July 15, 2025

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North Conway, NH — The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the reopening of the public restrooms located behind the New England Ski Museum in North Conway Village, thanks to a generous $1,500 donation from Zeb’s Charitable Fund.

This stopgap funding will enable restroom cleaning services to resume immediately, restoring a vital public amenity during the height of summer tourism. Restrooms will be open 10 AM to 8 PM seven days a week. Cleaning will be performed twice daily and managed by the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.

"We're incredibly grateful to Zeb’s Charitable Fund for stepping in at a critical time,” said Chris Proulx, Executive Director of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Their support addresses an urgent community need while giving us breathing room to establish a longer-term solution.”

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A Legacy of Community Commitment

In 2021, building owner The Gibson/Woodbury Charitable Foundation began donating the use of these restrooms on the condition that ongoing cleaning would be privately funded. A cleaning fund was originally created by the now-dissolved Mt. Washington Valley Preservation Association and supported by local donors and businesses. Since then, annual donations have dwindled, leaving no funds for upkeep. The restrooms remained closed this summer — until now.

Mark Butterfield, Executive Director of the Gibson/Woodbury Charitable Foundation, praised Zeb’s owner David Peterson and store manager Ray Boutin for their generosity and commitment to North Conway Village.

"It is a fitting tribute to Peter Edwards who believed in making North Conway Village inviting to all," said Butterfield.

Edwards, Peterson’s long-time partner in Zeb's General Store, passed away in October 2024.

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What It Takes to Keep Restrooms Open

Operating these restrooms is no small feat. At peak season, cleaning costs average $270 per week. This summer’s $1,500 donation will fund cleaning through late August. Without additional support, services may again be interrupted.

A restroom committee — made up of representatives from the MWV Chamber, North Conway Community Center, the Berry Companies and other local stakeholders  — is actively developing a long-term budget and fundraising strategy. The team will soon begin outreach to local businesses and donors and is exploring other funding sources.

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What’s Next?

In the coming weeks, community members and businesses can expect updates outlining a funding campaign and signage to raise awareness. “Public restrooms shouldn’t be a luxury — they’re a necessity,” Proulx continued. “Let’s work together to ensure they stay open, clean, and accessible.”

Businesses or individuals interested in supporting this initiative are encouraged to contact the Chamber directly. For more information, go to www.visitMWV.com.

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