In 2023 members of the Rye Public Library staff interviewed members of the community as part of the Rye 400 Celebration. You can find those interviews we were able to compile here.
We recommend using headphones while listening. You may need to adjust your volume for the best experience. A series of time stamps have been included with each interview for convenience of listening. All interviews were edited for sound quality and relevancy of topic. All interviewees consented to the release of the information presented.
Jean & Mel Low
Interviewed by Gwen Putnam-Bailey, Assistant Librarian & Patrick Harrison, Library Outreach and Media Specialist
Jean and Mel Low have a long history as stewards and shapers of the town of Rye. We spoke to them out of their home on Washington Rd. Just around the corner from the library.
0:00 – How long have you lived in Rye?
0:12 – Has it always been in this home? Jean gives us a brief history of their home and their time there.
2:30 – A secret behind the fireplace.
3:00 – And what brought you to the town of Rye?
4:24 – How did you two meet?
5:07 – Since you’ve moved here, how do you think the town has changed?
5:55 – Do you think that the town has changed for the better and that it has stayed semi-rural?
6:50 – The creation of Parson’s Field and the town forest.
9:45 – Do you have a favorite Rye Beach?
10:20 – Seeing the sunken forest during a 100 year low tide.
10:44 – What are your favorite seasons in Rye?
11:08 – A conversation about farming as a hobby for Mel and the farm stand.
12:20 – Do you have any favorite vistas, walks or picnic spots on the seacoast?
13:57 – A memory from Mel of Paul Mackey looking to buy the Carriage House Restaurant.
14:32 – Do you have any other favorite restaurants [than the Carriage House] in Rye?
14:40 – Do you think that it is good that there is less business in Rye than in previous years?
15:05 – What is your hope for the future residents of Rye? And, what kind of legacy would you like to leave the town of Rye?
16:20 – Memories about the Library Expansion of 1998 and final thoughts.
Paul Mackey
Interviewed by Gwen Putnam-Bailey, Assistant Librarian & Patrick Harrison, Library Outreach and Media Specialist
Paul Mackey is the former owner of the Carriage House Restaurant. We interviewed him in the New Hampshire Board Room at the Rye Public Library.
0:30 – How long have you lived in Rye?
0:45 – Where are you from originally and what brought you to Rye?
2:45 – Who would you say were some of your most interesting or influential patrons of your restaurants?
3:32 – A memory about one Mrs. Floyd.
4:43 – What was Rye like when you first moved here?
5:28 – Do you think Rye is a good place to raise a family?
7:50 – Growing up in Connecticut.
9:17 – Are you a beach lover and what is your favorite beach in Rye?
10:20 – What are your favorite seasons in Rye?
10:56 – Tell us about your restaurant in Florida and your band?
14:14 – Are there other restaurants in Rye that you enjoyed over the years?
15:14 – Do you think Rye has been successful in retaining its semi-rural atmosphere?
16:54 – What is your hope for the future residents of Rye? And what legacy do you hope to leave the town?
John Coscia
Interviewed by Gwen Putnam-Bailey, Assistant Librarian & Patrick Harrison, Library Outreach and Media Specialist
John Coscia is the Superintendent of the Central Cemetery in Rye, NH. We interviewed him in the New Hampshire Board Room at the Rye Public Library.
0:00 – Memories of Robert Philbrick.
1:41 – How long have you worked at the cemetery?
2:02 – Primary duties as Cemetery Superintendent.
2:56 – How have cemetery lots changed over the years?
5:06 – Formation of the flat marker section, or the Cedar Lawn.
6:30 – The growing expense of a monument.
7:23 – Cemetery expansion.
8:40 – Trees in the cemetery.
9:43 – Animals in the cemetery.
11:44 – How long have you lived in Rye?
12:54 – Do you think Rye has done a good job maintaining its semi-rural character?
14:20 – The Cemetery as the centerpiece of the town.
14:50 – The laptop of 1892.
15:18 – Do you have a favorite beach in Rye?
16:05 – John’s kids in the Rye school systems.
17:32 – Growing up in Lexington, MA.
18:11 – Connections with Mel Low.
20:40 – Finding old connections in Rye.
21:03 – The beauty of the Seacoast
21:19 – Favorite places to eat in the region?
22:43 – “The one thing this town is missing!”
23:19 – What is your hope for the future residents of Rye?
24:30 – Satisfaction of the job.
25:44 – A brief history of the cemetery.
29:33 – Memorial Day ceremony in the cemetery.
31:00 – Photos of Don Pargraves.
Freddie White
Interviewed by Gwen Putnam-Bailey, Assistant Librarian
Freddie White is a seasonal resident of Rye who has been coming here for the summer since her childhood.
0:27 – How long have you lived in Rye?
1:50 – What was Rye like when you first moved here?
2:34 – Do you think Rye is a good place to raise a family?
3:14 – Do you think Rye has maintained its semi-rural atmosphere?
4:15 – Have you been involved in Civic life or volunteered in other parts of the community?
5:35 – Are you a beach lover and do you have a favorite beach in Rye?
6:54 – What are your favorite seasons in Rye?
7:26 – Do you have any favorite vistas, walks, or picnic spots in Rye?
8:35 – Are there any changes that stick out to you, good or bad, in the town?
9:22 – Anecdotes of people who care so much for the town.
9:43 – What is your hope for the future residents of Rye?
10:56 – Favorite restaurants of the Seacoast?
13:00 – The Lobsterman and my dad.
15:30 – Seeing a whale.
16:08 – All going fishing while working at Rays.
16:56 – Final thoughts.