More than any other town in New Hampshire,

Derry has changed dramatically over the last

thirty years. Gone are the fields, the forests, and the

fine old homes, and in their place stand malls, modern

housing developments, and multi-lane highways.

It is difficult now to imagine the scene in 1719

when a small group of Scottish pioneers laid claim

to the New Hampshire wilderness, building a

meetinghouse close to a young oak tree. The town

of Derry grew up around this site, and for nearly ten

generations the oak stood as a respected presence

within the community, symbolizing Derry’s strength of

purpose and proud traditions.