Freedom—Broad Bay’s Bob Smart is being honored as Grand Marshal of Freedom’s 2024 Old Home Week, which starts today and runs through August 4.

Bob and his wife, Ruth, moved to the lake in 1998 from Danbury, CT., after becoming familiar with the area while spending time at Camp Calumet.

Bob wrote a series of articles about the history of the Ossipee River Dam for Ossipee Lake Alliance, and then began writing “Smart Reports,” short pieces about lake life as he saw things from his home on North Broad Bay.

From the ups and downs of the lake’s water level to the location of the worst frost heaves to an early spring visit to Bobby Sue’s for ice cream, his essays became a window on the area for people who spent the off-season elsewhere.

Bob and Ruth joined the First Christian Church of Freedom in 2000. He subsequently served as its president and the official church historian, and helped the building become listed in the N.H. Historic Registry.

He served as Program Director for the Community Club and later became its president. In 2009 he helped found the Freedom Heritage Commission and served as its secretary.

Bob shares his love for Freedom with his three children, Carolyn, Steve and Susan, and ten grandchildren, all frequent visitors. His five great-grandchildren live in Oregon and Connecticut.

“For all of his contributions that have bettered our community, the Freedom Old Home Week Association is honored to recognize Bob Smart as this year’s FOHW Grand Marshal,” the Old Home Week Committee wrote on its website.