Auburn, New Hampshire
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name = Auburn, New Hampshire
| image_skyline = Massabesic Lake-Postcard-1920.jpg
| image_seal = Auburn, NH Town Seal.png
| imagesize =
| image_caption = Massabesic Lake and the east shore in 1920
| image_flag =
| image_map = Rockingham County New Hampshire incorporated and unincorporated areas Auburn highlighted.svg
| mapsize = 260px
| map_caption = Location in Rockingham County and the state of New Hampshire.
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = United States
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_name1 = New Hampshire
| subdivision_type2 = County
| subdivision_name2 = Rockingham
| parts_type = Villages
| parts = {{ubl|Auburn|Severance}}
| government_type =
| leader_title = Board of Selectmen
| leader_name = {{ubl|Keith N. Leclair, Chair|Michael J. Rolfe|Thomas F. Carroll}}
| leader_title1 = Town Administrator
| leader_name1 = Chris Sterndale
| established_title = Incorporated
| established_date = 1845
| area_total_km2 = 74.62
| area_total_sq_mi =
| area_land_km2 = 65.66
| area_land_sq_mi =
| area_water_km2 = 8.96
| area_water_sq_mi =
| area_water_percent = 12.01
| population_as_of = 2020
| population_total = 5946
| population_density_km2 = 90.6
| population_density_sq_mi =
| timezone = Eastern
| utc_offset = -5
| timezone_DST = Eastern
| utc_offset_DST = -4
| coordinates = {{coord|43|00|16|N|71|20|54|W|region:US-NH|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_m =
| elevation_ft = 253
| website = {{URL|www.auburnnh.us}}
| postal_code_type = ZIP code
| postal_code = 03032
| area_code = 603
| blank_name = FIPS code
| blank_info = 33-02820
| blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
| blank1_info = 0873536
| footnotes =
}}
Auburn is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 5,946 at the 2020 census, up from 4,953 at the 2010 census.
History
Auburn was originally settled by Native Americans in 1624. It was a fishing settlement called by Native Americans "Massabesic" (the current name of the town's largest lake). British settlers arrived in the area in 1720 and made peace with the Natives until the French and Indian War. The Massabesic settlement was destroyed, and the nearby town of Chester claimed the land. It was known as "Chester Woods", "Chester West Parish", "Long Meadow", and then Auburn. Auburn became an independent town on June 25, 1845,[http://gedcomindex.com/Reference/New_Hampshire_1875/058.html Article in Statistics and Gazetteer of New-Hampshire (1875)] with a population of 1,200 people. As with Auburn, Maine, Auburn, Massachusetts, and Auburn, New York, the name is from Oliver Goldsmith's popular 18th-century poem, "The Deserted Village", which begins:
:Sweet Auburn! loveliest village of the plain,
:Where health and plenty cheered the labouring swain
:Where smiling spring its earliest visit paid,
:And parting summer's lingering blooms delayed
Auburn was served by the Concord and Portsmouth Railroad, which later became the Portsmouth Branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad. Auburn was home to a small passenger depot at one time, but by the mid 1900s most rail activity was through traffic, as Auburn had few on-line industries. The last freight trains passed through in the early 1980s. The track was abandoned in 1982 and subsequently torn up between 1983 and 1985.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of {{convert|74.6|km2|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|65.7|sqkm|order=flip}} are land and {{convert|9.0|sqkm|order=flip|1}}, or 12.01%, are water. Massabesic Lake, located in the western part of Auburn and the eastern part of Manchester, is the largest body of water in Auburn and serves as the public water supply for Manchester. The lake is fed by numerous tributaries, most notable being Sucker Brook, which enters the northeastern end of the lake near the Auburn town center and itself drains several lakes, including Tower Hill Pond, Clark Pond, and Little Massabesic Lake. Cohas Brook flows through the eastern portion of Auburn and eventually (in Manchester) receives the outflow of Massabesic Lake before flowing west to the Merrimack River. Auburn lies fully within the Merrimack River watershed.{{cite book |title=Water Use in New Hampshire: An Activities Guide for Teachers |url=http://nh.water.usgs.gov/Publications/nh.intro.html |last=Foster |first=Debra H. |author2=Batorfalvy, Tatianna N.|author3= Medalie, Laura |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Geological Survey |year=1995}} Three hills, all overlooking Massabesic Lake, can lay potential claim to being Auburn's highest point: Mount Miner, at {{convert|582|ft|m|0}} above sea level, located north of the lake; Mine Hill, greater than {{convert|580|ft|m|abbr=on|0}}, above the east shore; and Mount Misery, greater than 580 feet, to the southeast.
