tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21339322551946836502024-03-15T09:41:41.809-04:00In Times PastThis blog highlights the history of the Upper Valley towns of Vermont and New Hampshire.
Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-83803070045585139542024-03-15T09:40:00.003-04:002024-03-15T09:40:46.574-04:00Wrong Side of the Law Part Two<p> Journal Opinion March 6, 2024</p><p class="MsoNormal">This is the second part of a three-part series on crime in
the area before 1950. Part one can be accessed by searching In Times Past,
larrycoffin.blogspot.com. It covered counterfeiting, horse and auto theft and
prohibition. This column deals with crimes involving robberies, drug
violations, and adultery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The information is from local newspapers, town histories,
and online sources. Orford historian Art Pease generously allowed me to use
some examples from his research. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before establishing a uniformed state police force in New
Hampshire in 1937 and Vermont in 1947, the county sheriff was the primary law
enforcement officer. A growing number of local police officers, game wardens
and private detectives augmented this official.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Federal law officials included U. S. marshals, customs officers and FBI
agents. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Criminal Court cases were tried in the county courts with
both grand and trial juries selected from the legal voters of the county.
Violations of federal statutes were remanded to federal courts. Newspapers
carried reports of court sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Newspapers also reported break-ins at area banks and other
businesses. In part one of this series, I wrote of the capture of William
Warburton, known as Bristol Bill. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1849, he and his gang of counterfeiters were apprehended
in Groton. Warburton was also charged with the possession of “burglarious tools
for breaking open stores, banks, etc.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At trial in Danville, witnesses testified that Warburton and
his comrades had considered breaking into a number of area banks. In the winter
of 1849, they attempted a night-time robbery of the National Bank of Newbury. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bank cashier Oscar Hale testified at trial that Warburton had
attempted to giant cutters to cut into the bank iron vault door. Warburton was
found guilty only on the counterfeiting charges and sent to prison.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That was not the last time the National Bank of Newbury made
the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In September 1874, a gang of
thieves attempted a night-time robbery. According to the North Star account,
the gang jimmied a window and, using explosives, attempted to break open the
vault. They were successful only in their escape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To avoid robbery attempts, that bank’s cashier never carried
the bank keys at night but distributed them to several locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An attempted burglary the following year in
barre illustrated the point of that practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On July 6, 1875, a gang of thieves, including notorious bank
robbers George Miles and Peter Alphonsos, invaded the home of Charles King,
cashier of the National Bank of Barre.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They tied up his family and then led King to the bank. The
thieves entered the building and the vault using the keys from King’s
pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as the bank had recently
installed a chronometer or timed lock they were unable to access the safe. “No
one,” King said, “could open it until morning.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The gang departed with only a bundle of unsigned bank notes.
Barre historian Paul Heller wrote of what followed. The local constable sent
telegrams to neighboring towns informing them of the gang’s escape.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Orange County Sheriff John Bailey of Wells River took up the
chase on a southbound train from the local area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He captured one of the four who had jumped
from the train. The other three escaped.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The bank hired Bailey, who, along with a Boston detective,
followed leads to New York City where they apprehended the remaining fugitives.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Newspapers began to use the term yeggs or yeggsmen in
reports about professional safecrackers. This pseudonym originated around 1900
and was popularized by the Pinkerton detectives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was taken from John Yegg, a well-known
professional thief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the night of Aug. 5, 1905, an out-of-state gang, part
of a “desperate class of burglars,” attempted a bank heist in Newfane, VT. This
yeggs gang used explosives to break open the vault at the Windham County Saving
Bank. The noise awoke the neighborhood, which led to an armed response. One of
the four professional safe breakers was captured and the others fled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By January 1906, all were in custody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Banks were not the only targets of burglaries. Businesses
and private homes were marked for break-ins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In May 1873, The Bradford Opinion reported the following concerning
Orford: “Thieving is getting quite common in this town.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was happening in
Orford was occurring in all local towns in varying degrees before 1950.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What follows are samples of such incidents.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Opinion continued its description of the situation in
Orford in August 1874. “As considerable thieving has been going on in town for
the past two years, the public will be relieved in knowing that some of the
parties now stand a promising chance to learn by law that such work is
altogether wrong and reprehensible.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Within two months,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the responsible gang of thieves had been captured. They were held in the
Haverhill jail, tried at Grafton County court in Plymouth, and remanded to the
state prison in Concord for terms of 4 to 5 years. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the summer of 1925, local newspapers reported that “the
entire countryside has been aroused” by a series of robberies. Notorious
burglar and jail-breaker Stephen Hoppe led the gang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hoppe had escaped from a Maine jail and began
the spree in Warren on June 24. This was followed by break-ins at the Newbury
town office, and then at several locations in Lyme, Woodsville, and Fairlee. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The newspapers reported, “A posse of 50 men led by Fairlee
and Orange County authorities were pursuing a band of robbers, last seen
fleeing toward Bradford.” The gang of yeggsmen escaped. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In August, Hoppe was
shot while trying to burglarize a store in Proctorsville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was tried and given a 14-year prison
sentence at Windsor State Prison. He escaped twice. In 1928, he was given a
life sentence in Massachusetts for the slaying of a patrolman. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In November 1930, Doe Brothers store in Bradford was robbed during
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the night by three men. They stole guns,
silverware, watches, and clothing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The three were captured in Albany and returned for trial. One
of the men was still wearing a suit of clothes stolen from the Bradford store. They
admitted that they were just passing through Bradford with a carload of liquor
and realized there was no nighttime police. They received eight-year maximum
sentences for a whole series of burglaries. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Changing social
morals has an impact on what is considered a crime. One example of that is
divorce. Before 1840 there were few divorces granted in New England, and many
were for adultery.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After 1860, states began to add circumstances for which
divorce could be granted. While Vermont was not as quick to add circumstances
to the law, desertion, cruelty, and refusal to support were added as causes. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Divorce was considered a social weakness, and there remained
“a strong sentiment of indignation” against it. Newspapers began to include
names and dates in court reports, probably to the embarrassment of the parties
involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Adultery continued to be the cause of marital breakups. In
Vermont, there were 571 divorces granted in the five years after 1861, with 175
being for adultery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Generally, adultery lead to a civil case resulting in a
divorce, often with alimony granted to the injured party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, when other circumstances, such as intolerable
severity or non-support, were added it was considered criminal.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In January 1877,
William Arnold was tried for adultery in Orange County Court. He was accused of
having an affair with Mrs. Rosanna Whitney in a tryst witnessed by two boys. He
was found guilty and sentenced to 5 years in Windsor State Prison. The Vermont
Supreme Court apparently upheld the penalty. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the punishment was
deemed very harsh, the Orange County state’s attorney and members of the jury
petitioned the governor to pardon Arnold. Arnold died in prison before a pardon
could be granted. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1924 Eddie Brown, a local man, was charged with the crime
of adultery, and after pleading guilty was sentenced to 4-5 years in Windsor. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At that same time a couple from Newbury were charged with
the crime of adultery and released on bail. The man was subsequently found not
guilty, and the case against the woman was dropped. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1929 a Corinth couple was found guilty of adultery and
received prison sentences for not less than a year at Windsor and Rutland
Women’s Reformatory. In 1931, a man and woman from Strafford were sentenced to
1-2 years in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In most of these cases newspaper reports did not mention the
extenuating circumstances that led to the prison sentences.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes, legal notices gave more details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The courts dealt with physical altercations
between married couples, resulting in jail time for the perpetrator.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, in 1905,
the Orange County court granted a divorce to a Randolph couple based on
intolerable severity, neglect and refusal to support. This was just one of a
number of similar cases. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1949, a Chittenden County man was given 90 days in jail
for non-support, and a Corinth woman was arrested for “alienation of affection.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Part one of this series dealt with violations against
prohibitions of alcohol and marijuana. But those ware not the only drugs
society has struggled with. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another prohibition that has led to lawlessness is that
against opium. In the early 19th century there was little evidence of opium
addiction. However, as the movement against alcohol use began to restrict
access, there was increased use of opium. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Available from physicians and druggists, and in patent
medicines, there was unrestricted access to opium, morphine and codeine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1915, to adhere to the new national anti-narcotics law,
Vermont passed the first drug law limiting access to narcotics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Almost immediately, the smuggling of narcotics from Canada
increased to meet the needs of addicts. One newspaper reported in 1915, “A
smuggler could secret in his overcoat pocket enough morphine for 10,000
“fiends.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By 1918, smugglers were making numerous trips to and from
Canada. In 1919, two men were captured in Newport with several suitcases
“filled with morphine and kindred drugs estimated to be worth $100,000” on the
urban black market.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This was part of the increase in illegal narcotics that led
to “a wave of addiction.” Virtually all the reports of smuggling linked the
drugs to addicts in New York and southern New England<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In May 1922, an editorial in The United Opinion suggested
there were about 250,00 drug addicts nationwide and “the drug habit is causing
serious alarm these days.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Despite this local alarm and numerous newspaper articles
about drug activity nationwide, there were few arrests of Vermonters as drug
addicts. Those that were arrested were confined to Waterbury State Hospital for
treatment. At least one Vermont physician was arrested for illegal prescribing
practices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A bold headline in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rutland
Daily Herald</i> in March 1924 reported the seizure of $60,000 worth of bootleg
narcotics being smuggled by an international drug ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The following year, a Burlington speaker on the war on opium
smuggling spoke on drug addiction in Vermont. He stated that the Champlain
Valley was “the gateway of the North for smugglers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The illegal traffic of narcotic drugs through Vermont
continued through the period before World War II. Smugglers captured by federal
enforcement officials were tried in federal courts throughout the state.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1933, William and George Nichols of Barre were found
guilty of selling heroin to federal agents. On appeal, they were released
because of entrapment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1940, a Bureau of Narcotics spokesman reported “illegal
sale of narcotic drugs has been no problem in Vermont since 1931.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While the availability of illegal drugs declined during
World War II, there was a resurgence of smuggling nationwide in the post-war
period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1947, the U.S. Border Patrol considered a reduction of
personnel along the Vermont-Canadian border. One official reported that the
patrols have “managed to keep smuggling down to an inconsequential trickle.” Of
greater concern was smuggling along the border with Mexico and other ports of
entry. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A review of area newspapers from 1860 to 1950 confirmed that
Vermonters were less likely to be involved in criminal activity than the
residents of other states, especially those with large urban centers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also established
locals’ interest in criminal activity when nearby or elsewhere. Local headlines
were often boldly sensational even when the news was not from the local
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with news outlets today, bad
news sells. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What was initially a two-part series on criminal activity in
Vermont now has expanded into three. Next month, the series will include
assault and battery, black marketeering, fraud, and other illegal activities. <o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsLsQDiK0v24-Pxhw_d8M_M5d7SS_sZdp2eArY45iReWh7bEVrPCVbXSGqkZabjiC5vfBDcmbkQoI3CQ5qA-U6F0bNvTCuPz3wanoKq0tSTCDDReFDAMyeYxcz9YJKyLGwVayGzJDdc-wiHOO_dd8IyBPHj8TAq45KMjK6A6LIo7CkCx6VMxJh2pl3K4/s282/Windsor%20State%20Prison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="282" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsLsQDiK0v24-Pxhw_d8M_M5d7SS_sZdp2eArY45iReWh7bEVrPCVbXSGqkZabjiC5vfBDcmbkQoI3CQ5qA-U6F0bNvTCuPz3wanoKq0tSTCDDReFDAMyeYxcz9YJKyLGwVayGzJDdc-wiHOO_dd8IyBPHj8TAq45KMjK6A6LIo7CkCx6VMxJh2pl3K4/s1600/Windsor%20State%20Prison.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Windsor State Prison served as Vermont's maximum security prison for men convicted of felonies. It operated in that town from 1809 to 1975. It was also the location for executions. In its latter period of operation, it was described as "ancient, decaying and depressingt."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-73973245260510960232024-02-09T08:06:00.005-05:002024-02-09T08:11:16.318-05:00Wrong Side of the Law (Part One)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoj_q3N4e8QSMB7Y4tCM-gtHHd36C26a2ExcuxFDsaW75zTRlUo3oxHJmgJXA1oVek9N6G_GM4K2k7-WsxHJERZSgV-t8py3rZ_pXTAitNOdpwkYp1cJ3edoFO0Mh2SCSbFwfx9L7opAKFHDnErjy52Hi8QBM27QqPZUHtF4EpCwrjAvf8dNPXKyvo6rw/s240/Bristol%20Bill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoj_q3N4e8QSMB7Y4tCM-gtHHd36C26a2ExcuxFDsaW75zTRlUo3oxHJmgJXA1oVek9N6G_GM4K2k7-WsxHJERZSgV-t8py3rZ_pXTAitNOdpwkYp1cJ3edoFO0Mh2SCSbFwfx9L7opAKFHDnErjy52Hi8QBM27QqPZUHtF4EpCwrjAvf8dNPXKyvo6rw/s1600/Bristol%20Bill.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>Counterfeiter William Warburton, nicknamed "Bristol Bill" operated out of a house in Groton. In 1849 he and his gang were arrested and their printing press and coper plates seized. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlQXtl9S1n0Q17rH5Ltbl7uaCskK1_vzlu4bEYJDzRSWeGmUPOc0XxOlzZqVDn6jm0Ohw1WNNcVkJxSy0cWNx2mn8ldw89FngCHE42baXv9Yt0jcS7w_2jWBrueYPWrb0xJb9N5CzsFKXiDdrkeWNavThBAhbfFHzR30Yg2UzFffbx6mAGIbSjNK0tDk/s1320/Swanton%20customs.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1320" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlQXtl9S1n0Q17rH5Ltbl7uaCskK1_vzlu4bEYJDzRSWeGmUPOc0XxOlzZqVDn6jm0Ohw1WNNcVkJxSy0cWNx2mn8ldw89FngCHE42baXv9Yt0jcS7w_2jWBrueYPWrb0xJb9N5CzsFKXiDdrkeWNavThBAhbfFHzR30Yg2UzFffbx6mAGIbSjNK0tDk/s320/Swanton%20customs.webp" width="320" /></a></div>During Prohibition, Vermont was on the frontline for smuggled Canadian liquor. In this photograph, U.S. Customs officials pose at the Swanton border in 1923 with captured alcohol. ( Courtesy of the Vermont Historical Society) <br /><div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Journal Opinion January 24, 2024<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is the first of a two-part series on crime in the area
before the 1950s. The information is from local newspapers, town histories and
online sources. Orford historian Art Pease generously allowed me to use some
examples from his history of crime in that community.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have not included murder in this series, as I completed a
three-part coverage of that crime in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is posted on my blog at larrycoffin.blogspot.com under “Murder Most
Vile.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In this column, I explore some examples of counterfeiting,
horse and auto theft, and violations of alcohol and marijuana
prohibitions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before establishing a uniformed state police force in New
Hampshire in 1937 and Vermont in 1947, the county sheriff was the primary
law-enforcement officer. A growing number of local police officers and game
wardens augmented this official. Federal law enforcement officers included U.
S. marshals and FBI agents. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From the 18<sup>th</sup> century well into the 20<sup>th</sup>
century counterfeit money was a chief crime. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Counterfeiting of local bank notes added to the mistrust of
currency in early New England.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Counterfeiters not only printed fake bank notes but altered real bills
to manipulate the face value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
difficult for the average person to distinguish between the real and the bogus.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Counterfeiters also altered or fabricated replicated
coinage. Sometimes, it was as simple as paring off the silver from the edge of
coins. To prevent this coin clipping, later coins had a reeded or ridged edge
which they continue to have today.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1874, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bradford Opinion</i> carried the story of
Devil John Martin, an early Bradford resident. Using a nearby cave for his
operation, Martin and his gang melted down old teapots and other items to
create coinage. They also counterfeited currency. This may be just a good
story, as I could find no other references to Martin.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While some counterfeiters escaped punishment, others did
not. In 1795, Vermonter Seba Beebe had his right ear cut off and his forehead
branded with a “C” after being convicted of counterfeiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1804, the Thomas Call gang operated out of a private home
in New Boston, New Hampshire <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
apprehended with as much as $20,000 in fake currency and tried. Call escaped
from jail and was spotted in Lebanon, NH. Soon after, it was reported that he
drowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Three other notorious counterfeiters operated locally. The
first, Stephen Burroughs was described as a “most shrewd and accomplished
villain.” In 1806, Orange County’s Sheriff Mica Barron of Bradford traveled to
Lower Canada and apprehended Burroughs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1808, Augustus Bartlett was caught with counterfeit $10
bills and, after a trial in Caledonia Superior Court, was sent to the
newly-opened Windsor Prison. At that time, about one-half of the convicts there
were counterfeiters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1849, counterfeiter William Warburton, nicknamed “Bristol
Bill,” and his partner Christian Meadows operated with their gang out of a
house in Groton. Recognition of a gang member by a local bank employee led to
the arrest of the entire gang, Their printing press and copper plates were
seized. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1865, the U.S. Secret Service was created to deal with
widespread counterfeiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that time,
as much as one-third of all currency was bogus. The number of newspaper notices
of counterfeiting declined in the late 19th century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it did not disappear completely.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1933, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The United
Opinion</i> noted that the Secret Service reported that counterfeiting had
increased due to the rise in unemployment due to the Great Depression. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When we have hard times, we also have more
counterfeiting,” the report declared. “More counterfeit has been seized since
1929 than in any other period.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1937, the newspaper carried the report that a New York
gang that had been operating in Vermont had been apprehended. They were
responsible for one-half of the counterfeit funds in the nation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of course, counterfeiting was not the only crime. Throughout
the 19th century there were frequent reports of horse theft. It was a serious
offense as personal horses were both a family’s mode of transportation and
essential to farming and businesses.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some horse thieves
were accomplished professionals and others quite amateurish. An example of the
latter occurred in May 1856 when a young man from Lyndon Center “helped himself
to a horse in Waterford.” He took the horse to St. Johnsbury and attempted to
sell the horse to Hiram Hill. It turned out that the horse was Hill’s. Despite
a quick getaway across the Passumpic River, the thief was caught and
convicted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In January 1860, John Leger, “a notorious horse thief” who
had recently been released from Concord State prison, stole a horse and sleigh
in Charlestown, NH. Notice of the theft was sent by telegram to towns up and
down the valley.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fairlee Police officer Kibey, having received the telegram
about the theft, recognized Leger and arrested him. He held the thief until
officials from Charlestown arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leger was notorious enough to have his arrest carried in most Vermont
newspapers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the 1850s,
Anti-Horse Thief Associations formed in several western and southern states.
These groups developed methods for apprehending those who stole horses and
other animals and lobbied for strict punishments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite western stories to the contrary, they
did not lynch horse thieves. I found no evidence of similar organizations in
Vermont or New Hampshire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Edward Montague, a “noted horse thief,” was arrested for
theft and held in the Grafton County jail in August 1872. He had stolen teams
in both Orford and Lebanon. Montague confessed to having taken 17 horses within
the last year and about 80 in the previous three years’ time. This was not his
first arrest, as he had previously been arrested in New York for obtaining
funds under false pretenses. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1896, Frank Emery was captured in Rutland. The
45-year-old man had been stealing horses for most of his life and had spent a
good deal of it in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Horse thieves
were getting up to 6 years of hard labor at that time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1894, horse thief Charles Rufus Young was given ten years
at Windsor. He was released for good behavior and again began to steal
horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was re-arrested in Rutland in
1903 but died “as a result of injuries received when captured.” In all, he
stole at least 75 horses and spent decades in jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Local newspapers carried many news items about the theft of
other animals, including cattle and chickens. They were primarily stolen from
backyards or barns. In 1871, three residents of Orford were apprehended for
stealing sheep. Thefts increased during hard times, when food shortages forced
individuals to turn to robbery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The arrival of the automobile and the decline in the number
of horses after 1913 led to the following editorial in the local newspaper,
“The thief seems to be a permanent member of society varying his field to keep
abreast of the inventions. We used to have the horse thief, then came the
bicycle thief, and now the automobile thief has appeared.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1913, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Opinion</i>
featured several notices warning people to lock their cars. It went on to
suggest, “The auto thief has many things more his way because all he needs to
know is how to drive a car. He can then make a quick getaway…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some cars were “simply misappropriated, sometimes by persons
who needed a ride and, sometimes, by joy riders…who left the car after a night
of pleasure.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was reported in
the mid-1920s that “about 92% of all stolen cars are recovered, although many
were damaged.” This recovery rate resulted from “organized co-operation and
unremitting effort on the part of automobile clubs and the police.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As with other crimes, there were organized gangs of auto
thieves. One unlucky bunch was apprehended in Groton in December 1927.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had unfortunately stolen the car of a
retired sheriff in Montpelier, resulting in “an exciting man-hunt.” They were
found with the “loot” from a Bradford break-in and lodged in the Caledonia
Jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the early 1930s, automobile theft rings operated in
Vermont. One gang operated a “stolen car racket” in which they brought stolen
cars from Massachusetts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In August 1931,
one such car was found in Wells River. The FBI reported that 70% of auto thefts
were by individuals under 25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And then there was alcohol. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“No crime is, perhaps, attended with more evil consequences
to society and individuals than that of drunkenness.” This statement from the
Vermont Council of Censors in the early nineteenth century reflected an
attitude that, as its support grew, led to a state-wide prohibition on the
manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages in Vermont in 1853 and New
Hampshire in 1855. In 1918, the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
and the resulting Volstead Act extended this prohibition nationwide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is no doubt that, despite these laws to the contrary,
liquor was manufactured and consumed in the area, creating a whole group of outlaws.
Prohibition just drove underground what had been widely practiced
beforehand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except for actions resulting
from public drunkenness, only those who manufactured or sold alcohol were
actually considered lawbreakers.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Several articles about illegal activity appeared in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bradford Opinion</i> in the summer of 1879.
In the Corinth column was the following, “Several illicit distillers of cider
brandy in Corinth have been arrested.” The following week this notice appeared,
“Our correspondent concludes that West Fairlee Center is getting to be a
dangerous place for peaceable people. Is it on account of cider brandy leaking
down through Bear Notch?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That August, three businesses in Bradford, including the
Trotter House and the Vermont House were investigated for the sale of
intoxicating drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time
investigators arrived, all evidence of this illegal activity vanished. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Alcohol sales were legal in Canada, and as a result, Vermont
and New Hampshire were on the frontline of smuggling. The United Opinion carried
news reports of illegal activities and law-enforcement responses almost
weekly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Elders interviewed by students in my Oxbow history classes
told stories of bootleggers of illegal alcohol hiding “hooch” in innocent
neighbors’ outbuildings. In more than one local community, smugglers of
Canadian alcohol established regular delivery routes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A heavily loaded car would arrive at a
designated time and place, flash its headlights as a signal, and out of the
darkness would come the customers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While efforts were made to interrupt smuggling at the
border, smugglers made their way along local supply routes to markets south.
Elders told of heavy automobiles speeding along local roads, often followed by
pursuing enforcers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some smugglers were apprehended. In May 1927, a car with 375
bottles of Canadian ale was captured at Wells River. The individuals were
brought to court in Bradford and the contents were destroyed by being poured
off the Bradford bridge into the Waits River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even after Prohibition came to an end, smugglers, to avoid
federal taxes, still moved large amounts of Canadian liquor through northern
New England. One “rum-running fraternity” operating out of East Barnet and
Lyndonville, used stolen cars. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The other prohibition that received local news coverage was
that of narcotic drugs, including cannabis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 1915, Vermont prohibited its sale for recreational use. In the 1930s,
there was increased publicity against marijuana. Several Vermont newspapers
carried the warning that “its most diabolical use has been in the form of
cigarettes which have been sold by unscrupulous peddlers to high school
students.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Patches of wild marijuana were found in several Vermont
towns and in neighboring New York. Despite the statement by officials that
“though investigations failed to disclose any traffic in the drug in the State,
there was a campaign against this “Devil’s Weed.” This included local programs
to inform citizens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The 1936 film “Reefer Madness” reflected the image that the
use of marijuana was likely to cause insanity, with its user becoming “a raving
maniac.” The film was shown in Vermont theatres in 1940, including at Barre’s
Opera House. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1947, Vermont adopted the Uniform Narcotic Drug Act that
included a mandatory prison sentence of one to five years for the manufacture,
sale or possession of narcotics including marijuana. After the 1960s, the
growing and use of marijuana became a local issue. By the early 1980s, the
region had become “a garden spot for marijuana cultivation.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next chapter in
this series will include a section on legislation to deal with Vermont’s opium
epidemic as well as the crimes of arson, assault, robbery, and black-marketing.
Look for it in late February. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Captions: <o:p></o:p></p></div>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-45341251840830613392023-12-23T11:10:00.000-05:002023-12-23T11:10:08.975-05:00Sing a Song of Christmas<p> Journal Opinion Dec 20, 2023</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OTQW7O_y5VWjR2zWHIJ4wIx8Z0WVMkimFySDvPXa4qQCnt2gdHFZhIJ0ZA_vW0v1-b4F9R8X3Potd-Mkz6_BwB9u3MM8QT2qCo7MQOsMa9IVfaeMTx1CvndQBcx3aG48Xhwsb_u6YcxYELppUbt6wrJnH5ZmW0YgSE1Z7hnq3n6mUHsPEqnV5rGDRTE/s2100/north%20country%20chorus%20(002).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2100" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OTQW7O_y5VWjR2zWHIJ4wIx8Z0WVMkimFySDvPXa4qQCnt2gdHFZhIJ0ZA_vW0v1-b4F9R8X3Potd-Mkz6_BwB9u3MM8QT2qCo7MQOsMa9IVfaeMTx1CvndQBcx3aG48Xhwsb_u6YcxYELppUbt6wrJnH5ZmW0YgSE1Z7hnq3n6mUHsPEqnV5rGDRTE/s320/north%20country%20chorus%20(002).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The North County Chorus rehearses for a performance in a 2012 photograph. The chorus, founded by the late Harry Rowe of Wells River, has been a Christmas season mainstay for decades in the Twin States.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7ZEMGg-vZNCpEoYb4_YOKEsL4a-YzGkqLTKi6hWQgh3i-qknPhxUKvLUFTXyb3NJkNm00V87HAfhvtxCypZVchV-U9v5wW42SJS8yjBn9C_x9F0PF83ecgxi92B9iKRbN57GyD6e_mqVSfjCqbCRJW3p_iJ_f7q1NX53WcppaZAfTAlCnW4Vhiz8aAY/s1786/ITP-2013%20Piermont%20tree%20lighting%20caroling%20(002).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1786" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7ZEMGg-vZNCpEoYb4_YOKEsL4a-YzGkqLTKi6hWQgh3i-qknPhxUKvLUFTXyb3NJkNm00V87HAfhvtxCypZVchV-U9v5wW42SJS8yjBn9C_x9F0PF83ecgxi92B9iKRbN57GyD6e_mqVSfjCqbCRJW3p_iJ_f7q1NX53WcppaZAfTAlCnW4Vhiz8aAY/s320/ITP-2013%20Piermont%20tree%20lighting%20caroling%20(002).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>At the 2013 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Events, sponsored by the Piermont Town Common Committee, Piermont Village School students led by music teacher Laurel Dodge, sung carols around the Christmas tree and decorated the tree with ornaments. </p><p class="MsoNormal">“Beneath the familiar melodies and words, Christmas songs
reveal a portrait of the American psyche past and present, wishing
simultaneously to embrace nostalgia, commerce, charity, carnival, romance, and
travesty.” Ronald B. Lanford Jr. A Cultural History of American Christmas
Songs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In past Decembers, I have written columns on the general history
of Christmas as well as specific themes such as, Santa Claus, Christmas foods,
gifts and Christmas pageants and parades. They are posted on my blog at
larrycoffin.blogspot.com. have only included enough bi <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This column about Christmas music. It exlores the roots of
sacred carols and the development of modern Christmas songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How residents listened to and performed these
musical pieces is included.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have only included bits and pieces to remind readers how
hard it is to imagine the Christmas season without favorite sacred and secular
holiday music<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many of the most popular Christmas carols were brought to
this country by European migrants. Favorites such as “O Come All Ye Faithful,””
Good King Wenceslas,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Good Christian Men,
Rejoice” have been part of their Christmas festivals for centuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 19th century, there was renewed interest in Christmas
songs and carols. “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” (1849) and “Away in A Manger”
(1885) reflected a religious theme, while “Jungle Bells” (1857) was a rare
secular piece. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Silent Night, Holy Night” was written in 1818 by Austrians
Franz Xaver Gruber and Josef Mahr. It was first performed in America in
1839.Many touching stories are connected with this carol, including it being
sung simultaneously by French, German and English soldiers during a temporary 1914
Christmas truce in World War I. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1943, Bradford’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">United
Opinion</i> reprinted the story of a group of American sailors on Guadalcanal.
Their ship had been sunk, and they found themselves on the island during the
battle with only the supplies provided by adjacent Marine companies.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But on the Sunday before Christmas, “the men stood in the
mud and listened as the band played carols. It had rained the night before and
the jungle was moist and hot and steaming, and the moisture had its effect on
the instruments. But the band played and the men sang, Silent Night, holy
night…it was a long way from Bethlehem to the South Pacific.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before the early 20th century, Americans purchased their
favorite Christmas music on sheet music or Christmas music books to play in
their own homes. It was not uncommon for groups to gather around the family
piano or sing in choral groups. Advent and Christmas church services included
traditional carols sung by the congregation and choirs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 1920s,
community members gathered around the Community Christmas tree at Memorial Park
in Bradford or on the Common in Lyme. Going caroling around local villages was
often mentioned in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Opinion.</i> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1927, Bradford carolers serenaded shut-ins, as did
Newbury’s Sabbath School’s children in 1928 and Fairlee girls in 1931. In 1955,
the Methodist Youth Fellowship of Bradford continued a tradition that is still performed
area groups today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Well into the late 20th century, community notes in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Opinion</i> mentioned the singing of
Christmas music by members of local clubs during December meetings. These
included Women’s Clubs and Church organizations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Public school students of all ages were involved in
Christmas pageants and festivals. Significant in these was the group singing of
Christmas music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beginning in the 1880s, Christmas cantatas were offered in
many local towns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A cantata is a
narrative piece of music for voice and instruments. It usually includes solos
as well as choral numbers. Pieces include both sacred and secular music.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Church choirs, youth and school choruses as well as
community groups offered these holiday programs. Soloists included talented
locals and visiting guest performers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Newspaper notices of rehearsals, performances and reviews of
Christmas cantatas were commonplace after 1888.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The notice of the upcoming 1897 East Corinth production of “Santa’s
Surprise” mentioned: “The whole piece is very nice and promises to be one of
the nicest Christmas entertainments given in this place for a long time.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1951, the Bradford Congregational Church chorus took
their “Christmas Bells” cantata on the road. When they performed in West
Fairlee Center on Dec 16, the audience was appreciative but small, as the
temperature was 28 degrees below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Performances were in town halls, school buildings and
churches. Sometimes, chorus groups from several towns would combine their
talents. In 1963, Bradford Academy and Woodsville, Wells River and Haverhill
High Schools choruses combined to present two Christmas concerts.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of all the local choral groups, the North Country Chorus
stands out. This year’s Christmas program was their 75th. Their first Christmas
concert was held on Dec 1, 1947 at the Littleton Methodist Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Within a month, the group formally organized, and the first
Christmas North County Chorus concert was held in the Woodsville Methodist
Church in 1948. That year’s performance of Handel’s “Messiah” was the first of
many times the group included that oratorio in their annual holiday program. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1951, Wells River’s Mary Whitney Rowe became conductor,
continuing until 1994 when her son Alan Rowe took over. In 1957, Bradford’s
Katrina Munn and Warren Geissinger became accompanists. The group performs in a
variety of venues around the area. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another group that performs locally during the Christmas
season is the all-women Pine Hill Singers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Formed in 1996, the rehearsals are held in Littleton. This year’s
program included “music, both classical and traditional, from across continents
and centuries, of winter light and snowy landscapes.” The director is Judy Abbott
and Anita Bonnevie is the accompanist. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Upper Valley Voices, previously known as the Thetford
Chamber Singers, also offers a holiday concert in Thetford and Hanover.
Approximately 25 area singers perform a program of holiday-inspired music from
the Renaissance to the present day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kevin Quigley is their director and Henry Danaher is the accompanist. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The early focus on formal and informal group singing,
changed with the introduction of the radio, phonographs, motion pictures, and
later, television and the internet. Americans were more likely to listen to
Christmas music than to sing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Recordings of Christmas music were first heard on wax
cylinders. In the 1890s, disc records were introduced. Companies, such as
Victor Records, offered Christmas music to be played on record players. In
1909, a Burlington Free Press advertisement listed Victor’s recorded version of
“Silent Night.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first radio broadcast of a Christmas carol was in Dec
1906. Engineer Reginald Fessenden played “O Holy Night” on his violin in a
transmission heard only by ship radio operators along Massachusetts’s Atlantic
coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Commercial radio began broadcasting in 1920.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the number of stations increased, they
included Christmas music in their programming. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Between 1935 and 1953, the radio program <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your Hit Parade” was broadcast every Saturday
night. It was also a television program from 1950 to 1959. The radio program
coincided with the introduction of some of the most well-known Christmas songs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These included “I’ll
Be Home For Christmas” (1943), “Let It Snow” (1945),” The Christmas Song”
(1946), “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1949), “Frosty the Snowman” (1950),
and “Silver Bells” (1950). All of these are still included among the most
frequently played holiday songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There was a Bradford Five and Ten advertisement in December
1948 for holiday records. They featured artists such as Bing Crosby, Frank
Sinatra, Gene Autry, and Fred Waring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the top Christmas songs since its introduction is
Judy Garland’s song “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” Written by Ralph
Bane and Hugh Martin, it first appeared in 1944 in the MGM film “Meet Me In St.
Louis.” The film was shown locally in 1945, including at Tegu’s Orpheum in
Woodsville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No contemporary Christmas song was proven more popular<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>than the one <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>written by Irving Berlin and introduced by
Bing Crosby on his NBC radio program on Christmas Day, 1941.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Entitled “White Christmas,” it was written
for the film “Holiday Inn.” By October, the song was number one on Your Hit
Parade where it stayed for 10 weeks. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was the number-one single in 1942, 1943 and 1944.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1943, it received the Academy Award for
Best Song. It holds the distinction of being the world’s best-selling record,
with over 50 million sold. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“White Christmas
changed Christmas music forever, both by revealing the high potential market
for Christmas songs and by establishing the theme of home and nostalgia that
would ring through Christmas music evermore,” wrote Dave Marshall and Steve
Propes in the book about the song.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The original film was remade in 1954 as “White Christmas,”
and unlike the original film, was placed, but not filmed, in Vermont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The popular movie, starring Bing Crosby,
Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney, was shown at the Bradford and
Fairlee movie houses and at the Woodsville and Fairlee drive-in theaters in
1955. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I spoke with three radio stations about their Christmas
music schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waterbury’s WDEV went on
the air in 1931. After December first, they begin to “sprinkle” Christmas music
into their schedule.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">WYKR’s Teresa Puffer said they begin selections the day
after Thanksgiving and build up to an all-Christmas music program from noon on
Christmas Eve until midnight on the 25th. They did try starting on Thanksgiving
Day, but got a negative audience reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Helen Lyons, musical
director for Vermont Public Classical, mentioned that the station follows about
the same schedule. However, in addition to classical selections and orchestra
holiday pops, the station includes Hanukkah music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I asked readers in an informal survey how they felt about
Christmas music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Favorites ranged from
popular selections such as Jingle Bells and Away In a Manger” to less well
known selections from “Amahl and the Night Visitors” and singles “Mele
Kalikimaka” and “Fairy Tale of New York.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When asked what selection made them cringe, respondents
listed “I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,”
and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The latter was described as both a song
of inclusiveness and one of “blatant bullying.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Asked about when radio stations and stores should begin
broadcasting Christmas music, most respondents were opposed to starting too
early, generally meaning before December 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some felt the effectiveness of making the season bright, wore off after
weeks and weeks of repetition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who
supported music being played at all, favored the all-Christmas day programming.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some respondents glowed in their feelings about Christmas
music. For them, it made the season and t reminded them of earlier times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One told me he remembered listening to them
with his grandparents, and when he hears Christmas music, it made him think of
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several spoke of memorizing a wide
selection and singing them either in organized groups or alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Others were very critical of how Christmas music is foisted
on unappreciative listeners. One wrote that music on the radio or in stores
yearly remind her that “not all folks celebrate the holiday, and the music only
serves to divide us more.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are others for whom Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas”
(1957) has a deeper meaning as Christmas music reminds them of those they have
lost or of unhappy holidays of their past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a reminder that Christmas music has different meanings at
different ages, I attended Christmas Eve services in the mid-1970s when Rev
Robert Robb of Piermont would ask for their favorite carols. Snuggled between
Little Town of Bethlehem and the candlelit finale <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Silent Night,” a small voice might ask for
“The Santa Claus Song.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Katherine Babbott of Thetford Center shared the following
story. Her family was attending their church Christmas singalong. Carly, the
children’s favorite babysitter, was in charge and invited those gathered “to
raise their hand and request a Christmas song. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our little boy twin, age 4, raised his hand and politely
proclaimed, ‘Please sing the ABC song!’ at which point Carly said ‘Ok, let’s
sing the ABC song!’ It was a special moment in our church and our lives when
the choir and congregation responded in a rousing chorus of the ABC song. There
were many smiles and tears at the beauty and innocence of the moment.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even while wondering if the annual onslaught of Christmas
music may be too soon and too much, many cannot imagine the Christmas season
without it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether its background music
in the stores, television specials, radio broadcasts, or songs by local
performers or selections from their home collection, many find themselves humming
or singing along to their favorite song performed by their favorite singers.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And having a Merry Christmas.<o:p></o:p></p></div>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-38970660509997277132023-11-20T09:32:00.029-05:002023-11-20T09:59:36.474-05:00Early Village Firefighting: Hard Lessons Learned<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumYOBAe54JA8b-0SmFbCmQrM_RKG460lXmWoha-nfNTOkuOaOKwLw5_V5EWb6spiqBgTLnBBnNTfoMcLjtk9CFsWXHLR1hGLvLAztRrEZ317VLfF3wpVCxILAn9rr6fDYEaOqU5RMGqSF2K4D0nvpX_-4YQ7Cy6j0g1KhLWI9Uw3dZLMjCb6KS4A6-K4/s1042/wells%20river%20hose%20company%201900%20(002).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1042" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumYOBAe54JA8b-0SmFbCmQrM_RKG460lXmWoha-nfNTOkuOaOKwLw5_V5EWb6spiqBgTLnBBnNTfoMcLjtk9CFsWXHLR1hGLvLAztRrEZ317VLfF3wpVCxILAn9rr6fDYEaOqU5RMGqSF2K4D0nvpX_-4YQ7Cy6j0g1KhLWI9Uw3dZLMjCb6KS4A6-K4/s320/wells%20river%20hose%20company%201900%20(002).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Organized around 1896, the volunteer Wells River Hose Company was equipped with hoses and a hose cart that members pulled to the scene of village fires. Before hydrants were available, bucket brigades supplied water to be pumped. It was typical of early organized firefighting in communities in both NH and VT. They were gradually replaced by fire engines. (Horace S. Symes)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8fN5IBqawlUhVPaeoaqadwnvZKGzt2J3alMWqPhPnNmBWezAfRdsC9vC2TUz8A-KLocsHpuQA4hTQHBvEVlpwR_3clVkojNNSs0N5qPdKQKJe8PrsFWlEYxSusaXMTy_4atl9YNfdJBvsqc1qlgOycDOIZC0T1_JpUxa_s_sPh89y_szyOgK8j_ryM8/s356/Newbury1913%20fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="356" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8fN5IBqawlUhVPaeoaqadwnvZKGzt2J3alMWqPhPnNmBWezAfRdsC9vC2TUz8A-KLocsHpuQA4hTQHBvEVlpwR_3clVkojNNSs0N5qPdKQKJe8PrsFWlEYxSusaXMTy_4atl9YNfdJBvsqc1qlgOycDOIZC0T1_JpUxa_s_sPh89y_szyOgK8j_ryM8/s320/Newbury1913%20fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A "great conflagration" destroyed the center of Newbury Village on June 14, 1913. It razed over 25 building on the Newbury Common and along adjacent streets. As a result of this fire, a village water system was installed within several years. (Newbury Historical Society)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYaBaN1i0UwSCImEo49Rw327m5oqqATvu_YV-prBlDy0ycPH4v3ubDzx2kYEC55j7LjJLlCq5R2HYW6LVluFhGhRhbY5bzk5Wy0eGWjcHFQpipmYt5NziyxZ_ersBNanKImgZ3yvujxaQ2R4LdqxDSDfUkv4ch6yJAuUuzdLTqbTesoq8dVq0OyVq6N0/s400/BradFire%201947%20overhead%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYaBaN1i0UwSCImEo49Rw327m5oqqATvu_YV-prBlDy0ycPH4v3ubDzx2kYEC55j7LjJLlCq5R2HYW6LVluFhGhRhbY5bzk5Wy0eGWjcHFQpipmYt5NziyxZ_ersBNanKImgZ3yvujxaQ2R4LdqxDSDfUkv4ch6yJAuUuzdLTqbTesoq8dVq0OyVq6N0/s320/BradFire%201947%20overhead%20view.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>Fire Sweeps Bradford. fire hoses snaked through Bradford's Main Street during a major downtown fire over 75 years ago. The east side of Bradford's business district was partially destroyed by a fire on Dec. 17, 1947. A number of area fire departments fought the fire using lines of hose pumping water from the Waits River. Only the Bradford Fire Department could use village water as the hydrants, at the time, did not have standard-size connectors. (Bradford Historical Society) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the past, village centers in our area have been impacted
by major fires. This column describes local fires between 1848 and 1953 that
destroyed multiple structures and dramatically altered the appearance of the
communities when they occurred. The emphasis is on the role of volunteer
firefighters and the obstacles they faced.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before the early 19th century, the only effort in respond to
fires was spontaneous. Each household was expected to have a fire bucket handy.
