William Dugan

Derry William Dugan

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.