DANVILLE, VERMONT GOOD FOR THE WHOLE MONTH $1.50
AUGUST 2007 Volume 19, Number 4 These Apples Are Not All Alike
PAGE EIGHTEEN Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans
PAGE TWENTY SIX Vanna’s Best Bread & Butter Pickles Ever
PAGE THIRTY Four Vintage Films Are a Must for Your DVD Collection
CHARLES FLETCHER — TEXAS Photo By: North Star Monthly Todd Parlo has taken the challenge of developing a nursery in Walden with as much diversity among apple varieties as possible. He cur- RANGER rently has 200 cultivars, those are agriculturally produced varieties, which he has on display in alphabetical order at his nursery. A stay-at- FROM home-dad Parlo and his young son, Leo, tend the nursery and often may be seen at the Farmers’ Markets in Danville, Hardwick and Stowe. VERMONT TERRY HOFFER eties that there are.” Parlo is fascinated by breeding new varieties but understands that HARRIET F. FISHER odd Parlo grew up in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, an that science may well take place under the guise of genetic engineer- area with rich soil and where agriculture reigns as queen. Apple ing. He tells the story of Peter Gideon who planted hundreds of thou- It was May 1848. Charles B. Torchards in the Finger Lakes are famous, and institutions like sands of seeds in Minnesota and carefully tended them through a long Fletcher was a long way from his Cornell at the foot of Lake Cayuga have staked a claim to world process of selection. It was Gideon who isolated and named the vari- native town of Lyndon. He was renown in the science of growing apples. ety known as “Wealthy.” Parlo says it’s a tedious and lengthy process on his way to San Antonio where Parlo is easygoing and relaxed about his own interest in apples, such that plucking the seeds from the strainer in your sink and grow- he would take an escort and head but when you mention the geography of the Finger Lakes and its vast ing a nice tasty apple that’s juicy with some degree of shelf-life is - for the Indian frontier. orchards he laughs, “Mozart was 8 when he wrote his first symphony, well, “fruitless.” “You would laugh to see my and I wish I could tell you I was grafting apple trees at that age, but I Today on this high setting in Walden, Parlo maintains his Walden equipage,” he wrote on May 4, can’t.” Heights Nursery and Orchard. Currently he has close to 200 cultivars 1848 from Houston to his moth- Parlo set off for college and with master of fine arts degree fol- and the hope of expanding with an emphasis on varieties that are er, Abigail Fletcher, in Lyndon. lowed a path to teaching. He says, “It wasn’t long before I found adapted to winters like those that settle over Walden. This year Parlo “I have an excellent mustang, or teaching was more about discipline than teaching,” and he shifted his says he grafted 1,500 trees in a few weeks, a far cry from his first ten- wild horse from the prairies, a career to woodworking. Following a vacation trip to northern Vermont tative attempts less than 10 years ago. “It seemed to me,” he says, Mexican saddle, at my saddle Parlo and his wife settled on land in Walden, and he says, “We thought “that if you wanted an interesting apple you had to send away for it. bow hang my holsters with pis- of ourselves as homesteaders.” My hope is to provide three-year old trees that are going to grow big tols, across my saddle & and in At first there were pigs and chickens and firewood, and then there roots and be able to withstand bare winters where temperatures fall to front hang my rifle. I have a great emerged an interest explained perhaps by those earlier days in the 40 below.” broad-brimmed Tampico hat to Finger Lakes. Parlo’s inclination for subsistence farming shifted to Parlo steers away from dwarf varieties for their limited life shield me from the sun. Around apples. expectancy. He says, “I don’t want to put a ton of time into a dwarf me a leather belt holding a pair Parlo’s wife was appointed administrator of the Cabot Coalition, a tree for this climate and then suggest to a customer that it will be fine. of revolving pistols & a large program to reduce substance abuse among teenagers in Cabot, and he Customers will forget what I tell them, but they’ll always remember bowie knife. At my back hangs opted for the position of stay-at-home-dad. Parlo describes himself as (Please See The Beauty of Apples on Page 8) my gourd of water [underlined to a voracious reader, and with a pile of books he studied all that he reassure his mother, no doubt], could about apples and diversity among varieties. add to this a shirt, a blanket coat, “At one time,” he says, “there were 14,000 to 17,000 cultivars a blanket rolled up & fastened [agriculturally derived varieties]. Today there are probably no more behind, a portmanteau holding a than 100 that are commercially available, and if you look for apples P.O. Box 319 Danville, VT 05828-0319 few clothes, and you have the in the produce department of the supermarket the number of choices (Please See Page 6) is likely less than six. My goal,” he says, “is preservation of the vari-
ANDY’S ROUGH LUMBER Maple Center Motors, Inc. NEED COMPUTER HELP? 1128 Memorial Drive Hardware or Software St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 (802) 748-4527 wyBatap.com Boards, Dimension autotrader.com (802) 633-4395 Lumber and Timbers [email protected] Gary Sanborn Doug Stetson Kevin Sanborn Sarah Corey If I’m not helpful there is no charge. Danville (802) 684-1075 David Greenwood Anne Baker See Business Directory on Page 32. 2 The North Star Monthly August 2007
EDITORIAL OFFICES: Periodical Postal Rates Soar P.O. Box 319 ~ 29 Hill Street I just about bit the eraser off the end of my pencil the other day when I got the news from the Danville, VT 05828-0319 post office about the latest increase in our postage rates. In addition to the first class rate changes, (802) 684-1056 which everyone has seen, this will be the seventh change in our periodical rates in the last nine years. This one alone is a 27 percent increase in the cost for our domestic mailing. The cost of mail- EDITOR: ing The North Star to Europe has increased a mind boggling 346 percent. Terry Hoffer I have always been pretty supportive of the USPS especially when I think of the service provid- ed for the cost of a first class stamp. Someone will drive up to the box at the end of our driveway, ART DIRECTOR: six days out of seven, and take out an envelope addressed to anywhere in the country, and that enve- Suzanne Tanner lope will probably be at its destination in less than a week. That’s a pretty good deal for forty-one cents. I admit that I grumbled like everyone else when the price jumped up from thirty-nine cents in CONTRIBUTING May, but really we can’t complain. EDITOR: I have also been well aware that, second only to printing, postage is our largest expense, and Tim Tanner we have no choice as to where that mailing takes place. The North Star is labeled, bundled, bagged and then taken to the Danville Post Office where the nice folks there are always accommodating and sometimes even sympathetic with respect to our rising costs. CIRCULATION: The discouraging words that we heard recently though were that the huge mailers like TIME, Kathy Hoffer The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal saw this increase coming and they have had their lobbyists on the case for years. In effect small businesses, like ours without a bevy of paid advocates ADVERTISING: in the postal rate adjustment process, have the pleasure of subsidizing big ones. That’s not the first Vicki Moore time this sort of thing happened, and I have no reason to believe it will be the last, but when the big ones backed over our toes this month we were sore. EDITORIAL ADVISORY Therefore, as of August 1, our mailed subscription price will increase to $16 for subscribers in BOARD: the United States. That includes APO and FPO addresses. The cost of a subscription to an address in John Haygood Canada will be $40, and it just doesn’t seem likely that the cost of mailing The North Star monthly Jane Larrabee to other international addresses makes sense. We will honor the existing subscriptions for those who Susan Lynaugh have them - anywhere, but after those run out our contribution to the business of globalization will Betsy McKay have to find an other form. I have to say that this is all terribly disappointing especially when I think of those who get The North Star in places we will no longer go. I find myself thinking of my all-time favorite sad song — The North Star Monthly (ISSN#1043-8041) is produced and pub- that’s Bruce Springsteen’s “Bobby Jean” and the refrain, “… Good luck, Goodbye, Bobby Jean.” lished monthly by Polestar Publishing, Inc. located at 29 Hill Street, Our Independent US Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders subscribes to The North Star. Danville, VT. Subscription Rates are $16 per year. Printed in USA. Perhaps he can offer some words of wisdom about whether the seven-in-nine years is a pace that is Copyright 2007 by Polestar Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part picking up speed or reaching some sort of plateau. of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without expressed permission from Polestar Publishing, Inc. Publisher is not responsible for errors resulting from typographical errors. Acceptance of Terry Hoffer advertising is subject to publisher’s approval and agreement by the adver- tiser to indemnify the publisher from loss or expense on claims based upon contents of the advertising. Publisher does not assume liability for errors in any advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the individual item in which the error appeared. The Depth of Shoes Postmaster: Send address changes to The North Star Monthly, P.O. Box 319, Danville, VT 05828-0319. Periodical postage paid at Pain was the first thing that came to my mind when photographs in a National Geographic arti- Danville, VT. cle on shoes caught my eye. An artfully composed still life of a Manolo Blahnik high heel shoe — “silk brocade with silver chinchilla and velvet ribbon”— prompted me to grimace. It was the 5-inch stiletto and equally long and narrow pointed toe that made me wince. According to the article, this and other designer shoes speak for their wearers, saying “sensual, exotic, powerful-yet-fragile.” To Contributors to this issue include: Susan Bowen, Bruce me they say “bunions and aching heel cords.” But then, I am an overly practical, form-follows-func- Burk, Denise Brown, Carroll Colby, Hariet F. Fisher, Lorna Quimby, Jeff Gold & Ellen Gold, John Downs, Donna Lambert tion type of person. For instance, the thigh-high lace up boots have potential for working in the & Dan Schmiech, Helen Morrison, Sofia Belenky, Isobel P. woods, instead of, say logging chaps, were it not for the 4 inch spike heels. Swartz, Rachel Siegel, Paula LaRochelle, Van Parker, Bets Until I read the Geographic article, I had no clue what a “Manolo” shoe was. I probably would Parker Albright, Vanna Guldenschuh, Alice S. Kitchel & Burton have thought it an archeological find from a south Pacific island (proof of how off-planet I am when Zahler, Bill Christiansen, Gerd Herschmann and Dee Palmer. it comes to matters of fashion). I was intrigued by the language used by several contemporary shoe designers in describing the footwear they create for those so inclined and able to pay their prices. Some selected quotes: Manolo Blahnik: “Yes, only a shoe, but if I provide escape for the woman who wears it, if for only a few minutes, it brings a bit of happiness to someone, well, then, perhaps, it is something more than a shoe.” Natacha Marro: “Shoes turn you into someone else. You can’t be e-mail: [email protected] a dominatrix in a sneaker.” Olga Berluti: “Man is a vagabond deluxe….