Recently I wrote about a 1937 Vermont book I received in the mail. Contributing writers were part of Roosevelt’s New Deal, the Works Progress Administration (WPA). I enjoyed reading it. One chapter is about state roads. Here are three local … Continued
The below is from a June 1927 Carpenter’s Store News. “Carp,” as he was known, was a gifted writer. Carp wrote under several pseudonyms. Carp signed this story, “DIOGENES.” In part, it reads: “Signs of the times “Been a pretty … 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
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
South of Chester on Route 103, turn onto Upper Bartonsville Road. Near the end you’ll see Cambridgeport Road. This is a pleasant drive. Pay attention and you’ll see the sign with this article. John Dorand I didn’t know John … Continued
I have an idea for a new book. As I go around visiting friends, I hear countless stories of days gone by. Whether it’s Bob Turco, Bill Burton, the Kendall family, or Ted and Danny, everyone has stories. I couldn’t … Continued
Yankee food can be rather bland for those not accustomed to it. Dried beef or salmon pea wiggle gravy probably wouldn’t excite your taste buds. This style of cooking dates back to our earliest ancestors. Drying or salting meat … Continued
Of my many interests, Mother Nature ranks at the top. Ever since I was a kid I’ve always picked up bird nests or feathers I found. I have a few feathers I’ve kept, along with a few bird nests. The … Continued
Last week, Lonnie Lisai and I went exploring some of the 1760 Crown Point Road in Cavendish. Lonnie is now on the board of the Crown Point Road Association. Lonnie wanted to show me the site where, in 1760, a … Continued
The Cheshire Toll Bridge is the iron bridge that connects Springfield and Charlestown. In 1804, the Cheshire Bridge Corporation was granted a charter to build a bridge at this location. This wooden bridge was completed in 1806. A second covered … Continued