Today I spent the day in Gorham-Berlin, New Hampshire. It's in a region of the state known as the North Country and is about 2 hours north of Concord. Today, I fell in love with the place and the people. Everyone was incredibly friendly and the town reminded me of working towns I'd driven through in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. About 3-4 years ago, a pulp plant in Berlin closed it's doors after years of downsizing. On October 13, 2010, the last paper mill in New Hampshire is set to close its doors unless a buyer comes through. Last week negotiations fell through with a potential buyer. The announcement to close the plant, employing 240 people with an average age in the mid-50's, came just after being selected to receive a $1 million federal grant to build an efficient gas line to help cut production costs. It's the largest industry left in the two towns. While some people are cautiously optimistic a buyer will come through, others have already begun putting their homes on the market. With the town's main employer on the verge of closing, housing costs have dipped. A 4 bedroom home needing repair sold for $25,000 just down the street from the plant.
Today I was on assignment for a Sunday story, but I'm hoping to continue to follow what happens to Berlin and Gorham. Today was a challenge to shoot a story that hasn't yet happened. Some of my favorites.
Husband and wife who worked at the mill until a few years ago.
His Uncle works at the mill.
Third generation mill worker. Born and raised. Left the mill after the first round of cuts several years ago and worked at the state prison.
Downtown Gorham the high school soccer team practices. Many said they have uncles who work the mill.
Third generation mill worker. Born and raised. Working at the mill nearly 4 decades.
Third generation mill worker. Born and raised. Working at the mill nearly 4 decades.
1 comments:
wow. nice soccer photo.
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