Petition to Stop the AT&T Proposed Cell Tower on "The Hill of Vision"

We the undersigned oppose the granting of a Special Exception to AT&T for the building of a cell tower on Melville Hill (the “Hill of Vision”) in the township of Stoddard, New Hampshire.  The proposed site for the tower overlooks a site of particular significance to Native American culture and history because of its intimate connection to Dr. Charles Eastman, one American’s most revered and celebrated Native Americans. We believe the proposed tower would desecrate the purity and spiritual significance of the site. (Please print this petition, sign, and fax to 603-847-3232 ~ thank you!)

Native Americans Angered at AT&T's Proposed Cell Tower on "The Hill of Vision"

Press Release being sent out today to local and national media: 

AT&T’s request to New Hampshire's Stoddard Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) for a Special Exception to construct a 150-foot cell phone tower has stirred the ire of the Santee Dakota Sioux, headquartered in Flandreau, S.D.

The proposed cell tower would loom over Stoddard’s pristine Granite Lake community atop Melville Hill, once owned by renowned Native American Dr. Charles Eastman (1858-1939) and named by him “The Hill of Vision.” Eastman’s daughter Irene, a victim of an influenza epidemic that swept the area in 1918, is buried on the hill.

Keene Sentinel front page: "Static Greets AT&T Plan: Stoddard Residents Oppose Proposed Hilltop Cell Tower"

By Sarah Trefethen, Sentinel Staff

STODDARD — Cell phone users waiting for reception where Route 9 passes through Stoddard will keep waiting.

Wireless network provider AT&T’s plans to extend its digital reach in the area — now a cell phone dead zone — is still hung up in a debate between the company’s representatives and the residents of Granite Lake.

More on Dr. Charles Eastman & Camp Oahe, near the proposed site of an AT&T Cell Tower

Nelson resident John Cucchi, who lives on Granite Lake, compiled this short history on nationally prominent Native American Dr. Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa) and his Camp Oahe, which was located near AT&T's  currently proposed cell tower site on Melville Hill (named by Eastman "The Hill of Vision"):

Camp Oahe
In the later 1800s, and early 1900s, a new industry was born in Munsonville. The “Tourist’s
Guide-Book to the State of New Hampshire” was published in 1902. It listed summer hotels and boarding houses throughout the state. Summer resort hotels had been developed near the railroad stations a generation earlier. Now with improved roads it was a quick comfortable stage ride from the depots to lakes throughout the region. It was at about this time that Munsonville Pond became known as Granite Lake, during an apparently unorganized but widespread move to beautify the names of NH lakes to attract more visitors. To this day, tourism being New Hampshire’s largest industry.

Water had a new leading role in Munsonville as the 20th century arrived. Its beauty and recreational enticements were drawing visitors. Within a decade summer camps for youngsters were founded on the lake as well. Camp Oahe was opened at the other end of the lake by the Sioux Indian Ohiyesa – Dr. Charles A. Eastman.

Last year Charles Eastman was inducted into the 2010 YMCA Hall of Fame. He was also honored by Boston University Medical School with a posthumous Humanitarian Award for his efforts on behalf of Native Americans. 

Cucchis inform ZBA of FCC Petition Re Historic Sites

To the Stoddard Zoning Board of Adjustment,

We have been in contact with the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources
and the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance. They have advised us of the following:

We understand that AT&T has an obligation to consider any historical properties
within a 1/2 mile radius from the proposed cell tower. We believe there are two
historical sites within the 1/2 mile radius that have been overlooked - Camp Oahe
and Camp Notre Dame. Out of the 1/2 mile radius is the historic center of Munsonville,
which includes the General Store and Post Office properties and the Chapel By
The Lake/UMC.

Cucchi Challenges AT&T Proposed Cell Tower Citing Section 106 and the history of Charles Eastman

For many years John Cucchi and his wife Anne, residents of Nelson, NH, have owned and operated Granite Lake Cottages

which overlook Granite Lake, one of the most scenic and pristine lakes in New Hampshire:

Here are two views from their cottages:

These views are now being threatened by AT&T's proposal to build a 150-foot cell tower directly on top of the hill where the rainbow can be seen.