drive to the top. The park is only open in the summer and the fall.
Along the road to the top, you will come to two overlooks. The first overlook is a view of Martin Meadow Pond (the home of the Weeks Farm owned by the descendants of John W. Weeks) and Blood Pond. The second overlook is a panorama of the Presidential Range and a part of the town of Jefferson known locally as Riverton.
When you reach the top of the mountain, you should park in the lower parking area near the garage. You will see a fire tower to the left (still in operation by the State of New Hampshire) and a large building known as Weeks Lodge. When the park is open, both the fire tower and the Lodge are open to visitors. The tower offers extensive views of Lancaster, Vermont and the Presidential Range. The Lodge has a tour that includes birds and animals that inhabit the area, a history of logging in New Hampshire and the history of John W. Weeks. The upstairs room even has a large moose head given to John W. Weeks by President Theodore Roosevelt. Residents of the State of New Hampshire can enjoy the Lodge free of charge. Out of state visitors pay a fee of $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 6-12, under age 6 free. There is an attendant that will explain your tour and answer any of your questions.
When you have enjoyed all the wonderful history and scenic views at Weeks State Park, you will understand why this is one of our favorite spots to visit and you will be ready for one more surprise and the final clues to our letterbox.
Exiting the Weeks Lodge you should move left to the sign that directs you to the North Overlook. This is a path that will take you to a platform that looks out over the town of Lancaster. After you have taken in this view you will head back up the path. Your first clue starts from the back of the platform. Move 40 paces (not giant steps) up the path. When you stop there should be a tree directly on your right and close enough to touch, without leaning over. Looking to your left you should see a split,moss covered rock facing you that is about the size of a chair seat. To the left side of the rock you will find several loose stones that hide our letterbox.
We hope that you have enjoyed this journey to a hidden gem in the heart of our wonderful town of Lancaster.
Placed on August 13, 2008 by Matty and The Teacher
Replaced missing Letterbox on August 28, 2019
A Little History
Mt. Prospect is home to Weeks State Park. It was originally the summer home of John W. Weeks. Mr. Weeks was born in Lancaster, on April 11, 1860. Mr. Weeks’ great–grandfather, (John Weeks) a Revolutionary War veteran from southern New Hampshire settled in the nearby town of Dalton in 1786. Mr. Weeks’ grandfather settled on the south side of Mount Prospect (these building are still well maintained by the Weeks Family and are locally known as the Davidige Estate).
John W. Weeks was educated in Lancaster and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1881. He was the commander of the Second Division, U. S. Auxiliary Naval Force on the Atlantic Coast during the Spanish-American War. He was a member of the National House of Representatives for Massachusetts from 1904-1913 and a member of the United States Senate from 1913-1919. According to Wikipedia Information, Weeks was notable mostly for his contributions to banking and conservation legislation, including the Weeks Act in 1911 that created the foundation for the United States National Forest system. Despite his defeat for re-election to the Senate in 1918, Weeks remained an active and influential participant in the national Republican Party. He was an early supporter of the nomination of Warren G. Harding for President in 1920, and when Harding became President, he named Weeks to his cabinet.
As Secretary of War, Weeks was a competent, honest, and respected administrator and adviser, who guided the Department of War through its post-World War I downsizing. Weeks' hard work and long hours led to a stroke in April 1925, which led in turn to his resignation as Secretary in October of that year.
Weeks died several months later, at his summer home on Mount Prospect in Lancaster, New Hampshire.
Weeks' son, Charles Sinclair Weeks, was Secretary of Commerce during the Eisenhower administration.
Clues to the Letterbox
Starting in Lancaster, follow Route 3 for approximately 2 miles up a steep hill known as Corrigan Hill. At the top of the hill, you will notice a turn off on the right and the Weeks State Park road on the right. The climb up Mt. Prospect to Weeks State Park is approximately 1.5 miles. If you park in the turn off you can hike this road (I have done this hike with first graders). This climb is accessible all year round. If the park is open you can drive to the top. The park is only open in the summer and the fall.
Along the road to the top, you will come to two overlooks. The first overlook is a view of Martin Meadow Pond (the home of the Weeks Farm owned by the descendants of John W. Weeks) and Blood Pond. The second overlook is a panorama of the Presidential Range and a part of the town of Jefferson known locally as Riverton.
When you reach the top of the mountain, you should park in the lower parking area near the garage. You will see a fire tower to the left (still in operation by the State of New Hampshire) and a large building known as Weeks Lodge. When the park is open, both the fire tower and the Lodge are open to visitors. The tower offers extensive views of Lancaster, Vermont and the Presidential Range. The Lodge has a tour that includes birds and animals that inhabit the area, a history of logging in New Hampshire and the history of John W. Weeks. The upstairs room even has a large moose head given to John W. Weeks by President Theodore Roosevelt. Residents of the State of New Hampshire can enjoy the Lodge free of charge. Out of state visitors pay a fee of $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 6-12, under age 6 free. There is an attendant that will explain your tour and answer any of your questions.
When you have enjoyed all the wonderful history and scenic views at Weeks State Park, you will understand why this is one of our favorite spots to visit and you will be ready for one more surprise and the final clues to our letterbox.
Exiting the Weeks Lodge you should move left to the sign that directs you to the North Overlook. This is a path that will take you to a platform that looks out over the town of Lancaster. After you have taken in this view you will head back up the path. Your first clue starts from the back of the platform. Move 40 paces (not giant steps) up the path. When you stop there should be a tree directly on your right and close enough to touch, without leaning over. Looking to your left you should see a split,moss covered rock facing you that is about the size of a chair seat. To the left side of the rock you will find several loose stones that hide our letterbox.
We hope that you have enjoyed this journey to a hidden gem in the heart of our wonderful town of Lancaster.