The Story Of Zampa
In 1903 William S. Mason purchased the Governor Prescott House in Epping. Almost 100 years later,
Cory McPhee, William Mason's great grandson, and his wife, Julie DiTursi, moved to the Governor Prescott
House to continue the family legacy. Cory and Julie considered sharing the beauty of the family estate
with the public by opening the Governor Prescott House to host weddings and special events. But before
they did that, Cory and Julie who share a passion for fine food and wine, wanted to realize their dream
of owning a restaurant.
That dream came true in June 2002 when the couple opened the doors of Zampa (pronounced "zahm-pa"). A unique
name you might say. As the couple was searching to name the restaurant, they discovered a way to connect it
to the family estate. Inside the Governor Prescott House is a paw print preserved in a brick. The origin is
described in this September 21, 1875 article in the Exeter Newsletter discovered by Madeline Willamson of the
Epping Historical Society.
"Epping has good clay pits. When Nathaniel G. and Micah Prescott came to town, and to the place where
Hon. Benj. F. Prescott now lives, about one hundred and eighteen years ago, they used brick then or not long
after, made in town. It is a tradition that they were made on their own lands. After some were struck and
before being burnt, a dog went over them and in two or three at least, his feet sunk in and the exact footprint
was left. After being burnt they remained just the same. These bricks were used in the chimney that begins
in the cellar. It is put on one of its edges so that the side with the dog's footprint is in full view. It
may be thought a small matter, but it is an interesting item of old time manners, worth noting. J.F."
As a result, Cory and Julie named the restaurant Zampa, the Italian word for "paw".(Julie is of
Italian heritage). The Zampa name has another special meaning for the couple as it symbolizes their
astrological sign, Leo the Lion.
Many dreams have come true for Cory and Julie - opening the restaurant they always hoped for and the
Governor Prescott House is now available to host both large and small special events. Visit the restaurant
from 5-9pm, Monday through Saturday and call 603-679-8772 to make an appointment to tour the Governor
Prescott House for your next special event.
Connections ---
The owners of Zampa, Cory McPhee and Julie DiTursi, passionately believe that stong community and healthy
relationships are good business. They are committed to using the finest and most local ingredients available
and they seek out organically fed, locally and sustainably raised meats, fish and dairy. Below are links to
some of Zampa's friends, purveyors and vendors - feel free to jump to their sites and explore!
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