According to Swasey family tradition, this stone was used
to measure property boundaries since the town's earliest
days. Deed records, however, indicate its significance
lies more in designating the southwest corner of the "Swasey
mill lot." As early as 1800, deeds show the "mill
yard on the outlet of Measly Pond" (Waukewan), indicating
the existence of mills there even before John Bond Swasey
purchased them. It also marks the corner of the old "Corporation
Square," where community band concerts took place.
The current building at the corner of the mill lot across
Dover Street was once the studio of Meredith's Bob Montana,
creator of the famous Archie comics. Property to the south
of the stone on Main Street has been home to a number
of noteworthy residents and businesses, including Baptist
minister Parker L. Fogg, who was dismissed from the pulpit
about 1830 for indulging too much in intoxicating spirits.
The Elm Hotel stood where the post office is located today.
Swasey Stone can be
found by taking Route 3 to the lights in Meredith. Turn
left and go up the hill onto Main Street. Swasey Stone
is on the left, at the corner of Main & Dover Streets.
