In 2006, 7 reels of silent 35 mm film, from 1911 to 1913, were found in a barn in Nelson, NH. These films had most probably been entertainment for a boys’ summer camp on Granite Lake.

Of these seven reels, two comprised a 25 minute film directed by John Ford’s older brother, Francis, in 1913, entitled “When Lincoln Paid.” Of the seven films on Lincoln directed by Francis, this is the only one known to survive. “Parson Sue,” a one-reel film directed by Alice Guy Blaché in 1912, is a comedy Western short film, and most probably the first Western-themed filmed ever to be directed by a woman. “Their First Misunderstanding” is a comedy short starring and written by Mary Pickford in 1911, her first film after separating from Biograph, and the first film to have the film’s star advertised by name.

The Historical Society of Cheshire County invites the public to a film viewing and discussion with film historian Larry Benaquist on Wednesday, June 28th, 6:30pm. These films are being shown in conjunction with the Historical Society’s newest exhibit Hello Mother, Hello Father: a history of summer camps in NH’s Monadnock Region.

Seating is limited. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/found-films-of-the-1910s-tickets-661125172187?aff=oddtdtcreator