TCNA History

84 Main Street, Tamworth, New Hampshire 03886 -- (603) 323-8511

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tamworthnurses@yahoo.com

Business Hours
Mon - Thur: 9 am - 2 pm
Fri: 9 am - 11 am

Nurse's Office
Visiting Hours
Mon - Fri: 9 am - 11 am
or call 323-8511 for
visits by appointment.

In our clients' words...

"The TCNA is doing an outstanding job, above and beyond all expectations."

"I occasionally stop by for blood pressure checks... I greatly respect TCNA for their work, and I am certainly grateful they are in our town."

"Wonderful service! One of Tamworth’s best assets."

"You are all a very nice group of dear people and I have a lot of confidence in you all and how much you help everyone. If I was still able to cook I would have goodies for you all! I miss my cooking."

"Outstanding."

TCNA History

A Period of Enlightenment

They came from New Haven, Boston, Providence, Hartford and even New York. They came to the White Mountains of New Hampshire seeking a haven from the noise of the cities and the business of urban life. The turn of the century found thinkers and writers such as Henry and William James, e.e. cummings, friends and descendants of Julia Ward Howe, and many more, settling in our community.

Great ideas were being formulated that hatched great societal changes.

It is out of this environment that women like Elizabeth Lane Whittemore (pictured at left, 1957) and Mrs. Franklin Balch came to Chocorua. They came to enjoy a quieter life and soon became devoted to the townspeople, the community, and its welfare. Mrs. Whittemore served as the Director of the New Haven Visiting Nurses. She was known for a "strong vein of responsibility beneath her beauty." She sensed that the Tamworth community could benefit from a nursing service of its own and hence, is chiefly credited with being the founder of the Tamworth Community Nurse Association.

"The whole story of these pioneer years, of work quietly carried on yet plainly manifest in lives made healthier and happier..." is carried on with the work of our nurses today. This work continues on proudly, with a deep respect for the foresight of our founders, the sense of philanthropy of our benefactors and the deep generosity of spirit of those who have voluntarily served on the Board of Directors and guided this organization through 86 years of service.

Time Line

1921-24	Mrs. Whittemore, Mrs. Balch and a few other unnamed supporters hire a Red Cross Nurse, for 3 months of the year.
1925-27	Miss Mary Curran serves as first year-round Nurse. “On foot and buggy or sleigh, borrowed or hired, she got around the town, and her work amply proved that a community nurse was not only desirable but necessary in our town.”
1929	The Community Nurse serves as school nurse with nine schools & 153 children. Two dental clinics held for children as well as TB screening, vision and audiology exams. The TCNA Board is formed consisting “of three members from Each section of town, Mrs. Stella White (Chairman), Mrs. Flora Currier, Mrs. Hazel Currier, from Tamworth Village; Mrs. Carrie Nickerson, Mrs. Eva Moore, Mrs. Edith Bickford, from Chocorua; Mrs. Mary Fall, Miss M.T. Gregg, Mrs. Ellen Bookholz from South Tamworth.”
1931	Nurse Gertrude Seiders starts.“Using her own Ford car, she has been able to cover the Town’s wide territory frequently, calling in Chocorua, the Village, and in the South side in the same day.”
1942	TCNA joins with the Civil Defense in a “general effort to marshal the entire community for defense & national service.”
1953	TCNA purchases its first car for use by the nurse.
1954	TCNA moves into new Brett School building. Salk Polio Inoculation Program initiated.
1967	Mrs. Whittemore dies leaving half her estate as an endowment.
1973	TCNA moves to 84 Main Street next to the town offices.
1978	Tamworth Meals On Wheels Program starts.
1988	Coordination of Meals on Wheels comes under TCNA umbrella.
1992	Moved to temporary office space in Katy’s German Restaurant. Raised $189,000.00 for new office space.
2003	Moved into newly built facility at 84R Main Street.
2009	TCNA takes on the task to inoculate the “at risk” populace against the first viral pandemic to strike in the last in 50 years.