Pittsfield in Merrimack County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Agents' House

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

1. Agents' House Marker

Inscription. Agents for the Cotton Mill lived in this house during the 19th Century. Agent James A. Treat's nephew, E.P. Sanderson, one of Pittsfield's most generous benefactors, was born here February 5, 1860. Sanderson attended local schools and later founded the enormously successful. E.P. Sanderson Steel Co. of Cambridge, Mass. With his son, Robert, he ran the company for the next 18 years. Upon his death in 1930, Sanderson placed an unusual stipulation in his will which resulted in the Town of Pittsfield inheriting the bulk of his fortune in 1972. Today the Sanderson Trust Fund distributes large sums annually to worthy local projects.

Erected 1999 by Pittsfield Historical Society. (Marker Number 23.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the New Hampshire, Pittsfield Historical Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 5, 1860.

Location. 43° 18.321′ N, 71° 19.797′ W. Marker is in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, in Merrimack County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Joy Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 Main St, Pittsfield NH 03263, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cotton Mill Steam Pump (a few steps from this marker); Dr. R.P.J. Tenney House (within shouting distance of this marker); Cotton Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Factory Dam Operating Mechanisms (within shouting distance of this marker); Jonathan “Jocky” Fogg, Patriot (within shouting distance of this marker); Tuttle Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington House (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsfield.

Also see . . . Pittsfield Historical Trail (PDF). Historical guide for a 1.5-mile loop trail developed by the Pittsfield Historical Society. The trail stops at three dozen historical sites that were typical of New England communities more than a century ago: homes, churches, schools, industrial and commercial buildings as well as dams and bridges. (Submitted on November 14, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Additional commentary.
1. Edward Parkman Sanderson (1860-1930)
He founded his namesake hardware and blacksmith company in Boston in July, 1886, moving it to Cambridge, Mass. in 1912. It manufactured and distributed heavy hardware and carriage parts such as axles, wheels

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

2. Agents' House Marker

and bolts, including the wheels on Tom Thumb's miniature carriage. It later expanded into iron, steel and mill supplies.

Sanderson left a $1.5 million estate when he died in 1930, with the bulk of it left to his son, Robert H. Stevenson. E.P. Sanderson's will stipulated that upon his son's death, the remainder of the estate would go to Pittsfield. The will also earmarked $5,000 to Pittsfield to prepare and publish a history of the town.

Robert Sanderson died in 1970, and the E.P. Sanderson Trust of Pittsfield was subsequently created. It has since supported numerous local projects and organizations, including the Pittsfield Players, the Pittsfield Youth Workshop, and various clubs at Pittsfield Middle High School.

— Submitted November 16, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Pittsfield Old Home Day Association Officers image. Click for full size.

unknown; via Heirlooms Reunited (Public Domain), circa 1919/30

3. Pittsfield Old Home Day Association Officers

Edward Parkman "E.P." Sanderson (seated, left) was the association's president in 1919. Pictured with him are (from left) Dr. Frank H. Sargent, Rev. Herbert Alonso Remick, and Herbert B. Fischer.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 175 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 14, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on November 16, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.