The Future of the Cavendish Historical Society
Since its founding, the
Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) strives to make its information and
resources as valuable, user friendly and responsive as possible. In addition to
our quarterly newsletter, we have a strong on-line presence. Many people, including
those who once lived in town, are actively involved in providing information
and enjoying learning about Cavendish history in this manner. Thanks to the
efforts of Linda Welch, CHS genealogist, many have their questions about
Cavendish ancestors answered. With the help of volunteers we offer a “Hands on
History” program, which takes place year round in the community, providing
workshops, gravestone cleaning, and a variety of experiences for students of
all ages. The Museum continues to change
its exhibits and this past spring through the incredible work of volunteers,
features a special exhibit on Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and a newly designed
reading/research area, complete with videos that visitors can watch. Thanks to
Dan Churchill, we have a year round, well-designed space for doing archival
work.
One of our newest projects is
the preservation of the Cavendish Universalist “Stone” Church, which has been a
concern for many in the community. While it will be the future home of the
permanent Solzhenitsyn exhibit, it is also available for small venue activities,
such as poetry readings, concerts, lectures, weddings, memorials and other
activities from May through early October.
If CHS is to continue we need
your help.
Fundraising is a challenge
for all organizations. Because of the changes in our community, some of the
activities, which were once beneficial for CHS, no longer yield the same
results. For example, with the rising number of farmers markets in the
area-offering crafters, plants sales as well as food- events like Summer Fest
are no longer all that special. Consequently, attendance has increasingly
shrunk. In fact, sales were off by $800 this year.
If you think CHS provides a
valuable service, please help by:
• Making a donation
• Becoming a board
member to help steer the future of CHS
• Organizing a
fundraiser
• Volunteering to help
with one of our many programs
Use the form at the end of
the newsletter or contact CHS by calling 802-226-7807 or e-mailing
margoc@tds.net
UPCOMING EVENTS
The most frequent requests
for information the Cavendish Historical Society receives fall into three
categories-genealogy, Phineas Gage and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. As it has been
since 1976, there are still “no directions to Solzhenitsyn” given, but there is
a special summer exhibit.
Since requests for
information are received weekly, we started wondering what our early settlers,
Phineas Gage and Solzhenitsyn might have in common. Each of their stories are
unique, with the common thread being that they all survived considerable
hardship and yet went on to thrive. A program on August 25 will explore the
characteristics of thrives by reviewing the lives of Cavendish’s first families
(Coffeen, Dutton and Proctor), Phineas Gage and Solzhenitsyn.
On Sept ember 13, 1848
Phineas Gage, a foreman, was working with his crew excavating rocks in
preparing the bed for the Rutland and Burlington Railroad in Cavendish. An accidental
explosion of a charge he had set blew his tamping iron through his head. It entered under the left cheekbone and exited through
the top of the head. Thus began the first documented case of traumatic brain
injury, which laid the foundation for understanding that different parts of the
brain serve different functions. To mark the 165th anniversary of
the accident, CHS will hold its annual Gage Walk on September 15. There will be
a discussion about Gage before the walk.
In summary, the next two events will take place at the
CHS Museum, Route 131, Main Street in Cavendish, at 2 pm. For more information
call 802-226-7807 or e-mail margoc@tds.net.
• Aug. 25 (Sunday): What the First Families (Coffeen, Dutton and
Proctor), Phineas Gage and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn have in common-the Ability to
Thrive.
• September 15 (Sunday): 165th Anniversary Gage Walk/Talk program.
APPALLING
TRAGEDY AT CAVENDISH, VERMONT
On July 27, CHS, in conjunction with Green Mountain Power, hosted
a tour of the Hydro plant and dam on the Black River as well as the remains of
the Fitton Mill site. Just before the Cavendish Gorge and Hydro Dam, was located
one of the most productive mills in Vermont. Called Spring Mill, but
better known as Fitton’s Mill, it started operation in 1867. The Mill complex included
tenement houses as well as a boarding house. A short-lived operation, the
mill burned in 1875. When two other Fitton buildings burned later, it was
suspected that the mill owner had committed arson to collect the
insurance. Even before the burning of the various mill buildings, tragedy
was linked to this property as evidenced by the article from the 1868 Bellows Falls Times:
June 11,
1868, From The Daily Index, Dr. J. M. Pleasants, City Editor.
Mrs. Albina
Knight, wife of Horatio Knight, and Miss Ellen M. Gary, both Operatives in
James' Fitton's woolen mill, proposed the exploit of crossing the mill pond in
a boat, the water being high, and the current strong, from so large a flow over
the dam. Being ready to start, they urged other friends to ride with them, who
not only refused, but earnestly urged them not to make the attempt. They did
not, however, share in the fears of their friends, and pushed off their boat,
waving their handkerchiefs in salutation, and bidding "good bye" to
those on shore.
Then
followed one of the most painful and thrilling scenes which ever occurred in
Vermont. They had got but a short distance when it was perceived that the
current was carrying them down, but they did not appear to notice it. Nearer
and nearer they approached the dam, till Miss Gary rose and jumped out of the
boat. The strong current immediately carried her over. Mrs. Knight remained in
the boat, and just before it made the fatal plunge seemed to faint and fall
back as it went over, carrying her to a watery grave with her friend, or
possibly she may have thrown herself into the bottom of the oath with possible
hope that in that condition she might escape. Both were seen once several rods
below the dam, the current carrying them very rapidly down into the rocky Gorge
known as Cavendish Falls. The feeling of those who witnessed the scene, who
were utterly powerless to render assistance, cannot be described.