When a fire broke out, a bucket brigade was formed and water was passed from a
nearby well or cistern in an attempt to quell the flames. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Slowly, a little more organization and preparation took hold
in firefighting. Private fire companies were organized in larger communities.
In Vermont the first efforts were in cities such as Burlington (1808) and
Montpelier (1814). In New Hampshire, companies appeared in Concord (1807) and
Keene (1808). In some communities there were more than one company.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were volunteer
organizations with little, if any, support from local governments. Belonging to
these quasi-fraternal companies was considered “a mark of social standing.”
Competitive drills were held between companies, and parades gave volunteers a
chance to show new uniforms and equipment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some large local businesses and insurance companies
sponsored fire companies. The Estey Organ Company in Brattleboro and the
Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of Montpelier are examples.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Larger towns began to provide tax support for equipment and
hose houses. In some cases, volunteers were exempt from poll taxes. In 1852,
Manchester, NH began to pay volunteers $5 a year. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hose companies deployed
hand or horse-drawn hose carts from hose houses to the scene of fires. The hoses
would be attached to hydrants if there was a municipal water system. If not,
bucket brigades kept water supplied to the handpumps. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">About this time, two innovations were introduced. They were
steam-powered engines with greater water pressures and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>chemical engines. The latter relied on a
soda-acid chemical reaction in the engine that created increased water
pressure. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the early 20th century, there was a move to a paid
department and motorized hose and ladder trucks in the largest communities. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The following are examples of major local fires and the
impact of firefighting techniques.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On April 19, 1848, a
fire broke out in Haverhill Corner that destroyed a major portion of the
business district on the west side of Main Street.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“The only defense was a long line of men and boys, old and
young, standing in line from the reservoir on the South Common, passing buckets
of water down to the fire.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Notwithstanding this effort, the fire spread rapidly, fanned
by a strong northerly wind, and was only stopped by tearing away small
adjoining structures, creating a fire barrier. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Eight buildings were destroyed in what was called “one of
the most destructive fires every witnessed in this section of the country.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One newspaper article suggested that villages needed cisterns
supplied with fresh water and a plan to “procure a good engine with apparatus,
fire hooks, etc.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the morning of February 19, 1883, a fire broke out on
Bradford’s Main Street. Described as “the great fire and a terrible
conflagration,” the fire destroyed ten buildings on the west side of the
business district. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There was no municipal water system and the supply of water
was limited. Firemen used a hand pump to get water from cisterns until the
supply was depleted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was reported
that some even used snow to help suppress the flames. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As was the custom among firefighting in those days, saving
the flaming buildings became secondary to containing the spread of the fire to
other structures. The buildings north of the fire were saved only by being
“enveloped in wet carpets.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Within two hours, the flames were under control. Only the
fact that the winds calmed save the entire business area from being swept
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The United Opinion praised the heroic work of Waitsville
Fire Engine Company firemen. They operated out of the firehouse on South Main
Street. They “worked like heroes and to them in large measure is due the
staying of the flames.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also mentioned
was the work of Bradford women who helped remove items from threatened
buildings. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Within a year, the brick Union Block and Stevens Block
replaced the destroyed wooden buildings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, it was not until 1892 that the newly-formed Village of Bradford
created a municipal water system with hydrants. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On September 26, 1892, a severe lightning storm caused the
worse fire in the history of the village of Wells River.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“A large part of Main Street went up in flames,” reports
recounted. Nine building were consumed, Including the Wells River House, livery
stables and several other commercial buildings. The Wells River Hose Company,
equipped with only a hose cart and supported by a volunteer “pail brigade,”
fought the fire.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Woodsville Hose
& Ladder Company and the Barnet Fire Company rendered assistance. The
firefighters were hampered by the lack of a water system but helped by the
continuing heavy rain.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The devastation provided a terrible lesson. Within two years
a private water system was created for the village and hydrants were installed.
Efforts were made to enhance the Hose Company with additional equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On December 5, 1912, a fire on the west side of Main Street
destroyed Fairlee’s Opera House, library, and church. The entire town responded
to the urgent ringing of the church bell. With no water system, only hand fire
extinguishers were available against the rapidly developing fire. There was
fear that the fire might spread to the nearby Morey Mountain. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Word was sent to surrounding towns and a total of 150
firefighters finally brought the fire under control. Within days, plans to
rebuild the destroyed buildings began. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Barre Daily Times editorialized, “One would think that
the loss there of its chief building would cause a village like Fairlee to give
itself sufficient fire protection, and perhaps it will. Likewise, many another
village which has been resting in fancied security about the same as Fairlee
did, apparently” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">About 1919, the Fairlee Fire Company was formed and was
gifted a 1914 fire engine. Orford’s fire company had been in existence for
decades and, by 1922, was known as the Orford Chemical Engine Company. The two
neighboring companies supported each other as well as other area towns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">An example of this cooperation occurred in November 1922
when the United Opinion building on Bradford’s Main Street caught fire.
Initially, it looked as though this fire would do to the east side of the
street what the 1883 fire had done to the west side. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The alarm brought a quick response from the local hose
company, who together with volunteers, fought the flames. Outside assistance
was called for and the Orford and Fairlee Chemical Companies responded.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At one time, the local company had four streams of water on
different parts of the building. The Chemical Companies’ efforts confined the
flames to the single building. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the
time, successes were few and far between.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“The ‘great conflagration” that destroyed the center of
Newbury village on June 14, 1913 was one of the most devastating fires in the
area’s history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beginning in a
blacksmith shop, the fire, fanned by brisk winds, spread to adjacent buildings.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The village was without a water system and “totally
unprepared to cope with so large a fire.” The United Opinion’s coverage of the
fire described how, “the men fought valiantly but had practically no weapons
that were adequate. While men were fighting the fire away from their own homes,
they would turn and see these same homes burning fiercely, so rapidly did the
fire spread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a time, it appeared as
if the entire village might be destroyed.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fire destroyed
over 25 structures on the Newbur yCommon and along the adjacent streets. The
historic Methodist church was saved when horses were used to pull away the
adjoining wooden sheds. There was help from neighboring towns, “but the
reinforcements arrived only to stand by as helpless.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The newspaper went on, “When the buildings are again
restored, it is safe to say that Newbury will have a town water system before
many years.” In August, rebuilding had begun to replace the destroyed
buildings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Although the need for a reliable water source was
recognized, it was several years before a system was created with a storage
reservoir and a series of hydrants appropriately spaced throughout the
village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The volunteers began to develop a fire department with
equipment and a hose house. By 1919, five hose houses were placed around the
village. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No community has been more permanently affected by fire than
the village of West Fairlee. At the turn of the 20th century, it was a
“bustling place, with several general stores, a hotel, a drug store, a jeweler
and a several large commercial blocks. This activity was in major part due to
the nearby copper mines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three fires between
1908 and 1917 caused most of those buildings to disappear with few
replacements. “West Fairlee Burned” was the headline in The Opinion report on
the fire of September 29, 1908 night. “It was a hard fire for that little
village as it completely wiped out the business portion of the place.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">West Fairlee had no organized fire department, little or no
water, and no fire apparatus, so all that could be done was to let the fire
burn itself out. Four companies from neighboring towns responded to the call
for help, but arrived too late. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On September 25 of the following year, a second fire started
in the Whitney Block and spread along Main Street. There was still no organized
fire protection. In 1917, a third fire destroyed the Eastman block and two residences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While some buildings were built on the vacant
lots, the face of West Fairlee village was changed forever. The lessons of
having inadequate fire protection were learned, and in 1921, a volunteer fire
company was organized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No community was safe from disastrous fires. On September 6,
1934, a fire destroyed Piermont’s library and Gould’s store and damaged several
residencies. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Five departments from surrounding towns responded to assist
the Piermont volunteers. By the time the Fairlee and Bradford Chemical
Companies arrived the fire in the library building was out of control. South
Ryegate and Warren companies also came, but too late. A pumper from Hanover,
using water from the nearby stream, “was largely responsible for checking the
flames.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first newspaper mention of a Piermont fire department
was in 1936.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the years after that,
the department responded to calls for help in the several of the communities
that had helped them in 1934.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Fire Sweeps Bradford In the Worst Disaster on Record” was
the headline that described the blaze that gutted the east side of Bradford’s
business district on December 17, 1947. Six businesses, including three grocery
stores, were destroyed in the section north of the Post Office, now the
Colatina Exit. High winds fanned the blaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Bradford Fire Company responded to the alarm and was
aided by departments from Wells River, Piermont, North Haverhill, Woodsville,
and Fairlee. When the Hanover Department arrived, their highly-trained
personnel were given charge of the combined efforts. Even high school students
on their way to school, were pressed into service, pulling hoses.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The out-of-town firefighters were delayed in using their
hose because the Bradford hydrants did not have standard-size connectors. Four
lines of hose to the Waits River pumped water on the flames.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The newspaper reported, “It was with
superhuman strength that the firemen were able to stop the flames” short of the
Post Office and the rest of the business district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Down But Not Out” was the familiar refrain
as plans were quickly made to rebuild the destroyed buildings. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Friday, July 31, 1953, a fire broke out that threatened
to wipe out the village of Waits River. The fire started in the Flint Brother’s
Bobbin mill along the north side of the Waits River. A “gusty wind” sent the
fire up the hill to envelope the general store and threat the nearby church.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the village had no fire company, equipment from
neighboring towns augmented by a privately-owned engine from East Orange and
passing motorists fought the blaze. Workers at mills in Bradford and East
Corinth were released to join the fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Embers spread forest and grass fires several miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Waits River fire was an expensive lesson, but without
it, public interest might never have been aroused sufficiently to enable the
Tri-Village Fire Association to become a reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hundreds of local
individual structures have been destroyed by fire in the past 250 years. Some
have been important business or public buildings; others have been homes or
barns. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What is essential to the fires mentioned above is that there
was no loss of life. What is to be recalled is that, in most cases, towns
people rallied to support those who suffered loss. They also supported the
development of modern fire companies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is to be celebrated is that many looked beyond the immediate
disaster to rebuild their village centers. They learned from lessons, hard
learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<br />Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-48976314217802622422023-10-05T12:09:00.000-04:002023-10-05T12:09:15.281-04:00From One-Room to Consolidation<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Lqblwb9bHi0ppkYOc02yB5fGEono-NDWyhD_GTuHNb2BIrEETQZETLyJsAaE_HhFQDQj1gk9rpZhzPkkQqFHgdw4n22Po83sBmITJAkTVcB4CBN-vkiVe41Dg0asJZz0VRIdL-nH2KgLASBL6S6FM3nqXVps7CNHl2Z4roO1mOqpbLyA4f9j0sY0ju4/s1788/BA%20horsewagon%20bus_inPixio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1788" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Lqblwb9bHi0ppkYOc02yB5fGEono-NDWyhD_GTuHNb2BIrEETQZETLyJsAaE_HhFQDQj1gk9rpZhzPkkQqFHgdw4n22Po83sBmITJAkTVcB4CBN-vkiVe41Dg0asJZz0VRIdL-nH2KgLASBL6S6FM3nqXVps7CNHl2Z4roO1mOqpbLyA4f9j0sY0ju4/s320/BA%20horsewagon%20bus_inPixio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>School Wagon: Contrary to stories that students had to walk to school uphill both ways, Bradford student had four horse-drawn school wagons in 1901. The one pictured delivered upper elementary and BA students to the Woods School Building on Main Street. (Bradford Historical Society)<p></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ntJ9EtoMioP24o5SVYW87rSUfGBuQqgLjAZUoSQPRBr1SkD9OWzNLC0Mb5rCfDYA0BsZsOcRiLfut70PQZUkr6GeL0a3BFw1hjkVf0fGGnFfYU92hHYXgDMr7x8LwC8woJOZn3GIgkvJl25jJSUzieoq_L8MfRmh3PBNCW2raF2xtT6ZgHRj5GtVa6Q/s640/Schoolhouse%20Topshamv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ntJ9EtoMioP24o5SVYW87rSUfGBuQqgLjAZUoSQPRBr1SkD9OWzNLC0Mb5rCfDYA0BsZsOcRiLfut70PQZUkr6GeL0a3BFw1hjkVf0fGGnFfYU92hHYXgDMr7x8LwC8woJOZn3GIgkvJl25jJSUzieoq_L8MfRmh3PBNCW2raF2xtT6ZgHRj5GtVa6Q/s320/Schoolhouse%20Topshamv.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />Little District Schoolhouse circa 1897. Built about 1883 at a cost "not to exceed $350," this one-room schoolhouse served Topsham's Cunningham or Watson Hill District. It was still in operation as late as 1911. The tall student in the white dress in the center of the front row is Nettie Wright (Pierson) the author's wife's grandmother. (Town of Topsham) </p><p class="MsoNormal">“Selectmen of towns to have a vigilant eye over their
neighbors, to see that none of them shall suffer so much barbarism in any of
their families as not to endeavor to teach their children and apprentices so
much learning as may enable them to read perfectly the English tongue.” NH
Provincial Legislature, June 14, 1642<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Education was crucial in early New England as it enabled
people to read the Bible. By 1777 New Hampshire and Vermont required primary
schools in most towns.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1782, Rev. Gershom
Lyman spoke before the Vermont Legislature expressing, “the belief of the
majority of Vermonters when he referred to ignorance as ‘a natural source of
error, self-conceit and contracted, groveling sentiment.’” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Randolph Roth’s study of the early Connecticut River Valley
of Vermont found education in high regard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Education promised to create an electorate
that would chose its representatives wisely.” Roth concluded that by the turn
of the 19th century, “the valley had one of the highest literacy rates in the
world, approximately 95 percent for men and 85 percent for women.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That high rate of literacy was fostered at least until the
beginning of the 20th century in small, usually one-room, district schools. The
following includes just some local examples of this historic practice. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In local towns, such
as Bradford, Orford, and Corinth, the earliest schools were held in homes or
barns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1770, Orford voted to hire its
first schoolmaster. In 1773, Haverhill established its first primary school.
East Topsham built it first schoolhouse around 1810.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1782, Vermont
provided that towns could create neighborhood self-funding and self-governing
school districts. New Hampshire followed suit. Each district was “a little
independent commonwealth with certain defined boundaries.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In local towns, the number of districts increased with
population growth, especially in previously unpopulated areas. Haverhill began
with 4 districts in 1786, added 5 more by 1815, eventually reaching 20. By the
early 1800s, Bradford was divided into 17 districts and several fractional districts.
The latter were districts that shared a school with adjoining towns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The district was responsible for the construction of a
schoolhouse, usually within walking distance from most homes. Sometimes,
property for a new school was donated by a local landowner as property near the
school increased in value. Terms of up to 12 weeks were held 3 times a year,
with timing determined by farming practices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Early schoolhouses lacked many of the amenities of later
schools. Initially, students sat on benches and, later, in straight-back desks.
At first, there were no blackboards, globes, or teaching supplies. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Student were expected to bring their own textbooks, which
often meant little uniformity in books. Students brought wood for the stove to
heat what were often cold, drafty buildings. Schools were without running water
for drinking or toilets. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Initially, only Vermont taxpayers who had school-age
children were expected to pay on a per-student basis. The early practice of
allowing taxes to be paid in labor or produce was abandoned and, by 1864, all
property owners were expected to pay school taxes. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A district school committee made decisions about school
operation., including securing a teacher, usually at the lowest possible price.
“The system was the occasion of more local quarrels than anything else in
town.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In many local towns, the population peaked in the 1850s, and
Vermont schools had an average of 38 students. In 1860, there were 2,591 school
districts in Vermont with a reduced average of 29 scholars in grades 1-8. In
1867, Vermont required attendance for students up to 14 years of age. While
district students could stay beyond 16 years of age, few did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1854, New Hampshire had 2,294 district
schools. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the population continued to decline in the latter half of
the 19th century, the average number of students also declined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1884, there were 103 Vermont district
schools with six or fewer students and 420 districts with between 6 and 11.
School were sometimes closed briefly until students were available or closed
permanently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reduction in the number of
students in a district school did not result in a similar reduction in fixed expenses.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These factors led to a decline in the number of district
schools. In 1900, there were just over 1,500 district schools in Vermont, by
1920, there were 1,000, and by the 1950s, about 500.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abandoned school houses were often dismantled
or sold. By the beginning of the 21<sup>st</sup> century, the number of
one-room schools in the two states had dwindled to single digits. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This was especially pronounced in rural districts that
became underpopulated. The one-room school in Orford’s Quintown district is an
example. In 1894, there were only seven students, the following year, five, and
by 1900, it was abandoned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Until the late 19th century, there were no state
certification requirements for teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Generally, anyone who had completed the equivalent of high school could
be hired as a district school teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While there were men hired as schoolmasters, most teachers were women.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In early Newbury, teachers received 50 cents a week.
Teachers were expected to board with families either on a weekly or full-term
basis. In some districts, the housing of the teacher was bid off to the lowest
bidder, which did not always provide the best of accommodations for the
educators..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the
description of one early Newbury teacher: “She was not incompetent, however,
having learned through her own efforts to read and write. She also knew a
little something of the science of numbers and taught successfully.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The academic demands on teachers were significant. In 1867,
the teacher in the District 12 school in Bradford village taught 45 pupils 25
different subjects in an ungraded one-room school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A good teacher was one who could keep order “even if
preserved with a rod.” Historian Steve Taylor described the discipline as
varying from “chaotic to dictatorial.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the winter term, big farm boys often created discipline
problems for younger teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
years ago, an elder told me of a local school that had a problem with a number
of boys who “broke up the school,” including driving teachers away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A new teacher arrived and, placed a large
whip over the blackboard, stating her intention to use it as necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She taught successfully for decades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The district school was a center of local activity, and
school affairs were newsworthy. In February 1876, The United Opinion carried an
article on the “excellent and successful” winter term of West Fairlee’s
District 4 school. It had 27 students under the instruction of Miss Lydia
Smith,” an able and experienced teacher.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Samuel Reed Hall opened the first teacher training or normal
school was opened in Concord, VT in 1823. He also operated a similar program in
Plymouth NH after 1837. Over the years that followed the Civil War, both states
operated normal schools that provided teacher training and increased
certification requirements. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beginning in 1885, both states passed a series of acts
setting standards for school buildings, allowed women to vote in school affairs
and adopted a policy of town-wide graded school districts with consolidated
schools located in the centers of local population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1919, the NH state started a program to
improve underperforming schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the late 19th century, both states began to reconsider
the self-financed neighborhood district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 1884, Vermont enacted a law encouraging towns to adopt the township system
of schools. Newbury voters voted twice not to adopt. In 1894, the state
mandated the town system. The takeover closed some district schools, whereas
other were kept and improved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This town-wide control encouraged the consolidation of
schools. In 1895, Bradford built a new brick primary school on South Main and
placed grades 4 through 8 in the newly-constructed Woods School Building. These
locations served until a new elementary school was built in 1952 at which time
the last district school, located in Goshen, was closed. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1890-92, the Vermont Legislature passed legislation to
equalize school funding, improve teacher training, and consolidate school
administration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These efforts were
enhanced by further legislation in the 20th century. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A state-wide property tax, designed to use moved funds from
wealthier communities to assist poorer ones, passed with the support of rural
legislators. Their numbers were more influential because each town had one
representative, regardless of population. Orange County schools were among
those which benefited the most from this new tax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That tax remained in effect until 1931. From then until it
was re-established in 1997, the cost of local education again depended on local
property taxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1892, hundreds of local Vermont school districts were
wiped out when the State replaced them with a single town-wide district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Known by its detractors as the Vicious Law,
this placed the responsibility for public education in the hands of a town
school committee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the district schools served a neighborhood, children who
lived within two miles walked to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As these local schools were discontinued, some town districts provided
school wagons. In 1902, Bradford students were transported in four school
wagons. Pulled by two horses, these canvas-covered wagons had two benches
running lengthwise. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On nice days, the canvas was rolled up. Often, boys had to
get out and walk up the steepest hills. In the Spring, all but the smallest
might be required to walk as the muddy roads became almost impassable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Little Elizabeth Miller didn’t have to walk from her North
Road home to the West Newbury school because her family had the horse named Pete.
When Elizabeth started school around 1915, her family hitched Pete to a wagon
to transport her to school. After dropping his passenger off, Pete found his
own way home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bradford’s Douglas Miller
recalled his mother’s story, adding that the afternoon trip didn’t work quite
so well. His mother had to walk home.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Newbury’s Aroline Putnam and Bradford’s Margaret Drew began
school in West Newbury in 1941 and recently spoke of those school days. They
said there were usually less than 30 students in the one-room school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grace Whitman was the teacher and conducted
group lessons, sometimes with the help of older students. The school did not
have running water so, it was carried from a nearby farm. There were two
privies, one for boys and one for girls. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drew agreed that it was
a “wonderful little school.” She recalled there were few discipline problems.
She remembered that sometimes boys would hop the tail of the milk truck to get
a ride to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1947, Putman, Drew, and the two other girls that made up
their class, transferred to the Newbury Central School. Whitman told them she
had taught them all she could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
asked if she thought most children got a good education in a one-room setting,
Putman thought they did, but it “depended on the kids and their parents.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having served the district for 75 years, the
school closed in 1970. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In some districts, one-room was replaced by two-room
buildings. East Haverhill resident Marilyn Seminerio recently related stories
of her experience in a two-room school in Chesterfield, NH in the years after
1935.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">She said there were fewer than 25 students, but they were
divided into grades one through four and five through eight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instruction was often ungraded, with courses
such as history and geography offered in alternate years. Her teacher heated
soup on the top of the wood stove for those students who could not walk home
for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How communities handled the consolidation of their
elementary schools varied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where there
were several village centers, separate schools existed longer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wells River maintained a separate school
system long after the rest of Newbury consolidated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When Thetford’s new elementary school opened in 1962, it
replaced district schools in Union Village, North Thetford, East Thetford, Post
Mills, Rice’s Mills, and the Stevens District.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several village
schools were maintained in Corinth and Topsham until Union 36 opened in 1972. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1898, a new two-story Orfordville School was built to
accommodate students as many of the town’s district school were phased
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1901, Fairlee voted to build a
new two-story building at the south end of the village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was used as the elementary school until
a new building was built in 1956. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These are just examples of the continued consolidation of
school districts. Since the 1960s, town school districts have merged in a
number of configurations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Those interested in the further history of the one-room
district schools that once operated in their neighborhood are encouraged to go
to their town’s history book. Most have extensive descriptions. My article on
the early history of area high schools can be found on my blog at
larrycoffin.blogspot.com. It is entitled School Bells: Academies &
Seminaries 1790s-1890s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">CAPTIONS:<o:p></o:p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-38887349643628064952023-08-15T10:23:00.006-04:002023-08-15T10:23:54.547-04:00"School's Out, Job's In"<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Journal Opinion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">August 9, 2023<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiH4yqVadBJ0jCLEAwak7H5q1Aq9fUHME9twcZJWowER0h5rU9zr3_Ebt9pD50lyXJVyZC6RBx4PHITh2iLtrRnRTXp9ivBbiHzyOlkXONPaz3kOM8am5ieSC20veb7NtH3AESEx9vCRLcf_PR7lEeRETWInvrdZkCbYMFbVaconHa61xtRl5uKG4iRE/s792/Boys%20working%201949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="792" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiH4yqVadBJ0jCLEAwak7H5q1Aq9fUHME9twcZJWowER0h5rU9zr3_Ebt9pD50lyXJVyZC6RBx4PHITh2iLtrRnRTXp9ivBbiHzyOlkXONPaz3kOM8am5ieSC20veb7NtH3AESEx9vCRLcf_PR7lEeRETWInvrdZkCbYMFbVaconHa61xtRl5uKG4iRE/s320/Boys%20working%201949.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Boys At Summer Work. In the late 1940s, the most common summer jobs for boys was mowing lawns, pumping gas and restaurant work. Girls were more likely to perform housework or child care. This seasonal employment gave young workers additional disposal income. Many use it for school clothing or to help their families. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> “Girl, high school
age, wants summer job, house, mill or office work. Write Box 218, Bradford, Vt. “</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A local girl placed this advertisement in The United Opinion
in May 1933. She, like many other young people, sought summer employment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summer jobs is the focus of this column.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I placed notices in local community online sources and email
listservs asking for personal stories. I received over 35 responses. The following
draws from those responses as well as other sources and personal interviews. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Extended school summer vacation from school did not exist prior
to 1900. It was previously thought that practice was driven by farm family’s
needs. However, extra child labor is actually needed on farms during the spring
planting and fall harvesting periods.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Both primary and secondary schools in our area had an 8-week
summer term. In the 1880s, local village schools ended that term in mid-to-late
July and often didn’t resume until late September, coinciding with harvesting. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At that time, city schools often followed an 11-month
schedule. By 1900, the 9-month calendar became common for urban children who
needed a summer break from hot classrooms. Increasingly, children from upper-
and middle-class families used the break to escape from the cities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Other than for college students who sought seasonal
employment at mountain or seaside resorts, there was almost no newspaper
notices of summer employment for young people before 1920.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the 1940s,
employment opportunities increased. The most common jobs for boys were pumping
gas, mowing lawns, and restaurant work. Girls did housework and childcare. This
gave young workers more disposable income.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What follows are some of the responses that I got to my
inquiry about summer jobs. I have tried to deal with both the most common and
those that were unusual. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Several respondents told me of youth employment that was
questionable and in violation of child-labor laws, such as prohibitions on long
hours at meager pay.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1941, at age 10,
former Fairlee resident Phyllis Graham said, she worked alongside her
grandmother at a Bellows Falls chicken processing plant. Her grandmother was
paid, but Phyllis was not. There were also 16-year-old employees who worked as
an electrician’s assistant or in a hazmat suit removing asbestos<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beginning in the early 20th century, summer youth camps were
established throughout the area. Camp counselor position and other camp jobs
coincided with school and college breaks. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The camp economy also offered positions for camp office
help, laundries and infirmaries as well as at the local businesses and train
stations. As campers and counselors traveled outside the camps, they had an
impact on local restaurants and stores. In 1910, a group of girls from a local
camp descended on a Fairlee soda fountain and left the young local lad “quite
beside himself.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Orford’s Ruth Hook
was among those who mentioned camp employment. Beginning in 1966, she worked at
Camp Merriwood in East Orford. Her duties included washing dishes, preparing
and serving food, mopping floors, and cleaning bathrooms. She worked six days a
week, beginning at $25 per week and saved money for college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tracy Paye Durkee shared her work experience at Newbury’s
Camp Farwell’s laundry in the early 1980s<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Local resorts and golf courses also offered employment for
young workers during the summer. Ninety-three-year-old Dawn Houston of South
Royalton’s first job was at a Lodge where she worked in the kitchen and as a
chambermaid. “Work made me a dependable person later in life,” she wrote.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Piermont’s Lake
Tarleton Club opened its golf course in 1909 and hired caddies from Boston and
local communities for the summer. As the resort expanded, there were
opportunities for summer employment in the dining room, kitchen, maintenance,
and caring for guests’ rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I received information from locals who worked at Fairlee’s Lake
Morey Inn, Bonnie Oakes, and Rutledge Inn as well as hostels in Woodstock,
Canaan, Mendon, and Hanover. Marilyn Welch-Fava of Thetford Center recalled
earning an hourly wage of $1.25 plus tips as a chambermaid in the 1960s<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Several responses mentioned seasonal employment at local
restaurants. As early as age 14, young workers could start out as dishwashers
and then graduated to food preparation or as waitstaff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked as an
assistant cook at Fairlee’s Kettledrum Restaurant in 1956. It was only open
during the summer and employed college students as waitstaff and high school
students as kitchen help. I was 14 and worked at least 60 hours a week for $25.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nancy Jewel-Durkee wrote that while growing up in Bradford
in the 1970s, she worked at the Chimes Restaurant on Main Street. She later
worked at Lebanon’s Carter Mill. “If I wanted something, I had to work for
it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first jobs held by many teens included picking
strawberries and babysitting. Beginning in June, pickers worked to make money
to buy school clothes or supplement the family income.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many older residents spoke of picking strawberries as
youngsters. In the 1930s and 40s, they were paid 2 or 3 cents per quart. In the
1950s, it increased to 8 or 10 cents. The field boss kept a sharp eye out for
poorly selected berries or less-than-filled baskets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many respondents wrote that their earliest jobs were in
childcare. Bradford’s Amy Emerson said she both babysat and picked
strawberries. “I spent my earnings on milkshakes and gravy french fries from
Cootie’s restaurant.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1965, Bradford’s Wendy Wright placed an ad offering
herself as an experienced babysitter for 30 cents per hour. Laura Allen Marsh,
who grew up in Bradford, mentioned that by 2004 she might get as much as $30
for a day of childcare. At age 14 she also began working at the Grafton County
Nursing Home for a minimum wage of $5.25.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In several cases, this summer position included spending
time with the children at nearby pools and lakes. One spoke of spending the
summer at the local pool as “a cake job.” Another wrote, “It was a way to work
while still having fun as a kid.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fairlee’s Isaiah Washburn said that he first official summer
job was as a gatekeeper for Thetford’s Treasure Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like several others, he spent part of his
time mowing neighbor’s lawns. His pay that summer of 2007 was deposited into
his savings account or used to purchase new fishing lures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Children who grew up on local farms had chores from an early
age. In the 1930s, Vida Perry Munson of Bradford grew her family’s farm in
Corinth. Summer meant haying, and she was able to do all the related tasks, except
mowing. “Girls didn’t do mowing,” She said. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“When you had a chance for a job, you grabbed it.” That’s
how Fairlee’s Larry Martin spoke of working on a neighbor’s farm in the early
1960s. He began at age ten and worked about 50 hours a week for $10. He did
barn chores and ran the tractor and bailer for three summers. “It was fun,” he
recalled. He used his money for school clothes and a new bicycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another boy who grew up on an Upper Valley farm spoke
positively of the experience. “Where else could a 14-year-old drive tractors,
trucks, and bulldozers?” Still another said he got room and board and a 10-cent
a week allowance for doing chores on his family’ farm. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Rev Jane Wilson of Wells River said that her first job was
also in agriculture, but of a different sort. She worked in the tobacco fields
near her home in Granby, CT. Shirley Beresford of Bradford has mentioned a
similar job experience. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Local governments and retail stores offered seasonal and
full-time positions for young workers. Vicki-Bacon Thomas, who grew up in Lyme
in the 1970s, worked for the Town of Hanover and as a cashier at a P&C
grocery store.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At age 14, Alicia
Plante of East Corinth stocked shelves at Huggetts’s store during the summer of
2003.To help her family, she also babysat, worked on neighboring farms, and
mowed lawns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were a few factory jobs open to older teens. Nancy
Jones of Bradford recalls the hot and sticky job she had in the summers of
1962-63 at the Maple Grove Factory in St. Johnsbury. “It was a job,” she said.
She used her minimum wage pay to purchase school clothes. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bradford’s Dr. Robert Munson remembered working in the
Bradford Vaneer and Panel Company during the summer of 1966. At $1.25 per hour,
he saved $3,600 to purchase his first car. The next several summers, he served
as a lifeguard at Lake Morey Inn and as a carpenter. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Several spoke of working with a family business. John Adams
grew up in Lebanon. In 1961, at age ten, he began to work as a laborer’s helper
with family members who were brick masons. In the following summers, he
progressed in skills and duties. He also earned money selling night crawlers
for a penny each and working at Lander’s Restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes, summer jobs required workers to arrive earlier
than teens might want. West Topsham’s Westy Copeland recalled working in a
Vermont bakery “at some ungodly hour like 5 in the morning.” Jay Dunlap of
Thetford said that his job on a tent crew in 1970 required getting up at 3 a.m.
or before. “It was years before I could hear the sound of an alarm clock
without a panic attack.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Pew Research Center reports that teen summer employment
“follows a fairly regular pattern.” Jobs are more plentiful during good
economic times, falling during and after recessions. In 2008, during the Great
Recession, summer employment for 16 to 19-year-old Americans fell to under 30%.
Now, as the nation recovers from COVID, youth employment has increased to
36.6%.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These employment figures paled when compared to earlier
economic recoveries. In 1948, 56.6% of youth were employed in summer jobs., In
1956, “the Vermont seasonal summer jobs were at close to record levels.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the late 1960s, the Federal Summer Youth
Program found jobs for high school students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The July 2022 figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
report that 55.3% of young people age 16-24 were employed. This is slightly
less than pre-pandemic levels. It also includes those who have received
permanent employment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The decline in low-skill entry-level jobs, shorter summer
vacations, unpaid internships, and the lure of unpaid community service jobs to
enhance college applications have impacted seasonal employment for high school
students. Some positions that might be otherwise open to youth job seekers are
being held by seniors who need the work to supplement their sixed retirement
incomes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were other
responses to the value of these summer jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One said the job provided “life learning that was actually an
adventure.” One woman who grew up in Wells River and worked at the local
information booth, got her to meet “all types of personalities,” giving her a
better understanding of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Alexis Romano wrote of working at the Ice Cream Fore-U in
Lebanon beginning in the summer of 2008. She loved the job and was promoted to
shift supervisor. That gave her a “first taste of responsibility.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She spoke highly of her employers, Jennifer
and Meredith Johnson. “My work ethic and professional foundations were molded
by both of them which has helped me became a successful leader in my career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jay Dunlap said the summer of erecting tents “was a bad
summer, but it was an education into how tough many lives are and continue to
be.” Westy Copeland commented that she “learned how to work hard. Nothing comes
easily.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Isaiah Washburn mentioned that he learned valuable skills
involving interactions with people and handling money. Others spoke of the
value of manual labor and “a job well done.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While for most, the
jobs they held during those summers of their youth were dead end, they believed
that the positive work ethic learned served them well in later employment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Other jobs mentioned to me included hospital patient-sitter,
drive-in car hop, library aide, concrete worker, bank teller, greens keeper,
paperboy, and working in a family steam laundry.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summer jobs for local
young workers offered a variety of skills. Some jobs were easy, whereas other
were hard. Many gave young people an introduction to the world of adult work.
