Meeting Minutes

E.MIDDLEBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING NOTES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2019

We were pleased to welcome Todd Desabrais to the meeting.

PARTRIDGE VISIT:  Marilyn and Francis reported on meeting with Ruth and David Partridge at Wake Robin.  It was a very successful encounter and the conversation lasted for over an hour while they answered a series of questions posed by Catherine.  Francis played part of the interview on his phone so we could get the idea of how it went.  The interview is being typed up for the record.

RESEARCH:  Francis is now pursuing local news columns in the papers.  He reports that the spelling of names keeps changing.  Francis is going to scan some seldom used files on to a flash drive to clear space in the files.

WALKING TOUR:  Bruce circulated a first draft of the walking tour.  It is a work in progress and he took suggestions.

COMEDIAN VISIT:  The comedian now has a love interest who is taking up a lot of his time.  We decided to drop the whole project.

WEBSITE:  More items have been added and it is a wonderful resource.  There are links to it on the state level.

LIFELONG RESIDENTS BOOK:  Nancy and Todd both thought they might be of help identifying the last children still unknown.  Jack will pass the book along.

EXCURSIONS:  Linda suggested a program being offered by the Salisbury Historical Society on a civil war theme.  Peggy suggested a talk by Glenn Andres.  A trip to the Historical Society in Barre will be planned for September.

PARLOR:  Bruce talked with Mona about the computer corner and changes will be made.  Todd felt electrical updates could be incorporated in the upcoming heating upgrade for the community house.

PROGRAM:  Jack and Francis had assembled a program of old photos of businesses in E. Middlebury.  Bruce added technical assistance.  It was informative and enjoyable.  Marilyn provided refreshments which included switchell- a new experience for most members.

E. Middlebury Historical Society

Meeting Notes   October 8, 2019

We had 3 guests join us to hear our speaker for the evening- Linda Otis Barnard.

Nine members were present.

Bruce reported that he had printed out one side of the walking tour and we thought it looked impressive.  He also said the Walking Tour on Sat., Nov. 2 would start at the Waybury Inn, go to the gorge, back down to the church, to the cemetery and return to the Waybury.  People are invited to join for as long as they can.  He would also like information on houses that are not included on the pamphlet.

The Ripton, E. Middlebury and Salisbury Historical Societies will now share information on programs.  

Currently there is no planned program for November.  The 2020 sign up sheet was distributed but came back blank.

On Thursday, Oct. 10, there will be a trip to the VHS in Barre leaving at 9 AM.

On Monday, Oct. 21 there will be a trip to Mud Pond.  Rain date is Wed., 10/23. We will park at the house next up Lower Plains Rd. from Francis Favreau’s house at 10 AM.

Bruce raised the subject of Stone Chambers which was new to all of us.  We will explore these more.

Sheila and Marilyn provided refreshments.  Our program was on the 251 Club.

ONLINE MEETING

EAST MIDDLEBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MAY 12, 2020

The following people contributed to the Zoom meeting set up by Bruce Yelton:  Bruce and Deb Yelton, Nancy Marcus, Linda Kelton, Sarah Wakefield, Francis Favreau, Catherine Nichols, Marilyn Barbato, Peggy Peabody.

Announcements:  Sarah was contacted by Jack about a photo needing an i.d. which appeared in the May 9th issue of the Addison Eagle.  Jack recognized the photo as a baseball game at the base of Schoolhouse Hill.  Sarah was waiting to hear back from the paper.

Sarah also made contact with Tim Page.  Tim’s great great grandfather was  Dr. Ross who served as the community doctor until 1899.  After Pres. Coolidge left office, Dr. Ross’ son, Harry, served as his private secretary.

Sarah thanked Francis for putting historical files from the E.M. United Methodist Church on a thumb drive.

Bruce mentioned that the website now featured 2 suffragette songs passed along by Marilyn.  He also suggested we check out J. Limit stones.

