Who We Are?

Our Mission

“This Corporation is formed for the purpose of providing entertainment for the people of Swanzey and surrounding territory and particularly to perpetuate the dramatic production of Denman Thompson, known as “The Old Homestead”, and for the establisment and maintenance of a lyceum, musical and educational association.”  – from the 1942 Articles of Agreement

Our History

The Old Homestead Association traces it roots back to the North Swanzey Community Association.   When they acquired their building and a mortgage along with it, they started to think of ways to raise money.  Three acts of “The Old Homestead” had be performed at the Keene City Hall for the 200^th Anniversary of the Town and the 100^th Birthday of Denman Thompson in 1933 to a sold-out audience.  So, the idea was hatched.  But two things stood in the way of them putting on the play.  First there weren’t enough members to handle the production and second there was not a stage in Swanzey that was big enough to put on the play.  The first part was handled by bringing into the production the members of the First Congregational Church in the Center of town.  The second problem was solved by Harold Adams, a trustee of the Carpenter Home at the time, when he noticed the natural amphitheater down the hill from the home.  The first revival of “The Old Homestead” took place in July 1939

With over 5,000 in attendance that first year it was easy to keep going.  The Old Homestead Association was formed and the play was presented every year after except for several years during WW II for 75 times.  In 2016, when it stopped, it was the 3 oldest outdoor drama still in production in the United States.

Bands at the Bowl

Bands at the Bowl was the idea of the president, Lee Dunham, to bring more people into the Potash Bowl.  The idea was to increase attendance at the annual revival of the play.  While that didn’t work so well in bringing in more attendance, it did give us a purpose once we stopped the production of “The Old Homestead.”

The Bands at the Bowl Summer Concert Series started in 2011 on a wet Friday night.  Not a good beginning but everyone who performs at the Potash Bowl loves the venue.  And that theme is echoed by the audience also.  Swanzey really doen’t have a common in any of its’ five villages so the Potash Bowl, hidden in the trees across from the Town Hall is a gem.  Well, as for hidden in the trees, the 2018 and 2019 storms that hit the Bowl hard have changed that quite a bit and more trees have to come down.