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Gilford, NH--------Arthur Ames Tilton, 86, formerly of Old Lake Shore Road, died at the Belknap County Nursing Home, Laconia, NH on Saturday, October 11, 2003.
Mr. Tilton was born January 13, 1917 in Gilford, NH, the son of Leon P. and Etta M. (Ames) Tilton. He was born and raised in the same farmhouse as had his mother. He also attended the same one-room school house in Gilford's Intervale. As was the custom of his day, he then attended Laconia High School, graduating in 1935.
Mr. Tilton was a farmer and a finish carpenter and cabinetmaker. He would delight in showing visitors to his farm his prize Scottish Highlanders, pigs, geese and other assorted critters. He was also a boat builder and worked at Fay's Boatyard, retiring in 1995.
Over the years, he was actively involved in a broad range of Gilford community activities, including Gilford's Thompson-Ames Historical Society, which was formed in 1943. He served as President of the Thompson-Ames Historical Society on three different occasions, namely 1950-1954 and 1984-1986 as well as in 1997-1998 and on the Buildings and Grounds Committee in 1996 to visualize how Gilford's historical society could most effectively use both the 1834 Union Meetinghouse and the 1857 John J. Morrill Store/Grange Building as museum buildings.
He served on the Rowe House Committee, as chairperson, beginning in the 1980's and enabled the unique c.1838 Greek Revival farmhouse to become the authentic museum building that it is today.
His awareness and knowledge of history were frequently tapped. He served on the book committee of Thompson-Ames Historical Society which published Gunstock Parish, A History of Gilford, New Hampshire in 1995. Also, he was always a ready consultant for local author, Warren Huse, whose books spotlight, Lakeport, Laconia and the Weirs.
Furthermore, Arthur's interest in history saw him contribute to the formation of the state-wide organization the Association of Historical Societies of New Hampshire, Inc., a viable organization to this day.
An avid reader and always ready to learn more, he extensively collected books on a wide range of topics. These books are housed in the Rowe House and are available to the public to read and to enjoy.
An advocate of efforts to preserve farm land and forests, he not only protected his family farmland from subdivision and housing development but also gave to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, an "Etta M. and Leon P. Tilton Memorial Forest" in the Gilmanton/Belmont area.
Mr. Tilton served as moderator for the town from 1946 to 1956, the Recreation Commission from 1971 through 1986 and had served continuously on the Zoning Board of Adjustment since 1971. His other public service activities include the Gilford Bicentennial Commission, special Police Officer, and Officer with the Gilford Fire Department, Kimball Castle Committee and Economic Development Committee. He was also instrumental in the construction of the former Glendale Fire Station.
In recognition of his service on the Recreation Commission and providing activities for citizens young and old, the community skating facility on Varney Point Road was renamed the Arthur A. Tilton Ice Rink. Gilford's 1981 Old Home Day was dedicated to Mr. Tilton for his "unselfish contributions over the years".
Mr. Tilton is survived by a nephew. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Lester A, Tilton.
There will be no calling hours.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 9:30AM at the family lot in Union Cemetery, Academy Street, Laconia, NH. A Memorial Service will be held at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 10:30AM.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Thompson-Ames Historical Society, PO Box 7404, Gilford, NH 03247
Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is in charge of the arrangements.
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