Paychecks were spent on both fun and essentials.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking back, they
gave us a variety of memories that still linger as we consider those summer days
of our youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-58246302480745344122023-07-31T10:09:00.000-04:002023-07-31T10:09:41.996-04:00Beyond Milk <p> Journal Opinion June 28, 2023</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKsrJq6ACSL1Z50adrWwUAagUxCV0yKmTV1sweXBF1Y0hR2kNg6sKJvWwIr7oEK4RpSh4zg81J3YbOk-Kig1jhpUfCA7eTYMyh8yFshll0eFOmLRfgwAulblvHc07L5rxAv5d8j9xvijVAPsCIebTL3caAO0TxDEAmn5kmP_ayISDl_Ws2_m-LTbgMWY/s1625/bradford%20creamery%20(002).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1625" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKsrJq6ACSL1Z50adrWwUAagUxCV0yKmTV1sweXBF1Y0hR2kNg6sKJvWwIr7oEK4RpSh4zg81J3YbOk-Kig1jhpUfCA7eTYMyh8yFshll0eFOmLRfgwAulblvHc07L5rxAv5d8j9xvijVAPsCIebTL3caAO0TxDEAmn5kmP_ayISDl_Ws2_m-LTbgMWY/s320/bradford%20creamery%20(002).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Established in 1889 as a farmers' cooperative, the Bradford Creamery on Creamery Road pooled the milk of numerous local farmers. The creamery initially produced butter, but later changed to cheese production. (courtesy of the Bradford Historical Society.)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ISMzNCw0cAffJ2RcsuoBdxEUYFkI9z5jrU16ocTo9A22ILj9oKtpsxYMIYgaOdRRVTjdBb-24_DHjj2TnkbyUagYi33AgCPMWK2l91IlGpjfmJ-bto5CaSGFXb9u5PXOnfaJPYGvbyunmLASw2r0V23e3TIUg2hHniHTbRcC5lhKhxYoXZ5lMrAQN-Y/s1071/Yogurt%20maker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="873" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ISMzNCw0cAffJ2RcsuoBdxEUYFkI9z5jrU16ocTo9A22ILj9oKtpsxYMIYgaOdRRVTjdBb-24_DHjj2TnkbyUagYi33AgCPMWK2l91IlGpjfmJ-bto5CaSGFXb9u5PXOnfaJPYGvbyunmLASw2r0V23e3TIUg2hHniHTbRcC5lhKhxYoXZ5lMrAQN-Y/s320/Yogurt%20maker.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br /><p>YOGURT MAKER: This recent photograph shows Diane Wyatt of West Newbury pouring Jersey milk into the pasteurizer to make Sweet Cow Yogurt. The Wyatt family as been producing yogurt for sale since 2004. The yogurt is available at local outlets. )Courtesy photo)</p><p class="MsoNormal">The first European settlers in our area were farmers. Most
of these farm families kept several “non-descript scrub” milch cows that
provided milk, cheese, and butter for personal use. The now antiquated term
milch referred to those animals kept explicitly for milk production.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The History of Corinth</i> indicates that an annual yield of 125 pounds
of milk per animal was considered good in the town’s early days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 1800, some Vermont farmers began to raise
livestock such as pigs, mules, beef cattle, and horses for export to regional
markets. Of these experiments with livestock, sheep-raising was the widest
spread.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, these
efforts were lost to the competition from newly developed land in the west. But
by the 1860s, even this was on the wane. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The dairy industry gradually filled this vacuum. The
following examines some of the dairy products produced from the milk produced
by New Hampshire and Vermont dairy farmers. As most producers mixed the making
of butter and cheese, the history of those dairy products overlaps. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At first, butter and cheese production were minor
industries, conducted mainly by housewives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These products allowed farmers to make use of highly perishable excess
milk. Butter and cheese preserve the fats from milk for use in the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many farms had “cheese house” outbuildings. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Butter season” generally extended from when cows were let
out in spring pasture until fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Butter
was churned at home, “put down” until cooler weather, and then taken to market.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The railroad’s arrival in the 1850s provided better access
to urban markets for area dairy products. Spurred on by the attraction of
better and surer returns, farmers “literally made a rush into dairy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 1860, there were 175,000 milch cows in
Vermont.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Introducing breeds
such as Holsteins and Jersey led to the production of larger quantities of
high-quality milk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was increased
attention to the care of animals and winter dairying was common. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Raw milk was highly perishable and so most of it was made
into cheese and butter in commercial creameries. The introduction of the
refrigerated railroad car led to the development of the Boston butter market. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Between 1850 and 1865, Vermont’s cheese production increased
to almost 2 million pounds per year and butter to over 3 million pounds per
year. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The St. Albans Creamery produced more butter than any other
plant in the world. As the number of creameries doubled in the decade after
1890, state production peaked at 22.4 million pounds of butter in 1899.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Creameries were opened in Lyme and Bradford in 1888, serving
farmers from surrounding towns. Soon <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bradford Creamery was making nearly 2,000
lbs. of butter per week, much of it shipped to Boston. .<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By 1900, Haverhill had three creameries. The following year
a another opened in Woodsville. All of these creameries produced butter and/or
cheese at first. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miler and Wells’ History of Ryegate states: “From the very
first, this has been a dairy town.” Dairy was the source of wealth for Ryegate,
and neighboring towns on both sides of the river. A new co-operative creamery
was created in Newbury in 1892, and four creameries were established in Ryegate
the following years. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The number of farms in Vermont peaked in 1880 at 35,522,
with an average acreage of 138 acres.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>According to the 1888 Orange County Gazetteer, Orange County had 3,460
farms with 13,072 milch cows producing 31,612 gallons of milk, 105,360 pounds
of cheese, and over 1.4 million pounds of cheese annually.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Grafton County’s 1888 gazetteer reported 4,794 farms with
14,190 milch cows producing 153,104 gallons of milk, 1.4 million pounds of
butter, and 201,455 pounds of cheese.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After that, Vermont farmers passed from “a system of
extensive farming to that of specialized and intensive dairy farming.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The number of farms decreased as farmers
bought out their less successful neighbors. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time,
rail connections with the Midwest meant that the butter and cheese industry
still faced competition from Wisconsin and Minnesota. In response, the Vermont
Butter and Cheese Makers’ Association was formed in 1898 to promote the sale of
those dairy products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At the turn of the 20th century, hill-country farmers turned
to fluid milk as the one product that could stand in the face of
competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As farms closer to the
northeast urban center turned to truck farming, the increased demand for milk
was met by area producers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By 1900, the number of cows in Vermont had risen by half
over 1870 figures, while New Hampshire experienced a 27% growth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One-half of the farms in Vermont and
one-third of those in New Hampshire had dairy as their largest “crop.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Famers made the daily trip to the local creamery or railroad
shipping station, their milk transported in 10-gallon cans. It was then
transported to market in iced railroad cars on the daily “milk train.” The flow
of fluid milk to market became a “river of milk” by the 1920s. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The years that followed brought both positive and negative
changes to the local dairy producers. The introduction of electricity allowed
for the use of milking machines and improved refrigeration. There were
significant fluctuations in both the price and sale of fluid milk, causing many
farmers to reduce their herds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Economic
problems of the 1920s and 1930s dramatically impacted dairy farmers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flood of 1927 was “the most staggering
blow that Vermont agricultural interests had ever received.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The number of dairy farms has declined every decade since.
In 2021 there were only 56 dairy farms in Orange County and 583 in Vermont.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the heyday of
dairy farming, The United Opinion frequently mentioned the price that local
creameries paid for farm produced butter. In the 1890s there were also
advertisements for homemade butter. Local butter box and tub manufacturing
operations met the creameries’ needs. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As most milk was delivered from nearby farms, creameries
were established in several locations within local towns. The East Topsham’s
Green Mountain Creamery was organized in 1892 but closed in 1896 “for lack of
patronage.” The more successful West Topsham Creamery began operation in 1893,
and within a year, was producing 95,000 pounds of butter annually. It closed in
1929.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were creameries in West Newbury, South Newbury, and
Newbury village. Over the years, they consolidated with other local creameries.
The Wells River Creamery produced butter and delivered it to both local stores
and urban markets. It was later converted to cheese production.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1919, Cabot Co-op
was formed. Their first product was Cabot butter, often sold under the Rosedale
Brand. Today, all their butter, including that made from Vermont milk, is
manufactured by Agri-Mark in West Springfield, MA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1920s, several local creameries were still making
butter. In 1925, one article mentioned, “Vershire was right to be proud of her
little creamery and the butter-maker.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The introduction of oleomargarine after the 1870s brought a
bitter conflict over its competition with dairy interests. Termed “bitter” or”
bogus butter,” this product was promoted by the meat industry as a use for
excess suet and by the cotton seed industry. The dairy industry conducted a
campaign against oleomargarine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the significant battles in the “Oleo Wars” was over
the coloring of the bogus product to resemble real butter. Efforts by both New
Hampshire and Vermont to require margarine to be colored pink, blue, or green
were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court did uphold a special tax
on the product itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By law, oleo was sold as a white block that looked like
lard. Users had to mix the accompanying dye to make the product resemble
butter. This federal regulation was overturned in 1950.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1960s, health advocates began to promote plant-based
alternatives to butter. This further damaged the butter industry. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Past and present, there are several examples of local home
butter makers. Until the mid-1960s Bradford’s Golda Benjamin was known for what
would now be artisan butter. Families would visit her home in what is now Farm
Way’s gift shop to purchase molded imprinted butter.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since 1988, Kathy Barrett of Lyme has continued a family
tradition of butter making. On the River old-fashion sweet butter is produced
from her 4-cow herd and sold at the Norwich Farmers Market and from her
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Artisan or cultured butter is also currently being produced
by other small operations such as Ploughgate Creamery in North Bennington.
There is a growing market for butter, as recent evidence indicates that the
moderate use of butter is not as harmful as previously thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another dairy product that has risen in popularity is
yogurt. It was introduced in Vermont and New Hampshire in the early 1950s. One
of the first local yogurt advertisements appeared in 1951. It was for the
Kilfasset Farms of Lyndonville. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1960s and early 1970s, the alternative food movement
encouraged yogurt consumption. In 1972, a demonstration of Vermont yogurt
making was featured at the Eastern States Exposition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1969, Balkan
introduced an electric home yogurt maker offering “fresh yogurt overnight.” In
1974 Salton Corporation introduced its popular household yogurt maker. It
remained popular until commercial yogurt brands became more widely
available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Locally-made commercial yogurt brands began to be produced
in New Hampshire and Vermont. Cabot brand yogurt was first advertised in 1971
and was widely distributed by the 1980s. Butterworks Farm of Westfield, VT
began producing yogurt with milk from their Jersey herd in 1976. Stonyfield
Farm of Wilton, NH began production in 1983 and, from its Londonderry facility,
has grown to be the second leading brand of organic yogurt in North America. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2011, Green
Mountain Creamery brand award-winning yogurt began production in
Brattleboro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2013, the Vermont Yogurt
Company of Orwell began producing yogurt from the thick butterfat of their
Jerseys. Other New Hampshire producers include Huckins Farm in New Hampton, and
Benedikt Dairy in Goffstown.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One local producer is Sweet Cow Yogurt of West Newbury. From
a single Jersey the Wyatt family began to sell yogurt from a booth at the
Norwich Farmers Market in 2004.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2009,
they became licensed and with an enlarged herd of three, they now sell 15
flavors of fruited yogurt in small cup containers at a number of local outlets.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Cheese-making has a long history in the area. At county
fairs in the late 19th century, there were awards for the best homemade farm
cheese. However, there was concern that skim milk cheese and “half-made cheese”
were depressing the market.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1888, there were no local cheese factories, but by the
1920s several creameries produced cheese. The Bradford Creamery, established in
1889 as a cooperative, initially made butter from local milk, but changed to
cheese production. Located on Creamery Road, it “enjoyed the reputation for
producing the first cheese in this county.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In October 1921, the
creamery workers produced 250 boxes of Neufchatel and other fancy cheeses
daily. The daily production of Greek cheese amounted to 600 pounds per day with
shipments, to both domestic and foreign markets. Its dozen workers created
these cheeses from a wide farming community. It was said that even after it
closed, the odors of Greek cheese lingered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1930s, the Cabot Co-operative Creamery added the
production of cheddar and cottage cheese. By the 1960s, their products were
winning awards, including the World Champion for their sharp cheddar.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Country stores often featured a large wheel of country
cheese, cutting wedges to meet customer requests. At home in Orford, we
referred to this cheddar as “rat-trap cheese.” In typical kid fashion, we
referred to softer cheeses as “stinky-feet cheese.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1895 George
Cochran wrote, “We hope the time will come when New England people will be able
to detect good cheese and finding it will encourage it.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That time has come. According to the Vermont Tourist
website, there are more than 45 cheesemakers in Vermont. Using milk from sheep,
goats, and cows, “the variety of cheese seems almost endless… more than 150
varieties available.” From the World Cheese Awards to the World Championship,
Vermont cheeses are known worldwide. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are several local cheese makers currently. Corinth’s Three
Cow Creamery produces a variety of raw milk English and French cheeses for sale
at the Norwich Farmers Market. The Robie Farm in Piermont produces toma and
gruyere which they sell from their farm store on Rt 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the sharp
decline in the number of dairy farmers, there are still Twin State producers of
quality cheese, butter and yogurt that make their products available at local
outlets. Buying their offerings will confirm why so many of them are award
winners.<o:p></o:p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-29341060720873798612023-05-28T08:25:00.001-04:002023-06-03T06:46:41.126-04:00We Remember Their Sacrifice<p> Journal Opinion May 24, 2023</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HYBePCFAyynf62FRhNPRvmdoJggv4JCHTxOYSLHXfhnRxbRFm2PlYO83g_pqIuByOyWoJrjN3PCHEX3FaWRig0oT5SYuJEhPtuyeAHeEwD6BQbVs6SSC197IOKHDX1jf3YGh6wimjhkv5F4KXe6uP0yeJg70MCGqIgsjIe5T8pzIW5AswvBro6L8/s4032/nathanwestgate1%20(002).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HYBePCFAyynf62FRhNPRvmdoJggv4JCHTxOYSLHXfhnRxbRFm2PlYO83g_pqIuByOyWoJrjN3PCHEX3FaWRig0oT5SYuJEhPtuyeAHeEwD6BQbVs6SSC197IOKHDX1jf3YGh6wimjhkv5F4KXe6uP0yeJg70MCGqIgsjIe5T8pzIW5AswvBro6L8/w231-h308/nathanwestgate1%20(002).JPG" width="231" /></a></div>Nineteen-year-old Nathaniel Westgate joined the 1st NH Calvary in 1863. He was taken and imprisoned in a Confederate prison where he died. He was one of 10,000 New Hampshire and Vermont men who died either of wounds or disease during the Civil War. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6Bcj3kqEA9_Yny1Y7LoN7L4WBZV6UBd-ufzngRZAhnde-zSyzRJpVf2xgFR24Etcnl-8J9FCPK8eOhI0YFDUJNJDLT89uI9DCY6-5wtwtxmd6YjH0sgI_Nm01t_1QZJ8psuwftDM7MXON-jSDI1u9vM7mQZM_A6b09aDGcGuJJO2g_J9Ol13rSay/s640/King%20Dexter%201944%20.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6Bcj3kqEA9_Yny1Y7LoN7L4WBZV6UBd-ufzngRZAhnde-zSyzRJpVf2xgFR24Etcnl-8J9FCPK8eOhI0YFDUJNJDLT89uI9DCY6-5wtwtxmd6YjH0sgI_Nm01t_1QZJ8psuwftDM7MXON-jSDI1u9vM7mQZM_A6b09aDGcGuJJO2g_J9Ol13rSay/w187-h203/King%20Dexter%201944%20.JPG" width="187" /></a></div>King Dexter was one of 65 Topsham men that enlisted in WW II. He saw combat in North Africa, Sicily and Normandy before he was killed in action on July 16, 1944. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-n4oWW9whL9aEP6-CCGjTtNhJaMM7CWgEQxzoqwLDpqv72fnLxnwKXjMrPQfVvRHgUnzVyIMlgQQCzPPa4V9VMwT7cIAKokOoPLyy88WDTWdaJEDQ9w_ai5IEmr_QTVKEdmMEoTYP_lOzaEikxgPiC8gC-AArQk-uZkgV3O0UFkS3_7SuBzNC5npB/s1820/Huckins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1820" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-n4oWW9whL9aEP6-CCGjTtNhJaMM7CWgEQxzoqwLDpqv72fnLxnwKXjMrPQfVvRHgUnzVyIMlgQQCzPPa4V9VMwT7cIAKokOoPLyy88WDTWdaJEDQ9w_ai5IEmr_QTVKEdmMEoTYP_lOzaEikxgPiC8gC-AArQk-uZkgV3O0UFkS3_7SuBzNC5npB/s320/Huckins.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztudK0j72-cVzwlqZxyGs1EeG6VOSAMO4Bb1AN-MfJhf22DHOYU3oWHFU5YMSinB29uZARWRyvJv1D2BJJVFg1ybfdoaghzKikZCa7nGAr7f2tB2PXDBjBinhdeBLQgJIMaIb7-slKI_5UFY2iaTpyRJWo7FewXsB2R0glo_Je6uFokERf_AE9v1q/s255/Hildreth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="198" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztudK0j72-cVzwlqZxyGs1EeG6VOSAMO4Bb1AN-MfJhf22DHOYU3oWHFU5YMSinB29uZARWRyvJv1D2BJJVFg1ybfdoaghzKikZCa7nGAr7f2tB2PXDBjBinhdeBLQgJIMaIb7-slKI_5UFY2iaTpyRJWo7FewXsB2R0glo_Je6uFokERf_AE9v1q/s1600/Hildreth.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8_UrDQDYc3WHdQRN97vxmUjofrwKH4Ksci2vrG5pjGcuoWR00DFjpw_wCdRbFNg1SdwsI-7rjeesjDLzA6aPvr_MVHC0iuhMVgUA3sSAxV7xwzusb72Jtb4QGTEqrrs39yE_QK17BAtDVTLVRblAUcJxnqqZz7TceMSr-N1V5Op-x9j2Qpdba1tq/s438/Vietnam%20wall.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="62" data-original-width="438" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8_UrDQDYc3WHdQRN97vxmUjofrwKH4Ksci2vrG5pjGcuoWR00DFjpw_wCdRbFNg1SdwsI-7rjeesjDLzA6aPvr_MVHC0iuhMVgUA3sSAxV7xwzusb72Jtb4QGTEqrrs39yE_QK17BAtDVTLVRblAUcJxnqqZz7TceMSr-N1V5Op-x9j2Qpdba1tq/s320/Vietnam%20wall.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>David Hildreth of Warren was a member of Company D, 27th Engineering Battalion in South Vietnam. He died during a mortar attack on April 14, 1969. The local Baker River flood control dram was renamed in his honor. His name is inscribed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, DC.<div><p>Memorial or Decoration Day was first recognized in the
period after the Civil War so that “the memory of the brave deeds and nobles
sacrifices of our deceased soldiers be kept fresh in the minds of the people.”
It was observed annually on May 30 in some states. In 1971, the observance
became a national holiday and moved to the last Monday of May.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This column recalls the courage and dedication of 12 local
residents who served their country from the Civil War to Iraq. They are just a
sample of those <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who gave their lives
while serving in the nation’s armed services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">About 10,000 New Hampshire and Vermont soldiers died in the
Civil War, both from action and disease. Several hundred were from the local
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Amos B. Chase, age 38, was mustered into Union service on
Nov 20, 1863, and joined Co. H, 2nd Berdan’s Sharpshooters. Chase, a married
man with four daughters and a carpenter, had lived in Newbury and
Bradford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snipers or sharpshooters got
their title using Christian Sharps’ long-range rifles. Their duty was very
hazardous, and their effectiveness had a demoralizing impact on the enemy. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chase was with Company H at the Battle of the Wilderness and
the siege of Petersburg, VA, where they were on almost constant skirmishing and
picket duty. On June 18, 1864, Chase was killed in action. While his name is on
a headstone in Bradford’s Upper Plain Cemetery he is probably buried at the
national cemetery near Petersburg. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nathaniel W. Westgate joined the First NH Calvary in March1864.
He was a 19-year-old from Haverhill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
regiment saw action beginning in June. In early August1864, he was part of
several successful cavalry raids targeting Southern railroads. On August 14,
Westgate was taken prisoner near Winchester, VA. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spent the next
five months in Confederate prisons under absolutely miserable conditions. The diary
he kept chronicled his declining health. On Jan 7, 1865 he died at Danville
Prison, VA. A comrade wrote of Westgate’s death, “thus another noble son of
freedom has been lain a sacrifice upon the altar of his country.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1880, Haverhill-area veterans established the Nathaniel
Westgate Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. The post was active in
Decoration Day observances until at least 1912.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All area men who volunteered during the Spanish-American War
were in Co. G, 1st Vermont Regiment. They mustered into service on May 16,
1898. They never saw action during the few months of the war, but instead spent
a horrible summer at Camp Thomas, Chickamauga Park, GA. They suffered from
heat, poor water, typhoid fever, dysentery, disgusting food and lack of medical
equipment. At times, 50% of the men were ill. Not one of the 27 members of the
regiment who died from those conditions were from the local area. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When the regiment returned to Vermont in Sept 1898, they
“were a skeleton of its former self.” Some of those who had contracted malaria
or typhoid suffered from it for the remainder of their lives. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The United States was involved in World War I from 1917 to
1918. Over 36,000 men and women from New Hampshire and Vermont were in the
military service. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That included over 650
local individuals, of which 35 died in service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fred A. Cook of Post Mills graduated from West Point in
1906. By 1917, he had risen to the rank of major and assigned to the American
Expeditionary Force in France. In Oct, 1918, he was part of the Meuse-Argonne
Offensive as commander of the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He was said to be “an inspiration to his men, and they would
follow him in the face of murderous fire.” On Oct. 8 he was killed while
“directing an attack on a strongly entrenched machine gun.” He was awarded the
Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism
posthumously. He is buried in the American Cemetery near the battlefield where
he “fell face to the foe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1920, the Earl Brock Post 78 American Legion was formed
in Newbury to honor the only soldier from that town who died in World War I.
One of the first functions of the Post was to give military honors as Brock was
buried in the Newbury Center Town House Cemetery.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brock grew up in South Newbury and was one of 58 men from
Newbury who joined the service. He enlisted in the Army in April 1917 at age
19. He was assigned to Co. E, 55th Telegraph Battalion of the Signal Corps, and
shipped to France with the American Expeditionary Force.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As with Major Cook, Private Brock was part of the
Meuse-Argonne Offensive in Oct 1918. On the 28th, while constructing telephone
wires under severe shell fire, he was struck by a shell. He died the following
day. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His commanding officer wrote a letter to his parents, remarking
on Brock’s “quiet and modest demeanor…efficient and effective in every duty he
was called upon to perform.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Not all those who served were men or died from battle
wounds. Bradford’s Josephine G. Barrett was a member of the Army Nursing Corps.
The Corps required participants to be “unmarried, well-trained, respectable
women, between the age of 25 and 35 and be a graduate of a nursing
school.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barrett, 28 met those
requirements. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was assigned to
the U.S. Army Base at Camp Wadsworth, Spartanburg, S.C. She was the first
Bradford woman known to have served in the nation’s armed forces. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Oct 1918, the Spanish influenza epidemic hit the camp
hard. Inundated with sick soldiers, military nurses were overworked and
susceptible to the disease. Barret became ill, and on Oct. 13, she died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is buried in Bradford’s Upper Plain
Cemetery.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thousands of men and women from New Hampshire and Vermont
were involved in World War II (1941-1945) and 295 died. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Charles R. Pierce of Orford was a private in the U.S. Army
Air Corps. He grew up in Orford and described as “one of our most popular
boys.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Nov 1940, he
volunteered for service, and after training was shipped to the Philippines,
arriving before war broke out. In May 1942, after 120 days of intensive fighting,
the Americans at Corregidor surrendered to Japanese forces. Approximately 9,000
Americans were taken prisoner and forced on what was known as the Bataan Death
March. Pierce was among them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The captives were imprisoned under appalling conditions and
many died from abuse or disease. On August 3, 1942, Pierce and 14 comrades,
died at the Cabanatuan Prison camp in the Philippines. They were buried in a
common grave.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1950, the bodies of men from that grave were retrieved.
The Pierce family travelled to the Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, Mo.to
attend his burial in the local national cemetery. A headstone with his name is
in Orford’s West Cemetery.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Dec 30, 1942, 24-year-old Raymond S. Wood of Woodsville
was killed fighting the Japanese at Guadalcanal in the Pacific. Lt. Wood had
been stationed there with the 182nd Infantry Regiment as an intelligence
officer. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The battle at Guadalcanal was the first major land offensive
against the Japanese forces. Wood and his men were involved in the battle for
Sea Horse on the island’s north coast. He was mortally wounded leading a combat
patrol against the enemy. In a letter to his family, his commanding officer
wrote, “after being hit, he survived for about five minutes during which the
men in his patrol opened themselves to heavy enemy fire to render aid.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the announcement of his death, The Groton Times described
him as “a boy of good disposition, honest, frank, enthusiastic to better
himself, most devoted to his family and scores of friends.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wood’s remains were not recovered from the battle site until
2008. At that time, he was memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sixty-five men from
Topsham enlisted in World War II. King F. Dexter was one of two killed. In Oct
1942, at age 20, he was inducted into the Army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He saw action in North Africa, Sicily and Tunisia before being
transferred to England to train for the invasion of France.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In June, 1944 his company was part of the Normandy D-Day
invasion. In July, his family received a letter from him saying that he had
been taken prisoner by the Germans but escaped the next day to return to his
company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On July 16, Dexter was killed in action. He left behind his
wife Norma and a son he never saw. In March 1949, his body was shipped by rail
back to Bradford and met by a local American Legion post honor guard. He is
buried in the East Corinth cemetery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1950, the United States was supporting South Korea in its
fight against North Korean and Chinese troops. Before this conflict ended in
1953, over 190 service members from New Hampshire and Vermont lost their lives.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lyme resident and Thetford Academy graduate Guy O. Chesley
was among the first to give his life. At 19, he was an infantryman in Company
L, 9th Infantry Regiment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In February 1951, his
company was engaged in bitter fighting against Chinese forces at Chaum-Ni. In
an attempt to control supply lines, the Americans were taking heavy casualties.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the morning of Feb
14, 68 Company L soldiers were found murdered in their sleep. That is the
recorded day of Private Chesley’s death, but I could not determine if he was
one of the 68 or if he died during the fighting.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chesley’s body was shipped back to the States in August 1951
and after a memorial service, he was buried in the Lyme’s Highland Cemetery. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the Spring of 1953, A similar memorial service for
another member of the 9th Infantry was held in Orford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being memorialized was Cp1 Clayton Huckins, a
20-year-old who had joined the Infantry in July, 1950.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His sister, Helen Huckins Marsh of Fairlee, recently spoke
of her brother as “the go-to guy for things out of doors.” As a youngster he
fished along Orford’s Jacobs Brook, “always investigating.” He was known as the
type of “buddy who watch others’ backs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On March 12, 1953, Huckins was constructing tactical wire
around the company’s position near<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a mountain
known as “Little Gibraltar” north of the Imjin River. There had been heavy
fighting against Chinese troops. He was recently awarded the Bronze Star for
historic achievement and was scheduled to come home for his 20th birthday.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He received what was a mortal injury, but continued his
hazardous work until unable to do so no longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His body returned by train to Fairlee and a memorial service was held in
the Orfordville church on the banks of the Jacobs. He is buried in the Orford’s
West Cemetery. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With improvements in medical care, the number of soldiers
who survived even major wounds increased. However, during the Vietnam war, 197
New Hampshire and Vermont service personnel lost their lives.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On April 14, 1969, David W. Hildreth, a 19-year-old soldier
from Warren, NH, died at Quang Tri Province. Hildreth had enlisted in the Army
in February, 1968. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He succumbed to injuries from a mortar attack on the base
camp of Company D, 27th Engineering Battalion. He never got to see his daughter
born eight days following his death.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In a recent letter Hildreth’s cousin Gloria Bumford of
Warren, wrote, “he was a typical country boy…who made the decision in later
life to serve his country.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A memorial service was held in Warren, and he was buried in
Glencliff’s High Street Cemetery. A 15-man contingent from Fort Devens
conducted the full military rites.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On July 4, 1970, by Legislative decree, the local Baker
River flood control dam was renamed the David Wayne Hildreth Dam.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Specialist Alan J. Burgess joined the Woodsville unit of the
NH National Guard in 2002. He had grown up in Lisbon, Bradford and Landaff and
graduated from Oxbow and River Bend. It was said that he was one who could
easily bring a smile to others.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His unit was deployed
to Iraq as part of the 197th Field Artillery Brigade. On Oct 12, 2004. while on
patrol as a vehicle gunner in Mosul, Iraq, he was killed by a car bomb. He was
one of 65 from the two states who died in the post 9/11 wars. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In an Associated Press release at the time, his mother Karen
Moore of Bradford, said “He had a love for his family and for his country. His
needs were always last, everybody else came first…they were all there because
they had to go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He was buried in the Landaff Central Cemetery on Oct 25.
2004. In 2010, by Legislative action, the Salmon Hole Bridge on Rt 302 in
Lisbon was renamed the Specialist Alan J. Burgess Memorial Bridge. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Burgess joined the hundreds of local residents who gave
their lives in the military service. On Memorial Day, pause as you drive by a
local cemetery. Notice the flags placed on the graves of fallen service members
and remember their sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></p></div>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-65788399001132538742023-05-01T09:49:00.001-04:002023-05-01T09:49:59.084-04:00Drugs For A Cure<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCkaR4w7rgMCbQIgMj72rnV2nUUvMvIw9_CaUkaun2HmTV5-1JhXTGotGjLyxahXT40MIRskM6EIE-4DSLRgE0mktx7eQwA-3R2-hO5CCowJywa5E9glqwb98WN0qXwait0_iInGELGvoPITo_jAaCyNv2IYua9Wis34euzK6jVQ_txguO-sJoUqW/s1050/mann%20from%20blaisdell%20book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1050" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCkaR4w7rgMCbQIgMj72rnV2nUUvMvIw9_CaUkaun2HmTV5-1JhXTGotGjLyxahXT40MIRskM6EIE-4DSLRgE0mktx7eQwA-3R2-hO5CCowJywa5E9glqwb98WN0qXwait0_iInGELGvoPITo_jAaCyNv2IYua9Wis34euzK6jVQ_txguO-sJoUqW/s320/mann%20from%20blaisdell%20book.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A RECORD LEGACY DRUG STORE; From 1872 until 1974, the Mann family operated a drug store in the center of Woodsville. At left is the original site of the E.B. Mann & Co. At right, the Opera Block housed the drug store after 1890. At the time it was sold it was said to be the oldest drug store business in the nation to be "continuously owned and operated by the same family."<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnp4TxuJETzYak2fcwF8m4pGKaeLHhlEPYDte16ZPSUyHtpWHbdQIbIR7QlHgE0q41oqOgkrzbjaUFs7P2po6e0Wyw3U2Q3MUW6HyrnxQWL5mcGcjhcOVF5i6oz7iBYAuxN8zFOB7OXeWPePmGWgh71mCb4LAoYgmBtGzN9LUuwXpFG3ebvRJzgBd/s4000/WilliamChapman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnp4TxuJETzYak2fcwF8m4pGKaeLHhlEPYDte16ZPSUyHtpWHbdQIbIR7QlHgE0q41oqOgkrzbjaUFs7P2po6e0Wyw3U2Q3MUW6HyrnxQWL5mcGcjhcOVF5i6oz7iBYAuxN8zFOB7OXeWPePmGWgh71mCb4LAoYgmBtGzN9LUuwXpFG3ebvRJzgBd/s320/WilliamChapman.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>SERVING A WIDER MARKET: Fairlee pharmacist Will Chapman (1866-1947) began as an Abbot's Drug Store apprentice in 1907. After taking ownership of the store in 1925, "he was favorably known by a large clientele." He also held a number of town offices. Known for his athletic preparations, he supplied liniments and ointments for the Byrd Antarctic expedition in 1939. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DdkoT1tYx-pYRWpL-vvgzQWn6xRbm5iY0fuOyFRPn8Kh_5xVJHktufYexM3czeA_n67U8v66_yHAGeIXCjLz9HvQxM43oTueEQw4ZCyRppygRPWJif9x7JdZqFJGTyQ85JCLQDzRfUS6nxEG_Mkt44ID_OkAOkAnM3o340W4yIZ9BPtNr4px05if/s238/Save%20the%20Baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="238" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DdkoT1tYx-pYRWpL-vvgzQWn6xRbm5iY0fuOyFRPn8Kh_5xVJHktufYexM3czeA_n67U8v66_yHAGeIXCjLz9HvQxM43oTueEQw4ZCyRppygRPWJif9x7JdZqFJGTyQ85JCLQDzRfUS6nxEG_Mkt44ID_OkAOkAnM3o340W4yIZ9BPtNr4px05if/s1600/Save%20the%20Baby.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>PATIENT MEDICINE EXAMPLE: This patent cough syrup suppression came to the market in 1874. As with other patient medicines, it contain toxic ingrediencies.<p></p><p> Journal Opinion April 26, 2023</p><p class="MsoNormal">Bradford Drugs: "H. B. Poole takes great pleasure in
announcing that he is opening a New Drug Store at the Union Building in this
Village. He has a full selection of Medicines of every kind.” Orange County
Journal, Sept 22, 1855<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For over two centuries, area druggist and pharmacists <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have sold remedies and medicines to both
physicians and the general public. Some were stand-alone businesses, and others
were part of general stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This column covers the local history of available medicines
and cures as they transition from home remedies and patent medicines to modern
drugs offered by registered pharmacies. Local histories and vintage newspapers
are the sources of information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Early physicians had few effective weapons against disease,
especially in the face of epidemics. Standard treatments, such as bloodletting
and blistering, often resulted in a high death rate.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Herbs were often used to combat the symptoms of diseases.
Native Americans introduced both physicians and the general public to plant-based
medicines. Those included hemp, red willow and white ash bark, and various
roots. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many residents relied on home remedies, some of which may
have actually had curative properties. Vinegar and honey were recognized as
helpful both as cures and for maintaining good health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Garlic clove were used for insect bites and
spruce gum for toothaches. Bread poultices were used to draw out infections.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On the other hand, some home remedies did little good or
worse. A dirty sock or salt pork wrapped around the neck did not cure a sore
throat. Neither Skunk oil to relieve congestion, or skunk cabbage root for
asthma brought much relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Apothecaries were chemists who produced and distributed
medicines. Their shops served both professionals and the general public. Many
physicians also prepared their own drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The profession started to take shape when colleges of
pharmacy were established in <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Philadelphia, Boston, and New York in the
1820s, but some locals still gained their knowledge as apprentices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a time, those who were trained used the
title pharmacists, whereas those without formal training were known as
druggists. There were no legal qualifications for either of these
practices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1852, a national
organization of pharmacists was established in Philadelphia. In 1873,
pharmaceutical associations were established in both New Hampshire and
Vermont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it was not until 1894
that Vermont established a state licensing board for both pharmacies and
pharmacists. The following year licenses were granted to 325 applicants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During this time, the ill often turned to patent medicines
for relief. These proprietary preparations, often with exaggerated claims, were
trademarked but not patented by the government. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the 19th
century, there was an unregulated market for patent medicines. Easily
accessible and inexpensive, they were sold as “healing elixirs, nostrums,
salves, liniments, and tonics,” and guaranteeing cures for a wide range of
illnesses. Some patent medicines actually provided the promised relief, whereas
others did not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These products were numerous and widely available and they used
extensive advertisements in newspapers, and almanacs, featuring first-hand
testimonials as to their effectiveness, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many patent medicines contained alcohol and drugs such as
opium as active ingredients and could do more harm than good. For example, Mrs.
Winslow’s Soothing Syrup, used to treat colic in babies, contained morphine. It
was advertised in Orange County from the 1850s to 1898. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many popular soft drinks, including Pepsi and Coca-Cola,
were initially marketed as patent drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Local druggists and doctors marketed their own versions of
patent medicines too. F. H. Keyes of Newbury developed a broad market for Dr.
Carter’s Pulmonary Balsam. It was developed by Dr. W. H. Carter of West
Newbury, who practiced there from 1827 to 1853. The product was later sold to
the Keyes, who peddled it locally and wholesale to a national market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1849, Carter wrote to a Boston Medical Journal that he
“never designed it to be a secret remedy or nostrum; but it had been passed off
as such.” As late as 1873, the Keyes were still placing ads warning about
counterfeits of their camphor-laced product.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Between 1866 and 1877, Bradford’s C. C. Doty was a
manufacturer and dealer in Doty’s Mandrake Bitters. His advertisements promised
“warranted cures” for a wide variety of ailments including piles, liver
complaints, and “fluttering of the heart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It assured relief for “depression of spirits and constant imagining of
evil.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The unsavorness of patent medicines eventually invited
scrutiny. The Progressive movement brought about the passage of the Pure Food
and Drug Act in 1906 with federal interstate regulation to “prevent the
manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated or misbranded or poisonous
or deleterious food, drugs, medications and liquors…” New regulations demanded
listed ingrediencies, fewer false claims and truthful advertising. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Although the law helped curb medical claims, the impact was
not immediate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. Winslow’s
morphine-laced soothing syrup remained on the market until 1930, even though it
was potentially lethal to infants. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lee’s Save the Baby cough suppression came to market in 1874.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite containing toxic camphor, it was
marketed for both external and internal use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the 1940s, it was a standard remedy in my mom’s medicine cabinet. She
would warm the bottle and rub a bit on my congested chest, followed by a
spoonful administered internally. It tasted terrible but seemed to help. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Almost every local community, at one time or another, had
physicians or druggists who manufactured, distributed, and/or sold medicines.
Following are four legacy pharmacies that were mainstays in the commercial
centers of the area for decades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Woodsville’s E. B. Mann & Co. was that community’s
premier drug store from 1872 until its sale in 1974. After 1890, it was located
in the Opera Block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time of its
sale, it was described as “the oldest drugstore business in the country
continually owned and operated by the same family.”. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As with other area drugstores, Mann’s sold more than drugs.
After 1895, there was a soda fountain. Blaisdell’s history of Haverhill
describes the store’s other offerings in the early 20th century, “they sold
soaps, sugar, ketchup, razors and strops, paints and wallpapers, and, except
during Prohibition, a full line of spiritous beverages.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The store also offered a selection of patent medicines,
including several of Mann’s own making. Those include Mann’s Bitters and Mann’s
Little Liver Pills. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The family sold the store in 1974 to partner Harold Wheeler
who had worked for them since 1963. In 1985, it relocated to Butson’s supermarket
and renamed the Woodsville Pharmacy. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Newbury, there were a number of stores that sold drugs in
the 19th century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>F. & H. Keyes of
Newbury Village advertised a selection of patent drugs in 1851.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Wells River, Thomas Barstow’ general store sold medicines
as early as 1814. In 1878, W. H. Eaton opened a drugstore on the village’s Main
Street. It went through a series of owners and locations. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Around 1900, W. H. Buck was the druggist in Wells River. He
is credited with developing the formula for what became known as “Bag Balm.”
The Buck family continued to operate a pharmacy until 1924, when it was sold to
W.A. Knight. Fourteen years later, in 1939, Knight’s Pharmacy was sold to James
G. Thomas. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thomas Pharmacy “became a fixture on Main Street.” In 1974,
the pharmacy was sold to nephew Robert Brock and Duane Hobbs. The lunch counter
was known as the “hub of the community.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 2002, the pharmacy was sold again and became known as the
Wells River Pharmacy and continued to operate until 2017.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Fairlee, L. H. Granger operated a general store on Main
Street as early as 1807. For a time, it was operated by H.F. Bickford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1891, Dr. Chase from Orford opened it as a
drug store with F. W (Fred) Abbot operating it. Abbott promised that the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>store’s White Pine Cough Syrup would “positively
cure your cough.” In the early 1900s, Abbott’s advertisements included
testimonials offered as news items for various patent medicines, with
satisfaction guaranteed. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The history of Fairlee mentions that Abbott’s penny candy
counter included Zanzivars, cinnamon imperials, Ju-Jus, and licorice. Its soda
fountain offered ice cream treats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1925, William Chapman, who had studied with Dr. Francis
Gerald of Warren and been an apprentice for Abbott, took over the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1939, Chapman supplied Chapman’s Liniment
and Chapman’s Ointment for Boils for the men of the Byrd Antarctic expedition.
Newspaper reports mentioned that he was known nationally for his athletic
medicinal preparations.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chapman’s son Leland
assumed ownership in 1947 and ran the store until his death in 1988.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Growing up, Lee Chapman was my family’s
pharmacist, as he was for most of those who lived in Orford and Fairlee. I can
still picture him behind the drug counter in his white coat. In a newspaper
interview, Lee’s son Will said, “My father ran the store; prescriptions were
90% of the business.” Unable to find a new pharmacist, the store discontinued
the pharmacy portion of the establishment. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Bradford, Main Street served as the location of a series
of stores that sold drugs. George Prichard and Son’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>store opened in the 1840s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1854, H. B. Poole offered his services as
a druggist. About <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1856, Dr. A. A. Doty
opened an apothecary shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">H. G. Day’s Bradford Drug Store was opened in 1867, offering
drugs, toiletries, patent medicines, and druggist’s groceries. Between 1888 and
1903, the store was owned by A. T. Clarke. Cunningham’s Pharmacy was opened at
about the same time. Sisco Pharmacy operated in the Stevens Block from beginning
around 1913 and introduced the Rexall brand. In 1925, Sisco sold the business
to brothers William and Frank Gove. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1935, Kenneth Murdock and George Bancroft purchased the
pharmacy. William Gove continued as a pharmacist and the pharmacy was renamed
Gove and Bancroft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>William Gove’s nephew,
Fletcher Gove, began his career at Thomas Pharmacy in Wells River before
becoming a partner pharmacist in the Bradford store in 1959.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Gove’s son Graham recently recalled his “dad’s patience and
good-naturedness toward customers no matter their social or economic status.”
He remembered that his father delivered prescriptions after hours to people who
were unable to get to the store.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As with other pharmacies, Gove and Bancroft carried far more
than prescription drugs. It was the place to go to have photographs sent for
developing or to purchase reserved tickets for Bradford Academy’s senior plays.
They carried a full selection of gifts and toys. Their “Rexall 1 cent” sales
attracted many to what was advertised as “Your Family Drug Store.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1968, pharmacist Howard Search Jr. joined the pharmacy.
