There are families for whom Chocorua, its lake and its mountain, is a beloved place. Inspired by multiple generations of connection to the region, they have generously contributed property or conservation easements for the benefit of all. Thanks to these families, the Chocorua Lake Basin is almost completely preserved (likely the only such watershed in the state) and public access to trails and the lake are ensured forever. Jim Moir shares the history of his family’s connection to Chocorua, which inspired the Moir family to contribute a a 92-acre conservation easement.
Jim Moir
On a fine day in 1929 my great aunt Edith R. Moir, of Newton, Massachusetts, went on an outing with some friends to buy some furniture. She wound up at the Estate Auction of Miss Oliver, on Washington Hill Road in Chocorua, New Hampshire, and bought a house. Aunt Edith died in 1936. She left the house and property on Washington Hill to her brother John A. Moir with the understanding that her nephew John A. Moir Jr. would be able to enjoy the country cottage.
The John A. Moir family enjoyed the house during the warm months and used it as a ski lodge through the ‘40s and ‘50s. John A. Moir bought several parcels of land contiguous to the original Oliver parcel, and in 1964 conveyed the property to my father, John A. Moir Jr. Many of my relatives; brothers and their families, aunts, uncles, and lots of cousins have enjoyed the house on the hill.
In the mid 1980s my father and my mother Heather C. Moir reverse-migrated from Miami to Chocorua and made it their hometown. When a home has been inhabited by a family for 88 years, some changes and modifications can be expected. Our house has been added onto and winterized, and additional outbuildings have been constructed. One hopes that the legacy of family ownership is one of continuity and familiarity.
Our family has great affection for, and deep connection to Chocorua, our neighbors and the community; and the environment is very important to us. As time passes and things change inevitably, it is our hope that we can convey a sense of stability and visual familiarity to the community by conserving roadside properties, and protecting the viewsheds and watersheds. In 2011, 33 acres of Washington Hill were placed in Conservation Easement by my mother’s (Heather Moir) estate.
Now, the Moirs are delighted to convey 92 acres of our property to the Chocorua Lake Conservancy so that the top of Washington Hill can be added to and connected with the other properties that have been set aside for conservation to protect the watershed and viewshed of Chocorua Lake.
Jim Moir
Stuart, Florida