Since our April meeting, what additional off property activities have you had?

A trip to Texas Falls; Walking, esp. on the TAM; Going to garden centers; going to grocery stores, road trips, a picnic at Crown Point, hiking in Ripton; walking in E. Middlebury; hiking in Ripton, taking car rides, and giving family haircuts; walking with the Spirit of Nature trail recommended; walking the dog and meeting a sister in the mall parking lot in Rutland; walking, inc. to the sandpit off Schoolhouse Hill Rd.

How have you obtained needed supplies when the stores were closed?

No problems; did a pickup for books, ordered online; a wrist watch was not available in Middlebury so ordered online; using takeout to support restaurants (3 people); an out of state guest has lead to 2 weeks of quarantine; tp is still an issue; men, esp. are not wearing masks in the p.o. and are not respecting the limit on people in the facility.  This led to at least one loud argument between the postmaster and a male customer.

What do you see as a long range change or fallout from the pandemic?

Online learning; will remain nervous at the grocery store; the College will restrict activities formerly open to community members; avoiding large gatherings; effect on our downtown businesses; along with other issues, spacing will affect religious gatherings; we no longer trust our politicians; singing is very bad for transmission so singing groups may disappear; education, delivery methods, and washing hands; the economic downturn will lead us to be more self-sufficient and move us away from greed; The College could have major financial problems- one reason being that they have a large number of foreign students.  This in turn will have an impact on the Middlebury community.

Informal vote on the scheduling of the annual community picnic.

Nobody favored the traditional date of the first Sunday in June.  A date later in the summer with a different format was suggested.  Most attendees felt the event should be cancelled for this year.

EAST MIDDLEBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MEETING- JULY 14, 2020

Eight people were able to join the 3:00 PM zoom meeting.  Most of the time together was like a chat session to get reacquainted.  

MONA’S RETIREMENT RECEPTION:  Catherine led us thru the planning process for an event scheduled for Saturday morning,  August 29th.  Cookies will be provided by Bruce, Marilyn, Linda and Peggy.  Sarah will provide flowers and a punch bowl.  Catherine will make the punch.  The new librarian, Molly, has been hired and will begin a transition period in August.

WATERING AT COMMUNITY HOUSE:  The outside spigot for a hose is not available yet so Maggie Palmer is helping Catherine get water to the plants.  Bruce thought his hose was long enough to reach.

THOMAS WEDDING INTERVIEW:  Sarah conducted the interview and Bruce put it on the website.  Both received our thanks.

PROGRAM:  STORIES:  

OSSIE ROAD SIDEWALK:  Peggy explained living on Ossie Rd. in the late 1960’s with many children and no sidewalk.  She then told about the effort to get a sidewalk and how it came to be.

SPEC HOUSE:  Sarah explained how the house the Shashok now live in was built by Goodro Lumber as a spec house.  Wyman Thomas lived in the house.  When he was ready to sell the house, he interviewed possible buyers to select someone who would contribute to E. Middlebury.

DUTCHY DUTTON:  Dutchy was a former resident who was a “character”.  We shared some of what we knew about him.

EAST MIDDLEBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020

A Zoom meeting was held at 3 PM with Bruce, Francis, Marilyn and Peggy attending.  Our next meeting will be a Zoom meeting on the second Tuesday in Nov. at 7:00 PM.

Ruth Marcus would like to pass along the Treasurer’s duties so please volunteer if you are interested.  Not much time is involved and Ruth will answer questions.

It was decided to ask the Sheldon Museum if they are interested in having the original Fire District #1 meeting minutes for their files.  These minutes have been photocopied for the Fire District use.

It was agreed that a trip to the Ethan Allen Cave would hopefully be held next year.  We would also take a trip to the site of Ann Story’s original home, visit the marker at the site of her second home and then visit her grave in the cemetery.

We briefly explored the idea of having an exhibit of aprons.