=Adjacent municipalities=
- Candia (north)
- Chester (east)
- Derry (southeast)
- Londonderry (southwest)
- Manchester (west)
- Hooksett (northwest)
Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Auburn has a warm-summer humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Auburn was {{convert|105|F|C|1}} on August 3, 1988, while the coldest temperature recorded was {{convert|-43|F|C|1}} on February 16, 1943.
{{Weather box
|location = Auburn, New Hampshire (Massabesic Lake), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1942–present
|single line = Yes
|Jan record high F = 67
|Feb record high F = 74
|Mar record high F = 86
|Apr record high F = 94
|May record high F = 95
|Jun record high F = 98
|Jul record high F = 100
|Aug record high F = 105
|Sep record high F = 96
|Oct record high F = 88
|Nov record high F = 81
|Dec record high F = 78
|Jan avg record high F = 53.6
|Feb avg record high F = 55.4
|Mar avg record high F = 65.3
|Apr avg record high F = 80.0
|May avg record high F = 87.8
|Jun avg record high F = 91.3
|Jul avg record high F = 92.7
|Aug avg record high F = 91.5
|Sep avg record high F = 88.0
|Oct avg record high F = 76.9
|Nov avg record high F = 67.3
|Dec avg record high F = 58.3
|year avg record high F = 94.5
|Jan high F = 31.7
|Feb high F = 34.8
|Mar high F = 42.9
|Apr high F = 56.1
|May high F = 67.1
|Jun high F = 76.0
|Jul high F = 81.1
|Aug high F = 79.8
|Sep high F = 72.9
|Oct high F = 59.7
|Nov high F = 48.3
|Dec high F = 37.5
|year high F =
|Jan mean F = 22.3
|Feb mean F = 24.9
|Mar mean F = 33.2
|Apr mean F = 45.5
|May mean F = 56.5
|Jun mean F = 65.8
|Jul mean F = 71.0
|Aug mean F = 69.4
|Sep mean F = 62.3
|Oct mean F = 49.6
|Nov mean F = 39.4
|Dec mean F = 29.1
|year mean F =
|Jan low F = 13.0
|Feb low F = 15.0
|Mar low F = 23.6
|Apr low F = 34.9
|May low F = 45.9
|Jun low F = 55.6
|Jul low F = 60.9
|Aug low F = 59.1
|Sep low F = 51.7
|Oct low F = 39.5
|Nov low F = 30.4
|Dec low F = 20.8
|year low F =
|Jan avg record low F = -9.0
|Feb avg record low F = -6.3
|Mar avg record low F = 2.1
|Apr avg record low F = 20.6
|May avg record low F = 30.0
|Jun avg record low F = 41.3
|Jul avg record low F = 48.7
|Aug avg record low F = 46.9
|Sep avg record low F = 35.1
|Oct avg record low F = 24.9
|Nov avg record low F = 15.0
|Dec avg record low F = 1.4
|year avg record low F = -11.1
|Jan record low F = -35
|Feb record low F = -43
|Mar record low F = -22
|Apr record low F = 4
|May record low F = 16
|Jun record low F = 29
|Jul record low F = 33
|Aug record low F = 32
|Sep record low F = 12
|Oct record low F = 12
|Nov record low F = -4
|Dec record low F = -25
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 2.67
|Feb precipitation inch = 2.70
|Mar precipitation inch = 3.19
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.49
|May precipitation inch = 3.37
|Jun precipitation inch = 4.27
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.65
|Aug precipitation inch = 3.68
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.87
|Oct precipitation inch = 4.36
|Nov precipitation inch = 3.49
|Dec precipitation inch = 3.77
|year precipitation inch =
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 8.7
|Feb precipitation days = 7.2
|Mar precipitation days = 7.9
|Apr precipitation days = 9.8
|May precipitation days = 10.7
|Jun precipitation days = 10.5
|Jul precipitation days = 9.5
|Aug precipitation days = 9.4
|Sep precipitation days = 8.7
|Oct precipitation days = 10.1
|Nov precipitation days = 8.8
|Dec precipitation days = 9.2
|Jan snow inch = 15.9
|Feb snow inch = 17.6
|Mar snow inch = 6.7
|Apr snow inch = 0.9
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.0
|Nov snow inch = 1.1
|Dec snow inch = 10.6
|year snow inch =
|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 5.2
|Feb snow days = 4.3
|Mar snow days = 2.6
|Apr snow days = 0.3
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.0
|Nov snow days = 0.5
|Dec snow days = 3.1
|year snow days = 16.0
|Jan snow depth inch =
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{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00275211&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Massabesic Lake, NH
|access-date = July 6, 2023
