Howard Clark
Howard Clark was born in April 1930 to parents John and Bernice (Keough) Clark. Howard’s grandfather Peter Keough worked for Cheshire Mills as did his mother for a time. While Howard was growing up during the 1930s-1940s he and his family lived in the Milan Harris House. Howard’s parents owned Clark’s Store in the village of Harrisville (located in the Harris Storehouse). Howard helped out in his parent’s store and attended school in Harrisville, later graduating from Keene High School.
Howard enlisted in the Air Force and served during the Korean War as a clerk with the CIA in Washington DC. He was honorably discharged earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. He later worked for Markem Corporation in Keene, NH ending as vice-president and general manager before retiring in 1985.
Howard married his wife Elaine (Murray) Clark while serving in the military and they welcomed four children together — Howard R. Clark, Jr., LInda C. Potter, Scott D. Clark, and Heidi C. Reeves. Howard and Elaine were happily married for fifty years before her death in 2001. Howard later enjoyed being with his partner Jane Keough, spending time with family and friends on their beloved Lake Skatutakee. Howard was a longtime member of the Community Church of Harrisville. He passed away July 21, 2021.
The Historic Harrisville Archives would like to share a video from our Oral History Collection of Ralph Bemis interviewing Howard Clark as he shares his memories of growing up in Harrisville, of Clark’s Store, and of his career.
The Archives shares that video below.
Milan Harris House
Model T with skis
Ralph Bemis interviewing Howard Clark (Part 1)
Ralph Bemis interviewing Howard Clark (Part 2)
Ralph Bemis interviewing Howard Clark (Part 3)
Have memories, photographs or videos of growing up in Harrisville or Chesham? If you would like to share these please reach out to the Katy Burchett at the Archives at Historic Harrisville through her email hharchivekaty@historicharrisville.org