In a recent telephone conversation, Search indicated he purchase the business
in 1980 when Fletcher Gove retired. In about 1989, the pharmacy moved east
across the street to occupy a newly-built store and remained there until it
closed in 1992.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Search went on to explain that the practice of pharmacy had
evolved dramatically during his career. When he began in 1962, there were lots drug
compounding locally. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which he described
as a mixture “between the art and science of pharmacy.” By the close of his
work, work had become somewhat easier as it was more likely to be dispensing of
pre-made pills and other pre-packaged prescriptions. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In about 1984, pharmacist Linda Michelsen opened Crossroads
Pharmacy on the Lower Plain. At first, it was in a small location at the four
corners and, in 1968, it moved to the former Green Frog store, now the location
of East Coast Van. In 1999, New York-based Kinney Drug took over from Crossroad
Pharmacy and occupied a new building on the Four Corners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the past two decades, new local pharmacies have opened
and others have relocated to new sites. In Woodsville and Haverhill, there are
now instore pharmacies at Walmart and Shaw’s. There is also a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rite Aid pharmacy, part of a national chain
of pharmacies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bradford’s Hannaford’s
has an in-store pharmacy on the Lower Plain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many locals now have their prescriptions filled through
mail-order pharmacies or online pharmacies such as Express Script, Optum RX,
and Caremark. While the customers of mail orders pharmacies may get to
interface with a distant pharmacist they lack the close personal contact they
may have received from local and well-established community pharmacists. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Built over decades of operation, familiarity with the primary
pharmacists at the four pharmacies mentioned above gave customers confidence in
their work. Locals took their advice with the belief that the prescriptions
they prepared would provide a path to improved health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-63279486040502046152023-03-25T09:39:00.007-04:002023-03-27T16:28:30.698-04:00Organized Women: Not Just Social<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0vItXddql2d2UT-LakN5AzE3ERkKbk7uyjY6MUyAx_g9xzEF7rwXsR-oHLV5vDF2KhfaUlxzJXghN08OKjgCsZT-Sd-4oiDEgh6IK_RRhLVIySUCuuI-G2yHX0LHkoP6beVXq3vzQYtPKgvC44u5-Euf4u7VUKz-NtcUDi1EXpClGq8VcvlLo2a1/s640/Newburywomen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="640" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0vItXddql2d2UT-LakN5AzE3ERkKbk7uyjY6MUyAx_g9xzEF7rwXsR-oHLV5vDF2KhfaUlxzJXghN08OKjgCsZT-Sd-4oiDEgh6IK_RRhLVIySUCuuI-G2yHX0LHkoP6beVXq3vzQYtPKgvC44u5-Euf4u7VUKz-NtcUDi1EXpClGq8VcvlLo2a1/s320/Newburywomen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>WOMEN'S CLUB WORKERS--In 1961. the Newbury Women's club took possession of the Methodist church building on the Common in Newbury. As shown in this 2007 photo, the maintenance of this community building has been one of the club's projects. The club celebrates its 100th birthday this year.<div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tPQOdPfCWgS_7fWsrBNOYNkCiLdm2wyUv9InwpIRwxmpIqpossmQjnwciBbhO2hU3SXoaiwECvzoe9G8MNCTl--Kt6ie_F5vyDk-Dha0DRw-Ah5X2_9r_Ze5Wz_p1Sr0nvT397lciu7ucuaQGGrlUVyY2Ho8ndioUhCyRNFRC0Yg5m43El5vxAIC/s3300/Fortnightly%20club.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tPQOdPfCWgS_7fWsrBNOYNkCiLdm2wyUv9InwpIRwxmpIqpossmQjnwciBbhO2hU3SXoaiwECvzoe9G8MNCTl--Kt6ie_F5vyDk-Dha0DRw-Ah5X2_9r_Ze5Wz_p1Sr0nvT397lciu7ucuaQGGrlUVyY2Ho8ndioUhCyRNFRC0Yg5m43El5vxAIC/w332-h241/Fortnightly%20club.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>Bradford's Fortnightly Reading Club members are shown in historic costumes in this 1916 photo. Begun in 1900, this organization was dedicated to public service and studying history and current events. In 1930, it was renamed the Bradford Women's Club, a group that exited until 1970. </div><div> </div><div>Journal Opinion, March 22, 2023<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“By being involved in church or charitable groups, women
were able to find companionship and a way to facilitate change in their
community.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jane Cunningham Croly,
Founder, General Federation of Women’s Clubs 1898<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">America has experienced a decline in “active civic
engagement,” which has been characterized by a loss in membership in
traditional women’s organizations. Many such local organizations have ceased to
exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This column details the history of women’s role in just a
few of the many local causes and organizations that have existed in the past.
Those organizations mentioned are just a sample of those that played an
important role in their communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Early gatherings of women often involved the “mutual assistance
of textile production,” such as sewing circles and quilting bees. It was an
opportunity for personal interactions beyond the family, especially essential
during the long New England winters.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After 1820, many women joined “female charitable societies.”
Their meetings included reading aloud religious publications and gathering
items for the towns’ needy. “Feeling the worth of our time” was a phrase that summed
up their efforts.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before the 1850s, most women’s groups were either
church-sponsored aid societies or affiliated with men’s groups. Outside of the
church, women played a major role in establishing and maintaining public
libraries. Women kept libraries alive as trustees, patrons, and librarians. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1868 “a few
ladies” established the Newbury Village Library Association, and Martha Tenney
donated a library building. Woodsville’s Ladies’ Charitable Society was formed
in 1871 to establish a village library. In the 1870s, Orford’s Hannah Willard
Sanborn established a public library in her family’s store.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1874, the Bradford
Social Library Society breathed new life into “the lagging library organization
by the contribution of $1 each from 63 ladies.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laura Currier Whitney
created a library in her Haverhill home in 1880. In 1898, Mary Benton donated
the front room of her North Haverhill home and 500 books to create a
library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Women also played a significant role in 19th century reform
movements, including the abolition of slavery, the temperance movement, and
women’s suffrage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the abolition movement, women took a substantial role in
anti-slavery petition drives and public meetings, but their role was a subject
of debate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with many issues of the
day, many felt that women did not properly belong in male-dominated groups.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When, in 1853, activist Lucy Stone spoke in Orange County,
the local newspaper suggested, “There is something shocking in the idea of a
lady’s going about haranguing men and women on political subjects.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1870s, the creation of the Women’s Christian
Temperance Union (WCTU) in New Hampshire and Vermont gave local women a role in
the battle against alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
local WCTU chapters in East Haverhill, Piermont, East Corinth, Newbury, and Bradford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">East Haverhill’s Ellen Ruddick Richardson was elected state
WCTU president from 1899 to 1918.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
spoke widely on behalf of the movement and was recognized nationally for her
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Women would go on to play a major
role in the passage of the Constitutional amendment that created national
prohibition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Through their leadership and advocacy, women played a
significant role in achieving rights for women. In 1869, the New Hampshire
Woman Suffrage Association was founded. A similar organization was formed in
Vermont in 1883. These groups lobbied for voting rights, access to higher
education, and equal pay for women. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Not dissuaded by early failures in lobbying efforts, these
groups continued to seek reforms. As a result of the “constant heckling of the
militant women,” voting rights in local elections for women were achieved.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Women’s service during World War I helped to tip the balance
toward expanded voting rights. In 1919, the U.S. Constitution was amended to
grant full voting rights to women. This was a women-led victory that was 70
years in the making. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1897, the National Congress of Mothers began what was
referred to as an “experiment in every way.” It was focused on the education
and welfare of children through the “mutual helpfulness” of local mothers’
clubs. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Between 1909 and 1920, the East Thetford’s Mother’s Club was
one of the first in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
early 1920s, there was a very active club in West Fairlee Center followed by
one in South Fairlee (1927).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1940, the Bradford Mother’s Club was formed to promote
childhood education and parent-child relationships. By 1951, there were similar
organizations in Waits River, East Corinth, and East Topsham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Health clinics, pre-school activities and
programs on child development were common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Piermont, Thetford,
and South Ryegate also had active mother’s clubs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the mid-20th century local public schools did not offer
programs for youngsters before the first grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pre-school mother’s groups were formed to provide these needed services.
In 1949, a group filled pre-school needs in Waits River and West Topsham.
Programs included health screening, and swimming and primary education lessons.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The following year, a similar group was formed in Bradford.
It operated a pre-school program for members’ children. It was very active with
both programs and fund-raising activities. Over the years it lobbied for
creating pre-school programs within the Bradford school system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even in the 20th century, church-related women’s groups were
the most common type of women’s organizations. These groups were often the
backbone of local churches providing workers and funding for church
programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Every local church had an active women’s group, known by a
variety of names, including Women’s Fellowship, United Methodist Women, Ladies’
Aid, Catholic Women’s Club, Willing Workers, and the Guild. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They offered an opportunity for church women to gather
together for mutual support in what is now referred to as women’s ministry.
Their activities range from Bible study to organizing events and activities,
mission support, and raising funds to support church programs and
facilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a result<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of their
efforts, parsonages and churches were renovated, hymnals purchased, funeral
gatherings had refreshments, shut-ins were remembered and church programs
reflected a woman’s touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In addition to specific church groups there was at least one
non-denominational group. Organized in 1941, Church Women United combined the
work of area church women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was part
of a national ecumenical movement. Bradford’s Diane Smarro said the group
“encouraged church women to come together in a spirit of community with others
around the world.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years, women
of at least 14 area churches organized mission work, local charity efforts,
UNICEF drives and annual World Day of Prayer observances. The last reported
local activity was a prayer meeting in South Ryegate in 2004. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After the 1960s, there was a steep drop in the number of
women participating in church women’s groups. Locally, this resulted from fewer
potential members as church attendance declined. Mobility cut traditional ties
to local churches. As women entered the workforce, there was less time or
interest in participating in those groups. For several groups, the pandemic was
the last straw.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When asked about the decline of the women’s group at
Bradford’s Methodist church, member Connie Linnell of Topsham recalled that the
group “took care of everything in the church but declined because young people
didn’t want to go the meetings.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Women’s auxiliary groups have formed in connection with
men’s organizations. The Women’s Relief Corps was the first of several
veterans’ auxiliary groups. That group’s local chapters helped war widows and
orphans as well as disabled veterans. In 1901, Bradford’s’ Calista Robinson
Jones was the national president of the Corps, and the group’s national
headquarters was at her home.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Women’s auxiliaries
were formed after World War I when American Legion posts were established. They
were chartered in Bradford and Wells River in 1921. Similar groups were formed
as companion organizations for the Veterans of Foreign Wars posts following
World War II. Both auxiliary organizations played an important role in
community and veteran affairs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were also women’s groups attached to fraternal
organizations. The Order of the Eastern Star was established in 1869 as an
auxiliary for local Masonic lodges. While it included a few men, it was
primarily a women’s group dedicated to friendship, personal growth, and
community service projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Eastern Star lodges were in Wells River, Bradford, North
Haverhill, Warren, and Orford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
membership dwindled, most of these vanished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Lodge in Bradford closed several years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Similarly, there were women’s auxiliary lodges for the Odd
Fellows. The Rebekah Lodge #45 was chartered in Woodsville in 1887 and by 1916,
had a membership of 205. Rebekah Lodges were established in Bradford in 1890
and in North Haverhill in 1903.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Additionally, there were local units in Post Mills, Wells River, and
Barnet. All have been disbanded. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When Extension Services were established in Vermont (1913)
and New Hampshire (1915), one of the programs was local Home Demonstration or
Homemakers Clubs. In each county, a Home Dem Agent organized programs to
improve the lives of rural women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were clubs in each local community with some
communities having more than one. Programs included information on topics such
as cooking, health, gardening, and clothing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1890s, a new movement for women’s organizations led
to the creation of the Federation of Women’s Clubs in New Hampshire and
Vermont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 1889 there were 97 such
local clubs in Vermont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1915, the
Bradford Fortnightly Club, East Thetford’s Thursday Club, and Wells River Study
Club were among the locals. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bradford’s
Woman’s Club, which had existed since 1900, voted to disband in 1970. Like
other woman’s clubs, it had played a significant role in the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These clubs suffered for some of the same
reasons that caused a decline in church-related groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The South Ryegate Women’s Club was formed in 1927.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cindy Fraiser was the last president of the
organization in 2005. She said the group organized programs to help the
community, including building a playground and providing scholarships. “What is
missing,” Fraiser said, “is the chance to get together with your women friends
to do things for the community.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As with many area women’s clubs and other organizations, the
only mention of past membership and activities are in obituaries as members
pass away.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are several
local women’s groups that have survived the changes that have doomed others.
One group that has continued to be active is the East Corinth Women’s
Fellowship. The online description indicates that the group is “loosely
associated” with the local church. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sue Parmenter, who describes herself as the “head
facilitator,” said that they have expanded to be more inclusive with women who
are not necessarily church members. She said the club has about 50 members and
meets about ten times yearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Oxbow Chapter of the Daughters of the American
Revolution was organized in 1892 and continues to meet at Newbury’s Oxbow
schoolhouse. Its area membership meets seasonally and contributes to
“historical, educational, and patriotic causes.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Rondo, centered in Orford and Fairlee, is in its 103rd
year and survived the pandemic to emerge strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is “dedicated to supporting women’s needs,
learning more about the world, and giving back to the community.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Member Eva Daniels of Orford told me recently that there are
about 40 current members. She added that the organization raises funds to share
with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>worthy local causes and that meetings
often feature informative speakers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Newbury Woman’s Club celebrates its 100th anniversary
this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The club has its roots in the
Lend-a-Hand Club organized by young women in 1910.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was initially very active and assisted the
Red Cross during World War I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interest
waned until 1922-23 when the Newbury Woman’s Club was formed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">According to the Newbury history, the club has “continued
its interests in education, legislation, government, the fine arts, crafts,
recreation, and international relations, as well as civic affairs.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There also continue to be informal women’s groups in the
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Members gather to knit, garden,
discuss books or share fellowship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are also a number of professional women’s groups and organizations dedicated to
women’s rights and the prevention of violence against women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Women have also taken a prominent role in political and
social advocacy organizations open to both men and women, as well as taking
positions in all levels of government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As I write this column, there are hundreds of the world’s
most influential women meeting at an International Summit in Abu Dhabi to
celebrate International Woman’s Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those women will forge new bonds and to work together to confront societal
issues and create relationships that will last a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Those are precisely the goals that local women’s groups have
achieved for almost 200 years. In new ways, local women continue to generate
both continuity and change in our communities.<o:p></o:p></p></div>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-37110804648278978402023-02-27T15:04:00.021-05:002023-03-01T13:32:49.918-05:00Young and Restless: Youth Organizations <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO1tJ7Q8PJOEJqdtciWNM8k2_tsCvif7bRCcWtOlYDZ8Ck3iOUvjsxNAcCkltPN8-ADkWAb4RZreymaIdTCMmqQM4zRTzo_ogehvPCQaHRFU9e_P2n8APQPoi4qdnX2-qX9-Ajj0hHC2n-hhRQFWBA7XzYur2ApV9KVolpYVtDIdGES6Rl3FB_MyE/s1746/Woodsville_RR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1746" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO1tJ7Q8PJOEJqdtciWNM8k2_tsCvif7bRCcWtOlYDZ8Ck3iOUvjsxNAcCkltPN8-ADkWAb4RZreymaIdTCMmqQM4zRTzo_ogehvPCQaHRFU9e_P2n8APQPoi4qdnX2-qX9-Ajj0hHC2n-hhRQFWBA7XzYur2ApV9KVolpYVtDIdGES6Rl3FB_MyE/s320/Woodsville_RR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>1910 postcard of Boston & Main Railroad YMCA, Woodsville, NH.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzRQof_keBHXpAJ6fPGq9JxN3lOT3AQetuKRMBpIliRZetmNclAg9XKr_bEh8650SRS7A7PCWgBI51qmwvLuxA7q2pC00qyutgS3nZCDuCIMONrl2VKNM3CIqrkV6F7fao-WPeUqoXnliVdOLZFblr3j47yoOsgqdMLYL7h1j8e30BvTWJQOkzikf/s569/boys%20scouts%20barre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="569" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzRQof_keBHXpAJ6fPGq9JxN3lOT3AQetuKRMBpIliRZetmNclAg9XKr_bEh8650SRS7A7PCWgBI51qmwvLuxA7q2pC00qyutgS3nZCDuCIMONrl2VKNM3CIqrkV6F7fao-WPeUqoXnliVdOLZFblr3j47yoOsgqdMLYL7h1j8e30BvTWJQOkzikf/s320/boys%20scouts%20barre.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>AMERICA'S FIRST SCOUTS: In Oct 1909, a group of Barre boys under the leadership of William Foster Milne met at the First Baptist Church as the first Boy Scouts troop in the nation. That organization is just one of many groups that provide youth with life-enhancing skills. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Journal Opinion, Feb. 22, 2023<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The history of American youth organizations spans more than
200 years. This column describes that history in New Hampshire and Vermont.
These organizations were led by adults, but aimed at young people. Often the
main targets were youngsters who might be at risk when outside the control of
families and schools. Most organizations were started locally by concerned
parents, educators, and pastors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Not all youth groups are covered here. Athletic youth groups
and school clubs will not be covered in this column as they have been the
subject of both previous and future articles. Small informal youth clubs are
important, but will not be included as they usually come and go as interests waxed
and wanes and kids outgrow them. That being said, secret club houses and
handshakes create fond memories for many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Religious themes and church affiliations were significant
for most of these early youth-oriented organizations. During most of the last
two centuries, Sunday schools have been attended by a large number of local youths.
For that reason, few other youth activities were held on Sunday morning. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Sunday or Sabbath
school movement was established in Vermont in the early 19th century, with
meetings in West Newbury as early as 1801. While Sunday school provided
religious instruction to individuals of all ages, a significant goal was to
reach children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After 1850, the Juvenile Mission Society movement
established several chapters in Vermont and involved youth in mission work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Centered in Baptist and Methodist churches it
was recognized as America’s first national youth group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Local newspapers regularly reported on these church-based
youth groups. In the 1880s, Woodsville churches were said to have “flourishing”
Sabbath schools, a feature replicated throughout the valley.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1920s, vacation Bible school programs were held
locally during the summer. In Orford in the late 1940s, this program was held
in the Orfordville Grange Hall.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the late 1940s, I
attended Sunday School at the Orford Congregational Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recall Grammy Sanborn leading us in the
rousing Christian anthem “Life Is Like A Mountain Railroad.” We learned Bible
passages and completed arts and crafts projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the early 20th century, there was a movement to reach
older youth who didn’t fit into existing church youth programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Known as the Christian Endeavor Movement,
there was a group in Bradford in 1887 and soon after in Piermont and Wells
River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appeared to be
non-denominational and included both religious and social activities.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By the 1940s, these groups had been replaced locally by
Congregational Pilgrim Youth Fellowship and the Methodist Youth
Fellowship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A similar youth group was
formed in nearby Presbyterian churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until
their decline in the later 1960s, these groups filled an essential religious
and social function for older youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There was also the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) which
was active at Catholic Churches in Bradford, Wells River, and Woodsville from
the late 1950s until the mid-1960s. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Newspaper articles in the United Opinion and the Twin State
News regularly reported on local CYO events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Youth participated in church events and socials, took trips to religious
shrines, and met with other church youth groups. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One 1960 newspaper article mentioned young CYO member Ronnie
Bonneau of Bradford. After graduating from Bradford Academy, he attended
seminary. . Father Bonneau passed away in 2021, having served as a long-time
missionary in Paraguay and as pastor in several domestic parishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Originally founded in England, the first Young Men’s
Christian Association (YMCA) unit was formed in Boston in 1851 as a “home away
from home” for seamen and merchants. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first YMCA locals were established in Manchester in 1854
and in Burlington in 1866. Over the following decades facilities were
established in various larger communities in both states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The organizations sponsored various social
and recreational programs for youngsters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Also founded in England, the Young Women’s Christian
Association (YWCA) affiliates formed in Vermont in 1919 and in New Hampshire
the following year. The focus was described as “a voice for change.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years, its members have worked to
empower women, fight discrimination and “promote peace, justice, and freedom.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Both organizations encouraged physical activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was especially significant at a time
when young women were thought too fragile to exercise. They sponsored boys and
girls summer camps at Vermont and New Hampshire lakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Locally, Camp Billings on Lake Fairlee was
established in 1907. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were no other local YMCA facilities, but both local
newspapers had many items about local youngsters attending YMCA regional and
state functions. This included camps, athletic tournaments, and conferences.
Local students participated in the organization’s NH Youth and Government Model
Legislature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beyond religious affiliated youth groups, the now-popular
4-H youth development program originated in the Midwest in 1902. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 1912, the group had expanded and adopted
the4-H title and familiar 4-leaf pin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially
established in schools for after school activities, it soon became a
wide-spread community organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1914, as part of the new Vermont Extension Service, new
4-H clubs began to form. By 1916, there were 80 clubs in 65 towns throughout
the state with a membership of more than 5,000 girls and boys. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It began in Grafton County in 1916 as the “Boys’ and Girls’
Agricultural Club Work.” Blaisdell’s history of Haverhill mentions dozens of
4-H clubs in that community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to
1926, East Haverhill had one of the first in the county. By 1927, there were 4-H
clubs in Pike, North Haverhill and Woodsville. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The units were generally divided by sex, with boys learning
crops and animal production, while girls were encouraged to learn domestic
skills. Often a unit concentrated on a single skill such as canning, sewing,
animal care or outdoor experiences.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As 4-H became the largest youth development organization,
similar clubs were found in all towns from Piermont to East Thetford.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As with other communities, Newbury “had its full share of
4-H groups.” If displays at the North Haverhill Fair are any indication, many
vibrant groups still exist today. For over 40 years, the Rocking Horse 4-H Club
met in Piermont under the leadership of Joan Osgood. Two Bradford women recall
their 4-H experiences. Nancy Jones recalls raising and marketing chickens as a
4-H project in 1957. “It was a great experience,” Jones said. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bobette Scribner added “Stories for the
lifetime came out of 4-H.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A similar rural youth program was established by the Grange.
The Grange was founded in 1867 as a national farmers’ advocacy group. The
Adelphi Grange was established in Newbury Center in 1874. The Oliverian Grange
was organized in 1876 in East Haverhill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grange units have played an active role in communities from Haverhill,
Piermont, and Orfordville to Bradford, Thetford, West Newbury, and West Topsham.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For a century, the Grange has sponsored a program for
children aged 5 to 14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its focus was to
provide leadership training and life skills. Members of the Junior Grange held
social functions and participated in skills contests and seminars. Local
members attended special camping activities at Camp Ingalls, the 4-H camp in
North Hero, Vermont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 14, youth could
attain full adult membership in the Grange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another fraternal society with youth-focused groups within
its “family” was the Masonic organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 1919, the DeMolay organization was established for boys 12 to 20. It
was dedicated to teaching citizenship, leadership, and public service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Locally, there were chapters in Wells River,
North Haverhill, and Wentworth. Efforts to establish units in Bradford and
Haverhill around 1967 never materialized.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Rainbow Girls was established in 1922 and created
opportunities for community service and leadership for girls 10-20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Newspaper notices mention this organization
in Fairlee (1927), Bradford (1946), North Haverhill (1952), and Wells River
(1960). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Two of today’s most recognized youth organizations are the
Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Scouting movement has been a significant
offering for local youth for over a century. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Troop #1 of the Boy Scouts was formed in Barre VT in October
1909. William Foster Milne Of Barre had been active in the early scouting
movement in Scotland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reorganized a group
of boys at the First Baptist Church in Barre into a scouting troop. In 1910,
Camp Abnaki in North Hero, VT opened as the first official BSA/YMCA camp.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A boys’ group, much like the Boy Scouts, formed in
Woodsville in 1910 and received an official BSA charter in 1916. In 1912, a
meeting for interested boys was held in Piermont and in Lyme the following
year. Pike had a very active troop chartered in 1915. Haverhill followed in
1928 and North Haverhill in 1945. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Vermont, a BSA troop met in East Corinth about 1921.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1925, this troop shared their enthusiasm
with 28 boys in Bradford and that group was granted a charter. From the
earliest days of the troops, the boys were taking hikes, working on merit
badges, and performing community service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Orford-Fairlee troop was established before 1947. That
year, they sponsored a winter carnival with contests on the Fairlee common and
skiing on the Ridge in Orford. A Carnival Ball topped it off. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A troop was chartered in West Topsham in 1969. After it was
discontinued, the remaining boys joined the East Corinth troop and later the
one in Bradford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Vermont Governor Deane Davis was a junior member of Barre
Troop #1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He later described the
movement as “dedicated to teaching boys of immature years the basic principles
of good conduct, good citizenship, crafts, the skills of outdoor life and
self-discipline.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1962, Bradford’s Gary Moore achieved the rank of Eagle
Scout, the first in his troop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently,
I asked Moore to respond to Governor Davis’ comment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Agreeing with the Governor, Moore said his
“Scouting years have had a major impact on my life…, I learned about teamwork
and leadership…and community service.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Founded on the belief that girls deserved the outdoor living
experience that boys had, the Campfire Girls was established in 1910 as a
sister organization to the Boy Scouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was established in Thetford and Sebago Lake, Maine by Luther and
Charlotte Gulick and Charlotte Farnsworth of Thetford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They believed that girls deserved the outdoor
living experiences that boys had. As the Rutland Daily Herald wrote in 1911,
the organization would “lead young femininity afield in a healthy, womanly way,
and give the girls a chance to become acquainted with nature.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Within two years, there were 60,000 members, with many
attending associated summer camps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
first of those was Thetford’s Camp Hanoum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a campfire unit in Groton (1920), West Topsham (1924), and
Piermont (1940). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The other sister organization was the Girl Scouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first troop in America was in Savanna
Georgia in 1912. It began a movement “where every girl could unlock her full
potential, find lifelong friends, and make the world a better place.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Perhaps the first local Girl Scouts l troop was established
in Pike in 1918 and immediately began an aggressive program of “camping,
badge-blasts and crafts.” Troops were established in other communities in the
area including Newbury and Woodsville (1922), Bradford (1925), and North
Haverhill (1943). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As with the Boys’ troops, local Girl Scouts groups sometimes
waned only to be reestablished. The Fairlee troop renewed about 1950 and the
Newbury troop about 1955. In 1959, Thetford’s Camp Hanoum was acquired by the
Girl Scouts and renamed Camp Farnsworth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Reading the many newspaper notices of the Girl Scouts and
Brownies, there is certainly more to the organization than cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Throughout history, American youth organizations have
provided opportunities for co-ed activities. It was not uncommon for local
scouting groups to hold such events. As locals often participated in district
events, members met youth from neighboring towns or even from throughout the
state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were other youth groups. Some were locals ranging from
a Young Farmers group in Piermont to teen center groups in Bradford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since they first appeared in America, youth organizations
have not been without their controversies. Exclusions from membership based on
sex, age, race, or religious affiliation and controversies over subjects
covered or activities undertaken. Funding shortages and adult misbehavior have
weakened organizations effectiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
some cases, the controversies led to the demise of the organizations while
others were strengthened by their resolve to survive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2014, the Vermont
Legislature recognized Newbury’s Marilyn Fuller’s 64-year 4-H leadership in
both Vermont and New Hampshire, “helping both youth and adults to learn, grow
and work together.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fuller’s dedication
is just one example of the many adults who made youth organizations work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some were paid while many were not.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Adults who grew up in these organizations recall their
experiences and the life lessons learned, and the adults who made those
memories possible. Despite the scandals that sully some, most of those who
worked with youth were heroes. They were, and continue to be, the adult
personifications of their organizations’ goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>America’s youth are better off for them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">To access the other 147 articles on this blog, use the search bloc on pg 1. Enter a term you wish to search and articles will show up at the top of pag2. </span></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-73773240808758829542023-02-01T09:44:00.021-05:002023-02-01T09:51:46.270-05:00Lost To Technology<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEfoDaSalmgcZLi0cl5LkpKJFCta2OcVHCNA-VuZHA_8xU1yrN6dCIWcYxsbeM9olo8ZWP_M69FLP-rf8twOb5no8Vx6q0WCc7NNCU3H-rrNCxmWIKEM9PUq8dmTaFF0DjdMtxeMf7ThMHzLkjznbRaDNpT02UnXZ5x6AzppZOtqEsStz6p8-0e0_/s3300/Horse%20Shoe%20%20II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEfoDaSalmgcZLi0cl5LkpKJFCta2OcVHCNA-VuZHA_8xU1yrN6dCIWcYxsbeM9olo8ZWP_M69FLP-rf8twOb5no8Vx6q0WCc7NNCU3H-rrNCxmWIKEM9PUq8dmTaFF0DjdMtxeMf7ThMHzLkjznbRaDNpT02UnXZ5x6AzppZOtqEsStz6p8-0e0_/w400-h309/Horse%20Shoe%20%20II.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>TWO-MAN SMITHY. This 1919 photo shows Warren Davis (left) and George Jewell working in Davis' blacksmith shop near the falls in Bradford. Davis began his 50-plus year career in 1886. Jewell later set up his own blacksmith shop in East Corinth specializing in horseshoeing. Davis later sold an adjoining lot to an automobile dealership at a time when automobiles were greatly reducing the need for blacksmiths. (Bradford Historical Society) <p></p><p>At noon on Wednesday, January 31, 1951, eight Bradford women
lost their jobs.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At locations throughout the valley, local telephone
operators were replaced by the automated <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dial system in the 1950s. They were “uncrowned
heroes of patience, gentleness, and courtesy.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gone was the “human
aspect of a mutual friend,” who often knew which store you wanted when you
asked for “the grocery store.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gone was
the original 911, whose quick thinking assisted in the face of a fire or other
emergency. Gone was the valuable source of local information and perhaps a bit
of local gossip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Their positions were lost forever to technology. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This column describes other local occupations lost to technological
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of them were vital to the
community’s daily life before passing into scarcity, obscurity or complete
oblivion. Some disappeared in the 19<sup>th</sup> or 20th century, while others
are still disappearing today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Local wagon and
carriage makers were essential in the 19th century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carriage-making reached the height of its
development at the end of that century and then declined rapidly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 1915, automobiles outnumbered horse and
buggies nationwide, although horse-drawn vehicles could still be seen on local
roads. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most area towns had at least one wagon maker. Beginning in
the late 1880s, Julius March of Newbury achieved fame throughout Vermont and
New Hampshire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was said that he
“worked painstakingly making and repairing carriages etc.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the demand for carriages declined, he
turned to cabinet-making.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Carlos Bagley of Bradford “was considered second to none in
the state.” He moved to Bradford from Piermont in 1881 and began almost 50
years of producing carriages, sleighs, and farm and express wagons at a mill on
South Main Street.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The prevalence of horse-power created related businesses
such as blacksmithing, wheelwrights, harness makers, and operators of livery
stables.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The blacksmith was an essential craftsman in local
communities. Before the Industrial Revolution, they were the sole manufacturers
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of metal tools. Locally, they continued
to make or repair tools, wheels, hinges, and other iron items. Farriers
specialized in producing iron shoes for horses or oxen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1886, there were
nine blacksmiths in Haverhill, four in Orford and three in Piermont. The 1888
Orange County Gazetteer lists twelve in Corinth, eight in Newbury and six in
Bradford. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fran Hutton was one of the many Corinth blacksmiths. He
lived in Corinth for 50 years, during which he operated a shop. In 1900, he was
listed as a wheelwright as well. In 1909, there was enough of a demand for his
services that he made an addition to his shop.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The decline in the number of horses and the mass-production
of tools significantly reduced the needs for local blacksmiths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the 20th
century, most items were stored in wooden containers. A skilled cooper was a
valued craftsman in each community. Jeremiah Ingalls, who came to Newbury in
1787, was “a cooper by trade and singing master by profession.” In 1871, it was
reported that 94-year old Abner Palmer of North Haverhill had worked at the
cooper trade until over 90 years old and was still able.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 19th century, small woodenware shops and factories
replaced single part-time workers. Page’s Box Shop in East Corinth, Proctor
Brothers’ stave factory in Bradford village, Henry Hood’s wooden tub shop in
Topsham, and Stone & Wood Company’s box mill in Woodsville are all examples
of woodware production. Many items once produced by these manufacturers are
still in use but made from other materials.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the 19th century, many small tanneries existed in the
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The months-long process by which
workers transferred hides into leather was labor-intensive, exhausting and
dangerous. The mills were filled with noxious odors and the wastewater was
toxic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As early as 1789, Oliver Hardy of Bradford and later his son
George had a tannery in Bradford village. In 1869, J. & T.P Currier had a
tannery in Haverhill. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tanneries used the tannin produced by bark mills to process
leather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1850, there were 126 bark
mills in Vermont. Until the 1880s, bark mills processed bark, roots, and
branches into a fine powder known as tanbark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Millwork was extremely dangerous. In the early 1840s, Frank
B. Palmer’s leg was caught in the machinery of a Bradford bark mill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was taken to Haverhill where Dr. Anson
Brackett amputated the limb. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Palmer’s loss had profound consequences to 19<sup>th</sup>
century prosthetics. In 1846, Palmer patented a new prostatic leg that
“surpassed in elegance and utility previous models.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Known as the Palmer Leg, it was widely used
for disabled veterans of the Civil War.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 1880, tannin
was replaced by chromium salts, which significantly reduced the processing time
and eliminated bark mills. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not uncommon
for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a tanning mill owner to operate both
a bark mill and work as a shoe or harness maker. As early as 1815, Robert
Whitelaw of Ryegate operated a tannery on his farm at which he produced shoes
and boots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one time, there were10
shoemakers in Ryegate, some of whom had shops with apprentices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Others were both farmers and shoemakers. These part-time
shoemakers carried their kits from house to house, making and repairing boots
and shoes. After the middle of the 19<sup>th</sup> century, mechanized
processes began to replace individual craftsmen and shoemakers were relegated
to repairing footwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Leatherworkers also made harnesses, saddles, and horse
collars. They learned their trade working as apprentices for established harness
makers. John Buxton was a Newbury harness maker who took Ebenezer Stocker on as
an apprentice and later as a partner. Around 1886, Stocker accepted Henry Lowd
as a three-year apprentice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Completing
his apprenticeship, Lowd opened a harness business in Bradford and Newbury,
serving customers from Warren to Fairlee. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Connecticut River was once the workplace of log-driving
river men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 1810, local lumbermen
built rafts from boxes of logs, loaded them with area products, and floated
them down the river, returning on foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first long-log drive from the great northern woods to
the mills in southern New England was held in 1868. Over the next 46 years,
this annual event represented the nation’s longest log drive. The drives began
when the ice went out.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crews of hundreds of
men and horses guided millions of board feet of lumber through dangerous river
sections. The stretch from Fifteen Mile Falls north of McIndoe Falls to south
of Lyme and Thetford was one of the most hazardous in the 345 miles of the
river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The most dangerous part of the drive for river men was when
jams occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With hundreds of logs
piled against each other like giant jackstraws, men had to pry them loose with
pikes and peaveys.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The men constantly risked their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could easily be crushed in an avalanche
of loosened logs or sucked under by rapids. Those who lost their lives were
often buried in empty pork barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By 1915, the northern forest had been harvested of long logs.
Drives of four-foot pulpwood continued until the 1940s. shortly before the
construction of hydroelectric dams..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
rivermen on the Connecticut were no more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1850s, area farmers shifted from raising sheet to
having dairy cows. At first, the milk was used in the production of cheese and
butter. The number of farms in Vermont peaked in 1880 at 35,522.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the 1888 Orange County
Gazetteer, the county has 3,400 farms with 13,072 dairy cows. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By 1900, half of the farms in Vermont and one-third of those
in New Hampshire had dairy as their largest “crop.” By the l920s a “river of
milk” flowed from dairy farms to eastern urban markets. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, economic challenges, competition, and the increased
cost of production caused a steady decline in the number of small dairy farms.
As older farmers retired, younger men <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and women were unwilling to take on the
uncertainty and labor-intensive tasks of farming. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By 2009, Orange county had only 102 dairy farms and Grafton
county had about 40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is estimated
that there are currently less than 600 dairy farms in Vermont and less than 100
in New Hampshire. There are still workers in the dairy industry, but their
numbers are a mere shadow of those of a century ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ice harvesting was another industry impacted by new
technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before electric
refrigeration, ice was harvested from area rivers and lakes during winter and
stored in private or professional icehouses for later use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was winter’s cash crop.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Accounts published in local newspapers documented this
annual activity. In January 1883, 20 men hauled ice for the Bradford Ice
Company to be sold throughout the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 1896, Orford’s icehouses were filled with ice of “large quantities
and of most excellent quality” harvested from Lake Morey. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was dangerous work. The equipment included sharp saws,
picks, and tongs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heavy chunks of ice
were wrestled to the shore and into ice houses. There was always the danger of
men, horses and wagons breaking through the ice into the frigid water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The expansion of electric home and business refrigerators
and electric milk coolers on area farms after 1930, reduced the market for ice.