}}
|source 2 = National Weather Service
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=gyx
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Gray
|access-date = July 6, 2023
}}
}}
Demographics
{{US Census population
|1840= 869
|1850= 810
|1860= 886
|1870= 815
|1880= 719
|1890= 631
|1900= 682
|1910= 637
|1920= 652
|1930= 735
|1940= 807
|1950= 1158
|1960= 1292
|1970= 2035
|1980= 2883
|1990= 4085
|2000= 4682
|2010= 4953
|2020= 5946
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |title=Census of Population and Housing |publisher=Census.gov |access-date=June 4, 2016 }}
}}
As of the census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }} of 2000, there were 4,682 people, 1,580 households, and 1,322 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|185.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 1,622 housing units at an average density of {{convert|64.3|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 98.29% White, 0.21% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.23% from other races, and 0.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.94% of the population.
There were 2,349 households, out of which 44.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.1% were married couples living together, 5.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.3% were non-families. 11.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 3.22.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.9% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 33.0% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 6.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $70,774, and the median income for a family was $72,578. Males had a median income of $45,000 versus $33,365 for females. The per capita income for the town was $28,405. About 1.6% of families and 1.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.7% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.
Since Auburn has an agreement with the city of Manchester that the city and the surrounding towns can use Massabesic Lake as a water source, Manchester, Chester, Candia, Hooksett and Derry pay Auburn an estimated $3 million for Lake Massabesic.{{Citation needed|date=November 2011}}
Attractions
Lake Massabesic covers over {{convert|2500|acre}} in Auburn and Manchester and serves as the public water supply for the city of Manchester. Half of the lake (the half farthest from the public water intake) is used for less-intrusive types of boating. No swimming or other contact between users and water is allowed.{{cite web| url=http://www.manchesternh.gov/website/Departments/WaterWorks/Boating/tabid/424/Default.aspx| title=Boating on Lake Massabesic| publisher=City of Manchester| access-date=March 21, 2011}} Devil's Den is a small cave east of Massabesic Lake. The Massabesic Audubon Center is in central Auburn, occupying Battery Point on the lake.{{cite web| url=http://www.nhaudubon.org/center-and-events/massabesic-center-auburn/ |title=Massabesic Audubon Center, Auburn |publisher=New Hampshire Audubon |access-date=December 17, 2021}} The Griffin Mill Dam along Little Massabesic Brook-Sucker Brook is in the northeastern part of the town.
Events and festivals
= Lake Massabesic Duck Race =
Every year, the Auburn Historical Association hosts an annual Duck Race on Hooksett Road near a river that flows into Lake Massabesic. The main event starts at the Hooksett road bridge over the Little Massabesic Brook-Sucker Brook where a truck dumps thousands of yellow rubber ducks into the brook, lined with straight yellow floating tubes, and the race ends at a finish line on the left side of the Griffin Mill Bridge, past the waterfall. People buy individual ducks, with prizes going to the owners of the "fastest" ducks to reach the finish line. The event attracts thousands of onlookers each year, to partake in the selection of goods offered at rented booths and/or to watch the ducks leisurely float down the river. There are games for younger kids (usually provided by Auburn Village School volunteers). Visitors are able to access the Griffin Free Public Library, or browse the related booths parked in the Griffin Free Public Library's parking lot.
