Forty years ago, the Union Leader boasted that New Hampshire's population had reached a million people, and I remember wondering why that was something to brag about. Massachusetts had hit that mark a century and a quarter before us, which clearly hadn't done that state any good, and people were fleeing it in droves. They still are, and most of them seem to be coming here to live — or at least to linger for a while.

The Great Migration of the 20th century started shortly after World War II, as families followed the fortunes of their mostly male breadwinners, whose careers increasingly required relocation as a condition for advancement. By 1985, the Census Bureau calculated that one American in five had moved to another town or state over the course of the previous year.

(3) comments

Thaddeus

"Gypsy around"? Really?

MEPD Ret

Seriously? You're going to have a problem with that?

Get a life, do something fun, go to a comedy club, anything.

You guys are sucking all the fun, joy, and color out of life. Literally.

I'm pretty the "Gypsy Community" cares less.

Thaddeus

Who's "you guys"? I'm one person. Are you trying to group me in with the "dang lib'rals" because you think I am one? I'm not - I'm a moderate-conservative. Or is "you guys" just everyone you don't like? Can I group you in with the rest of MEPD and say you guys are a bunch of sociopathic bigots? I'm sure I'm not far off from the truth.

Welcome to the discussion.

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.