Welcome!
4-18-06
Welcome to the State of New Hampshire’s Youth Development Center! Let’s backtrack: in 1988, an effort was started throughout the state of New Hampshire to carve into our landscape something that is called “The Heritage Trail.” Small pieces of this trail can be found throughout New Hampshire in Nashua, Manchester, Franconia, etc. There are actually several disjointed segments in the Manchester/ Hooksett area. One of these segments begins in John Stark State Park. John Stark Park is located about ten seconds away from YDC. This particular segment of the trail goes north along the Merrimack River and the train tracks. As a result, it passes behind the Youth Development Center and continues onward. As you approach YDC on the trail from either direction, you will run into this particular sign.
Welcome! The sign decries, and I think, how odd, I’ve been walking on this trail for about five minutes now, why is there a sign here? So I stop to read what else is written. “You are now entering State of New Hampshire Youth Development Center Property.” Well that explains the numerous red bricked buildings in the distance and the angry sounds of a rough basketball game. Naturally, my first question is, am I allowed to be here? Being the proximity of a hundred or so juvenile delinquents doesn’t seem like your everyday nature walk. So I read on.
“..Since the establishment of the House of Reformation for juveniles and female offenders against the laws, on May 12, 1858, this site has been the location of the State’s institution for juvenile delinquents…” Thinking back to my sixth grade vocabulary lessons, I remember that a juvenile is merely “a young person.” So the state House of Reformation wants to reform— that is improve— young people and “female offenders of the laws.” Now, what exactly do they mean by that? Do adult females get to go to YDC? Or do girls not qualify as “young people?” Since 1858, this has been the location of the state’s institution for juvenile delinquents. While researching The Heritage Trail, I remember reading something along the lines of, “Your Community's Heritage Trail can also reflect the best of your town or city, the unique landmarks and natural areas which define your community's ‘sense of place.’…A resource that will provide recreation, education, open space, and a sense of pride for generations to come.” The carvings of this trail only began in 1988, that’s 130 years after YDC was established… I suppose one could consider YDC a “unique landmark.”
“Today, it is the second oldest institution of its type in the United States.” Well, no wonder it was put on this trail, now that’s a source of pride. We found a place to hide our juvenile criminals faster than almost everyone else in this country.
“The State of New Hampshire permits the use of this trail for recreational purposes without charging the user.” Well it’s good to know that I won’t be arrested by the state for walking on a trail carved by the state for my purposes. So I suppose I am allowed to be here, but is it safe?
“The State is not responsible for damages incurred in connection with the recreational use of this property.” From Mrs. Weiss’s vocabulary lessons, I vaguely remember that incurred means “to bring down upon oneself.” Oh! So you mean I can’t blame the government for putting myself in danger? Drat. So I guess I am allowed to be here to appreciate a reflection of my city’s best. And remember folks, no dog fouling.
There's a picture that goes with this, of this particular sign. Perhaps someday I will put it on here. This is a humor piece. It's supposed to be funny. No? It's not funny. It sounds like I'm trying too hard, and that makes it even less funny. I am simply not one who writes humor pieces. Otherwise, the piece is well organized, well researched, and well written (save that one part about female offenders of the law).
Welcome to the State of New Hampshire’s Youth Development Center! Let’s backtrack: in 1988, an effort was started throughout the state of New Hampshire to carve into our landscape something that is called “The Heritage Trail.” Small pieces of this trail can be found throughout New Hampshire in Nashua, Manchester, Franconia, etc. There are actually several disjointed segments in the Manchester/ Hooksett area. One of these segments begins in John Stark State Park. John Stark Park is located about ten seconds away from YDC. This particular segment of the trail goes north along the Merrimack River and the train tracks. As a result, it passes behind the Youth Development Center and continues onward. As you approach YDC on the trail from either direction, you will run into this particular sign.
Welcome! The sign decries, and I think, how odd, I’ve been walking on this trail for about five minutes now, why is there a sign here? So I stop to read what else is written. “You are now entering State of New Hampshire Youth Development Center Property.” Well that explains the numerous red bricked buildings in the distance and the angry sounds of a rough basketball game. Naturally, my first question is, am I allowed to be here? Being the proximity of a hundred or so juvenile delinquents doesn’t seem like your everyday nature walk. So I read on.
“..Since the establishment of the House of Reformation for juveniles and female offenders against the laws, on May 12, 1858, this site has been the location of the State’s institution for juvenile delinquents…” Thinking back to my sixth grade vocabulary lessons, I remember that a juvenile is merely “a young person.” So the state House of Reformation wants to reform— that is improve— young people and “female offenders of the laws.” Now, what exactly do they mean by that? Do adult females get to go to YDC? Or do girls not qualify as “young people?” Since 1858, this has been the location of the state’s institution for juvenile delinquents. While researching The Heritage Trail, I remember reading something along the lines of, “Your Community's Heritage Trail can also reflect the best of your town or city, the unique landmarks and natural areas which define your community's ‘sense of place.’…A resource that will provide recreation, education, open space, and a sense of pride for generations to come.” The carvings of this trail only began in 1988, that’s 130 years after YDC was established… I suppose one could consider YDC a “unique landmark.”
“Today, it is the second oldest institution of its type in the United States.” Well, no wonder it was put on this trail, now that’s a source of pride. We found a place to hide our juvenile criminals faster than almost everyone else in this country.
“The State of New Hampshire permits the use of this trail for recreational purposes without charging the user.” Well it’s good to know that I won’t be arrested by the state for walking on a trail carved by the state for my purposes. So I suppose I am allowed to be here, but is it safe?
“The State is not responsible for damages incurred in connection with the recreational use of this property.” From Mrs. Weiss’s vocabulary lessons, I vaguely remember that incurred means “to bring down upon oneself.” Oh! So you mean I can’t blame the government for putting myself in danger? Drat. So I guess I am allowed to be here to appreciate a reflection of my city’s best. And remember folks, no dog fouling.
There's a picture that goes with this, of this particular sign. Perhaps someday I will put it on here. This is a humor piece. It's supposed to be funny. No? It's not funny. It sounds like I'm trying too hard, and that makes it even less funny. I am simply not one who writes humor pieces. Otherwise, the piece is well organized, well researched, and well written (save that one part about female offenders of the law).
posted by Andy | 7:31 PM
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