John Coe was born in Durham, New Hampshire
on November 3, 1797. He was one of eight children whose
genealogy dates back to England in the sixteenth century.
He was educated in the common schools of the town and
worked for his brother in a country store. About 1819,
John Coe moved to Center Harbor and purchased his own
store in town where he bought, sold, and bartered for
articles in common use at that time.
Mr. Coe was united in marriage with Lavinia
T. Senter, the pretty daughter of Samuel and Lettice Senter,
owners of the Senter House Hotel overlooking Center Harbor
Bay. As was the custom of the day, the institution of
marriage was “cried in church” by the uncle
of the bride, he being Town Clerk at the time. The next
step was building their home, and the site selected was
the one with the most extended view of the surrounding
mountains and the “Great Pond” (Lake Winnipesaukee)
as it was called by the early settlers.
Today, the famous house John & Lavinia
built is a popular restaurant.
The Coe House is
located on Route 25B, Center Harbor, NH
To learn more about the Coe House, Visit
them online at www.coehouse.com