[there are] shoes for the hid- den warrior inside every man.” What provocative portrayals! How bland in comparison are the descriptors for my preferred footwear—rugged and comfortable. No hidden warrior here, just some- www.northstarmonthly.com one who hopes that his feet won’t be sore at the end of the day. My ignorance of shoes extends beyond current fashion. I hadn’t given much thought to the subject before, but I now recognize variety and value of careers relating to shoes. Beyond the con- temporary economics of producing and selling shoes, there are many who devote their working lives to the study of shoes to better protect our feet and facilitate our locomotion. And there are people who study shoes for what they reveal about our past. A subject I had not considered before, it makes Write to Us LETTERS: Write to The North Star, and let us know perfect sense that shoes, as an important part of human experience, are worthy of scholarly investi- what’s on your mind. Your point of view or observation gation. For example, we learn from 8,000 year-old sandals that even then, humans expressed their is important to us. Letters must be signed. individuality through their footwear. ARTICLES: We don’t have a big staff of writers. So we There are many, including myself, who are often too busy to look beyond their next step, and look forward to your sending your writing. If you have pay little attention to what others wear on their feet. However, it would be hard to ignore shoes such questions or ideas and want to ask us first, please call. as those depicted in the National Geographic photographs. It seems shoe designers current and past We’ll send our guidelines. No fiction, please. utilize our need to watch where we step and provide a means for us to present personal statements to PHOTOS: We’d like to see your the world through our footwear. However put off I may be by the impracticality and cost of the photos and welcome them with shoes in the Geographic article, I appreciate the creativity they demonstrate. And how pleasantly a story or without. They can be thought provoking to consider the ways shoes affect behavior and attitudes and how they address our black-and-white or color, but they must be clear. need for demonstrating our individuality. PRESS RELEASES: We prefer press releases that are unique Tim Tanner to The North Star. DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior to publication. All materials will be considered on a space available basis. Hal Frost of the St. Johnsbury meeting Letters to house, Adrian Duckett’s tribute to Dear North Star, Green Mountain Books and the the Editor: The July issue of The North others, but I think you have done Send Us Your New Address Star is a delight, like all others, something really important for Please let us know if you move or relocate for the Thanks and as always I savor it “for the Hal Frost. It’s a great story and a whole month” and beyond. I real- poignant one, told in a way that season. If you don’t advise us of the change, the Dear North Star, ly enjoyed Terry’s article on the offers dignity and self-respect post office will tear off the mailing label and send it Wonderful paper. We love it. Hatches at the Newbury Village where it’s needed. back to us with a handling fee. We pay the fee, and Ruth & Ed Crane Store, Tim’s editorial on prescrip- Reeve Lindbergh you never see the paper. St. Johnsbury tion drugs, Reta Morse’s account St. Johnsbury, VT The North Star Monthly August 2007 3 Custer and Other Fallen Soldiers Buried at Site of Their Last Stand First Passenger Rail Line Opens in China clear in his knowledge of the fight now on exhibition at the hotel in ment seems to have begun in colder temperature of some 50 or The North Star and has made a statement. He this village. There are some good earnest, and its progress can- 60 degrees - so much so that fires says he went down with two other improvements about the Eureka not fail to be watched with the have been necessary in shops and “WHERE LIBERTY DWELLS THERE IS MY COUNTRY” Crows and went into action with which the ordinary run of churns utmost curiosity by civilized stores. The drought continues. 1807-1891 Custer. Curly says the big chief do not have and which make it a nations. We had a rather heavy shower last Est. by Ebenezer Eaton (Custer) lived until nearly all his very desirable butter maker. Snow fell on Mount Saturday night the first rain for Danville, Vermont men had been killed or wounded Several residents of this town have Mansfield, July 26 to the depth of three weeks. Since then it has and went about encouraging his already ordered for their own use two inches. The guests of the been dry and cold. The brooks are soldiers to fight on. When Custer one of these new churns. Farmers house were treated to maple sugar dried up, the mill ponds are very was hopelessly surrounded he are invited to examine it. served on snow that fell that day. low, and wells and springs are fail- watched his opportunity, got a Wires will be stretched across Kimball, Brainerd & Co. of ing. Sioux blanket, put it on and East River, New York next week as West Jay are now running their Mr. John Sias is now painting worked his way up a ravine. He the beginning of the East River tray manufactory on full time. the outside of the town hall. The got among the Sioux until he was bridge. They commenced business last Selectmen furnish the material for recognized and shot several times. It is said that the Turks are car- winter in a wilderness and have by the town, and Sias works by the THE NORTH STAR Curly is quite sure the Indians rying about cart loads of women’s constant labor cut down and man- day with John Page to assist him. had more killed than Custer had and girls’ heads in the district of ufactured a large body of hard David Hall Jr. was drowned August 4, 1876 White men with him and says sol- Bazardjik in order to terrify the wood trees into trays, which they one Sunday recently at Custer’s Last Fight - A diers fought until the last man inhabitants. find a ready sale for in the market. Passumpsic while bathing in the Bismarck, D.T. correspondent of fell. The other Crow Indians in They employ about 20 hands and river. He jumped into deep water the New York Herald says the offi- the battle were killed. August 18, 1876 are doing a thriving business. and as he could not swim, lost his cers and men of Custer’s com- The State House at First Railway in China Opens Such enterprises are much needed life. Others were near but were mand were buried on the 28th of Montpelier is being repainted and - The London Telegraph in our state. unable to save him. June where they fell. Col. Reno recarpeted and put in readiness announces that the first Chinese While a circus was passing at with survivors of the Seventh for the next session of the railway for passengers was opened August 25, 1876 Halifax on Tuesday the clerks of Cavalry performed the last sad Legislature. The Representatives on the 30th of June last at The late Sultan of Turkey had the Bank of Nova Scotia locked rites over the bodies of their dead hall is to have a new system of ven- Shanghae. The line extends from 21 palaces in which 400 porters the doors and went to view the comrades. The scene was sad in tilation of the same kind used in Shanghae to Woosing, a distance and watchmen were employed at cavalcade. During their absence a the extreme, and many of the men the State House in Boston. of about 40 miles. A hundred and an annual cost of $71,600. The man who said he had dropped shed tears while laying to rest a fifty invited guests belonging to Sultan’s cuisine was particularly important papers down the grate beloved comrade. All the officers’ August 11, 1876 the foreign community participat- expensive. The fuel alone cost was admitted by a servant at a side graves were marked by hollow The Centennial authorities ed in the inauguration of the line, $133,000 a year, and $80,000 door, passed from the basement sticks sunk deep in the ground have decided to admit school chil- and on the following day the worth of sugar was used annually, to the banking room and secured containing the names of the dead. dren at half price to the great exhi- natives were allowed to travel for while 10,000 sheep and goats $17,500 in notes, which were on It was known the Indians would bition, provided they come in free. Why John Chinaman should were consumed. In the kitchen the counter and escaped. remove any surface marks placed bodies. have been deemed entitled to a 359 servants were employed, and ADV. Caked breasts, rheuma- over the graves, but it is not St. Louis now feels sure of hav- gratuitous pass for himself and his in the whole establishment a total tism, sciatica, swellings, sprains, believed they will disturb the bod- ing the greatest hotel in the world. family may, at first blush, seem of 6,505 servants and parasites stiff joints, burns, scalds, poison- ies, and they can readily be identi- The contracts are let for a two mil- difficult to comprehend, but the were fed. In the imperial treasure ous bites and all flesh, bone and fied any time friends may wish to lion dollar Missouri granite build- concession was made with a view chamber were jewels from which muscle ailments can be absolutely remove them East. ing called the Home hotel, to of conciliating the native popula- necklaces and bracelets were made cured by Centaur Linaments. The Crow Indian Curly is accommodate thirty five hundred tion in the presence of that which for the favorites of Abdul Aziz. What the White Linament is for believed to be the only survivor of guests. promised to be the most radical The long continued heated the human family the Yellow the 250 men who went into Farmers of Danville are invit- innovation in the Chinese term is past. Within the last few Linament is for spavined, galled action with Custer. He is very ed to examine the Eureka churn Empire. The momentous experi- days there has been a change to or lame horses and animals.
