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http://www.RudyMayer.com - Located just over the Massachusetts state line, Hollis, New Hampshire still maintains strong ties with its rural past. Originally settled as a part of Dunstable, Massachusetts, the town was incorporated by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth in 1746. Once known mainly for its corn, strawberries, orchards, dairy and poultry farms, this affluent bedroom community with a population of just under 8000 residents is now also home to a number of business executives and their families. Despite the changes, Hollis has managed to preserve its small-town character. The Historic District in the center of town includes more than 100 historic homes and buildings, including the public library, town hall, the Congregational Church, and the Always Ready Engine House, which is now the home of the Historical Society. A number of other historic farmhouses and homes can be found throughout town. Outside of the town center, sprawling orchards, rolling fields, and stately farms sit alongside large contemporary homes. More than 2,000 acres of town land remain in active agricultural use today. There are several farms and apple orchards located in Hollis, offering locally grown produce and the opportunity to pick your own strawberries and apples. The town also hosts several annual festivities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, including the Strawberry Festival in June, Old Home Day in September, and the Apple Festival in October. The Beaver Brook Association conservation area encompasses 2,100 acres and offers 35 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other activities. Hollis also maintains an extensive network of town forests which preserves hundreds of acres in town. Silver Lake is another popular recreation site and is home to Silver Lake State Park. Education is paramount in this community and the students benefit with a challenging and extensive curriculum in grades K-12. Students from Brookline, NH, as part of the Hollis-Brookline Cooperative School District, attend middle and high schools located in Hollis. The Hollis Montessori School educates children from age 3 through Middle School.