September 28, 1999
Sleepy Hampton Falls Wakes Up
Native Serves As New Hampshire Governor
By Steve Jusseaume, Staff Writer
Hampton Falls during the 20th Century has remained a relative backwater town, a so-called bedroom town to larger communities such as Portsmouth and, in the later decades of the century, Boston.
A volunteer fire department was organized in the town in 1949 and celebrated its 50th anniversary this summer with a region- wide muster in September.
The department fought several large fires over the years, including a massive blaze in 1993 which destroyed the home of Dr. Terry Bennett. "All I could think of was Waco," blared the headline in the Aug. 6 Issue of Hampton Union, the quote coming from Hampton Falls Fire Chief Robert Woodes.
The Drinkwater Road home was worth an estimated $1.9 million.
In recent years, development has increased in the town. Several housing developments have been approved in the late 1990s, including subdivisions at Applecrest Orchards. Town Administrator Eric Small says one goal established in 1996 that is still being pursued by town officials is a survey of all private swimming pools in Hampton Falls with an eye toward ensuring that all are in compliance with the town’s fencing requirements. In addition, improvements have been made to the town hall in recent years. Several years ago the Board of Selectmen decided to rent the locally historic Creighton House as a residence. This year, however, the board instead sold the building, and it is scheduled to be removed in pieces and carted away.