VHS now has a digital archive available.  The Henry Sheldon Museum is holding a mobile scavenger hunt on Sunday, Oct. 18th.

Bruce and Francis are putting together digital information on the fire department/station and Jack Brown and Mike Mayone will be involved.  A presentation on the Waybury Inn has a lot of information.  Francis has also put together information from the EMHS exhibits in Tunbridge at the History Expo.

Reading Exchange:

Francis- Tales of Vermont Ways & People by Bertha Dodge. 1989  online $5.  She covers each town in VT with a bit of interesting information.  Easy, fast, interesting read.

Marilyn- Green Mt. Ghosts, Ghouls, and Unsolved Mysteries by Joseph Citro.  Marilyn had only gotten to look thru the book  but related an interesting event regarding Hubbardton.

Bruce- The Vermont Diary of Viola Chittenden White.  Her photo made her look like a young innocent.  Bruce discovered thru research that she was an influential archivist at Middlebury College, a Socialist, environmentalist, and walked to E. Middlebury for breakfast and then back to the college to work.

Sarah- A History of VT Glass Making by Max and Jim Peterson.  This is related to the E. Middlebury glass factory and to our society possessions.

Linda- Middlebury by David Munford.  A history of the community and college with wonderful  photos and historical perspective.  Paperback at VT. Book Shop, $21.99.  Easy read 125 pages.  Linda will loan the book.

Peggy- We Go As Captives: The Royalton Raid and the Shadow War on the Revolutionary Frontier by Neil Goodwin.  Purchased thru VHS.  A captive’s experiences with the Indians, as a British prisoner and as an escapee.  The book provides a full picture of Vermont during the Revolutionary War.  The state was  very unsettled politically and dangerous because of various allegiances during the war.  An engaging read.  You are welcome to borrow the book.

We look forward to having more of you able to join us in November. Peggy

EAST MIDDLEBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MINUTES NOVEMBER 8, 2022

PRESENT: Sarah and Dayton Wakefield, Jack Brown, Bob Nixon, Peggy Peabody, Beverly and Louis Megeysi, Bruce Yelton, Sheila Kalladeh, Francis Favreau, Linda Kelton, Catherine Nichols, Linda Silkworth and Marilyn Barbato.

TREASURER'S REPORT: We paid the maker $800.00 for the Iron Works Sign, which may cost around $1200.One Walking Tour booklet was sold. The ending balance is $1,679.49.

CAROLING:  On the 22nd of December at 5:30pm two groups will form. One to start at the Post Office and one at the Waybury Inn. Catherine will ask for participants to register and publicize the event at the Addison Independent and Front Page Forum. Bruce will produce a flier for the Post Office Bulletin Board and Linda Kelton will post on East Middlebury Neighbors, a Facebook group. Carolers will finish up at the Inn.

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVMENT AWARD: Bruce shared his now framed award presented to him in Manchester on October 29th by the Vermont Historical Society!

FUTURE PROGRAMS: Our next meeting will be in April,2023 with a presentation by Sandy Button on Grave Rubbings.

Peggy had a suggestion for collaboration on How Climate Change Is Effecting East Middlebury to have a scientific basis and include the issues of the Middlebury River, trees, water analysis, bird and bee populations,etc. Possible presenters are Rep. Amy Sheldon, someone from the Audubon Society, teacher from the Middlebury Middle School.

LYME DISEASE VACCINE STUDY: Peggy has been approached to recruit people who are willing to participate in the study. She will receive a $25 reward for each recruit, which she will donate to the Historical Society and will send out a link to members.