It eliminated the need for both ice harvesters and the men who made home
deliveries.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the 1840s to the
1960s, railroad station masters were the face of the railroad in each
community. They managed the depot, handled mailbags, sold tickets, operated the
telegraph, and were the freight and express agents. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When the railroad functions were replaced by motor vehicles,
railroads began to discontinue passenger and freight services. The Woodsville
passenger depot closed in 1960 and the stations at Bradford and Fairlee had
their last passenger train in 1965. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Two station masters stand out for their lengthy service. In
1914, Burnside Hooker moved to Bradford and became station master.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continued until his retirement in
1955.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During his years of service, he saw improvement in nearby
railroad bridges, signal systems, and the changes from steam- to diesel-powered
locomotives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially, the station
wagon that transported passengers to and from the station was horse-drawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hooker was highly respected and played a
significant role in Bradford town affairs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Joseph Alger, Fairlee’s station master, played a similar
role. He took over the station in 1922 and continued until his retirement in
1957. Each summer, the station was especially busy with passengers and their
luggage bound for the area’s youth camps. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Alger’s interest in presenting a positive atmosphere at his
depot was recognized in the July 1949 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader’s
Digest</i>. An article described the well-kept Fairlee station as a “shining
example of what an energetic station agent can do.” Another national magazine article
drew attention to the attractive gardens he maintained immediately across the
tracks from the station. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until the 1880s,
typesetters in the publishing industry set up copy one letter at a time,
selecting them from either upper or lower cases above their desks. An
advertisement for three female typesetters indicated that this was one
occupation open to women. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1880s, this laborious technique was replaced by a hot
metal typesetting machine known as a linotype. This allowed one worker to perform
the labors of as many as six.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>News items
in Bradford’s United Opinion referred to both men and women workers.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1921 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Caledonian-Record</i> linotype operator Ruth
Impey set a Vermont record by producing six lines of copy per minute,
representing 7,000 letters in an hour. In 1929, Lolabel Allen (Hood) began
working as a linotype operator at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the
United Opinion</i>. Working beside male operators, she held the position until
the late 1930s.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1970s, the linotype was replaced by compugraphic
typesetters and then by computers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Journal Opinion publisher Michelle Sherburne recalls working on both of devices
to lay out copy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Going back to the 19th century Orange and Grafton county
gazetteers, I found occupations listed that could have been included in this
article. Makers of brooms, gloves, ladders, bobbins, baskets, coffins, bricks,
paper, linen thread, and fishing rods are no lover as prevalent as they once
were. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proprietors of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>livery stables, express offices, billiards
halls, creameries, grist mills and steamboats are also not as poplar. So too
are miners, penmanship teachers, and tailors as well as home deliverers of
coal, meat, and milk. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is difficult to predict the occupations that will join
this list over the rest of this century. Undoubtedly, a significant number will
either disappear or be significantly altered by technological changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If recent news reports are any indication, future
columns such as this one may be written by an AI <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>program such as ChatGPT. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can assure you this
one was not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">For a complete list of the 145 articles published in this column since 2007, go to the search block on the right side of page 1 and put in "list." It will appear at the top of page 2. To select any post, use the search feature again. </span></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-49065294186022254852023-01-13T08:15:00.001-05:002024-02-26T09:55:15.728-05:00List of Past Articles <p>Below are the titles of the columns I have written since 2007 for the Journal Opinion. They are all posted on this blog. If there is one you want to read, go to the search bloc on the right side of page one and put in key word(s). The article should appear on the top of the second page. I have just finished throwing away 5 lg boxes of hand written notes and kept just the newspaper copy and one hard copy. Notice that 13 of the articles were reprinted in the Valley News, most of which had great illustrations by Shawn Braley. </p><p><br /></p><p> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Changing the Face of the Community (Architects) 10/20</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Portraits, Landscapes and Still Lifes
(Local Artists) 6/2012<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Send Out the Alarm (Attacks) 1/2011<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Under the Auctioneer’s Hammer 9/2017<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The Horseless Carriage Arrives
11/2017<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Strike Up the Band 7/2007<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Banking On That (Banks) 7/2014<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Dance Night 8/2008<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The Rise of Baseball 6/2022<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">There Is Nothing Like Baseball 8/2022<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The Bayley-Hazen Road 7/2013<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Pedaling Alone: Bicycle Ups and Downs
5/2017<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> Boundaries: May, 1933 5/2008 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> Building With Bricks 11/2016<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Going to Summer Camp 7/2010<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The Vulnerable Child 1/2022<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Christmas Pageants, Prayer, Parties
and More 12/2022<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">18.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Memories of Christmas 1659-1959 12/2008<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">19.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Cooking Up a Holiday Storm 12/2017<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">20.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The Best Christmas Gift Ever 12/2019<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">21.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Christmas: How Sweet It Is 12/2021<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">22.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Church, Town Disestablishmentarianism
6/2013<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">23.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Charles Clark, the Oregon and Company
G 7/2017<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">24.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Battle of Bull Run April 1861 4/2007<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">25.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> Antietam: A Most Bloody Day 9/2012 (Also Valley News)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">26.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Gettysburg: Furious Feld of Fire 6/2013<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">27.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Wilderness of Woe (Battle of the
Wilderness) 4/2014<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">28.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Cedar Creek: A Valley Victory 10/2014 (Also Valley News)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">29.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">An Unending War (CW Veterans) 5/2015<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">30.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Watching the Time: Clocks 12/2016<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">31.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Common Land 6/2019 (Also Valley News)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">32.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Cool It (keeping Cool in the Past)
7/2022<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">33.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> Economic Workshop Paper on Communist
movement 7/1972<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">34.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The Search of Something Different
(based on paper) 9/2020<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">35.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">BOOK 2: Roots of the Dairy Industry 6/2009<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">36.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Damming the Falling Water 9/2010<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">37.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Dancing in the Kitchen 4/2012 (Also
Valley News)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">38.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Decades of Change 1960-1964 11/2012<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">39.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Decades of Change 1965-1969
2/2013<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">40.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Decades of Change 1970-1974 5/2013<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">41.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Decades of Change 1975-1979
9/2013<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">42.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Decades of Change 1980-1984
11/2013<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">43.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Decades of Change 1985-1989
1/2014<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">44.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Decades of Change
1990-1994 6/2013<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">45.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Decades of Change 1995-2000 8/2014<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">46.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Dental Fads, Fancies and Facts 1/2016<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">47.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What Ails You? (Doctors)
7/2012<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">48.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Bad Dog, Good Dog 6/2018<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">49.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Being 80: Still In the Game 9/2022<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">50.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Caring for Yesterday’s Elders 12/2018<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">51.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Election Patters: Made and
Broken 10/2012<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">52.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> September 1897 Introduction to Electricity 9/2007<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">53.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Epidemics (Spanish Flu etc.) 11/2008<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">54.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The River Crossings (Ferries)
10/2016 (Also Valley News)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">55.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Fires (Bradford: February 1883)
2/2007 (First article)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">56.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Fires (Part II) 2/2008<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">57.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">November, 1927 Flood 10/2007<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">58.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The 1936 Flood 3/2016<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">59.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> Celebrating with Loud Huzzah (4<sup>th</sup>
of July) 7/2008 (Also Valley News)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">60.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">French in Vermont (July 1609) 7/2009<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">61.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Funerals: Deadly Sorrowful and Grave 10/2018<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">62.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Furniture Makers: Plain and
Elegant 9/2015<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">63.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Games of Our Childhood 5/2012<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">64.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Survival By Gardening 8/2015<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">65.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Fruits and Berries: Fruits of the
Harvest 10/2012<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">66.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Fore No More (Abandoned Golf
Courses) 6/2008<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">67.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow 3/2022<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">68.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> Halloween: Mysterious Tales 10/2011<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">69.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A short History of Hill’s Five &
Ten (no article)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">70.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Hurricane: September 21, 1938 9/2008
(Also Valley News)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">71.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">BOOK 3: Yankee Inventors 1/2010<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">72.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Labor’s Gains & Summer’s Farewell
(Labor Day) 8/2013 (Also Valley News)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">73.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Local Libraries: Small Town
Perfect 4/2010<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">74.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Log Drives: Driving the Middle Way
5/2010 (Also Valley News)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">75.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s In the Mail (Part I) 12/2020<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">76.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s Still In the Mail (PartII)
1/2021<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">77.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Fall In the Muster (Militia) 8/2009<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">78.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Mining Mania (Grafton West) 5/2011<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">79.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Mining Mania (Orange Co.) 8/2011<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">80.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Carved In Stone (Gravestones) 10/2013<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">81.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Monuments (October 12, 1926) Public
Monuments 10/2007<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">82.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Let’s Go To The Movies 11/2010<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">83.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Murder Most Vile (Part I) 4/2020<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">84.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Murder Most Vile (Part II) 4/2020<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">85.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Murder Most Vile ( Part III) 5/2020<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">86.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What’s In A Name (Part I) 12/2012<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">87.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What’s In A Name (Part II) 1/2013<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">88.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">FDR March 1933 3/2008<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">89.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Stimulating the Economy in the 1930s
4/2009<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">90.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Old New Year’s Ways 12/2015<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">91.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Old Home Spirit 6/2011<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">92.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Photographers: Picture That! 12/2011<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">93.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Poor Farms: March 1923 3/2007<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">94.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">No One Lives There Anymore (Part I) 2/2011<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">95.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">No One Lives There Anymore (Part II)
3/2011<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">96.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">From Privy to Plumbing 6/2017 (Also
Valley News)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">97.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Coming of the Railroad: October 1848 10/2008
(Also Valley News)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">98.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Radio Broadcasts Received 3/2015<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">99.</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ten-Year Retrospective 2/2017<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">100.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Roads
To And From 5/2022<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">101.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I-91:
Between A Rock & A Hard Place 11/2022<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">102.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Valley
News Vermont’s Lost Highways 10/2009<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">103.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Rogers’
Rangers: October 1759 10/2009<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">104.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">BOOK
FOUR Smell of Sawdust (Mills) 12/2013<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">105.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">School
Time: Academies and Seminaries 1790-1890
9/2009<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">106.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Sheep
Mania boom & Bust 4/2016<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">107.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Police:
Shields Against Crime 3/2021<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">108.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Sidewalks
“ Take A Walk” 8/2012<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">109.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Slavery:
A Crime Against Humanity 8/2010<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">110.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Snippets
From Past Articles (Presentation) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">111.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Strawberry
Time 6/2007<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">112.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Strawberry
Festival 6/2015<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">113.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Stores:
Closing the Books 9/2018<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">114.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Sugarin’
Time 3/2014<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">115.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Late
Summer Fun 8/2021<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">116.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Not
On Sunday 12/2015<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">117.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Tax
Time: Rebellion and Revision 4/2018<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">118.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Plain
Talkin’ 9/2011<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">119.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Television: Pictures From The Air 4/2015<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">120.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Hello
Central, What’s New (telephone history)
5/2017<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">121.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">No
Rum For Me (Temperance movement) 3/2009
(Also Valley News)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">122.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Thanksgiving
Myths and Memories 11/2009<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">123.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Theatre
Companies: On the Stage 7/2021<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">124.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Things
That Never Happened (Locally) 1/2009<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">125.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Summertime
Tourism 8/2020<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">126.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Early
Town Meetings 2/2009<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">127.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Just
Passing Through (tramps, Gypsies etc.)
11/2020<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">128.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">BOOK
FIVE Settled Here, At Anchor (Sea captains) 3/2013<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">129.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Old
Fashion Winter Fun 2/2019<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">130.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Hail
to the Chiefs (Washington/Lincoln) 2/2018<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">131.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Women’s
Suffrage: A Radical Notion 10/2010<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">132.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Women’s
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">1945
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">VJ
Day August 14, 1945 8/2007<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">137.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Dark
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of WW II 4/2008<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">140.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">144.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Wood
There Be (Part II) 5/2021<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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Five Who Served 11/2021<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">146. Lost to Technology 1/2023</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">147. Young and Restless 2/22/2023</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">148. Stones and Bones </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">149. Organized Women: Not Just Social Clubs 3/22/2023</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">150. Drugs for A Cure 4/26/2023</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">151. We Remember Their Sacrifice: A Memorial Day Tribute 5/24/2023</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">152. Beyond Butter 6/28/2023</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">153. School's Out: Summer Jobs 8/9/2023</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">154. One Room Schools 10/5/2023 </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">155. Early Firefighting: Hard Lessons Learned 11/20/2023</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">156 Sing A Song of Christmas 1/20/2023</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> 1</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">57. Exodus 12/20/2009</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">158. Old Taverns 4/20/2021</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">159. Old Barns 6/22/2011</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">160. Winter </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Abbreviations 2/20/2008</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">161. No Rum For Me 3/27/2009</span></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-58375909411148856732022-12-21T19:49:00.007-05:002023-12-25T09:50:12.321-05:00Christmas Pageants, Prayers, Parties, and More.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrHSmTKyedc-V2GUaLpNMvQA9JF3YHjXGO0xxoynjkbIXCVpiJFGm0bP0y3YGF9x0uhoSRa7e9ct2yOaUPAe3yCQBNQQ4gWqP6wwwrTveKdH1wPD33h0xW29APBasxqQqqLl8VR0A33UCIJ-JtXlJQaaax5okUafrHwY3dUH10g7V7jWvmzaBP-ei/s640/Thetford%20pageant%202016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="640" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrHSmTKyedc-V2GUaLpNMvQA9JF3YHjXGO0xxoynjkbIXCVpiJFGm0bP0y3YGF9x0uhoSRa7e9ct2yOaUPAe3yCQBNQQ4gWqP6wwwrTveKdH1wPD33h0xW29APBasxqQqqLl8VR0A33UCIJ-JtXlJQaaax5okUafrHwY3dUH10g7V7jWvmzaBP-ei/s320/Thetford%20pageant%202016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Children's Pageant: This 2016 Pageant at the First Congregational Church of Thetford was typical of similar programs that have been held throughout the area for decades. (Courtesy Ray Chin)<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Journal Opinion, Dec 14, 2022 <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In December 1939, an event occurred in Bradford that would
probably not happen today. Despite a wintry storm, 393 area residents gathered
at the Bradford Academy auditorium for the 3rd annual Christmas pageant.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Produced by the students and staff of the Academy in
cooperation with the Bradford churches and assisted by the Bradford firemen and
families, the pageant recalled the traditional Nativity story. High school
students portrayed angels, shepherds, wise men, and the holy family. The
combined choirs of the churches sang traditional Christmas hymns accompanied by
an orchestra. The audience was encouraged to join in some of the songs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One spectator remarked: “Christmas in America is still a
happy occasion; let us be in sympathy with the millions in war-torn Europe to
whom Christmas will be just another day of anxious waiting.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Across the area, similar Christmas pageants were held that
season in Piermont, Thetford, and Groton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Christmas season in 1939 had been expanded by one week
when President Roosevelt reset Thanksgiving Day to the fourth Thursday of
November rather than the last Thursday. With five Thursdays in November that
year, the holiday season was long than it had been in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This column is one in a series that recognizes the
importance of the Christmas season in our area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Previous columns, available at larrycoffin.blogspot.com,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have explored the history of Christmas in
America, gift-giving, and holiday foods and sweets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This column will explore the various holiday observances
held locally in times past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It includes
parades and pageants, holiday parties, gifts for the needy, and church
services. Wat follows is just a small sample of the Christmas season’s activities
found in local newspapers over the past 150 years.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas concerts
and cantata were a significant part of the area’s Christmas festival
season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much material on
this topic that I will hold it for a column next year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Puritans objected to Christmas partly because of the unruly
way the season was celebrated in Europe, where it was characterized by “rowdy
displays of excessive eating and drinking, aggressive begging and mocking of
established authority.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By the mid-19th century, Christmas was becoming
family-centered with Santa Claus bringing gifts to children. This was a
response to the rough gang activities that characterized the season in many
urban areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless, a tension
between religious and secular activities remained. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1860s, local writers told of Christmas Festivals
throughout the area. In 1860, a Christmas Festival was held at Seminary Hall in
Newbury, complete with the Newbury Cornet Band, dramas and charades. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Christmas Eve
service at the West Bradford Methodist Church featured “a Christmas tree filled
with fruits of all kinds.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1871,
Santa Claus appeared at the Orford church “along with a lot of presents for
all.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This practice of a having a
community tree for the distribution of even family gifts continued into the
1920s.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Nativity pageant depicting the birth of Christ has its
roots in medieval Europe. The first mention of a Vermont-based Nativity program
with children taking part was in 1858 in Stowe. With children as the holy
family, shepherds, wise men, and angels the story “was softened.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Local newspapers described annual Nativity performances,
held in town halls, schools, and churches..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes they were sponsored by a local church or school, and sometimes
by a collaborative effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
they were held during the weeks leading up to December 25, and on Christmas Eve
or Christmas Day. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1940s and 1950s, the Orford Elementary School
sponsored the annual pageant with practices during school time. The final
production was held at the West Congregational Church. Once the play was
completed, a much-anticipated Santa arrived with candy boxes and tangerines for
the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Having schools actively involved in a religious service
began to be discontinued after the 1962 Supreme Court decision on school
prayer. In 1967, the Vermont Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union
warned that public school programs that were “specifically religious in nature”
violated the principle of the separation of church and state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To give variety to the pageants, there were various scripts
used to tell the traditional story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
1935, “The Story of Xmas in Song” was presented in Wells River and in 1940 the
“The Soldier of Bethlehem” was the title of Groton’s pageant. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The First Congregational Church on Thetford Hill used the
talent of its pastor Edward Tyler who in 1967 wrote “The Messengers” and, in
1968, “Joseph Waiting.” In both cases, there were original songs written by
church members. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes, several churches combined to present the
Christmas program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1932, churches in
the Bradford vicinity combined to present a program of music and pageants. In
1981, churches from Haverhill, Wentworth, Warren, and Rumney joined for the
Annual Union Christmas Service.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whether school or church based, these pageants relied on
volunteer, often mothers, to prepare costumes, shepherd crooks, angel wings,
and a manger. The primary roles were often highly sought by older children. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As schools began to hold winter holiday programs,
traditional carols were more likely to be replaced by secular music of the
season. “Let it Snow” and “Carol of the Bells” replaced “Silent Night.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the late 1880s, Christmas parades began to appear across
the nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Businesses saw these
post-Thanksgiving Sant-theme parades as an opportunity to introduce the holiday
shopping season.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A holiday parade in Barre began in the 1930s and annually
drew hundreds of spectators. These included local residents who traveled to
Barre to enjoy the parade and the open stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 1940, Bradford’s local veterans’ post took a float to the
parade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Burlington added a parade in
1949.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That same year, Concord, New Hampshire began an annual
tradition of holding a Christmas parade complete with Santa riding on a float.
In 1991, the Woodsville High Marching Band was selected to lead the Concord
parade.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Portsmouth, Littleton, and New London have held similar
holiday events. Norwich, VT has combined the idea of a Christmas parade and a
Christmas pageant in an annual downtown event that re-enacted the Nativity
story, complete with a donkey carrying Mary. More locally, the closest to a
Santa parade was the arrival of Santa on a local firetruck.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2012, an antique
firetruck delivered Santa to Bradford’s Midnight Madness. For the past several
years, the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department has been giving Santa Claus rides
around the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bradford Fire
Department will join this parade this year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For Christians of most denominations, church services
complete with a Christmas sermon and carols are the highlight of the observance
and center “the reason for the season.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These services took place on the Sunday prior to December 25, on
Christmas eve, or Christmas day. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ministers knew that Christmas services often drew a larger
congregation and put extra effort into the sermon and musical selections. As
early churches often lacked sufficient heat, lengthy sermons could be
trying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas Eve candlelight
services began in the 1920s and became a traditional ending for most current
holiday church services. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For Roman Catholics, midnight mass is a high point of the
holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I could not find
evidence, it was probably celebrated annually in Woodsville’s St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church after its dedication in 1897.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The local masses held on Christmas eve, 1945, were
special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of being held in
private homes as had been the practice, one was held at the Bradford Inn and
another at an inn in Wells River, both to overflow crowds. The symbolism of the
locations was not lost on participants since there was no room at the inn for
the holy family, forcing them to seek shelter in the stable for the birth of
Jesus. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1947, the mass was celebrated in the newly-constructed
Our Lady of Perpetual Help sanctuary in Bradford and, in 1948, in the new
St.Eugene’s Chapel in Wells River. Those who gathered at these events included
members of area Protestant churches.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catholics who had
fasted before the mass often went home for a late meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For other revelers, merry rather than Mary,
is the spirit of the season.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even during Prohibition and the temperance movements bans on
alcohol,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New Hampshire and Vermont
residents consumed liquor during the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christmas was an excuse for imbibing, and there was often the temptation
to drink more than usual. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That was especially true in 1885 when there was an unusually
large number of drunken men in St. Johnsbury, leading to a police raid on local
saloons. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For laborers, it was common practice to pass around a bottle
at the mill or shop on the last working afternoon before the holiday break. Inn
1928, a Prohibition-era house party at Newbury’s Abbot Lodge included eight
young ladies “who liked the cup that cheered.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Office parties were a perfect way for employers to recognize
a year of hard work. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Party refreshments, however, places a certain liability on
the server.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Office parties were often
moved to a restaurant for those reasons. In December 1968 Governor Philip Hoff
made the decision that no office parties would be held on state property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The downside of that holiday partying is an increase in
alcohol-fueled automobile crashes. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is
often the deadliest for drivers. New Hampshire and Vermont have a higher
drinking rate than the country overall. The holidays can have a tragic downside
locally, the least tragic of which might be ending up in traffic court. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of course, not all Christmas parties are defined by drink. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Numerous newspaper notices of various Christmas parties
included an early one being an outdoor skating party at Lake Fairlee in
1897.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years, Bradford s
Christmas Club, the Grange and other organizations, veterans posts, nursing
homes, and hospitals held parties. Private house parties were common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The number of schools that host Christmas
parties has decline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Notices of Christmas bazaars appeared in local newspapers as
early as 1909.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That year, a Christmas
bazaar was held in Newbury’s Chadwich Hall. In 1928, the Fairlee-based Rondo
had its annual bazaar. In 1940, the Social Club of Piermont and the Ladies
Society of Bradford’s Congregational Church each held an annual event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 1960s, the Grace Methodist Church of
Bradford held an annual bazaar and supper. These events included the sale of
handmade crafts and baked goods. Luncheons, teas or suppers helped to make
these events successful “socially and financially.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the number of church women declined, craft shows and flea
markets helped to fill the place of more elaborate bazaars. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the tradition of Dickens’s “Christmas Carol,” gifts for
needy families at the holiday season has a long history in the area. In 1932,
the South Ryegate’s Woman’s club created boxes of clothing and toys for the
community’s poorest families. In the 1940’s both the Bradford Methodist Church
and Fairlee’s Rondo created baskets for the needy, sick, and shut-ins. The
Bradford Legion Post Auxiliary provided gifts for patients at White River
Junction’s VA Hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1978, the Bradford Lions Club began Operation Santa Claus
to provide toys for needy children in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For many of the years I chaired it, Oxbow’s Senior Class members were
buyers of toys and other gifts using funds raised from throughout the
community. The program was later expanded to include food baskets and winter
clothing. It will be held again this year with Bradford’s Ryan Chase as
chair,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1997, Barbara’s Red Stocking Christmas project began to
serve the needy of the Fairlee-Orford area. The following year, Toys for Tots
got underway<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in Woodsville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The response to all these programs is made
more significant because the focus is local and the donations are targeted with
little overhead. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Those who labor to make these local programs possible often
experience a “warm glow,” knowing that hundreds of children awaken on Christmas
morning after a visit from Santa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the examples above indicate, the holiday season has
expanded. It seems to now start around Halloween. These events may overshadow
Christmas day itself and the fatigue brought on by the hype makes December 26th
all that much more welcomed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nevertheless, Merry Christmas.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Corinth's John Morris told me the following: A youngster, playing the role of the inn keeper in the annual Christmas pageant, decided to be a bit spontaneous. When the holy family approached and asked for room, he said, "Sorry, the inn is full, but you can come in for a beer." The story does not tell us whether or not such a kind offer was made and perhaps accepted. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-31244549026650122432022-11-22T08:39:00.081-05:002022-11-29T13:25:46.134-05:00The Impact of I-91 Between A Rock And A Hard Place
Journal Opinion November 16, 2022
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafDr7a8zikTUy-bwAMloVWDPAuGG4gYvLtr4uz6Q4aKa5CWZF9vBV2Lr4NtQl9NE_wCLdov5q_a83wB4V6C2ejyE4es5RZ2hxDXx8p8C_0-lvaC8GEp1pKjbju6VLOVqjtmXVaSCZFnUu8M9-niVnCmGSGHPfH0jALJ5N291HuXyyZ-fbTgNpoQSU/s3232/Interstateopens.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2158" data-original-width="3232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafDr7a8zikTUy-bwAMloVWDPAuGG4gYvLtr4uz6Q4aKa5CWZF9vBV2Lr4NtQl9NE_wCLdov5q_a83wB4V6C2ejyE4es5RZ2hxDXx8p8C_0-lvaC8GEp1pKjbju6VLOVqjtmXVaSCZFnUu8M9-niVnCmGSGHPfH0jALJ5N291HuXyyZ-fbTgNpoQSU/s320/Interstateopens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Note I have made several corrections to my original article, thanks to a helpful letter from Erik Sohlberg of St. Johnsbury)<div><br /></div><div>Fifty years ago, the new 4-lane highway was snaking its way along the Connecticut River. Interstate 91 eventually extended 177 miles from the Massachusetts line to the Canadian border. It was part of the greatest building project in human history. It changed the area forever.
When President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal Highway Act of 1956, he saw the possibilities of economic development, improved highway safety, and freedom from highway congestion. Amidst the Cold War there were defense implications as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>The highway was constructed from the Massachusetts' line to the southern St. Johnsbury exit and there it connected to the highway being built from the Canadian line.</div><div>Moving north, I-91 opened locally in stages, reaching towns as follows: Thetford and Fairlee 1971, Bradford 1972, and Wells River 1974. A temporary exit from the north to Rt. 5 opened at East Ryegate in 1971 as the highway was being constructed south from St. Johnsbury. The 15-mile section between Bradford and Ryegate did not open until 1974. The section between East Ryegate and Barnet was completed in November 1977. </div><div><br /></div><div>The exact route of the highway was the subject of considerable debate in the early 1960s. There was a rerouting effort that proposed to have the highway built up the middle of the state closer to Rutland in an “effort to serve more people.” There was an additional proposal to have the new highway be built on the east side of the Connecticut River.
Another proposal committee encouraged a plan that moved the route from Bellows Falls to Bethel and the “around robin hood’s barn” to St. Johnsbury. However, that route was discarded because it would delay construction by a minimum of three years and result in a net increase in cost.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Sohlberg points out, The route chosen up the Connecticut and Passumpsic valleys "was due to a decision to have the road connect population centers and avoid New Hampshire."</div><div><br /></div><div> As the plans for the highway were initially announced, most residents “were either accepting or resigned toward the approaching juggernaut.”
Others reacted differently. Conservative Hartland resident Herbert Ogden “saw the highway as a scourge that would destroy many of the good aspects of rural life in the Valley.”
In 1962, the impact of the highway raised fears in Thetford. One resident said, “You are trying to build too much of a highway. We don’t need it that big.” The fears were somewhat reduced when the plans showed the route to be between East Thetford and Thetford Hill rather than through the farmland further east.
In response to some criticism, one highway department spokesman suggested that if Thetford people did not want an interchange, it might be possible to eliminate it from the plan. That, of course, didn’t happen. </div><div><br /></div><div> One of the most intense route disputes was in Fairlee. That community fought to save both its village and Lake Morey by unsuccessfully suggesting several more westerly routes than the one that exists today. A town meeting vote confirmed the community’s support for a route west of the Palisades.
The location of the Fairlee exit was also debated. The original plan had the exit opposite the road to Orford. Some proposed that it be in Ely. The location of the exit at Lake Morey Road was a compromise.
Based on construction costs, the so-called red route through the village eventually won as it was the only route acceptable to federal officials.</div><div><br /></div><div> In Bradford, one proposed route would have built the interstate in the meadows east of the village and then on to the higher ground near Fairground Road. That was discarded for the route though the Waits River intervale. The proposal to have the highway reduce to two-lanes north of the Bradford interchange was discarded as well. </div><div><br /></div><div> The proposed route to Route 302 east of Wells River was built away from Route 5 along less populated and relatively undeveloped sections near West Newbury. There were also competing routes further north between the 302 interchange and Glover. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 1968, the Vermont Highway Department announced that building of the highway in the Bradford-Newbury area would be delayed for up to 3 years because of a federal freeze on funds and its desire complete I-89 first. </div><div><br /></div><div>As plans for the highway required the acquisition of private property in the right of way, the state offered each landowner an allowed amount. After unsuccessful price negotiations, the state always had the right to acquire the property by eminent domain.
In Fairlee, buildings in Adam’s Square and along the proposed route were removed.
In January 1969, the Highway Department offered these buildings for sale. The minimum bids ranged from $50 for a small garage to $600 for a 7-room house. The Fairlee Hardware store that sat at the corner of Route 5 and the Lake Morey Road was advertised for a minimum bid of $400. All sales were contingent on the new owners moving the building to a new location. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some landowners sought higher amounts by appealing to the Orange County court. In October 1968, local highway necessity cases included 80 property owners and 75 interested parties. Some cases went to jury trials. In 1969, one Thetford couple was offered $3,500 for their 13 acres of land, but a sympathetic jury awarded them $6,800. </div><div><br /></div><div> The cost of the highway, paid for by 90% federal funds, was about $1 million per mile with some sections, such as the one between Fairlee and Bradford, costing more. That is significantly less than it would cost today. It was also faster than it would be today. That the project was completed in a little more than a decade was “an amazing achievement.”
Several reasons for this the fact that land was cheaper in the building period. With fewer regulations on building projects, construction outfits were “up and ready to go once their bids were accepted.” Using a “cut and fill” technique, the road advanced, often filling ravines and wet areas with till. Bridge construction was much faster than could be achieved today. </div><div><br /></div><div> When the highway was completed, the impact was almost immediate. The changes were positive for some and not for others. Some families lost their homes, and, to the extent the highway negatively impacted businesses, their jobs. Some farmers lost land or found their property divided. Some residents had their wells affected by the construction.
As with the railroad and major highways earlier, some communities thrived and others were bypassed. As traffic was reduced on Rt. 5, some businesses languished. The transfer of the Tween Lakes Motel in Fairlee to a residential facility is a good example of impacted businesses.
As traffic increased, highway commercial areas developed around some interstate exits.</div><div><br /></div><div> The best example in the Upper Valley is the commercial development in White River and along 12A in West Lebanon near the junction of the two interstate highways.
While the exit at Thetford did not significantly change the immediate neighborhood, the one at Fairlee precipitated several new businesses immediately off the exit, including service stations, a grocery store and a hardware store. </div><div><br /></div><div> In Bradford, the growth of new businesses on the Lower Plain was directly influenced by the nearby interchange. In the years before, and after its completion, the businesses were developed or enlarged on the Lower Plain and in the nearby Pierson Industrial Park.
Access to the interstate with shorter travel times and lower transportation costs enhanced businesses such as Copeland Furniture and Farmway. </div><div><br /></div><div> The increased traffic at the junction of Rtes. 5 and 25 in Bradford led to the installation of the first traffic signals in Orange County. There were also warnings that exiting traffic at Bradford would use the Creamery Bridge road to the village increased congestion.
At Exit 17 on Route 302 east of Wells River, the P & H truck stop and the adjacent Newbury Industrial Park met the public and commercial needs generated by the interstate.</div><div><br /></div><div> During its construction, the highway between Fairlee and Bradford employed 110 workers. The completed highway had a profound impact on employment, not only at the new or enlarged businesses adjacent to the exits, but also for those who lived locally and worked in larger communities.
UVM Professor Frank Bryan referred to the creation of bedroom communities as “the divorce of work and home.” </div><div><br /></div><div>Previously people were more likely to live and work in the same place.
By 1976, one-third of Thetford’s labor force worked in the Hanover-Lebanon area. As many of these positions were well-paid, it enhanced Thetford’s contributions to the economy. This trend was replicated in other towns in the area. New park and ride sites along I-91, and morning traffic heading south from area town, show this connection is still strong. </div><div><br /></div><div> There was concern that the highway would create an over response to “Vermont, The Beckoning Country.” The locally-produced theater production “The Blog That Ate Vermont” explored these fears.
In 1964, 14 area towns formed the Central Connecticut Valley Association to help encourage regional resources, conservation and development projects. At the initial meeting 150 area residents met at Thetford Academy. Over the years the organization was involved in projects including developing employment opportunities and recreational access. </div><div><br /></div><div> The Upper Valley was more accessible to large urban populations within a day’s drive. This greatly enhanced the number of new full- and part-time residents and tourists.
Between 1960 and 2007, Thetford saw a 165% growth. In the period between 1970 and 1980, Fairlee grew by 27% and Bradford by 43%.
Bryan commented that the influx of new faces meant that “’Where are you from?’ is a much more common question when meeting fellow residents than it was in the past.” Today, the obituaries of local residents reflect how often many “are from away.” Before 1970, one would rarely see any but white faces in Bradford or Wells River-Woodsville. </div><div><br /></div><div>The enactment of Act 250, along with local zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations, was a response to the influx of new residents and the development of the second home industry. While these made sense to many, others valued property owner rights too much to accept centralized planning. </div><div><br /></div><div> There was also a dramatic increase in “so called bridge traffic,” non-Vermont traffic that was just passing through. In many ways, Vermont was a central park between Boston-New York and Montreal-Quebec City. Tourists bound for the White Mountains enhanced the traffic exiting at Wells River.
It was not just Americans using the new highway. There was a significant increase in the amount of Canadian traffic. That included personal vehicles and large trucks carrying raw materials and finished goods. </div><div><br /></div><div>The highway, with its higher speeds, also had an impact on shopping patterns. Trips from the local area to businesses in the Lebanon area and beyond were significantly more common. Area residents were more likely to travel 20 or more miles north or south for dining or shopping. Conversely, residents from aw3ay made trips to Bradford for dinner at Colatina Exit or to shop at Farmway.
Likewise, quick access to Dartmouth Hitchcock reduced the travel time for emergency vehicles.</div><div><br /></div><div> While some local businesses prospered from the enhanced access, others could not compete. The reduction of Bradford village as a shopping destination directly resulted from its inability to compete. The additional impacts from the internet and Vermont’s sales tax only hastened its decline. </div><div><br /></div><div> The cultural lag that rural areas often experience decreased as the outside world’s impact was more prominent. Unfortunately, the importation of illegal drugs was far easier. </div><div><br /></div><div> As the section opened between Fairlee and Bradford in 1972, it was estimated that within a year, an average daily traffic volume of 3,500 vehicles would use the section. Route 5 would be reduced to a daily volume of 1100. Some feared Route 5 would be so abandoned that “grass would grow in the cracks.”</div><div><br /></div><div> In 2021, the Vermont Department of Transportation reports there was a daily total of 1,797 vehicles using Exit 15 in Fairlee and 2,309 using Exit 16 in Bradford. Through traffic at Exit 16 includes 3,258 northbound and 3305 southbound.
Traffic on Route 5 is reported as 4,358 vehicles from Fairlee’s Lake Morey Road to the turn to Orford’s Bridge Street and 2,333 from that point to the four corners in Bradford. In all these cases, one vehicle may be counted more than once, coming and going. </div><div><br /></div><div> As you can see, the history of many of the towns in our area can be divided into the periods before and after the arrival of I-91. It changed the Upper Valley socially, economically, and politically as few things have over the area’s long history. And it continues to do so.
</div>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-81538566303888891832022-10-07T06:52:00.000-04:002022-10-07T06:52:09.013-04:00Still In The Game<p> </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR8JeZY0zWKMedah6fYUW2cll9ZZ2JYh15WNqsRSvz1t0F6lPThVWhVxKCpzjRetygToKpL8BfHGkW1wOKEoQIl7_sJe2hB61o6owNepaJwfB2lggmkdEMs_lxMw1i-0fb8-lnGQu0u32ARvvh2v-teMkea_0rOxGScpGr1oKHWSk0ES70kiZ6Ri7/s640/Rob%20Elder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR8JeZY0zWKMedah6fYUW2cll9ZZ2JYh15WNqsRSvz1t0F6lPThVWhVxKCpzjRetygToKpL8BfHGkW1wOKEoQIl7_sJe2hB61o6owNepaJwfB2lggmkdEMs_lxMw1i-0fb8-lnGQu0u32ARvvh2v-teMkea_0rOxGScpGr1oKHWSk0ES70kiZ6Ri7/w194-h247/Rob%20Elder.JPG" width="194" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canning for a good cause: Piermont's Rob Elder, a newly-minted</td></tr></tbody></table> octogenarian, collects returnable bottles and cans at the Bradford golf course and elsewhere to benefit the Piermont 7 & 8th grade trip. Just one of the many civic activities of this energetic elder. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsD11FynacPW_V7TbpSPWXjybczC3C1C-0ihMXAJWkVa49nb16UQb5OPzu3OBwuIln5t5keVcwK-VStb18OYLcE6dc75c9AxHXVlwbiTPQFSB89ab8fFyiFzXp9e_yzJtMZ-TQzGBbVLwdfyXiF5XYBxkd8zRRP803V7r4I9OvcSsYDO7ll--G9h4/s3108/EdPop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3108" data-original-width="3042" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsD11FynacPW_V7TbpSPWXjybczC3C1C-0ihMXAJWkVa49nb16UQb5OPzu3OBwuIln5t5keVcwK-VStb18OYLcE6dc75c9AxHXVlwbiTPQFSB89ab8fFyiFzXp9e_yzJtMZ-TQzGBbVLwdfyXiF5XYBxkd8zRRP803V7r4I9OvcSsYDO7ll--G9h4/w306-h320/EdPop.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chief Energizer: Ed Pospisil assumed the role of chief of Corinth's volunteer fire department a decade ago. During his tenure, he has been able to secure state-of-the-art equipment to an energized force. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRZwU89oZGd_ZVoG-mXyb5XPDCoPZUEG3OQkkgfObCHqnXkm_fTVfoymV3PpkPOEDhNcNJdKLQa1ucoBB3pIf6SI-DI3apk10xxQZhGUU_mKEY1nrJJ2PqSw9eXAHJ6vE6Pg70oCqyyBF9t6A9IZmDwY-MqCtZmwyD0bhuWV7GmRwxPJYAjvH-NZe/s640/Mrs.%20Brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="478" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRZwU89oZGd_ZVoG-mXyb5XPDCoPZUEG3OQkkgfObCHqnXkm_fTVfoymV3PpkPOEDhNcNJdKLQa1ucoBB3pIf6SI-DI3apk10xxQZhGUU_mKEY1nrJJ2PqSw9eXAHJ6vE6Pg70oCqyyBF9t6A9IZmDwY-MqCtZmwyD0bhuWV7GmRwxPJYAjvH-NZe/s320/Mrs.%20Brown.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still in the game at 103: Haverhill's Evelyn Brown's advice to younger members of the community is "Do it while you can." She is pictured with just one of the numerous quilts she makes for sale and as gifts. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Journal Opinion, Sept. 28, 2022</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It can be
easily understood why Vermonters live longer than the persons in most other
states, there’s so much worth-while to stick around for.” St. Albans Daily
Messenger, Nov 1, 1935</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If this can
be said about Vermonters, it must also be true of those who live in New
Hampshire and Maine, as those are the only two states with an older population.
The population of all three states is aging more rapidly than in other states.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In times
past, Americans have been ambivalent in their attitudes toward the elderly.
