Floodtide of 1927

Nov. 3-4, 1927, the State of Vermont was visited by a drastic flood. In late 1927, “Floodtide of 1927” was published. Below is the Springfield section.   From the introduction “Nature never smiled more kindly on good little old Vermont … Continued

Death and taxes

Here’s an interesting 18th century Chester document. I have done my best to transcribe it as written. Written in old English, the letter “s” is written as an “f.” Until is written as “untill.” A few words I was unsure … Continued

Washington’s Farewell Address

In my collection is an interesting book. It’s a small book with hand-painted covers and leather spine. Printed and sold by Thomas M. Pomroy, Windsor, 1812.   Washington Benevolent Society From Wikipedia: “The Washington Benevolent Societies (WBS) were grass-roots political clubs set … Continued

The walnut tree

On the lawn of Hugging Bear, next to Chester Historical Society, is a magnificent black walnut tree. This tree is over 100 years old. In the fall, hundreds of walnuts drop to the ground with a loud thud. Gray squirrels … Continued

John C. Orcutt

Some will remember Bill and Marjorie Orcutt. The Orcutts were a wealthy family who originally lived where Stone Hearth Inn is. Bill’s grandfather was John C. Orcutt. John C. Orcutt was experimenting with different hybrid corns in the early 1900s. … Continued

Chester’s Alumni Parade

Chester’s Alumni parade was held June 10 under favorable skies. Jon Clark and the Alumni Association did another great job. It’s all done by volunteers. As usual, I walked in the parade dressed in my Civil War uniform, representing the … Continued

Walter Hard, Vermont author

Last week, I submitted a story written by Dorothy Canfield Fisher. Her friend, Walter Hard, was another Vermont writer. Walter lived in Manchester, Vt. On the dust jacket of “Salt of Vermont,” by Walter Hard, 1931, is this introduction: “A … Continued

I love stories

From Dorothy Canfield Fisher: Henry LaBatt’s Stroke Arlington, [Vt.] of the twentieth century has not at all lost its habit of turning small everyday chance happenings into a good-humored laugh, which passes around the community and ends by leaving in … Continued

Decoration Day

Memorial Day is upon us. I wasn’t in the service, but I am very patriotic. Perhaps had I served I would have a different opinion. Memorial Day has always been a holiday close to me. I think most readers know … Continued

Chester fishing derby

The 2023 Chester Fishing Derby was held this past Saturday, May 13, at the Chester Reservoir. As usual, George Wilson was set up registering kids for prizes. The weather was perfect, other than a brisk wind blowing down the reservoir. … Continued

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