TOUR OF THE DUPREY HOUSE:Toby and Renita Welch welcomed us into the renovated home. Pictures of the original house were available. The work that has been done is incredible. Great attention has been given to preserve and expose as much of the original house as possible and to make the updates compatible with the period of the home. Only one room remains undone and the next project will be a side porch. They have been working on the renovations for several decades and hope to be able to move in next Spring. Renita had made some delicious bars and Peggy contributed her peanut butter and chocolate cookies to top off the evening.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Barbato

EAST MIDDLEBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MINUTES OCTOBER12, 2022

PRESENT: Sarah Wakefield, Jack and Margot Brown, Bob and Jen Nixon,Peggy Peabody, Beverly and Louis Megeysi Bruce and DebbieYelton, Sheila Kalladeh, Francis Favreau, Emily and Peter Ploegman and Marilyn Barbato.

TREASURER'S REPORT: We received a $100.00 donation for the Iron Works Sign and spent $24.00 for stamps. The ending balance is $2,479.49. Bill Kaigle, recommended by Charles Billings,has given a quote of $1,000 which includes installation. The sign would need an aluminum frame and possibly plexiglass for protection from vandalism. Installation might have to wait until next Spring.

FUTURE PROGRAMS: The tour of the Welch home will take place in November.

We will resume our business meetings next Spring. Programs include Bernie Noble's talk on the New Haven Railroad Station, Grave Screenings by Sandy Button, Maureen Williams will discuss her archaeological work and Scott Manning will tell stories of Ripton.

CAROLING: Catherine Nichols finalize plans for the week of December 19 with the Waybury Inn

VERMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY ARCHIVIST MEETING: Bruce Yelton will receive an award for Individual Achievement at the meeting to take place in Manchester on October 29th. We are grateful for all the Bruce has done for our Society and will publicize his award in the  Addison Independent!CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE!!!

The nominating letter outlining Bruce's achievements and supporting letters from several members will be sent out in a separate email and the hard copies will be in the files at the Library office.

PRESENTATION: Bob Nixon spoke of our first three Presidents, Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. He gave us information regarding their backgrounds, personality and reasons for their positions against the British. He outlined the history of the beginnings of political parties and the development of our election laws. Bob's presentations along with increasing our knowledge bring us closer to the humanity of his subjects. Thank you Bob.

Sarah shared Raisin cake.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Barbato

EAST MIDDLEBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MINUTES SEPTEMBER13, 2022

PRESENT: Sara Wakefield, Jack and Margot Brown, Bob and Jen Nixon, Linda Kelton,

Peggy Peabody, Beverly and Louis Megeysi, Davis Bodette, Catherine Nichols, Bruce Yelton, Cindy, Mark and Bruce Thomas, Marilyn Barbato

TREASURER'S REPORT: Booklet Sales were $60.00 and donations for the Iron Works Sign were $1200.00!!! The ending balance is $2503.49. Bruce would now like to begin the process with the hopes of having the Sign installed by next Spring.

PROGRAM CHANGES: Bob Nixon will present The First Three Presidents and Political Parties and the tour of the Welch home will take place in November.

Additional program for next year will be Grave Screenings by Sandy Button.

CAROLING: Catherine Nichols has secured the Waybury Inn's cooperation and will finalize plans.

VERMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING: The meeting will be virtual on October 6th at noon. The speaker is Amanda Kay Gustin about James Wilson and the history of globe making in Vermont.

THE MIDDLEBURY GORGE PAINTING BY LOUIS MEGEYSE: The painting, which has been hanging in the National Bank of Middlebury was returned to the Sarah Partridge Library to be hung in the meeting room.

PRESENTATION: Mark and Cindy Thomas shared the history of their family, going back four generations in East Middlebury and the family business Goodro Lumber. Several members had recollections to share and it was a lively discussion. Cindy brought in a framed picture of the marriage certificate of Edna Piper and Henry Day.

One thing Mark forgot to mention was that the family was related to Sandra Day O'Connor!

We shared Apple cake and cider.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Barbato

EAST MIDDLEBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MEETING NOTES, June 14, 2022

 Present: Peggy Peabody, Jack and Margot Brown, Bob Nixon, Francis Favreau, Louis and Beverly Megyesi, Bruce Yelton, Sheila Khalladeh, Catherine Nichols (briefly) and Marilyn Barbato.

