Introduction: The Heart of Pinardville
Nestled on the western edge of Manchester, Pinardville is a neighborhood with roots as deep as its community spirit is strong. While officially part of Goffstown, its close proximity to Manchester and unique local culture have made Pinardville a vibrant, distinctive enclave. Anyone who strolls down Mast Road or meanders through Roy Park quickly recognizes that Pinardville isn’t merely a collection of buildings—it’s a lasting legacy shaped by generations.
The Origins: A French-Canadian Vision
Pinardville owes its existence to Edmond Pinard, a visionary French-Canadian entrepreneur, and the wave of immigrants he inspired. In the early 1900s, the mills of Manchester were thriving, drawing workers from across New England and Québec. Edmond Pinard saw a need for housing and community for these new arrivals. In 1906, he purchased farmland along Mast Road, laying out what would become the neighborhood’s backbone. Through savvy real estate development and a keen sense for community needs, Pinard began to sell lots—primarily to fellow French-Canadians.
The name “Pinardville” is a tribute to its founder. Unlike many neighborhoods, it was never a colloquial designation but an official name—emblazoned on street signs, deeds, and local legend.
Early Growth: A Neighborhood Takes Shape
Pinardville’s growth was swift in the first half of the 20th century. Many of the homes built between 1910 and 1930 still stand today, clustered around key streets like Mast Road, Kelley Street, and Saint Anselm Drive. The neighborhood’s French-Canadian heritage was palpable: shop signs in French, bakeries filled with the scent of tourtière and fresh bread, and the melodious sound of the language echoing at family gatherings.
Several churches and social clubs sprang up, with St. Edmond’s Church on Mast Road serving as an early spiritual and cultural hub. While the original church has since closed, its brick façade remains a nod to the neighborhood’s roots.
Landmarks and Institutions: Icons of Pinardville
Today, Pinardville is home to several landmarks and institutions that ground its history:
- Kelly Falls: Along the Piscataquog River, Kelly Falls Park is a local gem. Once providing power for small mills, the falls now offer tranquil walking paths, picnic areas, and the soothing cascade of water.
- St. Anselm College: Established in 1889, St. Anselm College is technically just outside Pinardville’s traditional borders, but its influence is unmistakable. Many staff and students call Pinardville home, and the college’s cultural and educational impact is felt through lectures, events, and its Monk's Bakery, frequented by locals.
- Roy Park and Playground: A cornerstone for families, Roy Park on Mast Road features playgrounds, ballfields, and a community gathering space that’s been a summer favorite for decades. The annual Roy Park Summer Program is a rite of passage for neighborhood youth.
Key Historical Milestones
Pinardville’s history is dotted with events and developments that speak to its resilience and adaptability:
- Annexation and Identity: Although Pinardville is part of Goffstown, its identity was shaped by its adjacency to Manchester. In the 1930s and 1940s, there were persistent talks of annexation by Manchester, but residents fiercely protected their ties to Goffstown. That debate cemented Pinardville’s self-identity as a “city suburb with a village heart.”
- The Great Floods: Like many neighborhoods near the Piscataquog River, Pinardville experienced severe flooding, most notably in 1936 and 1938. Residents rallied together, sandbagging riverbanks, sharing supplies, and strengthening community bonds that endure to this day.
- Postwar Suburban Growth: The 1950s and 1960s saw a wave of suburbanization. New schools, such as Bartlett Elementary on Mast Road, opened their doors, and mom-and-pop shops gave way—gradually—to supermarkets and chain stores. Yet, Pinardville managed to retain its walkable, small-town feel even amid modernization.
Evolution Over the Decades
While Pinardville has grown and changed, its heritage remains visible in the built environment and the rhythms of daily life:
- From French-Canadian to Multicultural: Though French surnames still abound, today’s Pinardville is home to a blend of cultures. Italian bakeries, Latin American eateries, and Southeast Asian grocers now flank longtime French establishments on Mast Road, each contributing a new thread to the neighborhood’s tapestry.
- Community Spirit: Organizations like the Pinardville Lions Club and Goffstown’s Recreation Department organize park cleanups, holiday parades, and charity events. These activities hearken back to days when neighbors always had a helping hand for one another.
- Preservation and Renewal: Pinardville residents care deeply about their heritage. Renovations of historic homes, restoration of park facilities, and local historians’ efforts to document stories ensure the area’s legacy is honored, even as development adds new amenities and housing.
Notable Streets and Hidden Corners
Several streets and spots in Pinardville carry echoes of the past:
- Mast Road: The original “main street,” lined with family businesses, coffee shops, and neighborhood staples.
- Kelley Street: Once the site of trolley tracks connecting Goffstown to downtown Manchester, it remains a vital artery and a window into the area’s transit history.
- Saint Anselm Drive: Home to the stately main entrance of St. Anselm College, lined with mature maples and playing fields.
Conclusion: Pinardville’s Enduring Appeal
Pinardville is a neighborhood where history isn’t just remembered—it’s lived. The story of Pinardville is written in the sturdy brick homes, the laughter in Roy Park, and the vivid memories of those who’ve called it home for generations. Its evolution from a French-Canadian haven to a multicultural, family-friendly community is a testament to both resilience and warmth. For newcomers and old-timers alike, Pinardville stands as a beloved symbol of Manchester’s past, present, and bright future.