New North Star Subscribers and Renewals
George Allen, Lake Wales FL Brent & Cyndy Hutchins, Monroe NH Mary Royston, St. Johnsbury VT Don’t let them leave home Leah Shores Austin, Concord VT Matthew & Deborah Jacovelli, David H. Sawyer, Worcester MA Joe Barbieri & Rebecca Roth, Oakland CA West Danville VT Robert E. Schoeler, New Braunfels TX without Francis & Gracia Berwick, Barnet VT Barbara H. Jenks, Danville VT Melvina Sentabar, Hardwick VT Joyce A. Bessette, Ashford CT Jack & Sharon Jurentkuff, Vienna VA Ron Sherburne, Lyndonville VT Jean S. Boardman, Peacham VT James Kemp, Lees Summitt MO Edward Shields, Barnet VT Suzanne & Charles Bolton, Perry Kipp, Belmont MA Edna Simons, St. Johnsbury VT The South Burlington VT Bill & Tammy Ladd, White River Jct. VT Lawrence P. Simpson, Lyndon VT Thelbert & Marjorie Brown, Arnold & Shirley Langmaid, Danville VT Mr. & Mrs. Barrett Smith, Milton VT St. Johnsbury VT Katherine Leary, Scituate MA Nellie Staves, Tupper Lake NY North Gary Bunnell, St. Johnsbury VT Jen Leib, Milltown NJ Susan Jenks Tallman, Greeley CO M. Olive Cheney, Peacham VT Blaine & Joan Lowell, Derby VT Russell & Doris Therrien, Cabot VT Phoebe & Bill Cobb, Peacham VT Susan Lynaugh, Danville VT Ronald & Candace Thomas, Star Lance & Linda Comfort, Danville VT Tom & Bev Lynch, Brattleboro VT Danville VT Merlyn Courser, Lyndon Center VT John H. Matsinger, Danville VT Donald & Pearlene Thompson, Edward & Ruth Crane, Robert G. McGill, Harriet AR North Haven CT East St. Johnsbury VT Howard & Muriel McLaren, Donna Thresher, Peacham VT Shirley Cross, Groton VT St. Johnsbury VT Jane Morrill-Winter & Timothy Winter, Robert & Janice Cross, Barre VT Chris McTigue, Glendale CA Henniker NH Robert H. & Lynn M. Desharnais, Ms. Sharon E. Miller, East Falmouth MA Mr. & Mrs. Roy Vance, Danville VT Send The North Star Barrington NH Richard & Janet Miller, Glastonbury CT Fran Walker, Jonesville VT Constance L. Dimock, Trumbull CT Rochelle E. Miller, Houston TX Chava Weissler & Nancy Fredland, for only $16 Sandra M. & Henry Esparza, Jane Milne, West Danville VT Bethlehem PA Fountain Hills AZ Neil & Jan Monteith, Barnet VT $40 for subscriptions to Canada Phyllis Graves, St. Johnsbury VT Mr. & Mrs. John S. Moore, Springfield VA Hazel H. Greaves, Hardwick VT Emerson A. Morrison, St. Johnsbury VT Mr. & Mrs. Charles M. Hafner, Janice Nunn, White River Jct. VT Or send a year to yourself. New London NH Ray Poulin, Underhill VT Peggy & Fritz Henry, St. Johnsbury VT Bernice Quimby, Monroe NH SUBSCRIBE Mark & Sharon Hunter, Lyndonville VT Allan and Helen Roy, Littleton NH TODAY! Please! Send a gift subscription to: Yes! Send me The North Star Monthly: $16 / year
Name Name North Star Monthly
Address Apt. No. Address Apt. No. PO Box 319 Danville, VT 05828 City State Zip City State Zip (802) 684-1056 YOUR NAME Please let us know if you don’t want your name published as a subscriber of The North Star. Long Distance YOUR ADDRESS APT. NO. Limited number of back issues are available for the previous (800) 286-1056 YOUR CITY YOUR STATE ZIP 12 months. Get them for $1.50 per copy at The North Star office or send $2.50 each and we’ll send them to you. 4 The North Star Monthly August 2007 Vermont’s Summer Delights Looking back over the last few months, one event stands out in my mind as Vermont’s stellar summer event. Expo 2007 was a dramatic reminder of this state’s unique history. The Vermont Historical Society (VHS), and many town historical societies, should be proud of the incredible Expo they produced at Tunbridge on June 23 and 24. The Society organized the event and provided guidelines for local groups, supplying small cubicles in which 82 towns from all cor- ners of the state displayed their exhibits. Transportation was the theme of this year’s Expo, and par- ticipating towns planned exhibits accordingly. Legend has it that in the early days of the popular and well-attended Tunbridge Fair, if one did- n’t arrive intoxicated, they wouldn’t let you in. If by chance you were sober and snuck in undetected, they wouldn’t let you out until they were certain you had imbibed too much. The highlight of the early Tunbridge Fairs was the “girlie show.” Thinly clad, not so young and somewhat buxom women fascinated the older men with their “bumps and grinds.” There was gam- bling, horse racing and plenty of food and drink, and the Tunbridge Fair was the place to be in September. There are still folks alive who have fond memories of those old days. Unfortunately, I was unaware of the Fair until it was too late to enjoy it. I did see “girlie” shows at the Caledonia County Fair in the ’40s and ’50s until they were banned. The planning and guidance of VHS would have amounted to little without the amazing talents and dedication of countless local society members, ready to tell the rest of Vermont and out-of-state visitors about the history of their communities. Each town was responsible for bringing its exhibit to Tunbridge for two days, and for manning its booth each day from 10 to 5 o’clock to protect the exhibit and be available to answer the questions of the visitors who would be stopping by. Six members of the Lyndon Historical Society covered its booth for two days. Bob and Pat Swartz of St. Johnsbury, and my wife, Virginia, and I, brought the exhibit down early Friday morn- ing so we could set it up by 10 o’clock when Expo opened. One or more of us were on hand throughout the day. Lyndon’s Clare Sullivan and Dick Boera were in charge Sunday. Dick took the exhibit down and brought it home Sunday afternoon. As were most of the exhibits, Lyndon’s was focused on rail transportation. Lyndonville is the only village in the state that was built to serve a railroad. It had been farmland until 1866 when the railroad center was relocated there after a fire leveled the facility in St. Johnsbury. Several memo- rable photographs, currently displayed on the walls of the Freighthouse Restaurant, were loaned for the Expo by Eric and Cathy Paris, owners of the restaurant. The unusual pictures, taken around 1916, show engines, cars, accident sites and the railroad facilities. Bob Swartz set up a small model railroad that ran around a table to the delight of visitors young and old. Several copies were sold of the town history, “Lyndon: Gem in the Green,” as well as a book about Luther Harris, Lyndon’s Civil War hero. It took hours to walk the circuit to enjoy all the exhibits. Norwich featured a Gay’s Express 1951 Mack truck that looked like new. St. Albans had a map of the Central Vermont Railway and a two-hour video showing a slow trip along many miles of its right-of-way. Rochester showed pictures of the devastation caused by the 1927 flood that resulted in the demise of the White River Railroad. The Woodstock to White River Railroad had to close, and its right-of-way (now U.S. Route 4) was sold to the federal government. Fairhaven displayed old airplanes – including a Sopwith Camel, a “Close to Home, but Far from Ordinary!” Hawk Fury and a Piper Cub. There was a detailed map, showing the location of all the exhibits, 13 museums and booths Vermont Crafts Doll Clothes selling snack foods, pork barbecue, juices, waffles, coffee, books and even old army equipment. Pottery Jewelry There was a small building that housed an attractive floral display and the Mormon Genealogy Quilts Puzzles Resource Center where one could check for ancestors. There were Revolutionary and Civil War encampments, military vehicles, a railway train simulator, antique vehicles, blacksmith shop, one- Baskets Framed Prints room schoolhouse, log cabin with craft demonstrations, maple sugar house and even rare-breed ani- Maple Products & Custom Framing mals and a parade of oxen. The Civil War Hemlocks paraded in uniform and fired their muskets. Wind Chimes Tuxedo Rentals Everything possible was done to amuse and intrigue the spectators. There were lectures, hands- Lamps on history demonstrations, a history museum, traditional skills demonstrations, antique agricultural equipment and a performance by Morgan horses. A large area about 100 feet square featured five model railroads (they didn’t collide) operating between colorful displays of flowers. This was one of (802) 748-1912 443 Railroad St., St. Johnsbury, VT the real Expo hits. There was a stage and grandstand from which spectators could enjoy musical per- formances. The Expo was great, but there is more. On Sunday afternoons at 3 o’clock during the month of August, the Bread and Puppet Theater in Glover will present hour-long shows that lampoon politi- August 3 & 4, 2007 cians and politics in general, President Bush, the Iraq war and just about anything else that intrigues its directors, Robert and Elka Schumann. A high point is always his walk on stilts about 15-feet tall. 77th Annual Danville Community There is music by a 16-piece band and singing and acting by the 20 women and men of the theater company. And while you are there you can visit the museum in an adjoining two-story ancient barn. On the second floor is an exotic collection of papier-mâché heads and costumes the performers have worn in shows at home, around the United States and in Europe. Don’t Miss It!
John Downs Sponsored by Danville Chamber of Commerce This year’s theme: IT’S A HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN STREET DANCE Friday, August 3, 2007 7-10:30 p.m. with B-4 Band
FRIDAY EVENTS 6:00 Unlimited Rides with Bracelet Grand Street Parade 6:00 Pony Pulling 1,400 LB class in honor of 7:00 Street Dance on the Green Citizens of the Year: 8:00 Pony Pulling - Free for All The Danville SATURDAY EVENTS 10:00 Children’s Parade Volunteer Fire 11:00 Grand Street Parade Department Pints & Pizza 12:00 Maple Leaf 7 1:00 Horse Pulling 3,400 LB class Open Friday & Saturday 3:00 Horse Pulling - Free for All Buy a $2 tag to support 4 - 9 p.m. 3:00 Best of Friends the Danville Fair and 7:00 The Bel Aires have a chance at winning 9:00 Cash Drawing and Raffles $100 or $250. Great Food, Rides, Crafts, Floral Hall Drawing will be on and More ... Saturday night at 9 p.m. Bracelets for rides available Friday night Route 5, Lyndonville, VT and Saturday afternoon. (802) 626-9396 The North Star Monthly August 2007 5
Hymns, Hubris and the Constitution Beer battered As I was listening to the radio recently I heard Gustav Holst’s “Planets Suite” and found myself haddock fish fry on singing the words of a patriotic hymn that I learned in school in England: Thursdays “I vow to thee my country, all earthly things above, Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love The love that asks no questions, the love that stands the test, That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; …” PRIME RIB (Friday & Saturday) The words were written in 1918 by Cecil Spring-Rice, and the music, composed by Holst, is part FULL SALAD BAR WITH HOMEMADE SOUP of the Jupiter movement of the “Planets Suite.” In turn this made me think of the patriotic hymn “America.” PESTO CHICKEN (New on the menu) “My country ‘tis of thee; Sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing; BURGERS YOUR WAY Land where my fathers died; Land of the pilgrims’ pride, (With Vermont native beef) From every mountainside let freedom ring!” The words were written in 1831 by Rev. Samuel Francis Smith and the music, known to every Brit as “God save the Queen,” was written in 1740 by Henry Carey. These two patriotic hymns are almost interchangeable in sentiment and have survived the test of time. What made me more sensitive to this line of thought was that I had also been reading Al Gore’s new book The Assault on Reason. Whatever your feelings about Gore in general and his latest book in particular, he makes some BERKSHIRE telling points about what is presently happening to the American Constitution. I confess that all I ever learned about the Constitution was when tutoring high school history students, or studying for the natu- PAINTING CORPORATION ralization test, and by an interest in politics - all good ways to learn something new. Most Americans do not realize just how accessible the workings of their government can be compared with those of other Painting & Staining countries. From what Gore and several well respected law professors write, and from my reading of newspapers, print and Internet journals, I think it is time for us all to wake up before it is too late. We Interior & Exterior need to pay attention to what is happening to our Constitution’s basic provisions of checks and balances. Power Washing The fundamental principle of creating three separate branches of government - judicial, legislative Sheet Rock Repair and executive – with its concept of checks and balances, is what has made American Democracy work for 200 years. When one of those separate branches becomes weaker or stronger in relation to the oth- Quality Work ers, the critical balance necessary for Democracy to work is seriously damaged. For example, when Free Estimates President