Secretary:  read minutes of May Meeting

Treasurer’s Report:  We added $65 in sales of Walking Tour Booklets for a balance of $1,251.49

Iron Works Sign: Bruce discussed at the Prudential Committee’s annual meeting problems with obtaining funding. Jason suggested speaking with MALT, as they are a 501 3C and is amenable to Prudential Committee donating some money. Peggy’s suggestions for fundraising:

A group in Cornwall has donated money in the past;

Holding an Ice Cream Social

Paying the Prudential Committee for labels and sending out postcards to  Fire District members asking for donations.

Bruce also mentioned that a piece of slag from the Iron Works will be on exhibit at the Sheldon Museum on June 24th.

Hose: Catherine Nichols stopped in to let us know that a hose for watering the newly extended gardens (which she and Amy Sheldon have been working) has been installed on the west side of the Community House.

Community Picnic: We were pleased with the enthusiasm of the children, who filled out the questionnaires about the History of East Middlebury; the set-up of the tables under the tent was more conducive and there was more diversity. One of our own, Francis Favreau, received a well-deserved plaque for his contributions to the town.

Next Month’s Program: Bernie Noble, who has identified Civil War Veterans in four town cemeteries and written biographies of them, will make a presentation. He has a biography of one veteran, who moved to East Middlebury.

Field Trips: Peggy will arrange with David Rossiter, a trip to Crown Point to tour a newly renovated industrial building in July. Bruce suggested the Re-enactments done at Hubbardton . Marilyn was interested in the Abenaki Festival at Basin Harbor this coming weekend.

Presentation on Petroglyphs and Pictographs: Bruce elaborated on the program (which he emailed to members in advance), explaining the difference between the two and showing various examples. It was a very professional and informative talk, augmented with pieces of pottery. Bruce did field and lab work in archeology in College. He also brought along the book “Talking Pots”.

Bruce mentioned the archeological dig in Weathersfield on the Rev. Dan Foster House of the Weathersfield Historical Society. There are opportunities to volunteer at the site or watch the archeologists at work.

Goodies:  Peggy and Bruce both brought cookies and Bruce had lettuce from his garden to share.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Barbato

EAST MIDDLEBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MINUTES NOVEMBER 14, 2023

Present: Peggy Peabody, Sarah Wakefield, Linda Kelton, Jack Brown, Bruce Yelton, Catherine Nichols and Marilyn Barbato

Treasurer's Report: Current balance is $ 2,035. Bruce presented a proposed budget for 2024.

T-Shirts: There are about 20 left. We have taken in $770 this year.

Post Office Memory Tree Box: Dayton Wakefield has included a sign for the Historical society. Peggy has a second cork board to facilitate the next display and we will document each display with a photograph. We have received some positive comments from the community.

Notebooks: There are two binders- One contains Francis Favreau's articles copied from the Middlebury Register and the other, Peggy's compilation of the Civil War Letters of Henry E. Perkins.

December Luncheon: Wednesday December 13th at 1pm at the Waybury Inn. The menu choices include Baby Back Ribs, Steak Frites, Shepherd's Pie, Mushroom Wellington and Smoky Fried Chicken accompanied by a salad and Gingerbread with a caramel sauce for dessert. Members and their spouses are invited. Please email Marilyn asap, if you are interested. The cost of the meal, including taxes and tip, is $31.50. The EMHS will contribute $10.00 toward the cost of its members. We will also be inviting Bugsy and Sally Laframboise as a thank you for advertising our meetings at the Post Office. 

Recruiting New Members:We will purchase mailing labels from Fire District 1 and send out our own newsletter. Jack suggested targeting residents in Daisy Lane

Ripton Event: Peggy, Bruce and Sarah attended the commemoration of the Pier Tavern and enjoyed the speakers.

