Margaret Scott “Scotty” Carter, 83, a well-known and respected antiques dealer, died Wednesday, June 10.
She was born September 12, 1925, to David and Agnes (Kjelvik) Scott in Westford, Mass. She graduated from Westford Academy and Colby College, Waterville, Maine.
She was first married in 1947 to Richard F. Alden, who died in 1960. In 1963, she married Winthrop L. Carter, who died in 1983.
Kathy Schoemer, New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association (NHADA) president from Acworth, N.H., in remembering Carter, said, “If the NHADA had a flag waving in New Hampshire, it would be lowered to half-staff as we mourn the loss of one of our most treasured pioneers. Margaret Scott ‘Scotty’ Carter died very suddenly on Wednesday with her daughter, Melissa Alden, at her side.
“Scotty and husband Win were stalwart supporters of NHADA from the early years, and she was truly one of the great ladies of the business and the state. Tireless volunteer, devoted wife, mother and friend, Scotty embodied all the values and qualities we women strive for, and she will be deeply missed by her many friends in and around the business. Her presence on Market Street in Portsmouth, keeping her shop and living upstairs, along with Melissa and Melissa’s husband, Jack Kane, has been vital for many years. Melissa will be alone at the helm now, continuing in that wonderful shop which has been a ‘must see’ on the lists of dealers and collectors visiting the seacoast,” said Schoemer.
“I share a valued friendship with Melissa, our NHADA secretary, and often shared with Scotty my genuine respect for the daughter she raised †comments that only another mother could appreciate. She always grinned with pleasure at that, and I guess, along with the many things we will all remember, my most treasured memory will be her glow of pride at Melissa’s kindness and success. Ronnie Bourgeault graciously hosted a memorial reception for Scotty at Treadwell House in Portsmouth on Thursday, June 18, at 4 pm. Our sincere thanks to Ron.”
Liz Robinson, whose friendship with Carter spanned nearly two decades, said, “I have known dear Scotty for about 39 years. We first met at the Hollis, N.H., antiques show where I bought from her two colored Dana K. Alden Sandwich salts †my passion then was in Sandwich glass. And thus began our long, wonderful friendship. Scotty and her family at that time were living in Hollis where she sold antiques from her house and barn. She educated me about many facets of the antiques business, including what to look for in any given item. I had only been in business for a few years at that time.
“Scotty and I often exhibited in the same antiques shows along with Priscilla Ham, who had been an antiques mentor to Scotty,” Robinson continued. “Later on, Scotty and Win moved to Portsmouth into what had formerly been a four-story early Nineteenth Century warehouse on Market Street and restored it to the exquisite presence that it still has today, and with the antiques shop on the street level. Melissa and Jack have resided there for a number of years.
“I have so many beautiful and fun memories of staying at Scotty’s for the NHADA Shows, and also connecting with her in Chatham, Mass., many years ago where, at that time, she had a wonderful summer antiques shop on Main Street. Every July 4 for about six summers, her family and mine would gather in front of her shop there and watch the July 4 parade. Later on, she and Win built a lovely home in Chatham.
“Scotty always made several antiquing trips each year to England, and I loved to go up to Scotty’s after her shipment came in. She had such a good eye for the unusual antique and could always give you the background on it. One of Scotty’s beautiful gifts was her generosity in the sharing of her knowledge of antiques †but, then, generosity was Scotty on all levels of her ‘livingness.’ Scotty had a large extended family to whom she was most devoted. Between all the activity of the shop and visits of many family members I used to refer to her home as ‘Carter Central’ †I believe it was Melissa who coined that phrase. And she also gave generously of her time and knowledge to the Portsmouth Atheneum.
“Scotty was loved and respected by so many people and always had a great willingness to be of help to others,” Robinson concluded. “I feel ever so blessed to have been a friend of Scotty’s for so many years; and know how very much she will be missed by all her knew her. My heart and much healing energy goes out to all her wonderful family.”
Carter is survived by her daughters, Melissa Alden and husband Jack Kane of Portsmouth, Elizabeth Alden and husband Jackson Clymer of Solvang, Calif., Roberta Schultz and husband Frank of Chatham, Mass, Nancy Clough and husband Charles of Concord, and Harriet Field and husband Chris of Halifax, Nova Scotia; her sons, R. Forrest Alden and wife Camille of Gorham, Maine, Ted Carter and wife Elizabeth of Alexander, Maine; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a brother, David Scott and wife Grace of Tyngsboro, Mass.
Her family will host a memorial celebration from 4 to 6 pm on June 18 at the Treadwell House, 93 Pleasant Street, Portsmouth. Memorial contributions can be made to the Portsmouth Athenaeum, 9 Market Square, Portsmouth, NH 03801, or Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua, 47 Grand Avenue, Nashua, NH 03060. An online guest book is available at www.davisfuneralhomenh.com .
