Gunstock, Laconia, Rifle and Chairlift — c. 1960s

A vintage Gunstock ski patch, estimated to date from the 1960s, split on a diagonal: GUNSTOCK LACONIA H. in red over a long rifle drawn in brown and silver, stock and all, and below it two riders in red caps sailing over a white landscape on a double chair with an orange roof. Red-bordered shield.

The name came with the summit. In 1962 a double chair went to the top of Gunstock Mountain and the Belknap Recreation Area took the peak's name. Somebody in the marketing office looked at the word Gunstock and drew the obvious thing.

The rifle shows up on Gunstock patches for years after, through the decades when most ski areas were busy making themselves softer. Logos came and went around it. The rifle had a long run, longer than most ski area mascots get.

The chair here has a roof. Very few chairs in New Hampshire ever did. The artist was being kind to the riders.

Embroidered on twill, merrowed edge. Photos are the condition report.