THE
YOUTH’S COMPANION
Recently the Museum received a number of copies of “The
Youth’s Companion,” dated from 1898 to 1900. Known as “The Companion-For all
the Family, it was an American children’s magazine, which was published from
1827-1929 in Boston, Ma. Early issues of the Companion were centered around
religion, since its first publishers created it to encourage “virtue and piety,
and ... warn against the ways of transgression.” By the 1890’s its content was
more for families and not just children.
The September 27, 1900 edition contained adds from companies
such as Old Grist Mill Wheat Coffee, Estey Organs (made in Brattleboro), sewing
machines, and White Cottolene-some form of lard, but with the assurance that it
contained “no hog fat in food.” A Brownie Camera sold for $1 and there was a
targeted ad to boys-“Boys, don’t you want a gun?” For $9.50 you can purchase a
gun from Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works. Iver Johnson was a U.S. firearms,
bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer from 1871 to 1993.
One advertisement paid homage to fall by saying “The social
season will soon be here. You will want to then rid yourself of the tan and
freckles obtained on your summer outing. Royal Pearl is the best known preparation
for the purpose.” Royal Pearl was available in quantities that sold for .50¢ to
$1. Interestingly, pearl powder is still sold, offering various anti aging and
beauty benefits.
Many of the advertisements were for home goods. Glenwood Home
Grand proudly announced an asbestos-lined oven with two oven shelves. There was
a special competition for children. “Bright Boys and Girls. We want young people
to learn why Pillsbury’s Best Flour is the best flour and how it makes the best
bread. $300 in cash prizes will be distributed among boys and girls who write
the best article on flour and bread.”
John Philip Sousa had an article “The Experience of a
Bandmaster,” which can be read today on-line at
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2589/2589-h/2589-h.htm
The Wanted section was very interesting. One read, “Wanted
Lady, girl or boy in every town to see food products used in every home.” R.I.
Sherman MFG Co., 173 Slate St. Boston.
CAVENDISH IN PICTURES
If you haven’t had a chance
to check out the Cavendish VT Facebook page, do so, as we have been
featuring many pictures of Cavendish from the earliest photos in the CHS
archives to more recent events. You do not have to be a Facebook member to read
the website. Commenting does require that you be a Facebook member. If you
would to add a picture to the site, you can e-mail it in jpeg format to margoc@tds.net
PHINEAS GAGE ON FACEBOOK
Turning to the digital age
for help in understanding more about Phineas Gage’s life, as well as to provide
accurate information, CHS has started a Phineas Gage Facebook page.
UNIVERSALIST “STONE” CHURCH
Since the Universalist or Stone Church project is
being turned over to the town, and ultimately to CHS, a variety of activities
are underway. The report from the Preservation Trust of Vermont supported what we’ve
heard all along-the building is in incredible shape and we can hold events in it
as we wish. That said, there are a variety of repairs, totaling about $34,000,
that are needed to maintain it. Much of the building's interior is original to
the time that it was built in 1844 and so all renovations and repairs need to
be done by preservation experts.
The
first order of business was to remove the pigeons from the attic, along with
their residue. Thanks to Pieter van Schaik and his crew from Beacon Pest
Control, this task has been achieved, and the attic is sealed off to future
exposure. We are fortunate that Pieter was able to do this for a quarter of the
price estimated in the report. Thank you Pieter.
Members
of the town wide Stone Church committee (Margo Caulfield, Dan Churchill, Eric
Gilberson (Preservation Trust), Mike Pember, Rolf van Schaik, and Rich Svec)
have gone through the report and have begun to develop a Facilities Management
Plan. Specs have been drawn up for repair work for the Belfry and cupola, and
price estimates will be sought in the up coming weeks.
The
building can be used for small gatherings, weddings, memorials etc. For use of
the building, please contact CHS -802-226-7807 or margoc@tds.net
Tours have been offered several times this summer,
and additional ones can be arranged by calling 802-226-7807 or e-mailing
margoc@tds.net
We
need your creative ideas for helping to raise funds for the building's
restoration. Since the Church is so beautiful at night, and it's been decades
since anyone has seen it like this, we are looking to do some type of event in
August or early September. If you have any ideas please let us know.
Cavendish Historical Society Board
Dan Churchill
Jen
Harper
Gloria
Leven
Bruce
McEnaney
Mike
Pember
Gail
Woods
THANK YOU PIETER
A
special note of thanks to Pieter van Schaik for the incredible job he has done
and continues to do for CHS. Not only did he once again provide the most
amazing variety of plants for the annual plant sale-it’s not just hosta
anymore,-but he led his employees of Beacon Pest Control in doing an incredible
job in pigeon removal at the Cavendish Stone Church. Thank you Pieter for your
continual support of CHS and your dedication to the town of Cavendish.
BECOME A MEMBER, RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP,
DONATE
If
you have not joined the Cavendish Historical Society, need to renew your
membership, and/or would like to be a volunteer, please complete the form below
and sending a check, payable to CHS, to CHS, PO Box 472, Cavendish, VT 05142.
All contributions are tax deductible.
Name: _______________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________ E-Mail:
____________________________
Membership
Level
__
Individual Member $10 ___ Senior
Member 65+ $5 ___ Sustaining Member $500
__
Household Member $15 ___ Contributing
Member $250
Volunteer
___
I would be interested in serving, as a volunteer .I would be interested in
serving on the following committee(s):
__
Program Planning __ Fundraising __ Building (Museum)
__Archives _ Budget
–– Cemetery __ Hands on History
Donations are always welcome and can be
designated as follows:
__ For
general purposes __
Educational Programs
__Publications