An official pie contest happens at a booth in the Duck race, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner's getting special clay pie trays.
= Yacht Sail Boating Club race =
Every Sunday, sometimes also during the week, the Yacht Sail Boating Club hosts a sailboat race. Members of the club start on the northern shore of Massabesic Lake, and it ends after going 3 laps around the lake. Many visitors enjoy watching the races from their kayaks, sailboats, and canoes, or at Battery Point, the northernmost point on the Massabesic Peninsula.
= Book sale =
The last weekend in July, the Griffin Free Public Library holds a huge book sale at the Auburn Village School. Approximately 10,000 books and games are sold, with all proceeds benefiting the library's programs.
Education
Auburn is part of School Administrative Unit 15, along with the neighboring towns of Hooksett and Candia. SAU-15 administers five schools with Auburn Village School, serving all elementary school and middle school students (grades K–8) in the town.{{cite web|title=SAU 15 official website|url=http://sau15.net/|access-date=November 10, 2015}}
SAU-15 has no high school; students from Auburn attend high school at Pinkerton Academy (in Derry).{{cite web|url=https://www.pinkertonacademy.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=376053&type=d|title=Sending towns|publisher=Pinkerton Academy|accessdate=April 24, 2022}}
Previously Auburn students attended high school in the Manchester School District, with the vast majority going to Manchester Memorial High School. In 2011, the town voted to change its high school to Pinkerton, with 1,119 in favor and 190 opposing. In 2011 some Auburn students already chose to go to Pinkerton.{{cite web|last=Huss|first=Julie|url=https://www.derrynews.com/community/pinkerton-welcomes-auburn/article_2bb39fe2-ab40-5403-8e0b-e928e7038de0.html|title=Pinkerton welcomes Auburn|newspaper=Derry News|date=March 17, 2011|accessdate=April 25, 2022}}
Transportation
Three state highways pass through the town. New Hampshire Route 101 is a four-lane expressway that passes through the northern part of the town, leading west to neighboring Manchester and east to Exeter. Access to Auburn is from Exit 2 within the town and Exit 1 just west of the town. New Hampshire Route 28 Bypass travels through the west side of Auburn, leading south to Derry and north to Hooksett. NH 28 Bypass intersects NH 101 at that highway's Exit 1. New Hampshire Route 121 passes through the center of Auburn, leading east to Chester.
There is one private airstrip, Cleary Airport (29NH) located at 33 Bunker Hill Road. The airport has one grass/sod runway 18/36 measuring approximately {{convert|3200|by|60|ft}}.{{Cite web|url=https://skyvector.com/airport/29NH/Cleary-Airport|title=29NH - Cleary Airport {{!}} SkyVector|website=skyvector.com|access-date=September 1, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.funplacestofly.com/Airport-Info-Cleary-New-Hampshire|title=Cleary New Hampshire Airport Information|website=FunPlacesToFly.com|language=en|access-date=September 1, 2019}}
Notable people
- Joe Dudek (born 1964), member of the College Football Hall of Fame[http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091206/GJNEWS02/712069928 "Where are they now? Plymouth State Football Legend Joe Dudek]
- Carl Forsaith (1888–1982), author of Auburn, New Hampshire, the town's official history book
- Albert Plummer (1840–1912), physician, legislator
References
{{portal|New Hampshire}}
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|www.auburnnh.us}}
- [https://www.nhes.nh.gov/elmi/products/cp/profiles-htm/auburn.htm New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Profile]
{{Geographic location
| Centre = Auburn
| North = Candia
| Northeast = Candia
| East = Chester
| Southeast = Derry
| South = Londonderry
| Southwest = Manchester
| West = Manchester
| Northwest = Hooksett
}}
{{Rockingham County, New Hampshire}}
{{authority control}}