Bush stated that we were engaged in a War on Terror, that would outlast the lifetimes of some of us, he did several things that upset that critical balance. Here are just three that we need to consider. Fully Insured He declared war (taking to himself one of the powers of Congress) not on a state but on a concept, Doug Winseck (802) 626-4071 East Burke meaning that no one will ever know when or if that war has ended. It also encourages any future presi- dent to assume the wartime powers of the presidency that are much broader than peacetime powers. He made it possible for any American citizen, when declared to be an enemy combatant, to be arrested on American soil, and jailed without being told the charges; without being shown proof of his or her crime; and without access to a lawyer and recourse to the legal system of this country. This is a DANVILLE SERVICE CENTER flagrant violation of the right of Habeas Corpus, one of the basic principles of justice in this country, Route 2, Danville Village 684-3481 which permits anyone charged with a crime to access the court system for redress. When Congress passes a bill the President can choose to do one of several actions, sign it into law, Foreign & Domestic Auto veto it or allow it either to become law or to die by the passage of a specified period of time, without Repair State Inspections signing it. President Bush has used another action, also used in the past but not for his purpose and not Exhaust Work Batteries 2 & 4 Wheel Computer to the extent that he has. He has signed many bills into law, vetoed only three to date, BUT he has used Alignment Shocks & Struts signing statements to declare which portions of a bill he will abide by and which he will not. In the past, signing statements were usually used to advise Congress that a bill needed to be reworked or to congrat- Ask Us About Tires ulate lawmakers on a good job. They are one of the presidential powers, but if a president does not think a law is constitutional he should veto it, and not pick and choose the parts that he will enforce. President Bush has issued over 800 signing statements, more than the total of 600 issued by all other presidents together. More than 10% of these 800 were attached to bills upon which Congress and the President had negotiated a compromise in order to pass the legislation. After the signing ceremony the President then privately attached a signing statement that in some cases negated the compromise. Bills concerning military use of torture, domestic intelligence gathering methods, oversight of federal HOURS: 7-5 Mon. thru Fri. 8-1 Sat. Mechanic on Duty agencies by Congress and protection from intimidation for federal whistle-blowers are just a few of the types of bills that have been treated in this manner. This action has also permitted parts of laws to be ignored by agencies that would be affected by them. In July, 2006 a Blue Ribbon Task Force of the American Bar Association (ABA) stated that, “Presidential signing statements that assert President Bush’s authority to disregard or decline to enforce laws adopted by Congress undermine the rule of law and our constitutional system of separation of pow- ers.” The task force chairman stated, “I think the American people should understand that the ABA has spoken strongly in defense of our system of separation of powers. No president is above the law, and the president cannot decide to enforce a law or not to enforce a law at his whim.” By interpreting his executive powers in a way that circumvents or usurps the powers of Congress and the Judiciary, this president has set a dangerous precedent that disregards the Constitution. If these changes are not reversed or overturned by Congress, the Democracy, that we all believe we stand for, will be significantly changed. That special part of the Pledge of Allegiance, “…with Liberty and Justice for all” could be gone forever. So it’s time to remember our Junior High civics class and that High School course in American history and make sure that, “Government of the people, by the people and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Isobel P. Swartz
Peacham Historical Association Annual Meeting Tuesday, August 7, 2007 Peacham Congregational Church, Peacham
6 p.m. - Dessert and conversation downstairs 7 p.m. - Meeting begins upstairs 7:30 p.m. - Speaker - Dr. Paul Searls Dr. Paul Searls, author of Two Vermont's, Geography and Identity 1865-1910. This book establishes a little-known fact about Vermont: that the state's fascination with tourism Deborah A. Williams, Senior Registered Financial Associate as a savior for a suffering economy is more than a century old and that this interest in Judith A. Kendall, Financial Consultant, VP-Investments tourism has always been dogged by controversy. Through this lens, the book is poised to Staci D. Whitcomb, AAMS, Financial Consultant, AVP-Investments take its place as the standard work on Vermont in the Guilded Age and the Progressive 218 Eastern Avenue Era. Dr. Searls examines the origins of Vermont's contemporary identity and some rea- St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 sons why that identity ("Who is a Vermonter?") is to this day so hotly contested. Tel. 802-748-3124 or Toll Free 1-800-457-1002 For additional information, call Mel Reis, PHA President 592-3079. 6 The North Star Monthly August 2007
green corn, and all those vegetables that you will not get before July or Far from Lyndon He August. “But every picture has two sides. The musquitoes are thicker Joined the Texas Rangers than locusts in Egypt & as big as jack-asses. They all carry a brick (Continued from Page 1) plays when he was on the staff of friend knew he had lost the bet. bat under their wings and bite like picture of the Captain Commissary General Epaphras B. Chase. Charles wrote of his trip across the devil.” of the Texas Rangers in marching Charles wrote about his stop in the Gulf of Mexico to Galveston. In spite of his quarrel with the condition. New Orleans to visit with Dr. Stone “Our passage was most delightful. “musquitoes” Charles was “highly “My men are about as uncouth and his wife, “a young and pretty The sea was as calm as a mirror, pleased” with Texas. “The village I as I,” Charles’ letter went on, “but lady. The doctor has a very high porpoises & dolphins were playing am now in started in 1837. At that brave men who had as lief kill & reputation in his profession and it is across our track and all went on time there was not a house here, eat an Indian or a buffaloe. You said he has accumulated great merrily. We arrived in Galveston now there are five thousand inhab- must not suppose that such is the wealth. He lives in a very good Tuesday morning after a passage of itants, a beautiful village, elegant prevailing dress of the country style. His table is set with silver and forty-nine hours. I remained at dwellings, four or five churches, This portrait of Charles B. when we are going out of the con- all that sort of thing, which to us Galveston but a few hours, took the and a most excellent society. Such Fletcher in the Fletcher farm- fines of civilization, out from the New England is rather new, but not boat and came to this place when I is the fertility of the soil that the house in Lyndon. settlements, they seek comfort very uncommon in New Orleans.” arrived day before yesterday. trees which have been but few more than appearance & safety Dr. Stone may have been a relative “We passed up the beautiful years planted, already have sprung above all.” of Charles’ mother, Abigail Stone Galveston bay, thence into the to a goodly size. But such is Texas. New Hampshire lawyer. Lucy was Fletcher. Buffaloe Bayou, by the battlefield Young, bold, daring, enterprising, staying with Charles’ mother while As Charles paused to dip his where was fought the celebrated and only wanting age to sober and he was away. He thought of them “He lived three pen he thought of the times when battle of San Jacinto, then up the develop the wonderful resources together, probably reading or writ- their table at home in Lyndon was San Jacinto River to this place.” furnished by Providence.” ing letters or perhaps going up the years in one and set with their modest tableware and Of Houston, he wrote, “The What would Charles think if he street to the store and post office or died an old man at how his father, Isaac Fletcher, weather here & in fact every where could see the oil wells and devel- on Sunday to church on Little York always said a blessing before each south of Washington is quite warm opment today? Street. the age of 33.” meal. Charles chuckled to himself and delightful. We have had for the “I wish you and Lucy were He pictured his spunky mother as he recalled his mischievous last ten days strawberries, cucum- here, but that cannot be.” Lucy was walking on the street, dragging her wager with a school friend, who bers, lettuce, green peas, salad, Charles’ wife, Lucy Farley left foot, her right hand resting on was invited to dinner. Charles bet radishes, new potatoes, in fact Fletcher, daughter of a prominent the back of Old Brandt, her With Charles’ looks and tem- he could make his father swear. Mr. immense Newfoundland dog, who perament (dark complexion, Fletcher, lawyer, State’s attorney, never left her side. When Charles sparkling black eyes, vivacious and dignified and sedate in his long- was born in 1818, the accom- ready wit) he probably wore his tailed coat, swear? Impossible! plished, lovely Abigail Stone “uncouth” outfit with a flair. It Charles’ friend took the bet. Fletcher had soon afterward suf- would have been though, a far cry Just as his father was ending the fered a stroke which paralyzed her from the dashing figure he cut blessing Charles rattled his knife left side and affected her speech. before the crowds on the Cahoon and fork which hurried the blessing Though Charles would have Flats in Lyndon. He had enjoyed making it come out, “For Christ’s liked to have had Lucy and his his part in the Vermont militia and sake, Charles, put down that knife mother see the beautiful country, it the dash and show of military dis- and fork.” Charles giggled and his Charles B. Fletcher and Lucy Farley Fletcher, his wife. could not be because he was to take an escort and go to the villages of the Waces Indians, 350 miles from San Antonio in the direction of DADS 4 BY TOOL & SUPPLY Sante Fe. “From there I shall tra- The only independent pharmacy in St, Johnsbury verse the whole Indian Frontier “We Got You Covered” “Dedicated to your good health” towards Red River, and hope to be able to get back to San Antonio in We Stock Tarps Going away this summer? the course of two or three months.” Blue Poly Tarps Heavy Duty Tarps Charles’ health had not always Our Travel Section has a good selection been the best. He was prone to a 5x7 12x25 24x36 8x10 6x8 12x32 25x40 10x12 of miniatures for your convenience: mild consumptive condition. He 8x10 12x36 30x30 10x20 probably wanted to reassure his 8x12 12x45 30x40 12x16 first aid kits, personal care items, 8x18 15x20 30x50 15x30 mother and Lucy when he wrote, 8x20 15x25 40x40 20x20 Gauthier’s products and gift sets. “My health is very good indeed, 10x10 15x30 40x50 20x30 10x12 18x24 40x60 30x40 and I think this tour will do me 10x20 20x20 50x50 much good.” 12x12 20x25 50x100 12x16 20x30 He thought of the time when he 12x20 20x40 almost drowned when he and some 415 Railroad St. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 (802) 748-3122 22 Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 802-748-4208 (See Charle’s Health on Next Page)
Rest Assured - Sawyer & Ritchie offers: All lines of Insurance Coverage, Professional Prompt Service, Convenient Location and Convenient Parking Open 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Weekends and Evenings by appointment
PO Box 196 Danville, VT 05828 (802) 684-3411 From left: Cindy White, Donna Percy, John Blackmore, Joan Field, George Coppenrath, (800) 734-2203 (VT toll free) Betsy McKay, Sam Kempton, Darlene Pilbin, Sue Coppenrath and Cindy Hastings. The North Star Monthly August 2007 7
