Gravity feed
What prompts me to write about gravity feed water was this sentence in my article last week, “Running into the shed she sat down in the tub, which was used to catch the running water…” I realize some might not … Continued
Ron Patch
Town Meetin’
Here are select minutes from 1870s Chester Town Meetings. For our upcoming book, “History of Chester’s Fire Departments” we will include these and other relevant minutes. This article existed in one form or another for several years. I think readers … Continued
Mystery solved
Here is the history of the Chester Depot railroad station as I know it. When that first little engine from Bellows Falls arrived in the Depot in July of 1849, a crowd of dignitaries and spectators had gathered. Robert “Bob” … Continued
Carp says…
Carpenter’s was a clothing store where Meditrina is today. Here is an article from the April 1934 Carpenter’s Store News. “THE TAX SITCH-ER-ATION AT LAST TOWN MEETING. “Moderator: We will now take up Art. 15. The question is – shall … Continued
Odds & ends
What I call odds & ends are little tidbits of history that by themselves don’t make a story. Here are a few of those tidbits. The Chester Advertiser was a newspaper published in Chester by A.N. Chandler. The historical society … Continued
Going to town
Here in the country, dances were our entertainment from the mid-1800s well into the 1900s. In those days most every fraternal organization held dances. Fire departments, Masons, Odd Fellows, and others held dances. Many rural families played music together. Mom … Continued
Yo-Semite history
Here is a 1956 article written by Ed Kendall for the Springfield Reporter. It will be included in our “History of Chester’s Fire Departments.” “Old Yosemite pumper fought many a fire. In Pember Hazen’s barn at Chester Depot in some forgotten … Continued
Rod & Gun Club history
Here are minutes from a 1954 to 1965 Chester Rod & Gun secretary’s book in my collection. These were different times. Dues were $1 per year. Game suppers were $1.50 adults and $0.75 for kids. Land could be bought for … Continued
Vermont humor
Below is a front page article from the May 1924 Carpenter’s Store News. “Carp,” as he was known, wrote stories under a number of pseudonyms: B.V.D., Jack, Diogenes, Heinie, and others. Carp’s hyperbolic sense of humor was enhanced with his … Continued
Eugene R. Wiggins fire
A couple weeks ago, I wrote about the 1888 fire that destroyed the Central Hotel and Chester Drug Store. In the accompanying photo I drew your attention to Orrick Ball’s livery stable. I pointed out its classic New England rooflines. … Continued