Terms such as frail, decrepit, doddering, stooped, senile, long in the tooth,
or infirm describe the negative sides of old age. Elders were sometimes thought of as being in
the way. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On the other
hand, others celebrated longevity. Elders were sources of accumulated wisdom
gathered from a lifetime of experiences. Many who lived to a ripe old age were
considered as vibrant and “well preserved.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Newspaper
articles frequently commented on the elderly in their community. In 1873, a
Haverhill columnist wrote, “the healthfulness of our village is often remarked,
and the longevity of its inhabitants is something remarkable.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Several
years later, newspapers carried the following on Newbury’s “remarkable
percentage of longevity.” In a population of 2,300, “there were no fewer than
42 persons who are more than eighty years of age, still living and of these
seven have passed their ninetieth year.” The writer credited that record to the
relative lack of doctors and lawyers in town. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Better
health care and healthier lifestyles have increased the life expectancy of
residents of the area. An individual that lives past 65 has a good chance of
living to be 80 and beyond. Studies have shown that many “people tend to feel
younger as they get older.” There is something to be said about 80 being the
new 60. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
remainder of this column is a celebration of eight area residents who are 80
years of age or older and are “still in the game.” As you will see, this means
that they still lead a vigorous and rewarding life, rewarding both for
themselves and for the community in which they live. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rob Elder of
Piermont is a newly-minted 80-year older, reaching that milestone this
September. I play a round of golf almost daily with Rob and somewhere around
the 4th hole, I ask him about his agenda for the day. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That agenda
is filled with community volunteer activities. Almost too much for any one
person, it includes mentoring a young man, organizing six blood drives
annually, delivering meals on wheels, and serving as a cornerstone of the
Piermont Congregational Church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As a member
of the area’s Interchurch Council, Rob is pivotal to the operation of its food
shelf. He gathers donations to resupply the shelf and helps with the
distribution to needy families. This is coupled with his role as area
representative for the Salvation Army, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As we go
around the Bradford golf course, play is interspersed with the collection of
empty bottles and cans, something he does whenever there is an opportunity. The
money he gains from the annual collection of 8,000 items is donated to the
Piermont 7th and 8th-grade class trip.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> When asked if he is going to slow down now
that he is 80, Rob quotes Galatians 6.9, “let us not grow weary while doing
good…”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ed Pospisil
has served as Chief of the Corinth Fire Department for a decade. For this 81-year-old, this is a continuation
of a lifelong interest in the fire service that began in New York City when he
was just 6.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">His fire
service career included both New York and Hartford, CT. He retired from the
latter with the rank of Lieutenant and as the most highly decorated firefighter
in the department. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">During his
membership in the Corinth Fire Department, Ed has used his connections with
urban departments to obtain state-of-the-art equipment for Corinth. Taking
advantage of those departments’ policies of retiring equipment that is still
very serviceable, he has acquired six vehicles, bunker gear, and a jaws-of-life
tool. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
leadership has led to an energizing of the department into an organization that
merged two smaller companies. Membership has grown to 25 volunteers. A renewed
effort to replace two aging firehouses led to a drive to build a new one. In
2020, a new 4-bay firehouse was completed on donated land on Fairground Road.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ed’s pride
in the fire company he leads is evident in his voice. When asked why he was
still so involved, Ed said, “It is something I love, it’s very dear to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another
Corinth resident still very much in the game is author and conservationist
82-year-old Laura Waterman. She and her husband Guy moved to Corinth in the
1970s and adopted an off-the-grid lifestyle. They became experts on mountain
climbing in the Northeast and wrote extensively about mountain environment and
history. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Following
her husband’s death in 2000, Laura continued her work as a writer, having
recently completed her second memoir. She is also writing a novel about opera
singer Maria Callas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In a recent
telephone interview, Laura talked about her role on the Board of Directors of
the Waterman Foundation that was established to continue emphasizing their
life-long role as mountain stewards. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Laura
maintains a large garden, emphasizing feeding herself as much as possible. She
said gratitude for health and opportunities best expresses her attitude toward
an aging life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Helping to develop a sense of community in a
town that has changed over the years is a focus of 82-year-old Ann Green of
Orford. Ann is on the Board of Directors
of the town historical society, a volunteer at the Orford Social Library,
delivers meals on wheels in Orford and Lyme, and helps to distribute produce
collected by the Willing Hands organization. Ann has helped to organize the
Orford-Fairlee 4th of July parade for many years. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She
explained that one project that carried out the sense of community goal was the
creation of the new bandstand on the Orford common. The idea came from a simple
conversation. A group of five organized the Band Stand Committee and raised
private donations for its construction. Each summer the committee, with partial
assistance from the town, organizes six concerts using local bands. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ann
brightens any room she occupies with a broad smile and cheerful greeting. There
is no doubt that helps to garner support for her projects. Asked about the concept of actual age v. felt
age, Ann confessed that sometimes she feels vulnerable to the effects of aging
and takes caution against accidents. Something, she believes, she shares with
others who are just “old enough.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At 3 A.M.
tomorrow morning, 82-year-old Douglas Miller will be in the barn doing chores
at his Bradford South Road farm. He and
his son Robert have 20 beef cattle and one milk cow. They sell hay, maple syrup and calves. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Doug is the
newest member of Bradford’s Board of Listers, a position he held from 1978 to
1989. He is also chair of the Bradford Development Review Board. This is the new title for the Zoning Board of
Adjustment, on which he has served for nearly 40 years. He also was a Bradford Select Board member
from 1988-1998.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
experience, coupled with a strong memory for details, makes Doug one of
Bradford’s residents most familiar with the town’s physical characteristics. As
I have always been complimentary of Doug’s ability to recall facts, I asked him
if he felt he is as sharp as he ever was. “Off just a bit.” was his
response. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I asked this
practical traditionalist if he was optimistic about the future. He said he was
optimistic but did not believe things will change as much as many others think.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> 84-year-old Bill Murphy of Lyme epitomizes the
title, “still in the game.” He is teaching social studies at Hanover High for
the 62nd year. He is an honored and
beloved member of that school’s community, having taught generations of
students. Teaching his students civic responsibility is a significant focus of
his courses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In 2020, Bill
entered his name in the New Hampshire Republican Presidential Primary, getting
less than 500 votes. Whether he enters in 2024 depends on who else seeks the
nomination. Either way, his bid offered
an example of the civic responsibility he fosters in his classroom. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I spoke to
Bill as he was preparing for another day at school. He loves the routine of “teaching the kids.”
“I started teaching when I was 23,” he said, “and the kids were 16.” They are still 16, so thinking young, “I
should still be 23.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bill is
known for his coaching of Hanover’s Quiz Bowl Team which has won championships
in both states numerous times. He is
also writing a history of Hanover High School.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bill also is
active in the Lyme Congregational Church, where he serves on the church
outreach board. With his love of
history, it is not surprising that he is vice-president of the Lyme
Historians. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Mover and
shaker” is the description that comes to mind for 86-year- old Don Weaver of
Fairlee. Don is a part-time resident at
Lake Morey, having come there since he was 2.
He spends the remainder of the year in North Carolina. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the past,
Don played a pivotal role in moving of the Fairlee Town Library to its new
location, in restoring the Fairlee Town Hall and in Fairlee’s 250th celebration.
He is currently co-chair of the Lake Morey Commission. The latter is an
extension of a 30-year effort to protect the lake’s health, leading to almost
total eradication of mill foil.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Don retired
in 1989. “Sitting on his hands” is not in his nature. He “enjoys big projects” and “the more
difficult a project is, the more enjoyable the challenge.” He is especially challenged by projects that
others believe cannot be done. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When talking
of his key role in the town hall project, Don hoped the restored space would
activate the residents of Fairlee to take part in and enjoy cultural programs.
A recent program held in the hall drew over 100 spectators. The sense of
satisfaction that he felt as he watched the turnout was his reward.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When asked
what advice she would give to these folks in their 80s, 103-year-old Evelyn
Brown of Haverhill said, “eat healthy, keep busy and never get bored.” During
her 29 years in Haverhill, Evelyn has gained a reputation for her sewing of
quilts of all sizes. She says she learned to sew from her mother, who often
used material from feed bags. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Her sewing room is filled with pieces of
cloth, either donated or purchased, waiting to be hand quilted. “I always have
a quilt going. I can’t image anyone with a sewing machine being bored,” she
says. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Since January she has made 11 baby quilts, 8
sofa quilts, and children’s book bags.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She
handcrafts the quilts using traditional patterns, using both new and repurposed
pieces. She displayed some of her older creations for my wife and me and
readily recalled the origin of many of the pieces. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Evelyn sells
some of her creations, but many are just given away. Parents of newborns are
gifted baby quilts. Book bags are donated to the local library and church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Evelyn Brown
is the concept of “still in the game” personified. What about staying in the
game? “Do it while you can,” she advised. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the
interest of full disclosure, I selected this topic as I will be 80 in
October. While my activity agenda is
still reasonably full, I am interested in how others, of reasonably good
health, have dealt with being in their 80s.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> I could have interviewed a similar group that
was overwhelmed by the ill effects of aging, but I chose to offer these individuals
as models instead. I am sure that
readers are familiar with elders in their community to serve as models of being
still in the game. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I think that
all these eight individuals can identify with a quote I found on Laura
Waterman’s website. “Whatever you can do or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
Begin it now.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<br />Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-12795686676277187972022-09-13T10:49:00.000-04:002022-09-13T10:49:10.319-04:00There is Nothing Like Baseball<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCF-vAArMb9P0MRGGdxEqBmIDgkEpsHxbZQhdSK3G5vA4GhsG6SCyrDsRsuTUtsy8K4JqukRy6OJvIJea4sRaPhMhtNAppr1_eBOJDp6ogXS5cOsl5jQqQ5FBHNpGDgI1Fkd0RCF65mdTV46FJ15Ult_QTYTbMDKUWODxikc0FXwquvjz1IcXZ44vp/s639/Baseball%20poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="479" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCF-vAArMb9P0MRGGdxEqBmIDgkEpsHxbZQhdSK3G5vA4GhsG6SCyrDsRsuTUtsy8K4JqukRy6OJvIJea4sRaPhMhtNAppr1_eBOJDp6ogXS5cOsl5jQqQ5FBHNpGDgI1Fkd0RCF65mdTV46FJ15Ult_QTYTbMDKUWODxikc0FXwquvjz1IcXZ44vp/s320/Baseball%20poster.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />A CALL FOR
SPECTATORS. In the early 20th century, baseball teams from area high schools
competed against each other as well as against men’s town teams. Community
enthusiasm brought out large crowds of spectators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Bradford Historical Society)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2mdrQLGrtyCzCrOL7ugVg8rFlYAQas0ZqTMdM04wYcoimx7nRvDFoUj5yCXIY-0Q_Y80SqkmE6MDVa_HI6FvC4ltX-uGubeRdGoow5w2m-QrOKLjrEyy_BYLG5RZIHwkYGaGwKrOjD2iWvUS6WvvTYRpwtLB62UJbbMIt_ctOClnoeyGoAu8XhJ4/s534/Baseball%20Orford.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="534" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2mdrQLGrtyCzCrOL7ugVg8rFlYAQas0ZqTMdM04wYcoimx7nRvDFoUj5yCXIY-0Q_Y80SqkmE6MDVa_HI6FvC4ltX-uGubeRdGoow5w2m-QrOKLjrEyy_BYLG5RZIHwkYGaGwKrOjD2iWvUS6WvvTYRpwtLB62UJbbMIt_ctOClnoeyGoAu8XhJ4/s320/Baseball%20Orford.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />NORTHERN
VALLEY LEAGUE CHAMPS. In 1948, the Orford town team won over East Corinth to
seal league honors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These men came from
Orford, Fairlee, Strafford and West Fairlee. Their manager was George Bedell.
(Bradford Public Library) <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The annual Labor Day celebration will be held at East Corinth again this
year…the highlight of which will be the baseball game between the married and
single men. Teams gathered from across the countryside will cross bats and the
keen rivalry will arouse plenty of fun and excitement for the baseball fans.”
The United Opinion, Aug 24, 1934 <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In June,
this column’s article examined how baseball became a national pastime and its
rise to prominence in the local area between the 1840s and 1900.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That column, which describes 19th century
town, league and professional players, can be found at “Rise of Baseball”
larrycoffin.blogspot.com. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This column
surveys the sport during the first 60 years of the 20th century. It is only a
partial story of this popular pastime with bits and pieces included. Stories of
games does not mean that other exciting matches were not being played in
neighboring towns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Civil War
veterans organized town baseball teams soon after their return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All local towns had at least one team during
the latter part of the 19th century. If a town’s team folded, another soon
replaced it with renewed vigor and support.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matches
between town teams were spirited with large crowds of spectators. That spirit
was enhanced by the need for revenge from earlier contests. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That vigor
continued well into the new century, and town teams continued to draw crowds.
In many towns, townball generated a sense of community pride and enthusiasm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bradford’s
town team met other towns’ teams on the fairground before large crowds. The
local United Opinion correspondent for Pike reflected that village’s
enthusiasm. One June, that column described how the Pike Tigers “masticated the
Newbury team” in an 8-0 game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other towns, there was less enthusiasm. In
1902, one Vermont newspaper reported, “For several years past there has been
little doing in the summer in the way of athletics, and, in the minds of many,
that was a deplorable fact.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">High schools
in the area fielded teams. Haverhill Academy’s Athletic Association team met
Bradford Academy, Groton, and Woodsville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These high school teams sometimes played local men’s teams as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Local summer
youth camps such as Moosilauke and Pemigewassett also took on<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>local teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 1911, a village team from Thetford Hill played a camp team on the
common to a large crowd. In 1916, local teams played the Dartmouth Seconds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bradford’s
United Opinion and the Groton Times carried news of professional teams, college
contests and the results of games in larger communities. Some of those urban
teams were part of leagues such as the Sunset League.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The young
men from the area that joined the military during World War I took their love
of baseball with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several hundred
military teams were formed as a means of boosting morale.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Returning
veterans were anxious to get home to see a town baseball game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Wells River, a new ball field was created,
and “there was considerable talk of a town baseball team of similar caliber to
the teams of olden times.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Babe Ruth’s
legendary play during the 1920s renewed enthusiasm for the game at all
levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1921, Woodsville’s team play
included the Groton Mfg. Co. team, but in 1923 it did not field players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a “dead summer,” the team was revived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Groton
Times reflected, “baseball puts a lot of life into a town.” Corinth, Ryegate,
Newbury, and Topsham reportedly had “good teams of local players.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In 1922, a
Twilight baseball league was established, playing “baseball for the sake of
recreation.” It drew crowds of up to 200 spectators. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">State laws
prohibited the playing of baseball on Sunday. In 1907, Bradford officials
stopped local boys from pickup games on a remote field on Sundays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1924 there was a serious debate on the
subject in Woodsville.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One person wrote “Baseball is being played in
several places not many miles away on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know a number of people who would like to see games in Woodsville on
Sunday afternoons.” Despite the prohibition, Sunday baseball was played in
several area communities, including East Corinth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1939, Vermont finally allowed local
communities to set aside these restrictions. The following year, Bradford
voters approved Sunday baseball by 148 to 37, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Throughout
the 1920s and 30s, townball was a regular event throughout the area. Virtually
every town or village had a men’s team. Businesses that had enough workers
often had a team.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Examples included Neapolitan Co. of Fairlee,
the Bobbin mill in East Corinth, a Purina team from St. Johnsbury, and a Wax
Paper Co. team from Rockingham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Wildwood CCC Camp League was formed in 1935 by area camps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Newspaper
accounts rarely estimated the number of spectators at regular games. Smaller
crowds led to editorial comments such as “It is a whole generation since the
baseball team was the small town’s greatest pride and joy” or “Towns use to
take its baseball seriously, almost religiously.” One reason for the dwindling
number of spectators? The rise of radio and motion pictures provided
competition. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, in 1932, the new Woodsville Athletic
Association was able to raise $1,500 so that locals could “enjoy baseball of
indeed high caliber.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As in the
past, town teams often disbanded only to reorganize. In Bradford a new team was
formed in 1929. It was reorganized in 1934 to join a league from the two
states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Local businessmen provided money
for uniforms and equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There were
teams that had outstanding seasons during the period. In 1923, 1925, and 1926,
Woodsville High won the north country championship and at least one state
championship in the 1950s. With Dan Murphy as pitcher, Bradford Academy won the
state championship in 1932. In 1938, Groton High won 12 out of 14 games against
neighboring schools. In 1960, Haverhill Academy won the state
championship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In 1941, the
Bradford team played a team from Greenwich, CT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The visitors stayed at a local farm, enjoyed a baked bean supper, and
slept in the hayloft. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">During World
War II, servicemen were supplied with equipment to play baseball where they
were stationed. One United Opinion column mentioned, “There is no question of
the influence of baseball at the front. The yen of every American soldier is to
strike Hitler out, nab Mussolini off first and get Tojo trying to steal home
with bases full.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At home,
many minor league teams were disbanded due to lack of players. There were fewer
newspaper references to local baseball. Even local high school teams played a
reduced schedule due to war-born necessities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1948, a resurrected Bradford team,
including recruits from Piermont and other nearby towns, began to play on the
newly-built Memorial Field. In earlier years, teams had rejected players from
other towns. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Later that
year, the Bradford team played Woodsville in a double header. The United
Opinion predicted, “a rousing, fast, good-natured tooth-and-toenail game.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That same
year, under manager George Bedell, the Orford town team, won over East Corinth
to became the champions of the Northern Valley League. This team had players
from Orford, Strafford, West Fairlee, and Fairlee. Men on that team that I knew
as a youngster included Cope Corpieri, George Smith, Bill Thurber, and Roy
Guptill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the entire period, pickup sandlot
games were still popular among kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no need for umpires, coaches or spectators, and arguments were
quickly settled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All a kid
wanted for Christmas or his birthday was a baseball glove or Louisville Slugger
bat. When a new mitt was not forthcoming, one that was broken in by an older
sibling met the need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In 1925, the
American Legion veterans’ organization formed a baseball program for teenage
boys. Its focus was to have an organized program to foster the growth of young
men into active citizens. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Within a
year, the program had expanded into 25 states, including New Hampshire and
Vermont. The program featured post-season tournaments that led to a national
championship. Early local teams were organized in Lebanon and Hartford. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In 1938,
Carl Stotz of Williamsport. PA, responding to the lack of organized baseball
for younger boys, organized the first Little League team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 1950, it had spread to 28 states with over
900 teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That year
the first Little League teams began to form in New Hampshire and Vermont, with
teams in Concord and Portsmouth and St. Albans and Burlington. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Within two
years, there were teams in Bradford, East Corinth, Fairlee, North Haverhill,
and other local towns. Community organizations and local businesses sponsored
teams, raising money for equipment, uniforms, and other expenses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In March 1952,
Bradford’s United Opinion encouraged attendance at Little League games. The
editor wrote that Little League replaces “uncoached and unsupervised scrub
games with needless injuries and the loss of a lot of real talent that went
unnoticed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That same year,
a junior league was formed for those boys who were too old for Little League.
The teams included the Bradford Indians, East Corinth Red Sox, Fairlee-Orford
Tigers and Newbury Dodgers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dr. Robert
Munson, whose father, Dr. Philip Munson,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>was instrumental in promoting youth baseball in Bradford, played all
these levels of organized youth baseball. This did not, he said, prevent him
from calling up the neighborhood boys for an impromptu game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Despite the
Legion’s assurance that the program’s goal was not to produce great baseball
players, many professional players gained experience as Legion players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Those listed
below were not the first professionals from the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Libe Washburn was born in Lyme in 1874 and
was a star pitcher for Brown University before going professional. He played
for the NY Giants and Philadelphia Phillies in 1902-1903.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was described as a “Hard-hitting
left-handed twirler.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">William
“Doc” Hazelton was born in Strafford in 1876 and, after attending Tufts, played
for the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1902 season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a “fast first baseman [who] bats like
a fiend.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went on to coach at
Dartmouth and UVM.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If there
were a local field for baseball dreams, it would be centered in Woodsville in
the 20th century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two lifelong friends
played for Woodsville High, and, after graduating in 1948, went on to
professional careers. Both young men played Legion ball. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bob Smith
signed with Boston after graduation from Woodsville, but the Korean War
interrupted his professional debut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
first played professionally on April 29, 1955. During a career that lasted
until 1959, this left-handed pitcher played for the Cardinals, Pirates and
Tigers organizations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">His friend
John Bagonzi had an outstanding athletic career at UNH and, in 1953, signed a
contract with the Red Sox and was assigned to their San Francisco Triple A
affiliate. After a stint in the military, he played for both Boston and Chicago
Cub affiliates. An arm injury ended his professional career, but not his
influence in local baseball.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He returned
to teach and coach at Woodsville High and local town teams. He became one of
New Hampshire’s most successful coaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His influence was significant in the careers of other players who became
professionals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One
professional<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>coached by Bagonzi was
Steve Blood, an 1971 Woodsville High graduate. A recent article in The Bridge
Weekly described Blood’s career. An East Ryegate native, Blood played all
levels of youth baseball, from Little League and Babe Ruth to Legion Ball. He
was a member of the Babe Ruth All-Star team that won in VT State championship.
Under Coach Bagonzi, Blood pitched for the WHS state championship teams in
1969, 1970, and 1971. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After
graduation, Blood was drafted by the Minnesota Twins and pitched off and on for
their minor leagues through 1975.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
outstanding seasons for the Fort Lauderdale and Lynchburg teams. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At Bagonzi’s
funeral, Steve told the assembled crowd, “In five years of professional ball, I
never had a pitching coach who knew as much as Mr. B.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another
local athlete who was coached by Bagonai was George Huntington of Bradford.
Huntington was a catcher for Bradford Academy, graduating in 1958.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He played on Legion teams and was a member of
the Newbury town team that went to the semi-pro World Series in 1959 and again
with the “newly christened” Woodsville team in 1960.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From1960 to 1962, Huntington played for the
Milwaukee Braves organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From
1963-1967 he played and managed for the Coaticook Canadiens team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until his death in 2009, Huntington continued
to coach in both Vermont and New Hampshire. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Baseball was
a boy-man’s event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several women’s
colleges established women’s baseball teams in the 1860s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Determined to excluded women, men suggested
that baseball was too difficult for women and would “disrupt feminine
sensibilities.” Despite the opposition, these college teams lasted until the
late 1800s.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In July
1930, the New York Bloomer Girls team played against the Fairlee men’s
team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bloomer Girls of New York City
had been undefeated since 1911. Fairlee won 5-2.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the 1930s, girls at Orford High,
Bradford Academy and Newbury High had baseball teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">During World
War II, Philip Wrigley, owner of the Chicago Cubs, sponsored a league of
women’s barnstorming teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Girls were
prohibited from Little League play until sex discrimination lawsuits forced
officials to open the teams in 1974. In at least one Vermont community the
issue was “community splitting.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, to quote
Yogi Berra, “It ain’t over ‘till it’s over.” In the next 60 years, baseball
would continue throughout the area. Town teams would come and go. Teams at
local high schools would excel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Youth
baseball would continue to attract youngsters to the game. Some of the best
players would be tempted into professional career. Girls played a stronger
role. Many continued to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>agree, “there is
nothing like baseball.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-13684113441128074552022-08-02T14:09:00.003-04:002022-08-02T14:09:42.382-04:00Cool It!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHlAMV9zshYaDuiT8Cf7g1aKt81jr2iKDkAP41HKmAvMpYI2qKYlFLRO9RJND77sPEQHzzQExNPl--0N1Ywn7D4vmom2AnmhLeO10pt8MZPMsn0kd8noiadTsJCYZtWEGxF4qsWxZvEMIKrxwqhQ4y_E8ia6ofsTcvIPLA6iMzV7Tm9qIBWEsksKP/s900/front-porch-1940-via-library-of-congress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="900" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHlAMV9zshYaDuiT8Cf7g1aKt81jr2iKDkAP41HKmAvMpYI2qKYlFLRO9RJND77sPEQHzzQExNPl--0N1Ywn7D4vmom2AnmhLeO10pt8MZPMsn0kd8noiadTsJCYZtWEGxF4qsWxZvEMIKrxwqhQ4y_E8ia6ofsTcvIPLA6iMzV7Tm9qIBWEsksKP/s320/front-porch-1940-via-library-of-congress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Front Porch Respit. In 1940, this Vermont woman found relief from household work and the summer's heat. During the summer months, northern New Englanders used the shade offered by porches for relaxing or, in the case of larger ones, for outdoor sleeping. (Library of Congress)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_hd2D38e2Af43HAZwF6mP6o21SY8-htkI312ZTYHE8ZpJaoIh3yEAJf00zHdJBh7UL7NiNEltGMZnmT9LXuZqYYyxgNB3LLh6rN2NA2xJutKTMrz4WSkvNkYpBZ4oL8tTM8Y4P_vKUSZHeaYXFMvNAtFSZjlpUyYbjXbnmSNO-rcHxSxCl9Lm737/s700/Ice%20cutting%20NH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="700" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_hd2D38e2Af43HAZwF6mP6o21SY8-htkI312ZTYHE8ZpJaoIh3yEAJf00zHdJBh7UL7NiNEltGMZnmT9LXuZqYYyxgNB3LLh6rN2NA2xJutKTMrz4WSkvNkYpBZ4oL8tTM8Y4P_vKUSZHeaYXFMvNAtFSZjlpUyYbjXbnmSNO-rcHxSxCl9Lm737/s320/Ice%20cutting%20NH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Winter Ice, Summer Cooling. Harvested ice from the area's lakes and rivers was stored in ice houses for use during the rest of the year. This was winter's cash crop for both personal and commercial use. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">"It is very much as one looks at it whether one is to suffer
or enjoy most during the summer. Fretting and fidgeting and violent fanning
adds to one’s discomfort.” Orleans County Monitor July 15, 1895.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Warmer summers are here to stay. There have been past periods
of extreme heat in Northern New England. The summers of 1911, 1936, and 2021
are examples of summers that had a series of heat waves, with the latter being
one of the hottest summers on record. For some, this summer will even surpass
that one. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These are the days we sometimes look back to last winter for
cooler temperature. This column explores how people kept cool in the years
before air conditioning made sizzling summer work, dining, or sleeping more
comfortable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It includes some
time-honored methods still used by area residents, and some that have passed
away with time and inventions. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few previous
columns included ways in which area residents and visitors have dealt with hot
summer temperatures. The following are brief excerpts from those articles. The
full articles can be found at larrycoffin.blogspot.com. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For over 200 years, area residents have hosted summer
visitors at commercial and private facilities. In Aug 1871, Orford’s Hale’s
Hotel hosted “a large number of city boarders who have come to stop through the
hot weather.” Hostels and private cabins offered residents and tourists
opportunities to enjoy local lakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mountain locations were especially appealing to summer
tourists. The Breezy Point House at Mt. Moosilauke hosted wealthy summer guests
who traded the stifle of the city for the fresh air of the mountains. The full
article can be found at “Summer Tourist Trade.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Summer residential youth camps have flourished in the Upper
Valley from early in the 20th century. Those who established camps such as
Farwell on Hall’s Pond, Aloha on Lake Morey, and Moosilauke on Upper Baker Pond
were pioneers in the youth camp movement. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Annually, trains brought urban youth to enjoy the refreshing
lake-side environments. Hiking, swimming, and canoeing were among the many camp
activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These camps had the added
benefit of freeing parents of their children during the long summer vacations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The full article is entitled “Going to Summer
Camp.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Swimming and other outdoor recreations helped folks deal
with the summer heat. Hall’s Pond, Baldwin Bridge, Flat Rock, Ticklenaked Pond,
and Lake Morey were among the swimming locations that called young and old
alike for a refreshing dip. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Just as tourists sought cool mountain locations, locals
enjoyed hiking for day walks, picnics, or camping. Bicycling, canoeing as well
as lawn games brought residents out of doors in the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This third excerpt can be found on the blog
at “Late Summer Fun.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In times past, spring houses were one method used by area
rural residents to kept perishable farm products and household foods from
spoiling. Built over running water or a spring, this small structure allowed
items to be kept in the cold water or on shelves. Spring houses were especially
important for the safe storage of butter, milk, and other heat-sensitive
foodstuffs. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before air conditioning and electric refrigeration, ice
harvesting utilized winter’s cold to combat summer’s heat. The area’s many
lakes and rivers provided a harvest of ice that was stored in private or
professional insulated ice houses. It was winter’s cash crop.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ice cutters used huge
blades to cut ice that was at least 18” thick. The work was hard and often
dangerous. Horses, and later tractors, were used to haul the heavy loads of ice
away.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Area newspapers described this annual activity. In January
1883, 20 men hauled ice for the Bradford Ice Company. Five hundred tons of ice
were stored in one company’s ice houses in Woodsville and Wells River in 1885. According
to the Adirondack Almanack, some 5,000 men cut ice on Lake Champlain in 1890.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1896, Orford’s ice
houses were filled with ice of “large quantities and of most excellent quality”
from Lake Morey. In Feb 1911, Newbury men filled the creamery ice house with
100 tons of ice in just two days. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A late fall, an open winter, or an extremely hot summer
often led to a shortage of ice. In those cases, dealers had to purchase ice
from neighboring towns with surpluses or import it from colder states or
Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1874, the Vermont Central Railroad began to use
ice-cooled refrigerated cars. This increased significantly the shipment of
perishable area products, such as butter, milk, and strawberries to
markets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Theatres, stores, restaurants,
and factories used fans blowing over large quantities of ice to provide “air
conditioning” or “comfort cooling.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This naturally harvested ice was popular into the early 20th
century. Artificial ice had been manufactured in the southern United States for
some time and began to replace harvested ice. The first commercial ice-maker
was patented in 1873, but it was not until the 1930s that edible ice was
manufactured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Early in the 19th century, household “refrigerator” iceboxes
became available. Blocks of ice were home delivered and placed in these
insulated appliances. Home owners told the iceman their needs by placing a sign
in the window. He would chip off the desired amount and, using tongs, swing the
block over his rubber-covered shoulder for delivery. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My Brattleboro grandmother still had an icebox as late as
1948. I recall the iceman treating the neighborhood children to slivers of ice.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1930s, the price of electric refrigerators was
reduced, and more homes installed them. In the 1940s, as frozen foods became
popular, separate freezer compartments were added. Chest freezers followed in
popularity. All these appliances kept food safer for longer periods of
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mechanized air conditioning began to be used for cooling
buildings and railroad cars in the 1930s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In May 1938, the new Chimes Restaurant on Bradford Main Street <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>touted its air-conditioned atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1948, Bradford’s Colonial Theatre was
renovated, and air-conditioning was added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1947, advertisements for Carrier Room Air-conditioners
offered the chance to “dodge the dog days and keep cucumber-cool this summer.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before, and even after, air conditioning, houses were often
designed to reduce the impact of summer heat. Some were <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>built with wide eaves to avoid the sun’s
direct rays. Higher ceilings allowed warmer air to rise over head.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Verandas, farm porches, or second-story enclosed balconies
offered shade for a mid-day nap or an evening of rocking. They also prevented
the sun’s heat from entering the house. Some verandas were large enough for a
swing or to serve as a sleeping porch for those who had no mistrust of night
air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Screens gave protection from
insects. Shade trees and climbing vines offered added protection<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Windows were often placed to offer cross-ventilation and
outfitted with shades or shutters. With no air conditioning, residents kept the
house shuttered during the day and open during the evenings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some larger homes offered summer kitchens to
prevent the heat from cooking invading the rest of the house. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Electric fans for both household and commercial use became
popular around 1900.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier fans had
been powered by alcohol, oil, or kerosene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fans were available in both tabletop and ceiling models.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Westinghouse and General Electric battled for
the fan market. Stores mentioned electric fans in the advertisements and drew
more customers during hot weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Newspapers and magazines regularly carried menu suggestions
for summer meals. Lighter foods were recommended. Many recipes used available
fresh garden fruits and vegetables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lawn picnics and afternoon naps required just a
blanket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Modern picnic tables began to
appear in the early 1900s. Vermont newspapers began to refer to the joys of
backyard barbecues after 1940.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
Vermont observer made light of the tendency of newcomers and tourists to eat
out of doors. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A cool beverage helps the body deal with the impacts of high
temperatures. Just plain water or “Adam’s ale” was readily available and free. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Switchel,” a 1921 United Opinion article proclaimed, “is
the homebrew of the Gods, unexcelled as a thirst quencher.” There are various
recipes, including one made with oatmeal. My Mom made it from water, sugar,
ginger, and vinegar for use in the ha fields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Commercially-made carbonated beverages began to appear on
the market in the second half of the 19<sup>th</sup> century . Those included
Hires Root Beer (1876), Dr. Pepper (1885), Coca-Cola (1888), Pepsi (1898), and
Canada Dry Ginger Ale (1907). Others turned to the time-honored relief found in
alcoholic beverages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beginning in the early 19th century, tea punches were
popular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Iced tea was introduced after
1900 and was added to an assortment of fruit drinks. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since the early 1800s, Ice cream has been a way to cool off
in summer’s heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was referred to as
a “dessert that made life endurable…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Using ice and rock salt, hand cranks turned cream and sugar into
homemade ice cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, commercially
manufactured ice cream became an industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1870s, soda fountains began to appear, and ice cream
sodas were introduced. Some religious groups thought it sinful to eat ice cream
sodas on Sundays. In the 1890s, some entrepreneurs left out the carbonated
water in the soda, and sold them as ice cream sundaes. It was said that they
were initially referred to as “Sundays.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Locally, many pharmacies maintained a soda fountain. When I
was a child, one could find soda fountains at Clifford’s Corner Store in
Orford, Chapman’s in Fairlee, and Gove & Bancroft Pharmacy and Chimes’s Restaurant
in Bradford. Similar ones were found in Wells River and Woodsville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1948, the soda fountain at Woodsville’s
Kelley’s Cash Store offered a student special ice cream floats for a dime. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The ice cream cone was introduced at the 1904 St. Louis World’s
Fair. Ice cream had been licked in hand-held containers for some time, but this
was the first time the container was eaten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As early as 1912, there was an ice cream parlor on Main
Street in Fairlee. Known as the Neapolitan, it used Bradford strawberries in
its strawberry ice cream. It was bought out by Hood’s Creamery in 1936.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1926, Charles Taylor of Buffalo invented an automatic
soft serve ice cream machine. In the early 1950s, Taylor machines began to
appear in the area, offering an alternative to hard ice cream. It was initially
called frozen-custard in New Hampshire and cree-mees in Vermont. The popsicle,
invented by accident in 1905, became popular in the 1920s.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Those who could afford it gave up heavier clothes for
lighter summer ones. “Dress lightly, eat little, but often. Relax. Don’t get
too much sun at one time. That is the way to keep cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cliff Lang, Bradford’s United Opinion, July
31, 1942. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Linen and cotton
fabrics were recommended as were loose-fitting garments. Ladies had wide-brimmed
hats and parasols to avoid the sun. These seasonal outfits were most popular
and available among affluent residents and guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wearing white outfits was considered most appropriate summer
attire until Labor Day. They indicated that the wearer was not involved in
dirty manual labor. The same seasonal rule applied to men’s hats, with boaters
or straw hats replacing heavier cloth ones.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Earlier attitudes regarding modesty dictated the amount of
skin the wearer could show. Earlier swimwear was less revealing. In the latter
part of the 19th century, women’s swim outfits consisted of long dresses or
bathing gowns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men wore wool shorts and
tops, and only in the 1930s did men start to go topless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most men resisted short pants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the early 1950s, Bermuda shorts were
introduced, with tourists the first local wearers. In June 1956, Bradford’s
Erskine’s clothing store was the first to advertise them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past, the
poor suffered most from the heat of summer. Having a summer tan was the sign of
a laborer. The poor could not afford a summer wardrobe, a trip to a resort in
the mountains, the beach, or a residence with cooling features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the earth warms, and extreme periods of summer heat
become more frequent, it will again be the poorest that suffer the most, both
at home and abroad. And that’s cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-61583879415161122832022-07-04T06:00:00.003-04:002022-07-04T06:03:40.058-04:00Rise of Baseball-1840s to 1900 <p> Journal Opinion , June 22, 2022</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjC1HaccFBpJcusA4k40aqUo_Ngw0ThwtsekaEOxpuV7ic3asvN8NF5GtMnlq3nwD0TvXzERvEdBWu5MRTaOfZiE1dx2W_NrduoJi5_k3hUSo6nL4XCIujEWD7DnnCWZ35NTYc0sZrhvlnS4feF_Ft4BW_EtZALeRRnpd9oKLUYeJwvxQBL7zfpcO/s560/thrownout.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="560" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjC1HaccFBpJcusA4k40aqUo_Ngw0ThwtsekaEOxpuV7ic3asvN8NF5GtMnlq3nwD0TvXzERvEdBWu5MRTaOfZiE1dx2W_NrduoJi5_k3hUSo6nL4XCIujEWD7DnnCWZ35NTYc0sZrhvlnS4feF_Ft4BW_EtZALeRRnpd9oKLUYeJwvxQBL7zfpcO/s320/thrownout.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thrown Out On Second. Published in Harper's Weekly in Sept 1887, this Gilbert Gaul's illustration captured the nation's fascination with baseball. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>“Tuesday the quiet of our [Newbury] village was broken by
the shouts and mirth attending a game of baseball. The Orford Base Ball Club dispatched a
challenge to the Newbury Club. The playing on the part of both clubs was
excellent, the Newburys excelling at the bat, and the Orfords in the
fielding.” Bradford Opinion, August 8,
1874</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Baseball has been dubbed the nation’s past </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />time. There are
mounds of articles and books on the subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So much material is available, that the history of baseball locally and
throughout New Hampshire and Vermont will bel presented in two columns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This column explores the game’s roots and its
development into an obsession in the period before 1900.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A second column will cover the period from 1900
to 1970.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Americans played team games with bats and balls before the
inception of baseball. One game that had its heyday was the English game of
cricket. In 1709, it was being played in Virginia and the first public match
was held in New York City in 1751. Interest in matches grew, and, by 1849, an estimated
100,000 Americans played cricket. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the late 18th
century, a game called wicket became popular in New England as a variation of
cricket. At first, it was just an informal game with varying rules. Later,
wicket clubs became more popular, and rules were needed to govern matches<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A more lively game, however, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>began to catch the nation’s attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was baseball, at first spelled as two
separate words. It was sometimes referred to as “bat and ball.” The story that
it was invented in 1839 by Abner Doubleday of Cooperstown, NY has been widely refuted.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1845, a game on
the grounds of the Brooklyn Cricket Club was played with eight players on each
side and may have been one of the first organized games. This newer game was
considered more exciting than previous ones, “so much more full of life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the first organized teams was the
Knickerbockers of New York.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At first, there were variations of the game’s rules. One set
of rules was written in 1845 by Alexander Cartwright of the Knickerbockers. In 1839,
Dr. Daniel Lucas Adams, a native of Mont Vernon, NH, moved to New York City and
joined the Knickerbockers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1857, he
wrote a booklet entitled “The Laws of Base Ball.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These rules, which
became widely used, described the game with nine players on each side, nine
innings, and a 90-foot distance between bases. This, so-called New York game
won over the competing Massachusetts set of rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By that time, baseball was receiving editorial support and
was played on the fairgrounds and playing fields across the country. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One editor wrote, “The good effect produced by
the health and strength and morals of the young men engaged….has taken them
from the unhealthy haunts of disputation indoors and given them a taste for
manly sports.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the election of 1860, a political cartoon depicted
Abraham Lincoln winning a game of baseball against his rivals.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In August 1860, a contest between the Brattleboro Base Ball
Club and the Green Mt Base Ball Club of Jamaica drew “quite a crowd to witness”
one of the first “Prized Ball” games played in the state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That same year “a number of actively disposed
citizens of Burlington, mostly young men,” established the Burlington Base Ball
Club. The Star Base Ball Club was formed in Rutland in 1862.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the Civil War, baseball was “the most popular sport
of all competitive sports in the camps of both armies and even in prison
camps.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soldiers in the both Vermont and
New Hampshire regiments played baseball during the lulls between military actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Veterans brought home their enthusiasm for the sport. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 1867, it was reported there were 44
baseball clubs in Vermont. What had started as a “gentlemanly sport” grew more
inclusive. Leagues were formed, with series and amateur tournaments were held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Church groups opposed the playing of baseball on Sundays,
calling it “a desecration of the Lord’s Day.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 1880, Vermont reaffirmed its ban on Sunday activities. According to an
1887 Burlington newspaper article, the legislatures in some states were passed
laws against “the evils of Sunday base ball games.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings was established as the
first professional club with openly paid players. As other cities established
teams, the National League was formed in 1876. American Association, later
renamed the American League, was created in 1882. These newly-formed
professional teams held Sunday games to attract more spectators. Amateur teams
followed suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over the years, some New Hampshire and Vermont baseball
players made it to these big leagues. The only local one before 1900 was Lee
Viau, who was born in Corinth in 1866 and grew up in Hanover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He began playing for the Cincinnati Red
Stockings in 1888 and continued with other professional teams until 1892.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1889, he was described as “one of the
greatest pitchers in the country today.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He was also described as “the handsomest man ever in the professional
ranks” and was a favorite on Ladies Days. However, he didn’t take the trouble
to keep in condition, and late nights and drinking took their toll, ending his
professional career. In 1894, he was the manager of the Littleton team when it
played the nine from Bradford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another professional player with a two-state connection was John
“Bud” Fowler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was born in New York in
1858.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is considered one of baseball’s
racial pioneers, the first black professional and the first to manage an integrated
team. He was described as “one of the best general players in the country.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But racial factors led him to move from team
to team.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1887, Fowler joined the Montpelier team of the
Northeastern League as captain, a first for an integrated team. Vermont
newspapers described him as “a phenomenal second-baser,”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“a spectators’ favorite,” and “a first-class
ball-tosser in every respect.” His career in Vermont was short-lived as the
team folded. Fowler went on to play successfully for the Laconia, NH team, but
also for just a short time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As professional leagues moved to exclude Africa-Americans
from the formerly integrated team, Fowler helped organize opportunities for
Black players, including helping to organize the Cuban Giants, the first great
Black club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fowler was inducted into the
Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Cuban Giants, which incidentally included no Cubans,
made a number of tours of Vermont between 1887 and 1900.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first year they toured the state playing
teams from Bennington to St. Albans. Special trains brought fans to the games. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1892, a match at Brattleboro drew 800
spectators. The team challenged both league and college teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As teams multiplied, the equipment needs changed. In 1858,
the first factory-made balls were manufactured. At that time, balls were
furnished by the challenging club and presented to the winning team as a
trophy. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1878, Albert
Spalding established a company to manufacture standardized baseballs. In 1887,
George Rawling established a company to manufacture baseball equipment. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was also a move
to standardize baseball bats. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Previously, there was a wide range of styles,
with bats often handmade by the players. Manufacturers began to mass-produce
bats. 1888, Bradford’s United Opinion reported that nation-wide each year a
million feet of lumber was turned into 500,000 bats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bats and balls were not the only equipment that have become
synonymous with the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, the idea of
players wearing a glove for protection was dismissed. Gradually, mitt were
introduced as players recognized the importance of reducing injury and
enhancing performance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 1883,
professional player Arthur Irwin designed a padded glove and brought it to
Plymouth, NH to find a manufacturer. The established firm of Draper &
Maynard accepted and became one of the major suppliers of both baseball gloves
and balls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1887, Warden’s store on Bradford’s Main Street was
advertising baseball bats, balls, gloves, scorebooks, and guides for sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guides were necessary as “radical changes”
had been made in the long accepted rules of the game. Those changes included
“what constituted a fair ball, bunting, batman being struck and the behavior of
the pitcher.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Uniforms changed as the sport developed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Straw hats were replaced with caps. By 1882,
inspired by the Cincinnati Red Stockings, teams wore knee-breeches with colored
stockings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spiked shoes were replaced by
cleats by 1880.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How many local teams had uniforms is unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In May 1877, the United Opinion included a
call for financial assistance to purchase uniforms for Bradford’s team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Encouraging civic pride, it suggested “a good
base ball club is no disgrace to any town.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1885, St Johnbury team uniforms were made of white cotton
flannel, corded with red, and included knee-breeches and red stockings.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the game became more formalized for adults, a carefree
spirit continued to persist among children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pickup, scratch or sandlot games were a favorite among the youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often played with informal rules, with
procedures for dividing up the talent, these games were simply played for the
fun of it. No adult coaches or umpires were available or required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One editor mentioned a mystery, “Why a boy’s hands will
blister so much sooner on a hoe handle than they will on a base-ball bat.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There was great interest in fielding village or <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>town teams. In the period between 1865 and
1900, there were teams in virtually every town in the area and sometimes more
than one. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Haverhill had teams
in North Haverhill, Haverhill Corner, and Woodsville, although not necessarily
at the same time. Team titles included the Boomer Club of East Corinth, the
Eagle Club of Bradford, the Star Club of Thetford, and the Athletic Club of
West Fairlee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1896, the East Corinth team adopted the self-deprecating
title of the Muffers while the Corinth team played under the title of the
Hayseeds.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes a team would fold only to be subsequently
reestablished. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1894, the Bradford
team was reorganized. In 1896, the Orford and Fairlee teams were reorganized as
one. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Local newspapers gave
good coverage, with analysis of contests. The United Opinion analysis of the
newly reorganized Bradford team included,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“the boys are bound to make
things hustle this season.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hundreds of spectators were common. In1874, a match between
Orford and Newbury “drew nearly all the village people to view the play.”
