A piece of Gilford history is coming down. After a fire ripped through Kimball Castle on Aug. 27, officials told the owner the only option now is demolition.

The late 1800s castle, built by Italian stonemasons, was once the summer retreat of railroad executive Benjamin Ames Kimball. It became one of the most recognizable landmarks in town and earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. But after the fire, the structure is no longer safe to save.

Read the full story by Sam Cohen.

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

⭐️ 9 famous people who went to New Hampshire colleges

📅 Can’t-miss events for your calendar

This newsletter is free as a winter snowstorm (but way easier to handle). Subscribe and share here.

You might be surprised by just how many celebrities spent their college years right here in New Hampshire. 

Here are four names you might recognize:

⭐️ Mindy Kaling – Attended Dartmouth College (Class of 2001); now supports Dartmouth’s Hopkins Center for the Arts, including the new Mindy Kaling Theater Lab.

⭐️ John Irving – Attended the University of New Hampshire; author of “The Cider House Rules” and “A Prayer for Owen Meany.” Won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2000.

⭐️ Shonda Rhimes – Attended Dartmouth College (Class of 1991); creator of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” and founder of Shondaland.

⭐️ Jack Edwards – Attended the University of New Hampshire; became a play-by-play announcer for UNH hockey, later a longtime Boston Bruins broadcaster.

Sam Cohen has the full list here.

The UFO incident is said to have happened in September 1965, when Norman Muscarello, an 18-year-old hitchhiker, reported seeing a huge, silent, glowing object with red lights near Exeter. Local police officers Eugene Bertrand Jr. and David Hunt later said they also witnessed the same strange craft hovering and moving erratically.

Their reports described a large, mysterious flying object that could not be explained by planes or weather. The case gained national attention and was investigated by the Air Force under Project Blue Book.

But the Pentagon dismissed it as “twinkling stars,” and Blue Book later blamed a military training mission.

So this week’s question is…

Do you believe the Exeter UFO story, or do you roll your eyes every time it comes up?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“I think it was likely something.” — Jeanine C. Merrill

“Yes, they are among us.” — Thomas Ronning

🍷 Vintage & Vine
Portsmouth, Sept. 4
An evening of fine wine, craft beer, and local food tastings at the historic Strawbery Banke Museum.
More info

🎡 Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair
New Boston, Sept. 5–7
A classic country fair with rides, food, livestock shows, and entertainment at 15 Hill Dale Lane
More info

🦞 Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
Hampton, Sept. 5–7
Ocean Boulevard transforms into a foodie’s paradise with seafood vendors, live music, and family fun.
 More info

🎄 Fall FEASTival at Santa’s Village
Jefferson, Sept. 7, 14, 21 & 28
A fall celebration with park-favorite foods included in admission—pizza, burgers, cookies, ice cream, hot chocolate, and more. Food service ends at 3:30 p.m.
More info

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