As New England’s population increased in the early 1800s, a slow, westerly migration began. By the 1840s, pioneers in wagon trains were traveling west to Oregon. These pioneers came from New England and other eastern states. Some came from Vermont … Continued
The photo with this article is a Black River Academy souvenir. It was published in 1955. It’s a look back at old Ludlow from 1905 class members. In part, it reads: “Alumni Day, June 18, 1955 On this, our Fiftieth … Continued
Beginning in the 1860s, schoolteachers gave “Rewards of Merit” to students who had done well in school. These colorful cards were about the size of a modern business card. Also at this time, autograph books came into being. Students collected … Continued
I have spent a lifetime buying and selling antiques. There are countless stories I could tell. Chelsea, Vt. One day, 50 years ago, I was picking up in Chelsea. I had a lot to learn. I stopped at a … Continued
I wrote the following story about Hessie some years ago. I have rewritten it, and added “Other memories.” Merry Christmas I remember my first grade teacher Mrs. Hammond at Chester Elementary School telling us kids that Santa Claus was known … Continued
I began knocking on doors, or “picking,” for antiques over 50 years ago. I had a proven method; I would knock on 20 doors per day. Out of these 20, I would get into five or six houses. I would … Continued
The photo with this article is a 1909 postcard. Not only is it a great photograph, it reveals some interesting history. The team The young oxen are in a small ox yoke, drawing a small wagon of some sort. … Continued
The photo with this article is the Donnis house, and dates to about 1910. This is the red brick house near the entrance of Chester Elementary School. The team of horses is drawing a load of short logs, probably delivering … Continued
Saturday, Nov. 11, I left my place and noticed a tractor-trailer with open sides and top. It was loaded with bound Christmas trees. It got me to thinking. In high school I worked summers for Albert and Carne DeCell in … Continued
I think it was back in May when I wrote an article about a book I wanted to publish this March. It would be a book of other peoples’ stories. I asked readers to write a couple stories for this … Continued