Spectators were sometimes asked to contribute to the costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the Bradford-Wells River match in 1897,
admission was “gents 10 cents, ladies and children free.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Major contests were often scheduled for holidays such as
Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Ballfields existed in most
communities, with fairgrounds used. Double headers were sometimes held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Competition between town teams sometimes involved conflicts
and trash talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some matches were
apparently rowdy and “notoriously brutal.” In 1897, the Bradford team crossed
bats “in deadly strife” with North Haverhill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Look out for bruises and black eyes,” the local correspondent
wrote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given youthful vigor, rivalry,
and, perhaps alcohol, fights would not be unexpected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were references to opposing teams as “hayseed nine.”
One Fairlee team suggested to the Bradford team that “the boys had better let
the married team at Bradford give them a few lessons.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were also charges that teams brought in ringers to
boost their game. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One 1894 match between
Newbury and Bradford was cancelled because of “imported batteries.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, games between Orford, Bradford and
Newbury were advertised as being played exclusively with resident players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A review of newspaper coverage indicates that generally, “everything
passed off with the best of feelings on all sides.” However, when an 1894 game
between Woodsville and Bradford resulted in a 24-5 drubbing of Woodsville, the
United Opinion felt the need to mention the game’s coverage by the competing
Woodsville News. “The Woodsville News gracefully acknowledge the corn, and the
baseball boys took their medicine like little men.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Teams travelled by train or wagon to the games. When <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bradford playing Woodsville, the Vermonters
took the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>train to Wells River, walking
over to Woodsville and returning by the same method. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Colleges such as Dartmouth, Middlebury, UVM and UNH had
baseball teams. High schools also had teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the 1890’s, interscholastic games were held between Haverhill Academy,
Newbury Seminary, Bradford Academy, and St. Johnsbury Academy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This widespread enthusiasm for the game of baseball that had
evolved since the 1840’s was carried over into the 20<sup>th</sup>
century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Local residents continued to
create town teams, and school teams continued to seek championships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some local men sought professional careers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some of these details will be covered in a later column this
summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If any readers have memories of
the town games before 1970, please feel free to share them with me soon at <a href="mailto:larrylcoffin@gmail.com">larrylcoffin@gmail.com</a>. I am willing
to follow up with a personal conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-1308516822614438962022-05-13T13:21:00.008-04:002022-05-14T08:00:19.112-04:00Roads to Somewhere: History of Area Roads<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5OpNrsrZVyABqim-NF4gt8AkDI354q8GzkKhjLxlOgYz4NgikgdQFlp7KLsyLZ2n077mAROB-LHj62vTFWL4Qow7lLV3Z7tPg52MXasiyt1znqO9p4Nlk-bw22ynD9uDej7CTBqSXswmIo8Tq58C3du90H8ek5QRAcVOradAN0d_uv00ogRkIMJ1/s1588/Building%20North%20Road%20circa%201850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="1588" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5OpNrsrZVyABqim-NF4gt8AkDI354q8GzkKhjLxlOgYz4NgikgdQFlp7KLsyLZ2n077mAROB-LHj62vTFWL4Qow7lLV3Z7tPg52MXasiyt1znqO9p4Nlk-bw22ynD9uDej7CTBqSXswmIo8Tq58C3du90H8ek5QRAcVOradAN0d_uv00ogRkIMJ1/s320/Building%20North%20Road%20circa%201850.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcU9pIgqV4cJZaESMrAm0ODqTpp7k8r6JdcFrH57up90iNj1JAH0Nkiv3eNEwKUkCybT3G5WHv8IO_Yw0QQie9pcKtyqSCU_ZfpqzAPf85jI8slsjVIl8kjke55V22sImdEXrgP5EUTn2HXpYRaA_wL158Qw4NYUcUKoykbeofpitDyM4tLkhRFUe/s360/Newbury%20construction.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="360" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcU9pIgqV4cJZaESMrAm0ODqTpp7k8r6JdcFrH57up90iNj1JAH0Nkiv3eNEwKUkCybT3G5WHv8IO_Yw0QQie9pcKtyqSCU_ZfpqzAPf85jI8slsjVIl8kjke55V22sImdEXrgP5EUTn2HXpYRaA_wL158Qw4NYUcUKoykbeofpitDyM4tLkhRFUe/s320/Newbury%20construction.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>WORKING OUT CONSTRUCTION--old and new. The top photo shows Newbury residents along the North Road working to construct the road. Adjacent landowners were allowed to reduce their property taxes by participating in the "working out" system. (Courtesy-Newbury Historical Society)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lower photo was taken in the early 1970s as the new interstate highway was being constructed between Newbury and Ryegate. Perini Corporation equipment is shown here smoothing lengths of the northbound lanes. (UVM Landscape Change) </div>Journal Opinion May 4, 2022<br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Five decades ago, the new interstate highway arrived,
opening in Fairlee in 1971, then Bradford in 1972, and eventually East Ryegate
in 1974.The impact of this highway has been economically and socially profound.
In many ways, the history of towns along its route can be divided as before and
after its arrival.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is not the first time roadways significantly impacted
the area. This column reviews the history of local roads from the period of
settlement into the 20th century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Connecticut River was, for many years, the major road
into the area. By water in the summer and on the ice in the winter, settlers
arrived with their families. Similarly, they sent their earliest products to
market or to be milled. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first overland roads were “merely passages through the
forest,” laid out by traveling indigenous peoples over the centuries. These
trodden paths could not be used by wheeled vehicles. Locals used horseback or
their own shoulders to carry items. It was in the best interest of the original
proprietors to have somewhat improved bridal paths connecting the parts of the
town and markets to the south. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In both Bradford and Newbury, it was at least 20 years after
settlement before any wheeled vehicle other than an oxcart could traverse these
improved paths. Observers described these earliest roads as “very much like
winter logging roads” or having “the consistency of porridge.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Two of the first roads in Vermont were military roads. The
Crown Point Road from Fort #4 on the Connecticut River to Fort Ticonderoga on
Lake Champlain was built in 1759 during the French and Indian War.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More significant to the local area was the
Bayley-Hazen Road. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The idea of a military road from Newbury to St. John’s in
French Canada was promoted during the American Revolution by Newbury’s Jacob
Bayley. Col. Thomas Johnson of Newbury blazed the 92-mile route in March 1776.
With the promise of financial support from General George Washington,
construction began in April.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road
was constructed to allow for the passage of wagons and its course kept to the
highlands as much as possible.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By mid-June, the road was about 6 miles north of Peacham
when Washington changed his mind. Military conditions had changed and it became
evident that the enemies could use the road to attack southward. Work stopped
immediately. In April 1779, Col Moses Hazen started work again but stopped in
late summer northwest of Lowell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While constructed as military roads, both the Crown Point
Road and the Bayley-Hazen Road permitted increased access to the interior of
Vermont and helped speed its settlement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before 1784, the Bayley-Hazen Road was the only public road in Ryegate
and other towns along its route. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After the war, town committees were appointed “to lay out
and make necessary roads.” Local roads began to connect village centers,
neighbors and neighbors. Landowners had a stake in the construction of these
roads. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Among the earliest were the river roads on each side of the
Connecticut. In Newbury, this road was begun in 1773 and later extended to
connect Bradford. In Haverhill, the West Side Road connected the town to Bath
and Piermont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1774, Orford residents
agreed to support building a road to Wentworth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1785, Newbury surveyed a road from Newbury Street over
Roger’s Hill to the Corinth line. It was called the “county road” and used
until it was discontinued in 1841. In Bradford, South Road was laid out in 1786
and Goshen Road in 1788. In 1794, a road along the north side of the Wells
River was marked out, but as with many roads, years passed before it was
actually completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Roads that could accommodate postal riders and later stage
coaches received special attention. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
1795, the Vermont Legislature ordered the construction of the Connecticut Post
Road from the Massachusetts line to connect with the Bayley-Hazen in Wells
River. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1821, the State
legislature provided funds to lay out and construct a stage road from Bradford
village through East Corinth to connect to the stage road to Montpelier and
Burlington. This road also connected Corinth and Vershire to Chelsea. In towns
like Topsham, this was the first major or trunk road. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From 1796 to 1830,
turnpikes were constructed in both states. Corporations built 500 miles of toll
roads on more than 80 New Hampshire turnpikes. In Vermont, there were 120
turnpikes constructed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Locally, turnpikes included the Coos Turnpike Road
incorporated in 1803. It ran from Haverhill Corner through Piermont and Warren
to the Baker River. The Grafton Turnpike Road linked Orford to the Fourth New
Hampshire Turnpike in Andover. The Strafford Turnpike connected Norwich through
Strafford and Vershire to Chelsea. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fees were collected at toll gates every few miles.
Eventually, as profits dwindled and opposition to fees grew, roads were turned
over to the adjacent towns. The history of the Passumpsic Turnpike reflects
these trends. Built around 1807, it went from Wells River to Barnet, with eventual
connections to St. Johnsbury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
growing opposition, especially from Ryegate residents. After 1839, the road was
purchased by that town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1823, Vermont Representative Elias Keyes highlighted the
value of these new major roads: “The farms and wild lands which they go through
or lead to are worth double as much as they would have been without these roads
made to travel upon.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As with today, the construction and maintenance of town
roads consumed a major portion of the annual town meetings. Discussions of
proposed roads or the discontinuance of existing roads were paramount because
of the impact on different neighborhoods. There was often heated debate over
road construction and maintenance.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The civil suits
arising from accidents on town roads and bridges created similar concerns. One
of the most interesting ones was the case of Melendy v. Town of Bradford. In
May 1873, Ira Melendy was driving on the Rowell Brook Road that runs from
Bradford to West Fairlee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran into a
stump that had fallen into the road and was thrown from his wagon and seriously
injured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Melendy sued the town for $20,000 for “alleged insufficiency
in a highway in Bradford which it was the duty of the town to keep in a good
and sufficient repair.” It took repeated trials in Orange County courts over
the next six years to finally result in the plaintiff being awarded $7,668 in
damages plus costs. The town had to levy a special tax to raise the $11,000
awarded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Prior to the late 1890s, maintenance of the roads was mainly
“plowing and scraping the soil at the side of the highways into the roadway and
roughly shaping it” with little attention to the materials used.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One observer made the following comment about the condition
of many roads: “For now it ain’t passable, not even jackassable. And those who
would travel it should turn out to gravel it.” Another described it as
“neglected, shamefully left to be rutted, deeper and deeper.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adjacent landowners
were allowed to reduce their highway taxes by participating in the “working out”
system during summer construction and winter snowstorms. In New Hampshire, road
taxes were levied by the towns based on the district in which the property was
located. One of the disadvantages of town control was that adjourning towns
might approach road maintenance differently.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1892, Vermont implemented a special tax for the
improvement of town roads and prohibited the “working out” system. This was the
beginning of increased state involvement in highways. Later, there were state
taxes on gasoline to meet the increased highway costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were “good roads” movements in both states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Road improvement was promoted by a coalition
of automobile organizations, cycle and tourist groups, and those who needed
better roads to get their products to market. In 1892, the Vermont League for
Good Roads was established. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1898, the State of Vermont began taking steps to control
roads through a central state agency with a highway commissioner. Over the next
two decades, it gave money to towns for the improvement of their roads and
bridges. New Hampshire’s first commissioner was hired in 1915. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1904, there was expressed concern about how towns were
using the state highway funds with some towns just depositing the appropriation
into their general fund. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That year, the Vermont Better Roads Association met for the
first time. That same year a similar organization was established in New
Hampshire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, the latter was
more successful, for little was published about the Vermont group. In 1918, the
Vermont highway program established the Patrol Committee to encourage
legislative action. That group evolved into the Vermont Good Roads
Association.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1915 virtually all New Hampshire roads were either gravel
or water-bound macadam. Ten years later, less than 30 miles of Vermont’s 15,000
miles of highway were hard-surfaced. The rest were graveled or “in many
instances just roads.” Back roads in many communities were “in mostly
deplorable condition.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Paving of some roads began, thus removing the problems of
both dust and mud. This generally followed the macadam method of multi-layered
roadbeds with a compact base of processed stone to which a layer of tar as
added as a binder. In some locations, concrete was used. Oiling of dirt roads
tried to eliminate dust. Currently, 55% of Vermont roads are still unpaved. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1923, Bradford
applied tarvia to its Main Street. In 1926, 3 miles of road from the Corinth
line to West Topsham was paved. The paving of Route 5 between Newbury and Ely
was completed in 1930, with other area roads receiving a new application of
calcium chloride. The paving of the remainder of Route 5 was completed in
1933.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The federal government role in financing highways got off to
a slow start in 1916 because of the World War I. During the two decades that
followed aid was increased especially during the New Deal program of the 1930s.
The 1921 proposal for a national highway network was rejected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1922, the New England Marking System was adopted. The
highway along the Connecticut River was numbered NE 2 in Vermont and NE 10 in
New Hampshire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The system came to an end
in 1927, and the current numbers for US Routes 5 and 10 were adopted.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1931, the Vermont Legislature authorized the first
explicit approval for the state to lay out highways. Multiple town roads became
state highways. New Hampshire followed suit in 1933.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Roads in both states suffered significant damage from floods
in 1927 and 1936. Local governments met the challenge with increased spending.
This, along with responses from both states and federal governments, actually
sped up road improvement. New bridges were built in Piermont-Bradford,
Orford-Fairlee, and Lyme-Thetford to replace those destroyed by one of these
two floods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over the years, many miles of town roads have been
abandoned. This led to legal battles as to the routes of the obliterated roads.
In 2006, Vermont required towns to find those ancient roads and make them
official or have them discontinued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Historically, whenever transportation slows down or changes
in some way, communities are more likely to develop. Horace Symes’ ”Crossroad: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A History of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wells River, Vermont” refers to that village
as “the crossroad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the area,
community centers developed wherever there were crossroads. It is there that
stores, churches, and taverns were more likely to be established.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wells River was at the shipping headwaters of the
Connecticut. Orford and Haverhill were the terminals of turnpikes. As with the
development of major roads, the railroad’s coming caused some communities to
prosper while others were bypass, often into near oblivion. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Driving south along Route 5 one can see the signs of areas
being bypassed by I-91. Closed motels, gift shops, and other businesses that
rely on traffic are evidence. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Currently, crossroads impacts are evident where major
highways converge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At Woodsville, it’s
near Routes 10 and 302, while the Lower Plain at Bradford has undergone major
changes with Routes 5, 25 and I-91 meeting there. These changes occurred
because those roads are the ones chosen by travelers, the roads that actually
lead to somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1915, the following appeared in one Vermont newspaper:
“The Old Order has changed from the slow going oxcart toiling over the worse
kind of roads, to the speedy automobile and motor truck.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That old order continues to become new. An
article on the arrival of I-91 is being planned for the fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-16187494495579994282022-03-15T08:43:00.001-04:002022-03-20T10:46:30.252-04:00Yesterday's Manly Hair<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3S3SFTXDnvHHCKeFdO2WJ1PPu7EJbcdk210IPM-i2-uOzPjxSe4UNQLA2eFj8qP2hNWe1d2SQ5OwHGinfVCOMfm5xyK7SrzP8nEvx4_yijpG80viAWTEk3jAlPg78rA3DmCTQgtPzyytSiZBiyvD_Nall0woxyklhS15XPea1S30XZk-2HX_7KadK=s480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3S3SFTXDnvHHCKeFdO2WJ1PPu7EJbcdk210IPM-i2-uOzPjxSe4UNQLA2eFj8qP2hNWe1d2SQ5OwHGinfVCOMfm5xyK7SrzP8nEvx4_yijpG80viAWTEk3jAlPg78rA3DmCTQgtPzyytSiZBiyvD_Nall0woxyklhS15XPea1S30XZk-2HX_7KadK=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Paul Tetreault had a barber shop in Woodsville for 60 years. He was described as "always ready to cut hair and always up to date and ready to discuss all the local happenings." He closed his shop due to the pandemic and passed away in 2021. This 2014 photograph show him with customer George Pratt of Bradford. (JO file photo)<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0FTapeMCLMFgyKP2Y4_v8707FjhwonMBP5iZ5jidkQl1rFoABFBLfQu87Mk8arYoJmy7sIIz4eF7H_w6ftIkskxGnxxZu_dnsa5zYdW0k1RURhufgL40_9uFozyZ4-2semZVxY09AleLkG3qcK5anOmztg1XugjCx58B-jZmnU9sGU6N_NEpSavhq=s2277" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2277" data-original-width="1363" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0FTapeMCLMFgyKP2Y4_v8707FjhwonMBP5iZ5jidkQl1rFoABFBLfQu87Mk8arYoJmy7sIIz4eF7H_w6ftIkskxGnxxZu_dnsa5zYdW0k1RURhufgL40_9uFozyZ4-2semZVxY09AleLkG3qcK5anOmztg1XugjCx58B-jZmnU9sGU6N_NEpSavhq=s320" width="192" /></a></div>Unshorn Orford sheep farmer Benjamin Franklin, whose farm was near Orford's Sunday Mountain, reflects the beard movement of the period from 1860 to 1912. During that period, beards were associated with manly dignity, authority and good health. (Courtesy photo/ Priscilla Franklin Harrington)<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Journal Opinion<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>March
9, 2022<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Not many years ago it was hardly respectable to wear a
beard; but the beard movement is in, resisted and ridiculed at first, has
conquered, and it grows more and more the fashion to grow on the face as full a
covering of hair as can be coaxed out.” Burlington Weekly Free Press, April 11,
1879 <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This column explores how American men cared about beards and
hairstyles over the years.. Vintage newspapers, the internet, and local
interviews provided material for this piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christopher Oldstone-Moore’s book Of Beards and Men provided me a
valuable insight into the topic’s history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the men of the
earliest colonial period often wore heavy beards, they cut their hair short as
it was considered “safe and godly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 18th century, the colonial elite often wore elaborate
wigs or powdered their hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ordinary
men rarely did either and, if they kept their hair longer, it was pulled back
and tied. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the new century, President Thomas Jefferson set a new standard
avoiding the wig. This casual style and shorter hair was adopted widely. Men of
fashion kept shorter cropped hair, often using an oil or pomade to create a
look of “tamed wildness.” As hair was washed infrequently, housewives began to
create covers to protect furniture from staining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By the late colonial period, beards had disappeared in
settled areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beards and long hair were
considered signs of uncouth backwoodsmen and ran counter to community
norms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Leaders such as Ethan Allen, Jacob Bayley and Thomas
Chittenden all of Vermont, and John Stark and John Langdon both of New
Hampshire were all clean-shaven. At least as far as shaving was concerned, they
shared in “the code of gentlemanly good manners.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most U.S. Presidents and the governors of New Hampshire and
Vermont before the 1850s did not sport beards. In 1834, one magazine published,
“An unshorn chin has a degenerating aspect, is only, if at all, excusable in
the lowest laborer and mechanic.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Few men dared to wear a beard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some there were severe consequences. When
Joseph Palmer of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, went to church with a beard in 1830,
he was denied communion. He was determined to assert his right to be contrary.
Later, he was assaulted by a group of men equally determined to shave him
forcibly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He resisted but was charged
with unprovoked assault. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Shaving was performed by straight or cut-throat steel
razors. Men would sometimes go to a barber for shaves as those that tried it
for themselves often suffered cuts. In the 1830s, advertisements appeared for
personal razors, razor strops to keep instruments sharp, shaving brushes, and
soaps. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1850s, there was a new beard movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The New York “Home Journal” observed, “Go
where you will, the full, flourishing, ferocious beard presents itself!” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The beard was associated with manly dignity, authority, and
good health. Some believed that the beard and mustache filtered bad air,
“helped the body maintain its electrical balance,” and retained “vital energy.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There was some opposition to this beard movement. In 1860
the St. Johnsbury Caledonian carried the story of one woman’s crusade against
bearded men. She said the idea of kissing one was disgusting and that “only
brigands, pirates, filibusters, and professional executionists” wore
beards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The political and military stereotypes of the rest of the
19th century reflected this beard movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Virtually every President from Lincoln to Wilson sported a beard,
mustache, or bushy sideburns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every officer
in both armies in the Civil War displayed the same. Union General Ambrose Burnside’s
great whisker-mustache combination is the basis for the term “sideburn.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the period, governors in New Hampshire and Vermont
mirrored the beard movement. This included Bradford’s Roswell Farnham, governor
in 1880-1882. The Caledonian suggested that bearded men were “more likely to be
trusted.” There were suggestions that the popularity of the manly beard was a
reaction to the women’s rights’ movement.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1890s, Bradford’s Union Opinion featured special
illustrated editions on local communities. Of the three dozen local business
leaders pictured, all had facial hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is no doubt that they felt full beards gave men increased status,
respect, and power over non-bearded men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In addition to following fashion trends, there were men who
grew beards to provide warmth to their face during winter months, hide a
receding chin, an overly youthful countenance, counterbalance a receding
hairline or other facial feature, or because of lack of access to shaving
implements or services. Shaving is painful for some men and growing a beard
gives an excuse for not shaving.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One person told me her grandfather shaved with a straight
razor until his hands became so shaky that he had to give it up and grow a
beard. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were also different norms among ethnic groups
regarding hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Native Americans were
genetically pre-disposed against heavy beards. How hair was worn often
distinguished one tribe from another. For religious or cultural reasons,
Jewish, Sikh and Muslim men may follow rules regarding their hair and beards.
Amish men let their beards grow once they are married, but do not grow
mustaches.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These differences from the white majority have, over the
years, led to discrimination and bias. When, in the 19th century, Chinese male
immigrants arrived with their traditional queue or pigtail, it was a source of
ridicule and regulation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Prior to the 20th century, barbers learned their trade by
being an apprentice to a master barber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first barber school opened in 1893, and, in 1897, Minnesota became
the first state to license barbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
same year, an act to regulate the practice of tonsures, i.e. barbering,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in New Hampshire was considered “inexpedient
to legislate.” No similar law was discussed in Vermont for decades. Now, both
barbers and barbershops are licensed by state governments. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Barbershops were primarily male bastions. Usually one or two
chair operations, with customers thumbing through magazines or newspapers while
waiting their turn. It was not unusual for the walls to be hung with photos of
sports or war heroes or prized hunting trophies. Conversation included talk of
sports, politics, and local gossip. If your barber didn’t know what was going
on, it probably wasn’t worth talking about. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men often had their
favorite barber who knew how they liked their hair cut and kept a standing
appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When shaving was common,
there might be racks of personal shaving mugs. Bottles of bay rum or other
aftershave lotions were available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the 1880s, haircuts were5 or 10 cents and a shave for 3. One towel might be
used repeatedly, resulting in a concern over the transmission of diseases. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At first, barbershops were open every day. Around 1880,
pressure against Sunday businesses increased and both states passed Sunday
closure legislation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The role of barbers changed with the invention of the safety
razor, first as a single-edge and then, in 1904, as a Gillette double-edge. It
promised one could “save time and money by shaving yourself.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Cakes of shaving soaps were replaced by tubes of soft soap
for home use. In 1919, shaving cream became available and was obtainable in
pressured cans in 1949. Some men no longer needed shaving cream. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1930, Joseph Schick offered the first
electric or dry razor.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The history of local barbers includes the names of scores of
men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they were rarely included among
the lists of prominent businessmen, it is difficult to know exactly how long a
particular barber practiced or how popular they were. Still, a few stalwart
examples emerge. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fred Kenyon purchased
a shop in Bradford in 1876 and practiced until his death in 1898. He advertised
that he also cut ladies’ and children’s hair. When he was suffering from la
grippe or influenza, it was reported, “the appearance of the male portion of
the community shows Fred’s sickness in their faces very plainly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Frank P. Sherwell had a shop in Well River as early as 1900
and was still barbering in 1930.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H.E.
Prescott operated “Bradford’s Old Established Barber Shop in the early
1900s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His shop was adorned with the doe’s
head, “a beautiful example of taxidermy.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clifford Bassett’s
barber career began on Woodsville’s Central Street in 1914.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took over the shop in 1917 and continued
until 1954.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years, he employed
other men in his shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also sold
washing machines and appliances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon
his retirement, John Avila brought him out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Elmer “Bus” Flanders opened a shop in East Corinth in 1939
and one in Fairlee in 1953.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He operated
both until 1981, a year before his death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a young man, I was one of his faithful customers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I switched my loyalty
to George Hinman who operated a shop in Bradford’s Chimes Building. It was
there that I was informed that Carolyn Martin, who worked in the dental office
across the street, was a sweetheart and should be married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I followed my barber’s advice. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lawrence Clark had a barbershop in Bradford for 28 years. He
had taken over from Frank DeCosta, who ran a shop on the south side of the
Bliss Hotel building. In 1978, he moved his shop near his home in Bradford
Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His son, Larry has been a barber
in Wells River for 27 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Often as a cost-saving measure, family members provided
haircuts for loved ones of all ages. I have heard seniors say that a parent cut
their hair throughout their childhood. Through the 40s and 50s, my Dad cut the
hair of the four Coffin boys. Songwriter Michael Kelly Blanchard’s song
captured that practice.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Daddy cut my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Didn’t care for style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d just
snip and snip, then sweep it in a pile. I could not keep still, but he would
understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things are just known
between a boy and a man. Right there in the middle of our kitchen’s cluttered
floor.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some children got to go to a real barber. The late Richard
Miller of Topsham recalled a 1924 trip to East Corinth’s barber Antony Foisy.
The barber had migrated from French Canada in 1918 and owned his own shop
overlooking the Tabor branch.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A board was placed
across the arms of the barber chair, and little Richard was lifted up and
draped in an “itchy piece of cloth.” Foisy chewed tobacco and, occasionally,
sent a stream of brown juice toward a cuspidor in the corner. “He would pick up
a comb and shears and very businesslike would get on with the cutting of my
hair.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At the beginning of the 20th century, the beard movement
began to wane. After 1903, there were repeated references in Vermont newspapers
to a handsome man as one who was clean-shaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As there were shifts among business and community leaders, other men
began to abandon their beards for economic or social advantages.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1912, one article raised the health concern that “every
curl and wave of the beard has bacilli.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was suggested that men with beards should avoid kissing babies and
that doctors with beards were a possible danger to patients. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Between that time and the mid-1960s American men were
clean-shaven. With the exception of the Clark Gable type mustaches, facial hair
was uncommon. Short haircuts like the crew cut were common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the main stream, there was a deliberate
campaign against beards, including in hiring practices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, some groups began to use hairstyles to express
rebellion against prevailing cultural standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The long, loose hippie style, afros of the
Civil Rights movement, skinheads, and punks with spiked mohawks all defied the
mainstream’s neatly groomed styles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Resisting their Dad’s haircut, younger men began to have
their hair styled longer. They were more likely to have that done by women
hairdressers. There were men who clung to their beard throughout the period,
but they were in the minority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now, everywhere I look, I see men with beards. From
mustaches and mutton chops to long beards, men are sporting facial hair. Once
again, three-day stubble seems to be fashionable. That same spirit of
individual freedom is reflected in hairstyle from shaved heads to manbuns. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The totalitarian regime of North Korea has ordered that all
men must sport an approved hairstyle. Little variation is allowed. While I have
never sported any but a traditional hairstyle, it’s great to live in a nation
where variety reflects personal style and freedom.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If readers have a favorite barber who is not mentioned or a
good barber story, they may use this site’s comment function and submit
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-42894790774556800412022-01-29T09:43:00.050-05:002022-01-29T10:05:20.773-05:00The Endangered Child <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqlcQsHwwiLqxTriWajkXTnVFj9DTbesQCTTqzRv4msJYgCDWySwBwWgxF3CH1xE85ACv5fmrdUdaax6wWYd309kqU5Wo1SphKhxGHrUos0TO5fsaCh8EDykRZNqW80Yd8s3QVro51ixS48tqHC6iTJKta3hfz6CMNU_w0S3ymwWS00eUBtb5hkU5r=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="787" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqlcQsHwwiLqxTriWajkXTnVFj9DTbesQCTTqzRv4msJYgCDWySwBwWgxF3CH1xE85ACv5fmrdUdaax6wWYd309kqU5Wo1SphKhxGHrUos0TO5fsaCh8EDykRZNqW80Yd8s3QVro51ixS48tqHC6iTJKta3hfz6CMNU_w0S3ymwWS00eUBtb5hkU5r=s320" width="246" /></a></div>WEAPON OF PERSUASION. In 1909-1910, photographer Lewis Hines visited New Hampshire and Vermont to document child labor in factories, on farms and on streets. Photographs such as this, taken at a North Pownal, Vermont cotton mill, helped to focus on the issue and encourage measures to correct it. (Library of Congress)<div><br /></div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8Fs_VeUppk8U71CeFzD0Qxt6LE5Wk_iXxjsEKLvaMXugCWpE-Nc0jebDduDUooMOfRIAVEjoJixhs1nabg1icsXO0HeAmQF0xgwouOQJGxnNCS5M2YcHh_34pxzhMoY8w6Sq_S6x3LY5pqU6gfMoF4GMt8M4MSSelL8Eopnq_m0Y7KnFHlizsb-tF=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8Fs_VeUppk8U71CeFzD0Qxt6LE5Wk_iXxjsEKLvaMXugCWpE-Nc0jebDduDUooMOfRIAVEjoJixhs1nabg1icsXO0HeAmQF0xgwouOQJGxnNCS5M2YcHh_34pxzhMoY8w6Sq_S6x3LY5pqU6gfMoF4GMt8M4MSSelL8Eopnq_m0Y7KnFHlizsb-tF=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator">RODS RULE THE CLASSROOM. Many early school teachers believed that corporal punishment was necessary to manage a classroom even if it resulted in "blistered hands, swollen ears and smarting limbs." This Norman Rockwell illustration captured a youngster getting "a good thrashing." </div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Journal Opinion Jan 26, 2022.</p><p class="MsoNormal">From corporal punishment to intentional neglect, children
are too often subject to cruelty.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This column reviews child abuse and intentional neglect
before 1930. Included is information from New Hampshire and Vermont history,
using examples from vintage newspapers and online sources. Newspapers usually
covered only the most egregious cases. Early local historians did not mention
these issues. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This column does not cover the typical interactions between
adults and children that result in mild punishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A swat with an open hand, depriving a child
of a desired pleasure, or sending a child to bed without supper are not the
type of examples covered. Parents are not given a manual of instruction when
given the care of children, especially when dealing with a willful child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Instead, it deals with examples of ongoing physical or
emotional abuses. History recognizes that some adults are not fit emotionally,
physically, or psychologically to be in charge of children and take advantage
of their vulnerability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These abuses are sometimes perpetrated by an adult who, when
intoxicated or incensed, becomes a brute. In that case, the switch, belt, or
fist becomes a weapon. It often occurs when the perpetrator is not the natural
parent of the child involved. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Until the latter part of the 19th century, children were
their father’s property. Even though the government had the ultimate role of
protecting children, it rarely restricted household authority. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Parents were expected to raise children with a moral
character and a strong work ethic. “Spare the rod and spoil the child” was the
rule. Disobedient children, it was thought, needed to have “the devil beaten
out of them.” Local governments were more likely to remove children from a
family that did not provide the proper life lessons than one that physically
abused them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Craftsmen frequently took boys as young as eight as
apprentices. Girls were assigned to families to learn housekeeping. Apprentices
were often orphans or children abandoned by their natural families. Their
treatment varied from caring to cruel. Local governments did intervene in
severe abuse or neglect cases and would assign the child to a new master. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frequently, children
who were adopted as orphans or lived with stepparents were vulnerable to abuse.
In 1831, a New Hampshire minister beat his adopted son almost to death when the
child had difficulty pronouncing difficult words. This is an example of some
adults’ lack of understanding of child development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If physical or emotional abuse was secretive, sexual abuse
of children was even more so. Authorities<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>were unwilling to admit that it could even possibly exist. Not until the
1920s was the study of child molestation recognized. The practice of allowing
older men to marry girls as young as 13 sometimes circumvented charges of
abuse. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Local governments often placed orphans or neglected children
with other families, often without ongoing supervision or consideration given
to the child itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corinth was one
town that “bid off” such individuals to the lowest bidder. That bidder was supposed
to provide necessities, but that was sometimes not the case. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the early 1800s,
Corinth bid off the two children of Jonas Taplin who could not care for them.
Tragically, the two children were locked by their caretaker in an unheated shed
where they died of starvation and exposure. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Children orphaned or taken from families were sometimes
placed in the town poor farm by the Overseer of the Poor. The discipline there
was often harsh with whipping and solitary confinement used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Private and public orphanages were created in both states in
mid-19th century. Many “orphans” actually had one or both parents unable to
care for them. Many children were placed in orphanages for just short periods.
Discipline was described as rigid. The rise of foster care in the late 19th
century caused children to be “placed out,” often as workers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Early orphan asylums in the two states included the St.
Joseph’s Orphanage (1854) and the Home for Destitute Children (1866), both in
Burlington. The Orphans Home and School for Industry in Franklin, NH, and
Spaulding Youth Center of Northfield, NH, were both opened in 1871. Given
recent charges of abuse in institutions such as these, perhaps these abuses were
systematic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After the Civil War, two cases highlighted the abuse of
children. In 1869, Samuel Fletcher, a blind youngster from Illinois, was locked
in a cellar by his parents. When he escaped and reported the abuse, his parents
were fined $300 in one of the first court rulings recognizing children’s right
to be protected against abuse. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1866, Mary Ellen Wilson of New York was placed in a
foster home with Francis and Mary McCormack. Over the next several years, the
youngster was severely physically abused, malnourished, and neglected. The
widely publicized trial of the McCormacks led to the establishment of the New
York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the first such
organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The following abuse cases were reported in Vermont
newspapers. While neighbors often declined to intervene, concerned neighbors
eventually led authorities to investigate. In some cases, the perpetrator’s
punishment did not seem appropriate to the crime. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1879, 9-year old Alice Meaker of Duxbury was sent to live
with her half-brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the next
year, his wife Emeline severely abused the child. In 1880, Emeline and her son
Almon poisoned the child. Both were found guilty of murder. Both died in
Windsor state prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1906, a Vershire man took charge of a 9-year old boy from
the Children’s home in Burlington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was charged with cruelty after the horrible treatment of the youngster. The
child was forced to work in the woods for long hours, was ill-clothed, and
forced to sleep in an unheated attic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1913, a Waterbury man was imprisoned in Windsor Prison
for whipping a little child. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1915, a Brattleboro woman was fined $10 for publically
assaulting a child of eight with a whip, leaving marks on her legs. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1919, a well-known farmer from Walden was tried for
breach of peace for whipping a 12-year old disabled orphan in his charge. After
a highly publicized trial, he was found guilty and fined $50 and costs. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Underage runaways experienced abuse or neglect. This was
sometimes due to harsh work conditions. The number usually increased during
tough economic times. On the street, underage runaways and homeless children
were especially vulnerable. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Several examples of runaways that received newspaper notice
included an offering of a five cent reward for information on a 14-year old
apprentice from Sherburn, VT who ran away from his master in 1836. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then there is the story of Charlotte Parkhurst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was born in Sharon in 1812 and, after the
death of her mother, was placed in a foster home, perhaps in Lebanon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ran away, adopted a masculine identity,
became known as Charley, and became one of the top stagecoach drivers on the
West Coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Articles mentioned runaways from the State Reform School in
Waterbury and the State School for the Feeble Minded in Brandon. The latter led
to charges of abuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1921, a 15-year
old lad from Wells River ran away from home after “a sound thrashing.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The number of children who ran away from home varied with
economic conditions. The number significantly increased during the economic
depressions. On the street, underage runaways were especially vulnerable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Juvenile offenders were another group of youngsters who
faced abuse or neglect. This was especially true when they were incarcerated in
prisons, jails, or workhouses. In the 1850s, officials in both New Hampshire
and Vermont raised concerns about the imprisonment of children “confined with
hackneyed and callous malefactors.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1852, New Hampshire established a state reform school in
Manchester, and in 1865, Vermont opened one in Waterbury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1912, Vermont began to deal with youthful
offenders in a juvenile court system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A history of early New Hampshire schools recalls severe
abuse by schoolmasters. The frequent use of rods and ferules left “blistered
hands, swollen ears, and smarting limbs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A ferule was a flat ruler used to punish children. The History of
Canaan, NH, mentioned: “most children got whipped every day, either at home or
at school, sometimes at both.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Faced with reckless wretches,” a Vermont teacher in 1845
felt that “rough means became fair.” Many teachers felt there was “an
irresistible persuasiveness” in applying the ruler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Born in 1810, Eliza White Root recalled abuse in Burlington
schools. “I thought the teacher very cruel, as he would often ferule the boys,
gag them and make them stand and hold their arms upright.” Parents generally
accepted corporal punishment, and sometimes, a second at-home punishment
followed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good order is the
jewel of the schoolroom” wrote one editor. He criticized those parents who
threatened a teacher who applied the rod to their child and further blamed them
when they could not control their children at home but expected the teacher to
manage a whole classroom of children. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Often corporal punishment became actual abuse when the adult
involved allowed emotions to overwhelm the situation. In 1867, a Springfield
teacher applied a rawhide whip to an 11-year old boy. Described as an
“outrageous child,” his body was bruised and discolored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1883, a suit was brought against a Pittsfield teacher who
thrashed a boy. “The jury decided she did the proper thing.” A few years later,
an article on why female teachers should be paid less included: A male teacher
“can trash an unruly boy into obedience, she can’t.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There was a belief that corporal punishment was not only
necessary but had a lasting positive impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 1875, the Vermont Phoenix carried the following: “The birch rod, too,
has much to do with our public schools, and most of our great men have been
soundly thrashed with it while boys.” In 1914, that attitude continued: “A good
thrashing has saved many a boy,” making “them a better man.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While naughty boys might be physically punished, girls were
more likely to be just reprimanded. A<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>West Randolph newspaper suggested that boys preferred a trashing to a
girly punishment such as standing in the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Schoolroom discipline in the decades that followed was
“abrupt and absolute.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paddles gave new
meaning to the term “board of education.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes being sent to the Principal’s office resulted in more of the
same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1867, New Jersey was the first state to prohibit corporal
punishment in schools, but it was more than one hundred years before another
state would follow. In 1974, federal legislation required states to establish
child abuse reporting procedures and investigation systems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New Hampshire and Vermont took steps to
implement these requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were changes in attitudes toward corporal punishment
from 1880 to 1920. Adults in charge of children were advised to avoid
chastisement when hot-tempered. In 1895, an article in Bradford’s United
Opinion suggested, “While with a firm hand you administer parental discipline,
also administer it very gently.” In 1909, the newspaper further suggested,
“Think twice before raising your hand to hit a child.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With industrialization in the 19th century, there was
concern over the employment of children in mills and factories. Children were
often employed to supplement family income. Many believed that it was morally
desirable for children to be employed rather than “lazy or wild.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Employers often wanted children for their
lower wages and because their small size was sometimes an advantage, something
that labor unions disputed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The woolen industry in both states employed young children.
