I don’t know if this is documentable, but a fella, who seemed both truthful and knowledgeable, told me this story. Apparently, a Native American chief built himself an establishment on the hill that towers over the Cascade end of Gorham, N.H. Not only did he have a home up there, but he stored his barrels of liquor in a fairly precarious position near the top. Along comes the Hurricane of ‘38 with its big winds that blow the chief’s house right off the side of the hill. The barrels of liquor look like they’re about to be blown loose, too, about to roll right down the hill towards the river.
Villagers watched fascinated from below. The wind blew and the villagers, ever hopeful, took up a chant: “Go-rum.”
And that’s how Gorham got its name.
Danged nippy last week at the Pinkham Notch AMC Center, where I told stories to a few hardy souls celebrating “Northern Heritage Weekend.” Here are a couple of bone-chilling views. The Joe Dodge Lodge is a great place to stay. Comfy rooms and home-style dining. Not too pricey. Enjoyed by hikers, skiers, and families. Check hikethewhites.com/pinkham for more information.
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