#SugarRiverSocial – Parrish Pop Up 

The Sugar River Social Parrish Pop Up

The most recent Sugar River Social / Parrish Pop Up took place on Monday, September 23rd, at the historic Plainfield Village Town Hall, drawing over 60 attendees. The event featured a lively scene with snacks and refreshments, as well as a brief history and showing of the lighting of the historic Maxfield Parrish Stage set. The evening ended with a donation raffle, offering an array of local treasures. Such prizes included a bottle of “Blow Me Down” red wine from Nova Scotia, Riverview Farm’s honey crisp apples, a gallon of Mac’s Maple syrup, and even wool dryer balls from 5 Sisters Farm. Unique items like blueberry jam, Christmas ornaments, honey from a local apiary, and a gallon of Vermont maple syrup (which playfully elicited boos from the crowd) were also part of the fun, along with a couple flower bouquets in glass vases.

Guests Socializing at the Pop Up. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of local culinary offerings. Included was macaroni and cheese from Poor Thom’s Tavern, a Holstein cake from Mac’s Maple, along with cheese from Garfield’s Smokehouse and fresh cider from Riverview Farms. The evening’s highlight was the Maxfield Parrish Stage Set lighting. It transformed the room through a mesmerizing blend of red, amber, and blue lights, recreating the transition from dawn to dusk. You can watch the video of the lighting experience here. This free community gathering celebrated both local products and the historical charm of Plainfield – a unique opportunity to experience a cherished part of our heritage. 

Multiple attendees, who have lived in the Sugar River Region for much of their lives, had exclaimed how this was the first time they’d ever stepped foot in the Plainfield Town Hall and seen the Stage Set. What a fantastic opportunity for locals to explore a hidden gem right in their own backyard!

Food and Wine at the Pop Up. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

All About the Plainfield Town Hall – Historic and Present Day Significance

The Plainfield Town Hall in Plainfield, New Hampshire, has served as a central part of the community’s civic life for over a century. Built in 1846, the town hall originally functioned as a meetinghouse for local government and public gatherings.  Thus truly embodying the traditional New England model of a multi-purpose municipal building.

Outside Signs for the Pop Up. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Over time, the hall became a focal point for the town’s activities, hosting town meetings, social events, and public discussions. As a small rural town, Plainfield’s town hall was integral to maintaining local governance and fostering community interaction. Its architecture reflects the simplicity and practicality common in mid-19th century New England buildings. Minimal ornamentation and a focus on functionality were integral.

Throughout the 20th century, the town hall underwent various renovations and updates to keep it in working order. Yet it has retained its historical charm (despite moving locations not only once, but three different times!). Today, the building is still in use for town meetings, voting, and is the only building with a capacity of 170 persons. It stands as a symbol of Plainfield’s long-standing tradition of local self-governance and community involvement.

The town hall also highlights the town’s commitment to preserving its heritage. Efforts have been made to maintain its historical features while ensuring it remains a useful space for modern civic functions.

The Plainfield Town Hall Committee

The Parrish Town Hall Committee preserves and maintains the historic building. Especially since it is a site closely tied to artist Maxfield Parrish. The committee’s primary focus is on safeguarding the building’s architectural integrity, promoting its cultural significance, and ensuring its continued use as a community gathering space. One of its key efforts includes maintaining the iconic Maxfield Parrish Stage Set lighting. Through fundraising, events, and advocacy, the committee works to keep the town hall as a center for activity while preserving its legacy.

PTHC Members and Guests at the Pop Up. Image Credit: Plainfield Town Hall Committee.

The Maxfield Parrish Stage Set 

The Maxfield Parrish Stage Set is a rare and historically significant piece of American art and local heritage. Created in 1916 by the renowned American artist Maxfield Parrish, the stage set was designed for local theatrical productions and remains a testament to Parrish’s ties to the Cornish Colony, a community of artists, writers, and creatives in the early 20th century.

Sugar River Social Parrish Stage Set. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

The stage set itself features an intricate backdrop of the nearby Mt. Ascutney and the Connecticut River. After all, such features reflect the natural beauty of the region that Parrish was so fond of. It includes its original rigging and lighting, with red, amber, and blue bulbs designed to simulate the transition from dawn to dusk, bathing the scene in varying hues of light—this lighting technique is often referred to as “Parrish Blue,” a term coined to describe the rich, dreamlike blue tones Parrish frequently used in his work.

Preserving both the artistic and historical value, the Maxfield Parrish Stage Set has been recognized as one of New Hampshire’s “Seven to Save”, an initiative dedicated to safeguarding historically significant structures. Plainfield is proud to maintain this unique piece, which continues to draw interest from art lovers, historians, and visitors. The piece offers a glimpse into both Parrish’s legacy and the cultural history of the region.

Sugar River Social Parrish Pop Up Guests. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

“Seven to Save” in New Hampshire 

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance launched the “Seven to Save” initiative in  2006. It highlights significant historic properties that are under threat of demolition, neglect, or other risks. Each year, they choose seven sites for the list to raise awareness and mobilize support for their preservation. The program aims to rally communities, secure funding, and find new uses or strategies to protect these endangered landmarks. By spotlighting these properties, “Seven to Save” helps preserve the state’s cultural heritage and architectural history.

Locally Made Items for Sale. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Next Time at the Sugar River Social

Stay tuned for next month’s Sugar River Social! We are looking to hike French’s Ledges in Plainfield and then have some food and refreshments at Poor Thom’s Tavern. Those details will be released soon, so keep an eye out on our Facebook and Instagram pages!