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 fiancé, Julie DiTursi, moved to the Governor Prescott House to continue the family legacy. In time, Cory and Julie will share the beauty of the family estate with the public as they open the Governor Prescott House for hosting weddings and special events.

But first, Cory and Julie, who share a passion for fine food, wanted to realize their dream of owning a restaurant. This 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.

EDITOR NEWS-LETTER: 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 dogs 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.