Jan. 13 — To the Editor:

We are closer to losing an important community institution, the Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket. It went on the market for sale several months ago.

The Rockingham Ballroom opened in 1934 and has become an important part of the local area. Within the last decade the ballroom has been declared an “historic entity” by the Newmarket Historical Society recognizing its significance. That’s a piece of what we could lose.

Over the years the ballroom has hosted national and local bands allowing patrons to enjoy music, dancing and culture in a very special and unique environment. Local bands and other performers have entertained us for decades. Within the past few months the ballroom was rated as the #2 place in NH for comedy.

While the ballroom is often associated with various types of bands, music genres and dancing, it has also been the host to many benefit events and fundraisers. The annual Daddy Daughter and Mother Son dances in Newmarket have become a great way for parents to connect with their children. Other fundraisers have been held to help local residents with financial need, perhaps due to severe medical conditions. The ballroom has been available with short notice as a place for memorials. Over the past few years the owners have collected on behalf of “toys for tots.” These are only a few of the many types of examples where the ballroom has been there to serve the community. Perhaps you or someone you know has been the beneficiary of this Seacoast caring and generosity.

Very regularly, I meet people who have special stories to share about how the ballroom has been the place where a very personal event in their lives has happened. Some met there, got engaged there, had their weddings or anniversaries there, or maybe their baby showers there. I’ve met several couples, regulars on Saturday nights, that have had their “date night each and every Saturday night for several decades. Do you have a special story from the ballroom?

If you haven’t been there, or been there for a while, you’re encouraged to come check it out before it gets sold. One can only hope it will be sold to an entity that wishes to continue in the spirit of the last 83 years.

Jim Collins

Portsmouth