it’s easy to feel powerless. “You Most newspapers, especial- way street. Television doesn’t can’t fight city hall” seems like a ly large urban newspapers, are give people a feeling that they can Start Locally dated expression. The new city losing readers, some at a rapid make a difference. The Internet hall is some faceless corporation rate. The North Star in the last may have its faults and it can be VAN PARKER “All politics is local.” that could be based anywhere in nine years has gained 25% in its misused but it’s an active medi- That must be why those elect- the world. A major network readership. While the rate has um. It’s a marketplace of ideas, For several years, we had a ed to national or state offices need recently slashed a big portion of slowed in recent years it is still contrary opinions and informa- bumper sticker on the back of our to keep in touch with their con- its news budget. Does that mean holding its own. Where else can tion. It’s local because it can car. It read Think Globally Act stituents, write newsletters, march that the news will be less you read articles about people involve people like you and me. Locally. The car is long gone, but in 4th of July parades and organ- researched, more filtered, who have changed their lifestyle, “We the people” are the first I still like the sentiment on the ize forums. One congressman that reporters will be less inclined revived local stores or folks who three words of the preamble to the bumper sticker. It says that the from Connecticut apparently for- to get to the bottom of things? are growing most of their own United States Constitution. (By way to help the world is by first of got that. He hadn’t done a bad job, How much influence do compa- food and selling it to local mar- the way, I confirmed that on the all helping your neighbor down but he didn’t keep in touch with nies which sponsor the news have kets? Internet.) I think we’re still trying the road. It also says that if you the folks back home. on what we hear and what we On the surface the Internet is to discover what those words, care about Iraq and Darfur or Apparently he assumed that he don’t hear? not local at all. It’s everywhere or “we the people,” really mean New Orleans, maybe you can join had his job for life. Then one Perhaps we have to look clos- almost everywhere. But from the What it says to me is that every- with others to contribute or volun- November his constituents voted er to home and remind ourselves remotest places people can con- body is important, and everybody teer your time. him out of office. that power comes from the nect with one another through the has a contribution to make. And it Most people have heard the In a world of huge corpora- ground up rather than just the top Internet. Television is basically a is all grounded, not in some huge, quote from the late Tip O’Neill- tions where money equals power down. This paper is one example. passive medium. It’s a sort of one- faceless entity but in you and me. Charles’ health had not always been the best. (Continued from Page 6) had received most of his education Charles on his staff and took him to Relatives in those days were the rangers in Texas may have been other boys were swimming in the in Montreal where his studies the Mexican War. wont to say, “If Charles had lived one of the highlights of his short mill pond by Chamberlin’s sawmill included Greek and Latin. He The letter to his mother ended, when Franklin Pierce became pres- life. A Nashua obituary notice said in Lyndon. Charles attempted to became well-versed in French. He “Give my respects to all who ask ident, he would have held a posi- that Colonel Fletcher was “distin- walk across the stream on top of studied law in his father’s office in for me. I hope to see you by winter tion in Washington.” Washington guished no less for his kindness to the dam. He slipped and glided Lyndon and entered practice in at the outside. God bless you, was a place familiar to Charles. those under his orders than for his down the apron of the dam and dis- Nashua, NH where he attained a mother. Your son.” His signature When his father, Isaac, was repre- gallantry in many a sharp fight on appeared in deep water below. One high reputation as a lawyer. bore his usual flourish as he wrote, sentative from the fifth district of the frontier.” boy ran naked to the street calling Charles was not exactly a “C. B. Fletcher.” Vermont during Martin Van The Lyndon newspaper, the for help. stranger to the Southwest when he When Charles returned from Buren’s presidency, 1837-1841, Vermont Union, summed up the Charles was pulled out after he went on the tour of duty with the Texas he practiced law in Boston Charles served as his father’s aide, life of Charles Fletcher this way, had been in the water for some Texas Rangers in 1848. He had with his father-in-law, but returned pursued his studies in Washington “He lived three years in one and minutes. When he was revived he become an aide to New Hampshire to Lyndon in 1852 where he died of and became well posted in matters died an old man at the age of 33.” described the pleasing sensations Governor Jared Williams and clerk consumption. He is buried at of state. of drowning. Never wanting to of the House of Representatives. Lyndon Center with his father, With Charles’ adventurous Charles Fletcher is the brother miss any opportunity for a new He attracted the attention of Isaac, his mother, Abigail, and his spirit, and from his exuberant letter, of the author’s great grandfather. experience, he asked to be left in Franklin Pierce who placed wife, Lucy, who died in 1855. it would appear that the tour with Harriet F. Fisher lives in Lyndon. the water to enjoy the beautiful pic- tures passing before his eyes. Though the Fletchers were staunch Congregationalists Charles
AUGUST 22nd - 26th Mountain View Park, Lyndonville, VT
Village View Thursday, Flower Farm August 23 Lynda Farrow Senior Citizens’ 466 Webster Hill Road Danville, VT Day: [1/2 Price (802) 684-3694 Admission] Cut Flowers ~ Pick Your Own Also Honor Our Bouquets While Blooming Email: [email protected] Troops - Free Admission for Caledonia County active and deployed forces and their immediate fami- ly members. Requires current dependent military ID card or a copy of same. Made possible by CCF and the Lyndonville and St. Johnsbury Rotary Clubs. The Miller’s Thumb Greensboro, VT
“... One of Vermont’s best sources for intriguing handcrafts, home furnishings and antiques.” OPEN DAILY Greensboro Village (802) 533-2960 8 The North Star Monthly August 2007 The Beauty of Apples Is In Their Variety (Continued from Page 1) lar cultural tendency to expect there are the equivalent of hot- if the tree died or not.” Dwarfs, fresh garden produce year round house apples grown to satisfy the he says, can produce a bushel or in our stores. “We are all paying year round demand for shiny and so of fruit and begin to decline in for the assumption that whenever red, albeit waxed-up and taste- 20-25 years, whereas with care, a you go to the supermarket they’ll less, apples all year.” Parlo men- standard variety can live 200 have red apples and plump tions varieties like Honey Crisp, years or more and produce 30 strawberries year round. But Pink Lady and Granny Smith bushels a year. much like the famously disap- that have been bred for their abil- Parlo is troubled by the popu- pointing hothouse tomatoes, ity to keep in cold-storage. They’ll keep for a year or more Photo By: North Star Monthly and longer still when stored in One of the trees growing prolifically at Walden Heights Nursery “Why do we need so many kinds of apples? carbon dioxide. and Orchard is the Leo. Named for Todd Parlo’s 5-year-old son, it’s Because there are so many different kinds of folks. He says, “So much for the a wild apple, a volunteer with uncertain heritage, but it’s an early fall apple with nice color. A person has a right to gratify his legitimate tastes. farm stand where you get an apple picked the same day, and If he wants 20 or 40 kinds of apples for his person- so much for the interesting old at all it is worth the wait.” trunk, but he admits there are all al use, running from Early Harvest to Roxbury varieties like the late-keeping He says, “Site selection is kinds of schools of thought on Russet, he should be accorded the privilege. Some Golden Russet, the long-bearing important for its soil conditions care and maintenance. place should be provided where he may obtain Alexander or the complex flavor and air drainage [the ability to let tress or scions. There is merit in variety itself. It of the Sweet Sixteen. And so cold winter air drop away from much for curiosities like the Wolf the site as opposed to some of All in all he looks provides more points of contact with life and leads River with characteristics that our Green Mountain hollows away from uniformity and monotony.” seem more like a grapefruit.” where hard frosts come early and for fruit that is Liberty Hyde Bailey Parlo favors varieties and stay late]. But,” he says, “nature dense and chewy The Apple Tree trees with character. He says, has been doing this for a long not thinned- 1922 “There’s something appealing time. It need not be complicat- about thinking of an apple tree as ed.” skinned, crisp and (L.H. Bailey was a botanist, explorer, horticulturist, educator, a place where your children and Parlo adds compost or bone relatively bland administrator, rural sociologist, lecturer, writer, poet and grandchildren will climb some- meal when he plants a tree and philosopher. He was dean of agriculture at Cornell University.) day. I like to convince people adds composted manure in a ring like we seem to that an apple tree is an invest- around the trunk in the years find in enormous ment. They take time to grow, thereafter. No less important is to pyramids at the but unless you have no patience keep the sod away from the supermarket. Perennial Pleasures As to specific variety prefer- Nursery & Tea Garden ences, Parlo says, that’s like ask- ing someone to choose their Since 1980 favorite child. But he will admit Annuals, Herbs, Perennials & Shrubs that for pie baking he likes none better than the great Northern English Cream Teas Spy. For straight up eating, he Treat yourself and your guests to tea served likes the complexity of the flavor in a beautiful display garden or greenhouse. of the Sweet Sixteen or the tart- ness of the Yellow Transparent or Fresh baked scones and delicious cakes. Lodi. A nice keeper for your root Teas served 12 - 4 p.m. Reservations suggested. cellar is the Blue Pearmain, and an heirloom variety he likes is OPEN 10-5 TUES. - SUN. BRICK HOUSE RD., EAST HARDWICK VT 472-5104 the French Fameuse from the 1600’s, which would be found on the family tree of any McIntosh. All in all he looks for fruit that is dense and chewy not thinned-skinned, crisp and rela- (See The Variety on Next Page)
The Creamery Restaurant
Dinner Tues.-Sat. 5:00-closing Pub Opens at 4:00 (802) 684-3616 Closed Sundays & Mondays Join Us at the Street Dance at the Danville Fair The North Star Monthly August 2007 9
repeated reminders. Roy isn’t (including pets) die? Did you Zahler each have a psychothera- surly or rebellious, but we miss have some very strong argu- py practice in St. Johnsbury. the active, energetic kid we had ments, especially where the pos- Ask the Shrinks last fall. We’re getting really sibility of splitting was men- Alice S. Kitchel and Burton Zahler worried. tioned? (Parents are often sur- Worried Parents prised at how many discussions are overheard when they think Dear Shrinks, 11-years old. Dear Parents, the kids are all asleep.) How is My husband and I have Sometime after Christmas he We agree that you are right to Roy’s relationship with his sis- decided to turn to you two for started seeming more and more be concerned. Any time a child ters? Are there any significant advice. Our family consists of listless. His grades went steadily shows a dramatic change in per- changes in those relationships? three children, two girls and our downhill. He does his chores sonality, questions should be If you cannot find a family middle child, “Roy”, who is now around the house, but only after asked. Intensity of energy is an based trauma you need to look important aspect of personality. further afield. Is Roy being bul- However, you can’t begin to lied on his way to school? Does know how to tackle the problem he have a teacher who humiliates The Variety of Apples until you uncover the cause. him? Has he been pushed out of Our first suggestion is to take his circle of friends? Has some- (Continued from Page 8) blueberries, blackberries, rasp- Roy to the doctor. There are thing happened to a close friend? Pope tively bland like we seem to find berries, currents, gooseberries, many physical conditions that Does he still have friends? Library in enormous pyramids at the pears and apples as well as trees might account for Roy’s listless- We see your first task being supermarket. But he realizes that from his nursery at the farmers’ ness. If the doctor gives Roy a clever and sensitive detectives. If Monday & Friday each is to their own. He chuckles markets in Danville, Hardwick clean bill of health we would you find the problem and still 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and says, “I guess that’s why and Stowe. suggest that next you ask your- have questions about how to han- they call it taste.” Look for him and perhaps selves questions about family dle things please write us again. Wednesday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. As Parlo walks through his Leo, too, and ask about their trauma during the Christmas and Saturday 9 a.m. - Noon. apple tree display area at Walden apples. New Year holidays. Did anyone Alice S. Kitchel and Burton Heights Nursery and Orchard, he turns down a carefully mani- cured path to a nicely shaped tree. He says it’s a late summer and early fall-bearing wild apple with fruit that is green with a red blush. He admits that it’s no more than a volunteer, a wild apple with uncertain heritage. But Parlo says its the tree he’s most proud of. As his 5-year old son, Leo, looks on with no small amount of pride himself, the stay-at-home-dad says with a smile, “It’s a pretty decent volun- teer. We named it the Leo.” Todd Parlo sells strawberries,
