Ordway Park Bequest

From the will of Martha H. Ordway, 1895, Probate Court March 14, 1935, Docket #20341:

“The Smith land so called I give and bequeath and devise to the town of Hampstead to be forever kept and used as a public park under such proper directions as the said town or its proper officers may determine, and I also bequeath and devise to said town the further sum of one thousand dollars, the income to be expended annually in caring for and improving said park.”

“It is my will and desire that the Smith land bequeathed to the Town of Hampstead as a public park under item twenty three shall not be used as a race track, for the playing of base ball or other sports nor for the holding of any fair or circus, but the same shall be forever kept open for the benefit of the people of Hampstead as a park with suitable walks, and settees as the said town may determine.”

In 1895, when Martha Ordway wrote her will, fairs and circuses were different from today’s family-friendly local fairs and the State of NH Office of the Attorney General/Division of Charitable Trusts has approved the use of Ordway Park for local events. The restriction on baseball and sports is to prevent turning Ordway Park into a sports field; Frisbee, catch, and other recreational activities are permitted.