Caroling: December 20th, Wednesday at 5pm. It was suggested to have 3 groups, one to do each side of Main Street and one to cover homes on Case Street and Ossie Rd. In our advertising on Front Page Forum, we will suggest that residents, who would like to be serenaded, put their porch light on. Hot chocolate and cookies will follow at the Waybury Inn.

503C Status: It would cost $300 and require fiscal quarterly reports and make us eligible for grant money. No decision made.

By-Law Review: Peggy and Bruce will read them.

Christmas Decorations:  Sarah and Linda will decorate the community room.

Website: Bruce will update.

Thank you to Waybury Inn: Catherine suggested that ,when the Inn is sold, we hold a thank you for Joe and Tracy Sutton for all of their help and cooperation.

 10/2/2023

Program Ideas for 2024

 Scott Manning to tell Ripton stories.

Archaeologists from Castleton University to discuss their student program and invite local teachers.

Middlebury College Speaker on Architectural History.

Water History of Fire District 1- Peggy Peabody

Janice Obuchowski- East Middlebury resident and author of “The Woods” short stories                                inspired by East Middlebury and Ripton.

Peggy suggested that we have at least 2 business meetings without programs. These meetings could be scheduled during the day. Meetings that include presentations could begin at 6:30 pm for business and program to begin at 7pm.

Tour Ideas:   The Chipman Inn; the Waybury Inn.

Social Gathering at the Community House- Catherine suggested an event to gather with new residents with punch and cookies on a Sunday afternoon in mid-January.

Catherine, Marilyn and Linda will plan.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Barbato

East Middlebury Historical Society

Annual Meeting  October 14, 2025

Present: Peggy Peabody, Bruce Yelton, Linda Kelton, Sarah Wakefield, Matt Harrison, Kaitlin Buerge, Jack Brown, Tom Hughes, Duke Whitney, Ellen Fenn and Marilyn Barbato.

Secretary's Report: Correction to September Minutes-the presenter was Matt Harrison.

Treasurer's Report: We have $2,044.00 in our account. Our revenue for 2025 was $3,461 and expenses of $1,417.

Reports accepted by Jack Brown and seconded by SarahWakefield.

Potential Programs:We reviewed the programs of this past year. Next year Bob Nixon will do a program on Sacagawea ; Duke Whitney will present on the Civil War;Tom Hughes on “South Middlebury”;Bruce Yelton on Vermont Money; Matt Harrison on Vermont Institutions and another from the Maritime Museum.

Events: Meet your Neighbors,Community Picnic,Fall Festival, possibly in conjunction with the Valley Bible Church, December Craft Fair and Carol Singing.

Peggy suggested a Social event- Cocktail/Mocktail Party with the Society providing hors d'oeuvres and members providing their drinks. Date and venue to be determined.

We hope for another Tour of the Means Mansion.

December Craft Fair:Presuming we have heat, it will take place on Saturday,

December 6th from 10am-1pm. We will have baked goods for sale and invite local vendors. Laura will have a book sale. Publicity will appear in the Addy Indy, Front Page Forum and East Middlebury Neighbors' Facebook page. We are hoping Megan will chair this event!?

Carol Singing: Thursday, December 18 at 6:30 pm. Bruce will once again provide luminaries. The Waybury to provide refreshments.Catherine will coordinate this event.

Sign: Bruce brought up having a sign made for EMHS and the library sign needs attention. Peggy will talk to the Prudential Committee.

Social Media Manager:Bruce would like help with the website and Matt is willing to assist.

Announcements: Duke Whitney will give a presentation on Heinrich Heier on Saturday, October 25th at 10am at the Ripton Community House. If anyone is interested in seeing the cellar holes, he spoke about to us in August, you can meet atthe Oak Ridge trail parking area at 9am.

Tom Hughes spoke of an event planned for May 30th. A state marker will be dedicated at the Ann Story land in Salisbury.

Refreshments :Provided by Matt and Kaitlin.

 Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Barbato