Shellie Wright Financial Advisor
(802) 748-5845 576 Railroad Street Suite 1 St. Johnsbury VT 05819 10 The North Star Monthly August 2007
meditation and a metaphor for life’s journey. Where the There are several houses near- by, either new or remodeled, which have attracted folks “from Water Andric away” to settle here, perhaps in their search for a retirement home or an escape from a busier, noisier life somewhere else. One of these Slips Away Into houses sits on the right side of the road, near a sizable pond, perhaps created originally by beavers. It is The County visited by kingfishers and wild ducks, and pond lilies grow along SUSAN BOWEN often comment, “You really live at the shore. the end of the road!” But we like Around a few more curves, Editor’s Note: Susan Bowen to think we live at the end of four there is another large barn, proud- Photos By: North Star Monthly and her late husband, Ralph, found roads, four roads of differing char- ly showing the year it was built, There is another large barn, proudly showing the year it was built, in Danville refuge from their aca- acter and history, disclosing an 1887 painted high on the wall. 1887. This was Angie Bona’s dairy farm. Now the farmer’s son demic life at Columbia University area rich in human life and energy, This was Angie Bona’s dairy farm Armando lives there. He has planted a young apple orchard, and the in New York City and, later, rich in natural as well as human when we came to the area in the former milk house has been transformed into a chapel; the shining gold Northern Illinois University in history. Even in my time here, I late 1940’s, and it was there we onion dome indicates its dedication to the Russian Orthodox Church. Dekalb, IL. In 1948 they pur- have seen many changes. This is bought our milk. Now the farmer’s chased a summer place on the not all that unusual as life is son Armando lives there, after Water Andric. In 1985 with two change. some years away as a teacher. He field. Of course, they suggested Above the schoolhouse, by the grown children, the Bowens The road usually taken to our has planted a young apple orchard. Indian teepees to him and his cemetery, the road leaves the rela- moved to the house full-time. house, the easiest to follow, is the That is not the only change to be friends, and they spent hours play- tively level upland to drop into the Susan is deeply appreciative of the approach from the east, from the noted. The former milk shed has ing there. valley of the Water Andric, a quiet setting, which she and her Village of Passumpsic. At the been transformed into a chapel; Along the road beyond this stream named by early settlers for family enjoyed, a wonderful bal- south end of the village, on Route the shining gold onion dome indi- barn, there is a small graveyard, one in their native Scotland. At the ance to the other side of their lives. 5, which connects us with the cates its dedication to the Russian with perhaps 20 graves in it, bottom of this drop the road turns Her description of the Water wider world, the steep curves of Orthodox Church, a sign, if one is including two recent ones for into a four-corners, as County Hill Andric area and four roads leading County Hill Road rise out of the needed, that Vermont accommo- members of the Tay family, whose Road leads right, Keyser Hill away from their home is longer Passumpsic River valley onto a dates a variety of beliefs, though house just down the road on the Road goes off to the left, and than most writing in The North relatively level stretch of land. On its record may not be perfect. left, was, until the 30’s, the County (more or less) straight ahead is Star, but sometimes exceptions to the right is the Conover house and Just to the left of the house, Hill schoolhouse. Armando went Water Andric Road. The area standards and traditions are called a remarkable large barn surround- near the road, is an old hop barn, to this school, and he remembers it around this crossroads is known as for. We ask you to forgive us for ed by open fields, a relic of the for drying and storing hops, not and his teacher, Mrs. Safford, The County, one of the many the length of this article and to days when dairy-farming flour- common, I think, in the area. I sup- fondly. He smiles as he describes small communities that developed appreciate its meandering just as ished. To the right of the house is a pose that Prohibition put an end to the lack of heat and running water. in the early years of settlement. As the author has appreciated hers grove of young hemlocks. These any demand for that crop. Hops Back in the late 20’s and early late as the 1950’s, news of local over the period of almost 60 years. were planted before his death by were grown on tall poles, taller 30’s, when Edith Nelson was comings and goings were reported Mr. Conover, in the form of a than bean poles, and Armando teacher, the Boutwell boys, who in the Caledonian Record under The End of the Road labyrinth. This is not a maze or remembers that, after the harvest lived where we do now, walked the heading of “The County.” The When friends arrive at our puzzle, but it consists of a winding the poles were stacked upright, the mile or so to the school. Vangie news was reported by Mrs. house on Water Andric Road, they path into the center, a place for leaning against each other in the Guertin says that in the winter one Morrill, who lived near the four- of the older boys would carry her corners, on what is now Keyser on his shoulders, so she wouldn’t Hill Road. get tired and wet, trudging through Water Andric Road starts with unplowed snow. a short upward climb, and just as it
Danville Restaurant & Inn Casual Dining Lodging Fully Licensed
FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL Chicken Pie Buffet $9.95 SATURDAY NIGHT BUFFET: $11.95 Breakfast: Tuesday - Saturday 7 - 11 a.m. Lunch: Tuesday - Friday 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Dinner Reservations are a must. Main Street, Danville VT (802) 684-3484 Steve A. Cobb, owner Justice of the Peace & Notary Public Weddings/Civil Unions By appointment or by chance
Goodrich’s Maple Farm 2427 US Rt. 2, Cabot, VT 05647 (802) 426-3388 [email protected] www.goodrichmaplefarm.com AWARD-WINNING MAPLE SYRUP & PRODUCTS Retail Wholesale Mail Order Sugaring Equipment & Supplies: Containers, Tanks, Vacuum Pumps and MUCH more. Visit our expanded showroom for all your sugaring needs. New & Used Equipment
Custom Tubing Installation & Consultation Open Monday-Saturday 9-5, Closed Sundays & Holidays The North Star Monthly August 2007 11
snow melt or rain water. makes a sharp turn to the left, as close to an appropriate direction. It Then comes a second bridge, the road rises steadily, curving first is worth mentioning, however, that and Water Andric is on the left side right then left, giving at last a I remember seeing an old cellar of the road, and much closer to it, view of our house across a small hole just across the bridge, some- and its valley is still narrower. Out meadow. Water Andric cannot be what larger than the usual size. of sight, though someone walking seen from the driveway, as the Could it have once been an inn, as by could hear it, is a waterfall. house sits above the level of the local opinion maintained. Farther upstream, the water flows stream, but its voice can always be In earlier days we often over a great ledge, a sight worth heard except when silenced by walked up that old road, which we admiring in any weather. Just winter’s cold. could trace as it had been kept beyond, a slender poplar was As the road has brought us open for logging. Not far from the blown down across the brook upstream from a busy world to a house can be found an almost for- some years ago. Over the passage closed-in narrow valley, here we gotten treasure, just below an old of time, each branch developed find surrounding an old farmhouse pine. Not many folks today know into a small upright tree, an the surprise of an open meadow about paint springs, but they were extended marvel but easily over- beckoning us to enter and consid- valuable in the early days. Like an There is a small graveyard, with perhaps 20 graves in it, including two looked. er who we are, what we might do ordinary spring it consisted of an recent ones for members of the Tay family, whose house just down the The house is nearer now, and here and wonder who was here outpouring of water from an road was, until the 30’s, the County Hill schoolhouse. the stream rushes noisily over before us. undergound source. In this case another, steeper ledge, all bubbles, the water carried a brown powder, splashes and small waterfalls, a Looking at the Past iron oxide, from rocks below, starts to dip downward, passes the A short distance farther, trees symbol of power. Waterpower was If you stand a short distance which was deposited on the line between Barnet and Danville. used to grow close to the road on not overlooked by early settlers in upstream from the house, on top of ground surrounding the spring as Soon the path of the brook, left of both sides, creating the impression this area, and a careful look dis- the bank, you may see the abut- it issued forth. Many a house or the road when first seen, flows of an intimate ride, a breath of closes the remains of a dam, sure- ments of Clayt Robinson’s old barn was painted with this powder, under the first of two bridges to be coolness on a hot summer day, a ly for either the grist- or saw-mill logging bridge, built on the site of probably in some sort of a milk crossed before reaching our house. lively contrast of white snow on supposed to have been located in an older bridge that served an old base. When the powder was treat- The open fields disappear, and the evergreen branches in the winter. this part of the Water Andric. At road marked still on some maps as ed with heat, the resulting color brook runs closer to the road as the Now this stretch, which tended to the foot of this fall of water lies a dotted lines, which indicate dis- was the familiar “barn red” we all valley narrows. The woods close be quite muddy in the spring, has small pool, known locally as the continued roads. This road is know. in from either side. I remember been transformed by the road Sheep Dip. Our children and another one of the four roads Following the road farther, we one fall when we watched beavers crew. Trees were removed, leaving grandchildren knew it as a won- which meet at our place. came upon a small brook which cutting trees, perhaps to make a a more formal view of tall trees at derful place for all kinds of water Neighbors have said that this road we followed upstream, through a lodge or to raise the level of their a distance from the road, and a play, and, with goggles a chance to was formerly a Boston-Montreal boggy area where, in the right sea- dam. They were working on a siz- broad stretch of land almost too watch trout feed at the bottom of highway, but we suspect that that’s son, we might spot native orchids. able tree across the brook for a wide to be seen as a ditch, but low the rapids. but a story, readily attached to any Our goal was a small cemetery, while, and it was clearly going to enough to hold any amount of Now the path of the brook old road that runs in anything (Please See Page 12) fall across the brook and the road. We knew when that happened because the mailman failed to reach our mailbox that day. It was neither “rain nor snow nor dark of night,” but beavers that stopped him in his ‘‘appointed rounds.’’ Another time the road was closed for a much longer time, when heavy rains caused flooding. Not only was a section of the road washed out, but a good bit of the steep hillside above the road slid into the stream. For five or six weeks, we had to drive in a round- about way to collect our mail from the post office in Passumpsic. I remember one other washout, which occurred where the brook made a sharp turn, aiming its force directly at the bank, just at the road’s edge. It was soon repaired but only after we discovered some misshapen bricks that had, some- time in the past, been used as fill. We were told that there was a brickyard along the Andric, which has a good deal of excellent clay in its valley, prized by potters. And, on a road not far to the south, there is a handsome old house built with local bricks, the only such house that I know of nearby.