The Winooski Woolen Factory employed some children under the age of 12 at low
wages and for workdays of up to 14 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1867, Vermont was the last New England state to limit the
number of hours children could work in factories. But these early laws only
applied to children under 12. There were cases where these laws or the school
attendance requirements were ignored. In 1911, the Vermont Child Labor
Committee was established to combat child labor exploitation. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At the turn of the 20th century, the child-saving movement
included the creation of child protection societies. The New Hampshire
Children’s Aid and Protection Society was formed in 1914 to deal with child
abuse and neglect in that state. Vermont’s Children’s Aid Society was
established in 1919 with a special charge to deal with the problems of children
orphaned by the Spanish flu epidemic. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While laws have been changed to protect endangered children,
for some, this is still a hidden family secret. Professionals are required to
report suspected cases. Neighbors who notice abuse and neglect are under no
legal obligation to report but may report anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can only hope that the cry of the abused
will be heard by those who can answer it. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-28426147513303277182021-12-20T13:16:00.019-05:002021-12-20T13:25:39.217-05:00How Sweet It Is<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiekY_WlrusNcGErQ6jip0MJd6071DseqWBk8dJmzQEGDI3DIUCci1iAwLmrawdd177bndF4lNmgxA_q33N4tVX02G4cmHYtsMngAA2C-6jcN2CYr0dc36eFWNUQg85M_Tlu4FfscwOMCmtalnZOYWzCkeUBuv6uZhphtTBRngma5_QfywLC3LXZdYp=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="600" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiekY_WlrusNcGErQ6jip0MJd6071DseqWBk8dJmzQEGDI3DIUCci1iAwLmrawdd177bndF4lNmgxA_q33N4tVX02G4cmHYtsMngAA2C-6jcN2CYr0dc36eFWNUQg85M_Tlu4FfscwOMCmtalnZOYWzCkeUBuv6uZhphtTBRngma5_QfywLC3LXZdYp=s320" width="320" /></a></div>SANTA'S SWEET GIFT. Individual boxes of hard Christmas candy were distributed by Santa Claus at the conclusion of school and church Christmas programs in area towns. In the late 1940s and '50s, the Orford school held their holiday program at the Orford Congregational Church and, at the end, the long-anticipated visitor arrived with boxes of candy for each child. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2lxPngcvvNbH0XZBKLOHxHO0p4ygDIcBbXjXeHmuwbqdXkpvAj7X7r9uafOyhACMcSSgRcxOAkPDWB5ZNV863USROF1jOwOdKjZmi0qQZY7WQTpTmtxL5AOEesQT2-kvh3g8oxtlfP8NdVtSn7oR7zQLLGS4x9MGiHIxFuZ7pDWkejY4Ocx4pLic4=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2lxPngcvvNbH0XZBKLOHxHO0p4ygDIcBbXjXeHmuwbqdXkpvAj7X7r9uafOyhACMcSSgRcxOAkPDWB5ZNV863USROF1jOwOdKjZmi0qQZY7WQTpTmtxL5AOEesQT2-kvh3g8oxtlfP8NdVtSn7oR7zQLLGS4x9MGiHIxFuZ7pDWkejY4Ocx4pLic4=s320" width="240" /></a></div>YOUNG COOKIE MAKER. Thirteen-year-old Madi Benjamin of Bradford shows off her Christmas cookie creations. She lives with her grandparents, Bob and Pat Benjamin, and is an accomplished baker with her own baking tools. She shares her cookies with family and friends, especially those wo are housebound due to Covid. (Courtesy photo Pat Benjamin) <br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Journal Opinion Dec 15, 2021<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We are in the season of sweet tooth cravings! For many,
Christmas sweets are a significant part of the memories of years past. They,
like the gifts and traditional foods, reflect the bounteous joy of the season. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This column describes how some sweets become traditional
holiday treats. Stories submitted by area residents, internet sites, and
newspaper archives provided background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is the fifth in a series on the history of the holiday
season. For those interested, the following can be found by using the search
feature at “In Times Past” larrycoffin.blogspot.com.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas Memories 1659-1959; Cooking Up a
Christmas Storm; The Best Christmas Gift Ever and Old New Year’s Ways. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The much-maligned fruit cake is one of the oldest examples
of sweets connected to the holiday season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The tradition of giving cakes made with dried fruit and seeds goes back
to a Roman winter festival.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Immigrants from European nations brought their versions of
holiday fruit cakes to the New World. The English style of dark cake, the
Italian panettone, Scottish Dundee cake, and the German stollen are just four
Christmas cakes. Before 1900, these cakes were considered both a luxury and a
way of preserving expensive ingredients.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was the English version that Bradford’s United Opinion
was referring to in 1888: “Good fruit cake, like fine wine, grows better with
age; the cake concocted before Christmas so far from deteriorating, will become
richer and more melting as it and the holiday season together draws to a
close.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the early 1900s, ingredients were more accessible, and
fruit cakes were mass- produced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the
quality was reduced, one source referred to them as a “dry lump of
disappointment.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some love fruit cake and others pass it up. Bradford’s Penny
Perryman shared that her mother made fruit cakes to great reviews. She
mentioned that she was “very confused as I got older and heard jokes” about
fruit cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Other traditional holiday cakes included the alcohol-laden
tipsy cake, the torte-fruit Christmas cake, and the nutty New Year’s Cake. In
1876, the Bradford Opinion mentioned eating the latter ensured happiness in the
new year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Akin to these cakes were the traditional holiday baked or
boiled puddings. Stir-up Sunday was a day in the late fall when puddings were
boiled and put away “to mellow and ripen.” The term plum was a generic term for
dried fruits. For some families, plum pudding was as “important to Christmas as
the lights in the tree.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Figgy puddings are better known as Christmas puddings in
America. In 1888, Bradford’s United Opinion featured a recipe made from suet,
raisins, currants, and citron and steamed for five to eight hours. Carolers
asking for a figgy pudding is mentioned in the 1939 carol “We Wish You a Merry
Christmas.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Christmas pies were standard desserts for the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One Vermont editor ranked mince pie as the
top standard Christmas dessert. Another suggested all any man needed for
Christmas was a mince pie and a new pair of slippers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mince pies are made from apples, raisins and
suet, although there is also a recipe for green tomato mincemeat. Preparations
were often made well in advance.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While apple pie is a favorite dessert for Christmas, pumpkin
is not far behind. At least three favorite Christmas carols link pumpkin pie
with the happiness of home and holiday celebrations. Some sweet enthusiasts list
raspberry, cherry or pecan pie as their favorite Christmas dessert memory.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The holiday would not be complete without cookies. A recipe
for Christmas cookies was included in the first American cookbook published in
1796.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coriander sugar cookies could be
made six months beforehand and stored in earthenware jars in the cellar. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the late 19th century, cookie cutters became available,
and cookies were made in the shape of bells, stars, and reindeer. Gingerbread
cookies had been baked before, but now they were created in shapes such as
decorated men, dogs, and horses. Some were eaten, while others became Christmas
tree decorations. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the 1930s, children began leaving cookies and milk for
Santa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About that same time, Christmas
cookie exchanges became popular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bakeries and stores also offered cookies for Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 1932 ad for Darling’s store in Fairlee
featured Sunshine Cabinet Cookies for “Kiddies’ Xmas Tree” That edition of
Bradford’s United Opinion reflected the economic hardships by encouraging its
readers to “make [their] dollars count.” It added, “Don’t let adult cares be
reflected in Children’s Christmas happiness.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fairlee’s Marjorie Green recalled the wonderful ginger St.
Nicholas-shaped decorated cookies made around 1948 by her local New Jersey
bakery. Buying several was a holiday treat. She said she has tried to duplicate
these cookies in Vermont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Bradford Public Library currently has a display of
wooden molds used in the making of Springeles, a traditional Christmas cookie
of Europe’s German-speaking region. These molds have been collected by Anita
Fahrni of West Newbury and will be on display for the next month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I received several emails from area residents that spoke of
the role of candy in their Christmas memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For them, “visions of sugar plums” did actually dance in their
heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sugar plums are pieces of candy made with hardened sugar in
a small round shape. Plum refers to the shape. They can be made with dried
fruit, nuts and spices. In 1802, Confectioner Stephen Delaney of Portsmouth
offered commercially made sugar plums. In the mid-19th century, sugar plums
were often used as tree decorations. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Clyde Watson of Etna recalled her older sister making sugar
plums from large red grapes dipped in egg whites and sugar and used as
decorations. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Other candy associated with the holidays included homemade
fudge, peanut brittle, molasses taffy, maple candy, and bourbon balls.
Charlotte Williams of Fairlee recalled a late 1950s memory of family- made
bourbon balls. She described them “as a not-too-sweet mix of baking cocoa, a
little flour, a little sugar, and plenty of chopped walnuts.” Doled out on
Christmas morning for “a delightful sweet/bitter bite, and what a lovely fiery
warmth in the pit of my tummy afterward!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Several recalled commercially-made candy, including Peach
Blossoms. The New England Confectionery Company of Revere, Massachusetts, made
these peanut butter candies wrapped in a crunchy shell. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Florence Welch of Newbury said her mom would always purchase
a can of Peach Blossoms, even on a tight budget. Patsy Belknap of Bradford said
her mom’s first present for her dad every Christmas was a can of the candy. “He
savored them well into the New Year.” She said.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ribbon candy was another popular choice. This sticky wavy
candy was made for years by hand by formed strips around the maker’s thumb. In
1886, dentist Dr. P. B. Laskey, a Massachusetts inventor, patented a mechanical
candy crimper. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Candy canes are the number one non-chocolate holiday candy.
Many of them are purchased first as tree decorations. These sugar sticks were
introduced into America around 1847. Until they were made by machine, they were
entirely white. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Living in a candy store may be a dream for some kids, but
“it’s lots of work,” said 89-year old Phidias Dantos of Hanover. He was born
into a family that operated a general store in Andover, Massachusetts. When
they made their annual supply of Christmas candies, it was “full gear ahead”
for all.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dantos recalled how
the candy room had to be refurbished before beginning the production. He
described how they made ribbon candy by preparing the sugar mixture in large
copper kettles. They used up to 1000 pounds of sugar annually.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wearing heavy gloves, they poured the hot candy slurry onto
a large marble-covered bench. After passing through a machine his father had
made, it was curled by hand. Broken pieces were saved to be made into peanut
brittle.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They also produced candy canes. When his father died in
1952, Dantos worked alongside his Uncle Pete until 1960. He said in the 60
years since, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he has only enjoyed ribbon
candy once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Donna Garone of Orford said her favorite memory about
Christmas sweets was tied to the candy display at Hill’s Five & Ten in
Bradford. To great joy, her Dad brought home chocolate covered peanuts, malted
milk balls and non-pareil. She carried that tradition until Hill’s no longer sold
penny candy. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At festive events such as school or church programs, Santa
distributed small boxes of hard candy and candy canes. His appearance was a
highly anticipated event and usually occurred at the conclusion of the program.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am told by my
Jewish connections that a few sweets are specifically connected to the Jewish
winter festival of Hanukkah. The most specific is chocolate gelts. These are
foil wrapped candy coins given as presents, especially to children. They are
often used in conjunction with the Hanukkah game of dreidel. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jewish families might also enjoy the following sufganiyot
(jelly donuts), hamantaschen (small filled cookies), and halvah (sesame
fudge-like candy). These, along with sugar or honey cookies in the shape of
stars or dreidels, cheesecake, and filled chocolates, might be purchased or
made at home.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wars had a significant impact on Christmas sweets. During
the Civil War, men received boxes of candy, cookies, and warm socks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1862, George Benedict of the 12th Vermont
Regiment wrote in his diary about boxes of goodies including “raisins, apples
and coco-nut cake just sent from home.” He went on, “some soldiers received no
special treats.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Similar packages of homemade goodies were sent to troops in
France during World War I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Companies
created special packages containing fruit cake and other treats that could be
mailed to service members. One company’s ad mentioned “Send Your Soldier Boy a
Liberty Cake,” For $1, including postage, a 24 oz. fruit cake could be sent
abroad. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While sugar was not rationed during World War I, there was
great pressure to conserve. In November 1917, candy makers were feeling the
sugar shortage and they reduced their offerings. There were ads from
confectioners in Vermont newspapers that year. The sentiment was “children
should have candy!” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1942, sugar was the first food to be rationed, and
chocolate followed. Service members received hard chocolate in their government
rations. In 1941, the Mars Candy Company created M & M’s based on a similar
product supplied to troops during the Spanish Civil War. They were
heat-resistant and easy to transport and were exclusively produced for military
rations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a result, there was a severe shortage of chocolate on the
home front. The emphasis on a homemade Christmas extended to making, as nearly
as possible, traditional Christmas sweets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A December 1943 United Opinion edition offered candy recipes to “S-t-r-e-t-c-h”
rations points. They included recipes for Christmas fruit balls and marshmallow
prunes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When in 1823, Clement
Clarke Moore wrote “the stockings were hung by the chimney with care…,”
children had been hanging stockings for Santa for some time. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For many years, Christmas presents consisted only of what
would fit in a stocking. That might include an apple or orange, some nuts, and
hard candy. By 1884, oranges from Florida began to appear in Vermont. In 1888,
Christmas oranges were being offered for sale at Beiley’s Store in Newbury.
About that same time, boxes of California crystalized fruit were also
available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 1912 article in The
Country Gentleman described the contents of a common stocking: “homemade candy
tied up in bright paper, a few sugar cookies and an orange.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">About 1908, the California Fruit Growers Association began a
mass marketing campaign to link their oranges with Santa Claus. During the
Great Depression, many families could not afford to buy holiday presents. An
orange was an exotic treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another exotic treat was dried dates. Dean Whitlock of
Thetford wrote, “My favorite holiday sweet treats were stuffed dates.” They
were made by filling pitted dates with shelled walnuts or pecans and
sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For many years, “chestnuts roasting on an open fire”
produced “the smell of Christmas in America.” In urban areas, street peddlers
roasted chestnuts. Eaten warm, they are described as sweet and buttery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chestnuts were also used in cakes and as
stuffing for the Christmas turkey. Mixed nuts along with roast cashews were
also available at holiday time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, many people feel
they gain weight due to the sweets consumed. The despair prompts many New
Year’s resolutions. With best intentions under siege, Christmas cookies, pies
and other treats are challenging to resist. Despite that, how sweet it is. <o:p></o:p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-59594514273189289802021-11-14T12:58:00.004-05:002021-11-14T13:14:34.316-05:00Five Who Served<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQUkT36aeZCwNKR9PzlG6CXL-n1L0lazUaJuGa_5gSRB1VR2CNRd7P0as1Mw51433D4NXlYiUj4kUjubO7L6P7A4cb-SF1KNitl3-i2T8kfyZGvQfwqfHJVnGKum3bX7PmOS868kw5n8/s456/Steven2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQUkT36aeZCwNKR9PzlG6CXL-n1L0lazUaJuGa_5gSRB1VR2CNRd7P0as1Mw51433D4NXlYiUj4kUjubO7L6P7A4cb-SF1KNitl3-i2T8kfyZGvQfwqfHJVnGKum3bX7PmOS868kw5n8/s320/Steven2.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THEY CALLED "STEVE." During the 1945 battle for Okinawa, wounded Marines were told to yell "Steve" to summon corpsman Steven Seminerio. Japanese soldiers were calling "corpsman" and then shooting the responding Americans. (Courtesy photo) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuafN3hfaUqb8N8mhtCCxIg7V0hg1Ch8I9hlrV7qdaiF_E2MQ8yOJl1YfUPrCtMZlzQOV7ylmoC0tDx8R701oXmezReelUi5Pxy_ZZNCgb4ai3cpeUXo5t4QUU-Z2MuxL6E9IefZW0Bc/s570/Earl+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="436" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuafN3hfaUqb8N8mhtCCxIg7V0hg1Ch8I9hlrV7qdaiF_E2MQ8yOJl1YfUPrCtMZlzQOV7ylmoC0tDx8R701oXmezReelUi5Pxy_ZZNCgb4ai3cpeUXo5t4QUU-Z2MuxL6E9IefZW0Bc/s320/Earl+2.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LIBERTY SHIP GUNNER. During World War II, Haverhill's Earl Aremburg served aboard Liberty-class ships making several transatlantic passages transporting soldiers, equipment and supplies. Attacks by German submarines and planes made the trips extremely dangerous. (Courtesy photo)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Journal Opinion Nov 10, 2021</p><p>Thursday, Nov 11 is Veterans Day. It was initially
established as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War One on the
same day in 1918. In 1954, the observance was renamed and expanded to honor all
who have served in our nation’s military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In observance of this day, five veterans were interviewed for
this column. They all served in the nation’s military between 1943 and
1953.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are all in their nineties.
They all have ties to this area. Their service details exemplify the varied
experiences of many other veterans. They all participated by sharing their
stories which are presented in chronological order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ninety-five-year-old Earl Aremburg, of North Haverhill,
recalled he and his friend Joe Dyke joined the Navy right after his 17th
birthday in Sept 1943. He trained as a gunner in Norfolk, Virginia and, was
assigned to a 35-man unit on the SS Hannis Taylor, a Liberty-class cargo ship. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Aremburg’s first transatlantic trip was in a convoy of 100
ships carrying troops, equipment, and supplies to the Mediterranean. During the
30-day trip, the ever-present danger from German submarines was significant and
the convoy lost a number of ships. Liberty ships, he recalled, “sunk like a
stone” with considerable loss of life. Especially dangerous was when the convoy
went through the Strait of Gibraltar as it had to go single file. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Hannas Taylor was assigned to carry cargo around the
Mediterranean from North Africa to Naples and at least one trip back to the
States. On that trip the ship’s cargo was largely damaged equipment that he
referred to as “junk.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He recalled that perhaps some of the older men suffered more
from homesickness and fear than he did. But he did remember experiencing fear
during the German nighttime bombings of the port of Naples in the spring of
1944. The vulnerable ships were under total blackout. He recalled the Army’s
response with searchlights spotting the enemy bombers overhead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Returning to Baltimore, Aremburg was transferred to a second
Liberty ship whose mission was refueling ships enroute to North Africa. After
the end of the war in the European theater, he was shipped to the Pacific in
anticipation of the invasion of Japan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was transferred from gunner to machinist aboard the aircraft carrier
USS Manila Bay.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the Japanese
surrender, the carrier was used to return troops to the States for discharge.
Because of his low point score, Aremburg was not discharged until Jan
1946.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Adjusted Service Rating Score
was used by the services to determine the order in which service members would
be discharged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Points were granted based
on a number of factors, including length of service.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Upon discharge Aremburg traveled by train from San Francisco
to Boston, arriving back in Haverhill in April, 1946, just 20 years old. He
remained in the Marine Reserve, but was not called for further duty.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Post-war, Aremburg <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and his son Ray were well-known for their co-
ownership of Blackmount Equipment in North Haverhill and for his activities in
the local veterans’ post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jan 31, 1944 was Steven Seminero’s 18th birthday and the day
he enlisted in the Navy. As he had been a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>pre-med student at Boston University, he was assigned as a corpsman with
the 6th Marine Division. That June, he was shipped to Guadalcanal to prepare
for the invasion of the Japanese island of Okinawa.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Seminero recalled, “We invaded Okinawa on Easter Sunday,
April 1, 1945. I was in the first wave that landed. At first, there was no
combat, but as we moved south, it became more difficult. Four thousand of our
men were killed and many more wounded.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He said that three corpsmen sent in before him were killed.
“The Japanese were calling ‘corpsman’ to lure them and then kill them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So my platoon leader ordered the men to call
‘Steve’ if they needed me. I was told later that while I was crawling uphill
toward a wounded man, bullets were flying all around me, but I was totally
unaware of this.” During combat, Seminero was promoted to Pharmacist Mate 2nd
Class.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The division was in Guam preparing for the invasion of Japan
when the atomic bombs were dropped. “As we thought of the invasion as a suicide
mission, we were most relieved.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
division was then assigned to Tsingtao, China, to process surrendering Japanese
forces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Upon discharge, Seminero returned to Boston University under
the GI Bill. Upon graduation, he married his wife Marilyn and entered
seminary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For 42 years, he served
Methodist churches in Massachusetts, retiring to Marilyn’s family home in East
Haverhill in 1992.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is well known in the
area, having served as interim minister in several area churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They now divide their time between East
Haverhill and Concord, MA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Seminero said that after discharge, he tried “to forget the
war and get on with my life. I never talked about it until the fifty-year
observance of the end of the war.” At a program on the Okinawa battle in 1995,
he responded to an invitation from the speaker to share his experiences. This
interview continues that sharing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1944, 17-year old Alan Stahl answered his nation’s call
and joined the Navy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was sent to
school to train as a motor machinist. He was assigned to the newly-minted LST
900, a 328-foot tank landing ship. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After amphibious landing exercises in Hawaii, the ship
sailed in convoy to Okinawa in June 1945. When asked about the impact of the
extreme heat of a Pacific summer, Stahl recalled that as machinists, they were
able to get some relief by rerouting some of the air conditioning meant for the
officers.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a Machinist’s Mate, his duties included checking
equipment such as the ramp doors and generators. During the invasion of the
Japanese-held island, he and his fellows shipmates <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>were involved in unloading Marines along with
their equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of his duties was
to operate the smoke machine that helped provide cover from enemy fire.
Something went wrong, and the machine blew up. “It went straight up into the
air…I got hell from the Captain.” he recalled.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After Okinawa, the ship prepared for the invasion of the
Japanese homeland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When asked about the
use of the atomic bombs to end the war, Stahl said most of the men he knew at
the time thought it was “the right thing to do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In October 1945, his ship sailed to Tokyo Bay
to discharge occupation troops. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Subsequently, he was transferred to the USS LST 875. At this
point, the thought uppermost in the minds of most of his buddies was how many
points they had accumulated. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After being discharged in 1946, he and his new wife Barbara
drove to Oklahoma, where he attended the engineering program at Oklahoma State
under the GI Bill. Most of his working experience was for AT &T.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They purchased a farm on South Road in
Bradford in 1961, using it first as a vacation spot and then as a retirement
home. They now live in Savannah, GA, near their family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hans “Buck” Trede of South Ryegate was born in Germany in
1929. Two years later, his family migrated to America and settled on Long
Island. He left the horticulture program at Farmingdale State College in 1950
to join the Marines. After training, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier
USS Philippines Sea as part of a contingency of 80 Marines. The carrier task
force was ordered to the Pacific in response to the North Korean invasion of
South Korea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Dec. 1950, the United Nations forces at Chosin, North
Korea, were in retreat as the Chinese entered the conflict. The Philippines Sea
was at Hungnam to assist with the evacuation of troops and civilians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trede was assigned to a launch to go
ashore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During one sortie, he suffered a
non-combat injury to his leg that sent him to the sick bay. There he developed
pneumonia and was treated with penicillin, to which he suffered a severe
reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After recuperating at the naval hospital in Beaufort, SC,
Trede was reassigned at the sea rescue naval base in Bermuda. His duties there
were varied, from security on the Tender Pier and main gate to guarding the
ammo dump. Additionally, in dress blues, he escorted officers to ceremonies and
social events. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Trede wanted an early discharge to return to college, but
the appropriate date would be three weeks after the start of the semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, Trede had a sympathetic sergeant who<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>arranged for him to remain in the Corps for
those three weeks and still begin college in the horticulture program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Trede moved to South Ryegate about three years ago to live
with his daughter. In his retirement, he crafts beautiful furniture. “There is
no such thing as an ex-Marine,” he says and proudly carries his Marine
identification card in his wallet. Thinking back over his military service, he
stated, “They were the best experiences I ever had.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bradford’s Leonard Dobbins was drafted into the Army in 1951,
at age 21. He was assigned to the 141st Light Tank Battalion and trained at
Fort Hood and in the Mojave Desert. In 1952, his portion of the battalion left
New Orleans for an army base in Hanau, Germany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dobbins recalled that another portion was sent to the war in Korea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just “chance” that gave him the
European assignment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The battalion was located in the American Sector of what
became West Germany. Their presence was part of the American response to the
developing threat of Soviet expansion. As it was assumed that tanks would be
part of any action, maneuvers were held regularly to keep them battle-ready.
But Dobbins concluded that his peaceful tour “was a very safe assignment.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hanau had been almost
totally destroyed by Allied bombing during the war. Dobbins recalled that while
there was a great deal of reconstruction going on, there was still evidence of
the economic repercussions of WW II on the civilian population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He remembered seeing a German woman using a horse and cow to
plow her field. At night, he would see kids going through the garbage from the
mess hall, searching for food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While relations between the military and the local
population were generally good. However, Dobbins recalled the damage the
battalion’s large tanks did to roads and buildings at civilian crossroads when
the tanks were unable to maneuver the sharp corners easily.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dobbins had been a carpenter prior to being drafted and was
assigned to be a battalion carpenter. After returning to Bradford, he used his
enhanced skills as a local carpenter/contractor and continues to do at age 91.
He married his wife Evelyn in 1954, and they still live on Dobbins Lane in
Bradford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As with the other veterans interviewed, he mentioned the excellent
care he has received at local VA hospital and of the many veterans met through
American Legion functions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1995, Oxbow High
commemorated the 50th anniversary of the end of World War Two by inviting over
50 local speakers to recall their experiences for the students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speakers included soldiers, airmen and
sailors, factory workers, a UFO entertainer, a German civilian who recalled
Allied bombing, and a man dropped behind the lines in Southeast Asia with the
task of organizing locals against the Japanese. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As that generation was aging, that was about the last decade
in which such a collection of such locals could be held. We owe a lot to that
generation, especially to those who served in the military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Several years ago, my wife and I were having lunch with Alan
and Barbara Stahl at a local dinner on Tybee Island, GA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I went to pay the tab, I was told that a
stranger had paid for their lunch in gratitude for Alan’s service. Earl
Aremburg recalled similar incidents at local restaurants and the young people
who asked about his service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you for your service.” On Veterans Day, 2021, that
message continues to be appropriate not only for those who served in World War
II, Korea, and during the Cold War, but for the many who followed as well.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2133932255194683650.post-39387816937401784582021-10-11T10:03:00.043-04:002021-10-17T08:36:54.636-04:00Fruits of the Harvest<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfoSOTD8FPfsZ2H2ZSFpuB6uyCKxdUHJOVz_yIWWME4bIxw00e-DFflPUOgJPfyWIMHOsBoiR3ihGuswWs0uRnmB07dG2Ec1CJzVdUleCXGohrn1ajqE2P9Qa-_hmGuV-mdXuWgHCrLM/s300/Honeycrisp-300x200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfoSOTD8FPfsZ2H2ZSFpuB6uyCKxdUHJOVz_yIWWME4bIxw00e-DFflPUOgJPfyWIMHOsBoiR3ihGuswWs0uRnmB07dG2Ec1CJzVdUleCXGohrn1ajqE2P9Qa-_hmGuV-mdXuWgHCrLM/s0/Honeycrisp-300x200.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">(Courtesy: Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association)</div></blockquote><div><br /></div>Journal Opinion 10/6/2021<br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“How many farmers go to the store or tavern and spend their
leisure time talking about their neighbors and cursing the book farming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much better it would be for them to stay
at home and cultivate their apple trees.” Noah W. Hardy, Granite Farmer, 1851. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This column explores the history of wild and domesticated
fruits, berries and nuts in New Hampshire and Vermont. It will not deal with
garden crops such as potatoes or squash, or field crops such as wheat, oats,
and corn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I draw on the observations of those who have written, on the
subject in newspapers and agricultural reports in times past especially prior
to 1930. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Both wild and domesticated plants are climate dependent. In
New Hampshire, the growing season is longest in the southern section, especially
near the Seacoast. Southern Vermont, as well as the Champlain Valley, have more
frost-free days and are more likely to see expanded fruit and berry
production.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even within local areas, there are microclimate zones that
have somewhat different growing season. As cold air is heavier it tends to
settle in the valleys whereas warmer, lighter air rises. Hillside farms were
often a better location for fruit crops that required a somewhat longer
season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the most important fruit crops in the area has been
apples. With only crabapples native to North America, larger apples were
brought to North America by European migrants. From the earliest settlement,
apple trees and orchards were planted. According to The History of Newbury,
apple trees were planted in Newbury and Haverhill in 1763 and, by 1770, “their
fruit had become quite plentiful, while as yet there were not trees in bearing
elsewhere, nearer than sixty miles.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Zadock Thompson’s 1842 review of Vermont horticulture
reported that apples were the “most important and abundant fruit, and is found
to flourish in all parts of the state.” Farmers in both states experimented
with different types of apples, often grafting new varieties to old stock.
Apples were often grown specifically for eating, cooking, drying or cider-making. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The extensive
orchards produced an immense quantity of apples. Most of these were made into
cider and cider brandy. Prior to 1840, Daniel Eastman of West Newbury owned an
orchard as well as a distillery. He produced up to 1,200 bushels of apples and
30 barrels of cider brandy. In the 1880s, James Hunter of Ryegate operated an
apple jelly mill producing over 5 tons of jelly and other products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The value of apple orchard products in New Hampshire doubled
between 1850 and 1860. The New Hampshire Board of Agriculture promoted the
planting of apple trees in the belief that the state was just right for them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charles E. Hardy of
Hollis, NH, is an example of an apple producer who followed their advice. He
began to market Baldwin apples, with each individual fruit wrapped in paper and
packaged in air-tight barrels. AT the height of his production, he sold 1,150
barrels of apples for $2,500.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By the 1860s, there may have been as many as 600 varieties
of apples grown in Vermont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My 2nd
great grandfather Clark Harris of Wilmington, VT, won repeated prizes at the
Windham County Fair for exhibiting the largest variety. In the 1870s, he entered
up to 46 varieties of grafted apples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many of those older varieties have disappeared. There are
groups in both states actively looking for any remaining heirloom apple trees.
Janice Brown’s blog on New Hampshire history has an extensive article on
missing New Hampshire heirloom apples. The list includes Granite Beauty,
Dinsmore, Jewett’s Red, and Lafayette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The latter was developed in Chester, NH in 1824, to recognize General
Lafayette’s triumphant return tour of the nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the earliest hill town orchards was begun in East
Corinth in 1870.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 1920 it belonged to
Julian Dimock, who through new plantings and grafting of old ones, had enlarged
it to 1,600 trees. His fruit became well known in part because of aggressive
advertising. One example: “Dimock Apples: You can eat them in the dark!” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The orchards of Bennington’s Edward Hamlin Everett
overshadowed all others. A wealthy entrepreneur, Everett established Southern
Vermont Orchards in 1910.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The orchards
included 75,000 apple trees with 65 varieties, 3,000 plum trees and 2,000
quince trees. It is reported that his orchards were the largest privately owned
orchards in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everett died in
1929.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A modern Southern Vermont Orchards
now has 300 acres of the site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While apples grew abundantly, there has been questions about
the growing of peaches outside of the warmer parts of the region. In 1842, Zadock Thompson,
using his Lake Champlain garden as an example, wrote that while little
attention had been paid to peaches, “good ones could be raised.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1869, a report in the New England Farmer suggested
peaches were an unreliable crop, with New Hampshire coastline growers getting
just one good season in three. As hardier varieties were developed it was
reported that “peaches are hard to grow as far north as the Green Mountains,
but if they will grow at all they are the very best.” Ads for those hearty
varieties began to appear in Brattleboro and Burlington newspapers around 1870.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1916, future Senator George Aiken of Putney wrote, “It is
not generally known that peaches can be grown in Vermont, yet in Windham
Country there at several orchards of a few hundred trees each.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I placed a question online inquiring about growing local
peaches. There were a several positive responses and an invitation from Jean
Carlan to taste some of the 150 pieces of fruit she had gathered from her two
trees on Bradford’s Main Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wild grapes were another fruit that grew in abundance and
gathered in late September. Known for their “piquancy of flavor,” they had a
low sugar content and a sour taste. Early settlers used them for jellies and
preserves.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1849, the wild grapes were so prolific, “when the season
arrived, it was as common occurrence for boys to take a basket on their arm and
go out a graping, as it is to go after blackberries.“ noted one contemporary.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1850, an article in the Granite Farmer stated, “A little
attention to our wild grapes may discover some new variety that could prove to
be valuable.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, the year before
a nurseryman in Concord, MA, had taken a wild grape variety and crossed it with
an established grape to produce the Concord grape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This technique helped the delicate variety to
evolve into a hardy one, adapted to colder climates. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Growing up in Orford in the 1950s, there were “wild” Concord
grapes on our boundary trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps a
bird had dropped a seed years before. In addition to swinging on the large
vines, we enjoyed the fresh fruit and the grape conserve jelly my Mom
made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If space allowed, this column could have described other
fruits, including wild red and black cherries and pears, found in warmer
sections. Improved varieties of these fruits were later available commercially,
as were plums, quince and currants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The history of strawberries in the area is significant. Wild
strawberries are native to the area and both indigenous people and European
settlers found them to be a special treat as they are among the first fruits to
ripen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Between 1834 and 1851, nurserymen in New England developed
berries that are the ancestors of most modern varieties. About 1875, William
Smalley of Bradford experimented with a quarter acre of strawberries on his
Lower Plain farm. His experiment was successful and, by 1884, he was producing
1,000 bushes of the fruit annually.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By 1888, the number of growers in Bradford had increased to
11. Maitland Jenkins purchased his father’s farm on the Lower Plain in 1893 and
became known as the Strawberry King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Strawberries were shipped by train to the White Mountains, Boston and
New York. Even strawberries produced in neighboring towns were often advertised
as “Bradford strawberries.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Those interested in a more complete history of local
strawberries can access a 2007 article on my blog at
larrycoffin.blogspot.com.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As early settlers cleared the forest, wild berry bushes grew
up in thickets and along woodland borders, providing a “plethora of free
berries.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These included red and black
raspberries, elderberries, gooseberries, thimbleberries, high bush cranberries,
blueberries, teaberries or perhaps even the elusive checkerberry.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Picking wild blackberries became a rewarding pastime for
many. The bushes were often in the most unexpected and neglected locations. The
picker who found these locations while “aberrying” would often keep them a
personal secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Corinth’s
so-called <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>South America district, there
was great blackberry country. The town history mentions that Corinth people
went there to pick bushels of blackberries for home use and sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“It is ridiculous to be shipping blackberries into Vermont
in carload lots,” one 1899 observer wrote, “when they grow well all over the
hills and can be raised in the garden almost without effort.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wild blueberries have been harvested by indigenous people
for centuries. New settlers found these berries in both states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wild berries were referred to as low
blueberries or low bush blueberries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By 1913, wild blueberries had been over picked. This led the
US Department of Agriculture to encourage the cultivation of high bush
berries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around 1916, wild blueberries
and wild currants were destroyed in many places as they were thought to be
contributors to white pine blister, a disease that endangered the forestry
industry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1864, an article in The Vermont Transcript had reported,
“Our country farms are the best gooseberry growers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The berries were used for pies, chutney,
jams, and cordials.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By 1878, improved specie were being planted in home
gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vermonters were advised that
gooseberries were easily grown, required little attention, and produced
quantities of fruit “no matter how much they were neglected.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But by 1907, when gooseberries were thought to contribute to
white pine blister, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New Hampshire state
foresters were given the authority to remove gooseberries and wild currents
from private property to avoid the white pine blister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gooseberries are still illegal in New
Hampshire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While many of the fruits mentioned above are currently grown
commercially in New Hampshire and Vermont, nuts are not. These include walnuts,
chestnuts, butternuts, beech-nuts, acorns, and hazelnuts. These were found wild in
various amounts with acorns being the most plentiful.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Indigenous people relied on these nuts as an important source
of protein. Settlers followed their examples, except that they often used wild
nuts as feed for pigs. Pigs were often allowed to roam free during the fall to
root for the fallen nuts. Nut-finishing gives pork a sweeter taste.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The meat of butternuts is hard to access, but their
sweetness compensates for the difficulty of cracking them and the “untidy
nature” of the trees. Butternut trees were quite common in the two states. In
1917, <i>The Caledonian</i> reported that the largest butternut tree in Vermont was found
at the Doe residence in Bradford village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was reported to have a circumference of 11 feet and its 76-foot crown reach
half way across the adjacent main street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This “backyard delicacy” was especially tasty when used in
maple fudge. In the 1950’s, my Uncle Elroy Coffin of West Brattleboro was a
major commercial producer of this delicacy. After 1978, a butternut canker
began to infect trees in both states and the trees suffered high mortality
rates, especially in Vermont. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All of the trees and plants mentioned above were susceptible
to the yearly variations of the weather. Exceptionally cold winters, such as
that of 1816, killed them. June frosts in 1859 killed the apple crop with
almost one-half of the orchards in Vermont either dead or dying. Hurricanes,
such as the one in 1938, caused widespread destruction of fruit trees.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Climatologists and horticulturists are warning of the impact
of climate change on traditional fruit growing practices. Warmer winters do not
produce the “chill” that is essential for apple production.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An extremely hot day can cause burn on
sensitive fruit. Extreme variations in rain fall also impact the growth of
fruit. Changing climate can also encourage invasive diseases, plants, and pests
that can harm orchards and wild plants.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But for now, whether foraging for wild treats, picking in
commercial orchards, or gathering that which you have grown in your back yard,
the fruit <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> of the harvest is something to treasure. Enjoy. </span><o:p></o:p></p>Larry Coffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12017462386376439544noreply@blogger.com0