We've kept busy in Vermont since I last wrote a post on this blog. As the days slipped by, we saw the gradual change in the trees from green to red...and orange...and yellow. It was a sight to behold...but no matter how hard I tried...I just couldn't seem to capture the true majesty of our surroundings with my iPod camera. Nevertheless, I gave it my best try.
Lance and I decided to rent a car for a full week so we could get out and explore the surrounding areas. Some days were cloudy with a bit of rain, and others sunny, but either way, we had an enjoyable time.
Once again, we took some time to do a little hiking. We returned to Hubbard Park, saw the Seven Fireplaces and climbed to the top of the Hubbard Park Tower. It was a beautiful warm and sunny day, and we had a great time.
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| I wonder...where do wrasps go in the winter time? |
We also drove to Owl's Head Mountain in Groton State Forest, and hiked to the scenic lookout point. There, we saw some of the best views of our entire trip. It was a windy, cloudy, and cold day...but the colors of the trees below were dazzling. I only wish my photos could do it justice.
On the recommendation of our friend, Bob, we drove up toward Burlington to visit the Shelburne Museum. The museum is located on 45 acres of land near Lake Champlain, and it houses paintings, folk art, quilts, textiles, decorative arts, furniture, and 17th-20th century artifacts. There are over 150,000 works exhibited in 39 exhibition buildings throughout the grounds. Twenty five of the buildings are historic, and were relocated from other areas in New England and New York to the museum grounds.
Electra Havemeyer Webb, who owned the collection, founded the museum in 1947. The 18th and 19th century buildings relocated there are used to display her collections on the property. Many of the buildings are displayed in a village-like setting, surrounded by lovely landscapes.
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| The Round Barn |
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| One of many forms of transportation on display in the Round Barn |
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| A partial view of the museum grounds from the steam boat pictured below |
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| The Ticonderoga Steam Boat provided freight and passenger service on lakes, rivers, and bays |
I have a special fondness for folk art...and enjoyed viewing the building that housed these artifacts. Below are just a few from Electra Havemeyer Webb's vast collection.
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| Cigar store statue |
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| Folk art weather vanes |
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| Tapping the maple trees |
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| A painting by Grandma Moses |
The museum also offers free tours of some of the various buildings located on the grounds. It's a great museum and I would encourage anyone who is visiting this part of Vermont to spend a day here.
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| Inside the stencil house |
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| Above...one of the many historic buildings...the old General Store Below...a view from inside |
Later in the week, we drove to Bob and Sally's house, and they were kind enough to give us a tour of the University of Vermont campus...where Bob is a professor...and where Sally worked before retiring.
Our visit began with a quick tour of the historic Round Church located in Richmond. The round church is a 16 sided wooden structure that was built in 1812-1813. It was used as a Town Meeting House and a place of worship for the members of five Protestant denominations.
We also visited a Country Store in Jericho that has been operating since 1807.
When we arrived at UVM, Bob and Sally toured us through some of the newer buildings on campus. Then, we got the chance to see some of the historic structures. Lance and I will be eternally grateful for the kindness Bob and Sally showed us during our visit to Vermont. They could not have been more welcoming or kind. We hope our paths cross again some day in the future.
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| The Round Church in Richmond |
The Mill House...built in 1825
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| Above and Below...views from inside the building |
Williams Hall...built in 1896
Ira Allen Chapel...named after the University of Vermont's founder. Built in 1925-26
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| The shores of Lake Champlain |
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| Lance, Kathy, Sally, and Bob |
Lance and I were delighted to take part in the fall tour that takes place here every year. Seven small villages open up their churches for a fall lunch and/or dinner, and many offer arts and crafts for sale. A few also offered tours of the area...and one place put on a talent show. Although we didn't attend all the featured towns...we did go to a few.
Woodbury
In Woodbury we enjoyed a soup and sandwich luncheon at the church.
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| An antique stove in the church kitchen still used for cooking |
Inside the church was a display of paintings created by Bessie Drennan. Bessie was an artist born in Woodbury in 1882 and died in 1961. She took her first painting class in Montpelier when she was about 70 years old. After attending one class...she felt she learned all she needed to know, and returned home. Her paintings reflect her memories of a horse-powered lifestyle at the turn of the century in Woodbury, Vermont. I found her work both whimsical and charming. Every year during fall fest, people who own her paintings are invited to put them on display at the Woodbury church so the public can enjoy looking at them. What a delight!
Lance and I signed up for a free tour of the area with one of the local residents. The places we visited included a farm that raised Alpaca, a local cemetery, and a one room school house...which Ted, our guide, attended as a young boy. Today, that building is used to sell a variety of items.
Cabot
In the town center of Cabot, we enjoyed a drink at a hardware store...that also housed a small restaurant in the back...and sold gas in front of the building. We ate a delicious turkey supper at the church, where, oddly enough, I was seated next to a former senator of Wisconsin...Bob Kasten. He now lives half of the year in Vermont...and the remainder of the year in Washington DC. I didn't find out who he was until the end of our dinner. Although I don't support his politics, I did enjoy a pleasant conversation about Wisconsin with him. We also enjoyed a talent show at the library after dinner.
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| This group of brothers and one sister played bluegrass music...and were the hit of the show. |
Barnet
In Barnet we enjoyed a pancake breakfast. Afterward, we all climbed aboard the yellow school bus for a free tour of the local sights. We went to a Sugar House that makes maple syrup...saw a mill...and visited a Meeting House that is still in use today. We also saw some fabulous scenery as we toured the area.
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| The Walter Harvey Meeting House, where worship is still held. |
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| The pipes above connect to two wood burning stoves which are used to heat the building |
The gentleman below lives across the road from the Meeting House and shared the history of the place with us. Although this meeting house is in a remote area...there was a time when it was packed with farmers from the surrounding area who came to worship. At one time there were more than 90 children who attended services along with their parents. Today, he said you would be hard pressed to find 10 children living in the area.
After the tour...we saw The Goodwillie House Museum. The house was built in 1791 by the areas first minister. The museum is filled with many domestic artifacts from the area. There are linens, furniture, kitchen wares, and tools displayed throughout the home. There is also a hidden room in the basement believed to serve as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
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| Croquet sets were manufactured in East Barnet |
And, what would be a trip to Vermont be without a tour of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream?
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| The graveyard of retired flavors. |
We also visited the neighboring town of Barre. Barre became the granite center of the world soon after the War of 1812. We saw some of the interesting architecture...visited a cemetery with interesting headstones made of granite...and enjoyed seeing The Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at the Opera House.
What a time we've had! But...all too soon, our time has almost come to an end. On Sunday we take the Amtrak to NYC where we have tickets to two musicals...and a few other interesting adventures planned. We will be there 4 days...then we will fly home to Milwaukee to see family and friends...and attend the Milwaukee Film Festival. I won't post again until the new year when we head back to South America. I want to wish anyone who follows my blog Happy Holidays! See you in the New Year!