Dussault’s Heating Sales Service Installation Thermo Pride Furnaces Peerless Boilers
Box 301 St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 (802) 748-4945 24 hour service 12 The North Star Monthly August 2007
(Continued from Page 11) getting to this part of New brook, and only occasionally can survived, and I seem to remember fact, one town was named Big hard to find as the terrain is very England, establishing a home- you catch a glimpse of the water some rhubarb, too. Perhaps the Rock for just such a stone. The deceptive. The woods are thick, stead, clearing a garden piece and far below. Farther along, the road men living there found seasonal town grew up around it, so that it and the cemetery is on the top of a preparing for the first winter. More descends to the level of the brook, work in the mills on Water Andric occupied a place of honor. But our small knobby hill. It’s all too easy than likely they raised families, where it remains until the road or worked as hands on farms near- Big Rock of the Water Andric, to walk right past it. Just beyond and as the area developed, they comes to an end at its intersection by. Farther to the west, along one though larger, fits modestly into the cemetery, on another old road, found jobs, and the next genera- with Trestle Road. of the small tributary brooks, was the landscape. It remained a one can find several cellar holes, tion moved to better locations, as All along Water Andric Road, a series of beaver ponds, each built favorite goal for a walk for a long explaining why the cemetery is evidenced by the survival of these one can find wild flowers in sea- upstream of the previous site, time. not a small one. There must have family names today. son, dwarf cornel, clintonia, Jack- when the supply of softwoods Except for a few berry patches, been a real, though small, commu- So one could say that this road, in-the-pulpit, dogbane, wild lily of diminished. The children were we never knew this part the road nity at one time. which in one sense comes to an the valley, trillium. Sometimes always delighted and impressed as well as the rest. At the point The cemetery has suffered end where it reaches our driveway, these flowers are displayed on a by the cleverness and work of where it ends, joining Trestle considerable vandalism over the also came to an historical end roadside bank, as if on a tray, for these busy creatures. Road, years ago one could see the years, visible when we first visited some time ago, though it still sur- the pleasure of passersby. Farther along on the brook last remnants of an old house, but it, but recently it has gained from vives as dotted lines in the Birdsong follows us all the way, side of the road a vague path led there is no longer any trace of it, care and attention. Most of the Vermont Atlas, and in our lives as and the birds often answer our down to the Andric, where we not even a cellar hole. gravestones are slate rather than we hunt berries and listen to bird attempts to repeat their calls. Side found signs that someone had As far as I know, there have the more durable granite or mar- songs from the woods that have trips off the road can disclose sur- camped, but we never saw any fur- never been any other houses along ble. Family names include grown up since the last time the prises, perhaps a downed tree cre- ther indications of visitors. Still this road, perhaps because the ter- Pettengill, Woods, Clifford, area was logged. ated an opening with enough more farther along, where the road rain is apt to be wet. One possible Wilson, Peck, Whitman, Heath, daylight to allow new flowers to drops down to the level of the exception is a house which fronts Houghton, and Danforth, as well Nature But Not Untouched appear, painted trillium, perhaps, stream, which makes a double on Trestle Road, formerly invisi- as unusual first names such as If you follow our driveway up or even ladyslippers. On the hill- bend, first right, then left, creating ble from the Brook Road. Cyprian and Archelaus. As you to the end, into the spread-out side to the right of the road, we an attractive level spot, there was Recently the backyard has been look at the individual stones, you intersection and then turn left, you found a stand of beech trees, often for many years, until it burned, a cleared of trees and other growth begin to realize how many chil- discover a delightful vista. A nar- with dark holes under their roots. camp belonging to the Sevigny but then left to the ugly effects of dren died in a single year, a year in row road, overhung by trees, leads What might be hiding down there? family. Some time afterwards a erosion. Other exceptions to the which there had been a wide- the eye up a small rise to a slight Elves, perhaps? Nowadays we beaver family tried to settle there, welcome relief and delight of spread whooping cough epidemic. turn, after which the road is no would call them Hobbit holes. but their work was visible from the undisturbed nature are due to the The cemetery is a fine spot for longer visible. Only trees are to be Among the beech we would also road, and therefore to someone regrettable side effects of logging meditating on what life might seen. The wish to walk on, to find find those ghostly plants called with a gun, and that was the end of and the illegal dumping of trash. have been like between the years the road and follow it wherever it Beech Drops, related to Indian that. I remember walking up there In this time of uncertainty, con- represented by these gravestones, leads, seems like the beginning of Pipes, both of which are unusual, one snowy day, and finding the fused goals and stress, any on the passage of time, and on the a fairy tale adventure. in that they have no green color- empty lodge and the empty shells glimpse of Mother Nature is many changes that have taken Many a time, especially when ing. that told the story. refreshing to the mind and the place since these folks were laid to our children were small we did At another place on the hill Not far from there, a very large soul. Her patience is great but, I rest here, in this quiet place. walk up that road, following the side of the road, closer to the rock could be seen in a spot fear, not infinite. Just imagine the great quanti- Andric valley upstream. For a house, is a cluster of cellar holes, between the stream and the road. ties of energy people invested in while, the road is high above the four or five of them. Some lilac At the time we first noticed it, we Homecoming spent the winters in Illinois, where The fourth of our roads, where such large rocks are rare indeed. our nearest neighbors live, had no When found, however, they are of name when we first came to camp great interest to folks nearby. In in our house, then abandoned and
Small Antiques Unique Handcrafted Gifts Specialty Foods
Located in the Heart of Peacham Village
Open June - mid-October Daily 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays
Peacham, Vermont 05862 (802) 592-3332 Built To Last
Quality Leather Furniture by Flexsteel The North Star Monthly August 2007 13
one of the family dairy farms after his retirement to the area in seem to be question marks around active when we moved to the area, which he grew up. His death sadly it. Then, slowly, I sensed a mean- along with those of the Mitchell, marks a great change in the story ing here, not a literal meaning, not Church, Lawrence, Bona and of the neighborhood, as few of that a misspelling to be corrected - no, Swett families. Only the old generation are still with us. it was a figure of speech, the larg- Church farm is still in business, On the left side of the road, a er meaning of the words “End of though now raising beef cattle sign of change has appeared. Two the Road,” that is, the End of Life rather than dairy cows. acres or so of former pastureland itself. Back at the crossroads is the for dairy cattle has been redevel- Perhaps, behind my interest in former school-house, now the oped, not into pasture for llamas or the pattern of nearby roads, I have home of the unofficial “Mayor of yaks, not housing for people, but been aware of a larger network of Pumpkin Hill,” Ken Ward and his an organic vegetable garden for roads we have taken during our wife, Florence. There, I turn left produce to sell at the Farmers’ life together. It has been a modern onto Winn’s High Drive, which Market, or even Marty’s First life in the variety of roads taken, rises sharply above the valley of Stop, satisfying an increasing by land, by sea, by air and in the Lime Brook, and suddenly the demand for healthy, nourishing variety of locations, in this country whole perspective changes. I see local vegetables. The great garden and abroad, in large cities and Finally, I see ahead of me, a dog running to welcome me, and, comfort- over the hills on the other side of adds a new, colorful and invigorat- small towns. But our lives end, as ably nested in its meadow above Water Andric, its home. the valley, and over both the val- ing note to the valley. does this narrative about our Four leys of the Passumpsic and the As I pass the second old Winn Roads, in this quiet meadow on in need of attention. Its virtues even suburban. Instead of braving Connecticut, all the way to the farmhouse on the left, and Frank’s Water Andric, with its many con- were a fairly new roof, more room this steep twisty stretch right now, White Mountains. It’s a magnifi- old ‘dug-way’ on the right, once nections with neighbors as well as inside than a tent and its location let’s take a detour and visit Winn’s cent vista. Lime Brook is on its leading to his oat field and old cel- events of the world at large. on a bank above the Water Andric. Jump-Off later, from a different way to Water Andric, and so am I, larholes, I leave Winn’s High And of course one cannot, The road going up the hill across direction. nearly home. Drive proper and, shifting down should not, write about the history from the house was known offi- I find that when I drive any- The Lime Brook valley is, on into low gear, make an adventur- of any place without thinking of cially as Town Highway #79, but where to shop, see friends or go to its own small scale, a delight in ous way down Winn’s High Dive. the people who lived and died the first part of the road, very steep the library, I tend to turn to the any season. There is a balance It’s rough. There’s loose gravel there, and, in many cases, were and twisty, is known locally, and right out of the driveway, then left between woods and open land, and stone, but recent work by the buried in local cemeteries. The cir- with good reason, as “Frank at the four-corners, to pass through with hardwoods, including a large town’s road crew is a very wel- cumstances of their lives were as Winn’s Jump-Off.” a beautiful bit of woodland, and sugar bush, though of course pines come improvement. I hope no car important a part of the history of Frank still lived in the first later follow the long downhill and poplars are moving in. Three will appear around the blind cor- their times as were the doings of house up this stretch when we stretch of Lawrence Hill Road, families once farmed along this ner at the bottom, but suddenly the great. And let us not forget the bought our place, and I remember including views of St. Johnsbury, road, the Perkins, the Badgers and and finally, I see ahead of me, a Abenaki, who arrived long before watching him negotiate the terrain and the hills and Burke Mountain the Winns, who had two farms. Of dog running to welcome me, and, us, growing their squash and corn in his horse-and-buggy) taking his beyond. These are scenes that the four, three houses remain, one comfortably nested in its meadow and fishing these same streams. eggs to the store in Passumpsic. raise my spirits every time I see occupied all year and two during above Water Andric, its home. Their ancestors arrived earlier, on That section of the road had anoth- them or remember their lively the summer. The fourth burned, the west coast, eventually crossing er nickname, Frank’s “High combination of human and natural and was replaced by a trailer. More and more often, as I have the continent. Our ancestors Dive,” so you can imagine the elements. There were also two other been writing this essay about a arrived much later, on the east amusement of people in the area, But when I come back, I take dwellings when we arrived, one of part of the world very important to coast, and spread in their turn on hearing that the new 911 name Route 2B, turning off onto which has been replaced by a trail- me and our family, and as I cared across the continent, looking also of that whole road up to Trestle Pumpkin Hill Road. As I approach er, where the Guertins now live, for my husband in his last illness, for better conditions under which Road (that’s another 911 name) as the crossroads where I will turn and six new houses have been an odd thing happened. The title I to live out their lives, but no less, “Winn’s High Drive.” It’s some- left, the Ward farm, more than a built, some for year-round use by used, “The End of the Road,” demonstrating a truly human thing of a come-down, it seems to century old, is visible high above people who work in the area, or in intruded itself into my attention curiosity about this great world. me, somehow more respectable, on Pumpkin Hill itself. This was the case of Fred Badger, to return more and more insistently. There
8 You Are Due
Includes 27 Point Inspection. Excludes Synthetic Oil. Most cars and trucks up to 5 qts. oil and filter. Expires 8/31/07 Expires 12/31/07.
