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FROM PRESIDENT, RUTH PESTLE...
We have had a busy year with events and projects.
In March we had a potluck supper followed by a slide show on
the Vermont Historical Society given by President Kevin Graffagnino.
In early Spring some of the board members spent time pruning
the shrubs and cleaning up around the Wait House. In July members
visited the Fairbanks Museum and the Planetarium. We also toured
the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum. Two exceptional Vermont historic
places. We plan to do more trips like these in the future.
In August we celebrated the completion of
the display case by John Reilly for our sword and drum collection.
A wine and cheese party was held in the Wait House and enjoyed
by all who attended. The case is now on permanent display at
the Wait House. Please take the opportunity to visit. Judy Dodds
was instrumental in getting the display set up using funds from
a grant and contributions to the Drum & Sword Fund.
In September Eleanor Haskin invited members
of the Board to act as guides for her Kelty Concord Coach display.
This coach used to run to Middlesex twice a day for a fare of
75 cents. Jack Smith saw the coach at a museum in Michigan and
mentioned it to Eleanor. She brought it back home to be restored
and treasured. The two day celebration was wonderful!
Many old phones and much history were made available to the
whole community.
Jack Smith was given money by Bud and Leon
Knore who live in Ohio, to clean the General Wait obelisk at
the cemetery behind the Wait House. The Knores are direct descendants
of General Wait and visited the Valley to see where their ancestor
had lived.
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Judy Dodds had a
new Plexiglas cover put over the old poster at the Wait House.
She also was instrumental in getting track lighting for the exhibit
room.
Thanks to the generosity of people,
the Historical Society received a number of important artifacts.
Ray Pestle gave us an 1896 town report and an 1844 Universalist
Watchman. Anne Wallis-Bull donated two Waitsfield high school
class photos from 1923 and 1927. Phil Jones gave us a Civil War
sword and pistol and many letters and diaries. Mr. Carr gave us
transcripts of Bushnell letters. All of these historical items
will be cataloged and put into our archives. Our thanks to all
who contributed.
Jean Sherman oversaw the
planting of many trees along Main St near the library. Of particular
note is a maple in honor of Bob Rose. Our town looks like it used
to with trees along the road.
Good news
for those folks who have been looking for our covered bridge notes.
We have ordered new notes printed. Six notes in a package will
sell for $6.00.
The saddest event this year was the passing
of our beloved board member, John Dillon. He will be sorely missed.
(see page 3).
ARCHIVES
ON THE COMPUTER
Sandra Reilly
is putting all our archival information on the computer. This
will allow researchers to access the location of the archival
material in the WHS office. Each object is given a unique number
and a brief description. If anyone is interested in participating
in this computer project please contact Sandra Reilly (496-5758)
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