“Stories of Us”
My latest book, “Stories of Us,” is now available at Lisai’s in Bellows Falls, and The Framery of Vermont and Stone House Antiques Center, both in Chester. If you see me, flag me down, I carry a few books in … Continued
Ron Patch
The Hurtgen Forest
I first met Jim Carr about 25 years ago in Bellows Falls. Jim was always walking on Atkinson Street. Over time we became friendly. Jim is 98. One day I was having a yard sale on Atkinson Street when Jim … Continued
Chester Fishing Derby
The Chester Fishing Derby was held Saturday, May 11. It was a chilly morning with overcast skies, limiting the number of anglers. There were 29 kids registered. As in the past, George Wilson from the Chester Rod & Gun Club … Continued
Carpenter’s Store News
L.A. Carpenter published a monthly newspaper offering free ads. Carp wrote stories under a number of pseudonyms, often with humor. Today, Carpenter’s Store is Meditrina. I suggest you slow down and read this twice. “Sumwheresin Vt. “January 1st, 1929. “Dere … Continued
Wild brook trout
Well, trout season is here. I’ll wait until the water warms up, maybe another two weeks, before I go. I have spoken with a couple fishermen I know. They report some success. Small brooks and beaver ponds There are … Continued
The Chester Students’ Miscellany
Below is from the May 1, 1854, The Chester Students’ Miscellany newspaper. It was published by Chester Academy students. This is Route 35. In part, it reads: “The Gulf “…But it was not our object to describe all of … Continued
Okemo Outlook
Over the years I’ve collected any Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) items I came across. The photo with this article is the masthead from a weekly Okemo Outlook newspaper. These are simple mimeograph pages with amateur hand-drawn ads, for Ludlow and … Continued
School District Number 1
I have an early ledger of interest. It begins in 1796, and ends in 1852. The cover is covered with dark blue wallpaper, with a white scroll pattern and black polka dots. Wallpaper at this time was an expensive wall … Continued
Things to ponder
Sometimes, my deadline to send in my weekly article sneaks up on me. Suddenly I can think of nothing to write about. So here you are. Fishing April is here. It won’t be long before Danny and I go … Continued
The old way
I live in a different world than most people. I remember in high school the teacher asked us seniors what we wanted to do when we left school. You can imagine many of the answers: college, marriage, riding a motorcycle … Continued