Could be saving from $100 to $200. Expires 8/31/07 14 The North Star Monthly August 2007
ultimately rivaling such titans as Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Bluegrass Legend Jim & Jesse and the Osborne Brothers. After Carter’s death, Ralph Ralph Stanley Will shifted the band’s emphasis to an older, less adorned mountain style. He created a unique style Play in St. Johnsbury of banjo playing, sometimes called the “Stanley Style.” On Saturday, August 4 at 8 ues to demonstrate the stamina Evolved from the Scruggs style, p.m., St. Johnsbury Academy that many half his age can only which is a three finger technique and Catamount Arts will host the dream of.” and distinguished by incredibly legendary father of Bluegrass Born February 25, 1927, in fast “forward rolls,” the Stanley Music, Ralph Stanley, who along Stratton, VA, Ralph Stanley and style is led by the index finger with His Clinch Mountain Boys his older brother, Carter, formed sometimes in the higher registers will bring an evening of good old the seminal bluegrass ensemble utilizing the capo. As a band- time country music to Fuller the Stanley Brothers in 1946. leader, he has nourished such tal- Hall. They went on to make a series of ents as Ricky Skaggs, Keith “The ranks of those who can watershed recordings for Whitley, Larry Sparks and be considered pioneers of blue- Columbia Records between 1949 Charlie Sizemore, all of whom grass music have slowly dwin- and 1952. Now 80, Stanley has eventually graduated to distin- dled over the past few years,” been performing professionally guished careers of their own. Catamount Arts Courtesy Photo says The New York Times, “but ever since. Until 1966 when While he has long been Ralph Stanley will play at St. Johnsbury’s Fuller Hall on August 4. one voice has remained steadfast Carter died, the Stanley Brothers revered by enthusiasts of folk, throughout a career that spans and their Clinch Mountain Boys bluegrass and country music, of Congress and was the first Stanley still lives near the more than half a century: Ralph were one of the most celebrated Stanley has lately been com- recipient of the Traditional spot where he was born in a Stanley and Dr. Stanley contin- bluegrass groups in the world, manding the kind of honors due a American Music award from the mountainous, tucked-away cor- musical original. In 2002, he National Endowment for the ner close to the rugged Virginia- won Grammys for Best Country Humanities. One of his proudest Tennessee border. It is his WESTERN AVENUE STATION Male Vocalist Performance and achievements is the honorary secluded retreat from rigors of Album of the Year. doctorate in music that Lincoln the road and the 150 to 200 Stanley holds the Living Memorial University conferred shows he continues to do each “your friendly full service station” Legend award from the Library on him in 1976. year.
Specializing in the Exhaust systems around Brakes ARTS “See Dan the Muffler Man” 9 Green Mountain Grass, 15 Sarah Blair, Unitarian Danny Lapierre, August Middle Earth Music, Church, Strafford. Mechanic Bradford. 16 O.A.R. Meadowbrook Music 1 Pete & Karen Sutherland, 9 The Powder Kegs, Newport Arts Center, Gilford, NH. Unitarian Church, Strafford. 13 Western Ave. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 (802) 748-2339 Municipal Building. 16-24 Opera North presents 2 Nightingale, Colburn Park, 10 Redheaded Stepchild, Falstaff, Opera House, Lebanon, NH. Middle Earth Music, Lebanon, NH. 3 Vance Gilbert, Middle Earth Bradford. 17 Ottomatic Slim, Middle Music, Bradford. 11 Northern Lights, Middle Earth Music, Bradford. 3-9 Ten Canoes (2006, Earth Music, Bradford. 17-30 Sicko (2007, U.S.) [PG- Australia) [NR] Director: 10-16 Once (2006, Ireland) [R] 13] Director: Michael Rolf de Heer & Peter Djigirr. Director: John Carney. Glen Moore. Michael Moore Filmed in the forests of Hansard plays a gifted but returns with an affecting and Australia’s remote far north insecure folk-rock musician entertaining dissection of the around the Arafura Swamp who supplements his meager American health care indus- of Arnhem Land, this film is living as a Dublin street per- try, showing how it benefits remarkable: a funny and former by working in his the few at the expense of the altogether delightful journey father’s vacuum repair shop. many. Catamount Arts, St. into the world of Aboriginal One day, while singing a Johnsbury. story telling. Catamount poignant ballad on a busy 19 Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon, Arts, St. Johnsbury. (802) street, he’s approached by a Catamount Arts, St. 748-2600. lovely young Czech flower Johnsbury. 4 Ralph Stanley and the seller who wants to know 21 Stand Up, Sit Down and Clinch, Fuller Hall, St. who broke his heart and Laugh, Flynn Center, Johnsbury. (802) 748-2600. inspired the song. Burlington. 6 Emmylou Harris, Shelburne Catamount Arts, St. 21 Summer Music from Museum, Shelburne. Johnsbury. Greensboro: All Mozart pro- 7 Summer Music from 11-25 Opera North presents gram, United Church of Greensboro: Counterpoint A Turandot, Opera House, Christ, Greensboro. Capella Choir, United Lebanon, NH. 24 Lonesome Brothers, Middle Church of Christ, 14 Summer Music from Earth Music, Bradford. Greensboro. Greensboro: Chamber 31 Coyote Run, Middle Earth 8 Bet Talford, Unitarian Orchestra, United Church of Music, Bradford. Church, Strafford. Christ, Greensboro.
Bringing Art to the Northeast Kingdom WWW. CatamountArts.org (802) 748-2600 The North Star Monthly August 2007 15 State Biologists on Lookout Peacham Historical For Blue-Green Algae Blooms Each summer high temperatures draw people to Vermont lakes, bays Association Invites You and beaches, and each summer blue-green algae blooms keep people out. Since 1998, the Vermont Department of Health has been working with partner agencies and the University of Vermont to monitor blue- To Take a Closer Look green algae blooms statewide throughout the summer season. St. Albans Town Beach is routinely closed four or five times a year The Peacham Historical Association Annual Meeting local experts and include topics due to the blooms, and this has led the Town of St. Albans to install two Association welcomes everyone begins at 7:00 p.m. The keynote for those interested in greening giant solar-powered fountains this year to aerate the water and kill algae. interested in learning about how address by Dr. Searls begins at up their green-space: Prouty Beach in Newport did not have to close at any time last summer, the past has shaped our present 7:30. “Sustainable, Ecological but a thick blue-green algae bloom was spotted in the south end of Lake and informs our future. Gardening: The Big Picture” and Memphremagog in 2006 near the boat dock. Shelburne Pond is posted This month, the PHA is pre- Sustainable Gardening – “Composting Demystified.” off-limits for swimming nearly the entire summer. senting two events that will make Reinventing Your Backyard A special workshop, “The state has a comprehensive monitoring system in place, but we history come alive. These public New and experienced gar- “Historical Gardens: Plant welcome reports from anyone who lives near water where the blooms programs are open to everyone. deners, and anyone who appreci- Choices and Their occur,” says State Toxicologist Bill Bress. “The water may appear cloudy ates the beauty of Northeast Culinary/Medicinal Uses,” will and look like thick pea soup, and a thick mat or foam may form when a On Tuesday, August 7, the Kingdom plants, will find explore the garden at the bloom washes onto shore.” Anyone who spots algae bloom should call Peacham Historical Association rewards in this day-long program Peacham Historical House, the Health Department at (800) 439-8550. at its Annual Meeting will host of workshops and tours on which was created as a tribute to Some blue-green algae produces dangerous toxins. Skin exposure can guest speaker Dr. Paul Searls, Sunday, August 12. Registration long-time Historical Association result in irritation or allergic reactions, and drinking water containing author of Two Vermonts: begins at 8 o’clock at the officer Lorna Quimby. algae that is producing toxins can result in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Geography and Identity, 1865- Peacham Historical House on Other offerings include a Children are at higher risk because they are more likely to drink the water. 1910. Searls is an assistant pro- Church Street in Peacham. walking tour of Peacham Village Swimming is not the only danger of exposure. People can inhale or fessor of history at Lyndon State This creative and inspiring with Master Gardeners, a session swallow blue-green algae when water skiing or using a Jetski. No human College, and his recent book, day is designed to share ideas on innovative garden ideas, and a cases of illness related to blue-green algae have been documented in which has been widely praised, about sustainable gardening thought-provoking discussion Vermont. Dogs are at high risk if they swim in a bloom and then lick it is about the history of tension practices, offer fresh ideas and focusing on how to support off their fur. Two dogs died after drinking large amounts of water from a between the competing forces of exchange experiences with sea- Vermont agriculture. toxic blue-green algae bloom in Lake Champlain in 1999. Shifts in wind rural and urban, modernity and soned experts. Deirdre Detjens, Workshops will be held from direction can move a bloom from one location to another. Periods of cool preservation and tourism and a Master Gardener in Peacham, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and the day rainy weather can cause a bloom to disappear. development. says, “The programs offer a great includes open farm tours. The Searls focuses on how these way to get to know more about cost for all the workshops is $20, issues developed during the post- soils and sun and ways to which benefits the Peacham MICHAEL K. WALSH & SON, Builders Civil War years, and he traces encourage the best growing con- Historical Association. Bring a them through history to the pres- ditions for your garden. It’s also bag lunch and lots of questions New Construction Remodeling Renovations ent, where they remain front a chance to take a peek at some for this invigorating day of gar- Finish Work Decks Wallpapering etc. page topics. As Vermont as a of the most beautiful gardens dening in beautiful Peacham. Call Now for Summer & Fall Projects state, and our region in particu- around, cared for by amazing Call Wendy MacKenzie at Solid reputation of quality workmanship, lar, struggles with questions of gardeners.” (802) 592-3111 for more infor- reasonable rates and dependability development, economic growth, Wendy MacKenzie, owner of mation. historic preservation, tourism Everlasting Herb Farm in and conservation, it’s helpful to Peacham, sees these workshops understand the roots of these cur- as an opportunity to “carry on the Over 25 years of experience (802) 684-3977 Danville, VT rent conflicts and to learn how great traditions of caring for our Peacham Library they originated. gardens that have been passed From the vantage of the his- through generations.” She uses Monday, Wednesday, toric Peacham Congregational the wisdom of years past to cre- Friday and Saturday Church, now celebrating 200 ate a line of remedies that meet 10 a.m. - Noon years in Peacham, this speaker present needs. Through sustain- will address concerns that have able farming practices, Tuesday and Thursday been discussed for over 100 Everlasting Herb Farm is setting 1 - 7 p.m. years. a high standard for the future. The Peacham Historical Workshops will be led by
LISTEN TO JOSH THOMAS WEEKDAYS FROM 6:00 - 9:00 A.M. AND HEAR GREAT MUSIC, LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS AND TONS OF CHANCES TO WIN PRIZES.