Old property to get new life as wedding venue

Sep. 15—DERRY — A plan for a wedding venue will spark new life into an aging, but historic property.

Planning Board officials gave approval to a project giving Kimberly Livesey a move forward with her plans to develop a property at 140 Rockingham Road and create an event center to highlight weddings and other events.

The property was formerly the home of Katherine Chism, who died in 2016.

Livesey owns her own catering/event company and said the location is a prime spot not only for its pristine, scenic nature, but also because of who once lived next door.

She said when she first saw the property several years ago, she had a vision.

"I saw this house falling down," she said. "I knew this property could be so much more, bring something new and fresh to the town."

That famed neighbor was poet Robert Frost, who called Derry home for about a decade while teaching English at nearby Pinkerton Academy.

Livesey's plans are to incorporate the history and legacy of Frost into her project, using the name "Hyla Brook" as part of the overall theme.

The project will would include a barn-style buildings for weddings and other events.

And having the historic Robert Frost Farm nearby is an added perk as that location draws visitors from all over the world.

The home and property have a lot of local significance, according to historian and author Richard Holmes, and it's more than just being neighborly with Robert Frost.

Holmes told the Derry News in an earlier interview that several years ago that this location had connections to notable residents.

That included James Wilson, the first maker of globes in the United States, born on that property, Holmes said. Wilson went on to open the first geographic globe factory in the United States.

And a man named Napoleon Guay purchased the home around 1902 and lived there for about a decade while Frost lived nearby.

Livesey said at an earlier meeting she wants to ensure the property becomes a beautiful space to maintain the natural scenes and the Frost connection, while offering a new spot for people to enjoy

Planners said they were impressed with the plan and welcomed Livesey and her project to Derry.

"I wish you the best of luck," said Planning Board member Jim MacEachern. "It's a great use of the property."

He added that it's admirable that Livesey wants to carry on the tradition of Robert Frost and his history in Derry.

"Thank you very much for carrying on the spirit and intent of the Robert Frost Farm next door," he said.