Wednesday, July 31, 2019

CHS Newsletter Summer 2019


IT’S BLUEBERRY TIME!

Once again Bruce and Betty McEnaney are opening their blueberry patch to the community. Betty writes, we have had a bit of a late start as we have been installing new posts after work and it’s been slower than expected. The bushes were pretty heavily pruned which has caused them to grow like crazy. The rows are tight and we are still tying back the branches, but there’s no point in waiting, just do the best you can. Loads of plump, organic berries waiting for you. Honor system. Picking baskets to wear on your neck so you can pick with both hands. Scale is on the porch along with the cash box. Bring your containers to bring them home. 354 Miner Road, Chester. If it’s daylight, we are open. Probably best to leave dogs at home. The bushes are too crowded for frolicking canines. Kids welcome and those under 12 get a free pound if they pick them themselves. $3.00 a pound (not pint). Proceeds split with Young Historians at Cavendish Historical Society ( CHS).

UPCOMING EVENTS

August 25 (Sunday): Indian Stones and the story of Captive Johnson (see article below). Museum, 2 pm.

September 15 (Sunday): Annual Phineas Gage Talk and Walk. Museum, 2 pm. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on walking as the site of the accident is about ¾ of a mile from the Museum. We will begin with a presentation that takes about an hour.

October 13 (Sunday): Indigenous Peoples of the Okemo Valley. 2 pm. As part of this presentation, we will be screening the short film “Paleoindian Excavation at Jackson Gore,” produced by Okemo Valley TV. Location has yet to be determined. Note that this is the last day the Museum is open for the season. 

THE CAPTIVITY OF MRS. JOHNSON

On August 30, 1754, a knock at the door of the Johnson family homestead in Charlestown, NH would change their life forever. Susannah Johnson was in the late stages of her pregnancy, but that did not keep the Abenaki Indians from taking her, her three children, husband, sister, a neighbor and a hired hand as captives.

On a forced march that took them through Cavendish, Susannah went into labor. Captive Elizabeth Johnson’s birth is the first recorded one of a European descent child in what is today Cavendish. It was in the Knapp Pond area.

Susannah would later write in “A Narrative of the Captivity of Mrs. Johnson,” I was fifteen or twenty miles from the abode of any civilized being, in the open wilderness, rendered cold by a rainy day—in one of the most perilous hours, and unsupplied with the least necessary, that could yield concenience in the hazardous moment. My children were crying at a distance, where they were held by their masters, and only my husband and sister [she was 14 at the time] to attend me.

Elizabeth Captive Johnson, would eventually marry George Kimball of Cavendish. However, between Captive’s birth and marriage, her family endured a forced march to Lake Champlain, separation, prison in Quebec and ultimately a four-year journey before returning to Charlestown, NH.
At the end of Chapter 5 of her narrative, having described the birth of her child, a nine days march to Lake Champlain,  life in the Abenaki Village of St. Francis and her husband’s departure to raise ransom money, but before she describes prison in Quebec, Susannah wrote, In justice to the Indians, I ought to remark, that they never treated me with cruelty, to a wanton degree; few people have survived a situation like mine, and few have fallen into the hands of savages, disposed to more lenity and patience. Modesty has ever been a characteristick of every savage tribe; a truth which my whole family will join to corroborate, to the extent of their knowledge. As they are aptly called the children of nature, those who have profited by refinement and education, ought to abate part of the prejudice, which prompts them to look with an eye of censure on this untutored race. Can it be said of civilized conquer|ors, that they, in the main, are willing to share with their prisoners, the last ration of food, when famine stares them in the face? Do they ever adopt an enemy, and salute him by the tender name of brother? And I am justified in doubting, whether if I had fallen into the hands of French soldiery, so much assiduity would have been shewn, to preserve my life. Note the text appears as written.

Today, in Reading Vermont, on route 106, there are two slate markers encased in a granite slab. The inscription reads, “These stones were placed in their / present Position by a Descendant of - Captain / James Johnson"-and Susannah; his Wife." Below that inscription is a slate stone with stepped shoulders, in which is carved "On the 31 st of August 1754, Capt James Johnson had / a Daughter born on this Spot of Ground, being / Captivated with his whole Family by the Indians." Depictions of various tools top the statement. To that stone's right is set the other slate slab, in which is carved the following inscription, accompanied by similar decoration: "This is near the Spot that the Indians Encamp^ / the Night after they took Mr Johnson 8 Family, / Mr Labarree & Farnsworth, August 30th 1754, and / Mrs Johnson was Delivered of her Child Half a mile up this Brook; // When troubles near the Lord is- kind, / He hears the Captives crys. / He can subdue the Savage mind, / And learn it sympathy."

In 1957, Elizabeth George Speare wrote the book “Calico Captive,” which is based on Susannah’s narrative. However, the story is of Susannah’s sister, Miriam.

On August 25, there will be a presentation on the Johnson family and what happened to the various captives, including the oldest of the Johnson children Sylvanus, who was fully assimilated into the Abenaki way of life at the time of his ransom. Following the presentation, there will be a short drive to Reading to see the Indian Stones. The presentation begins at 2 pm at the Museum.

SINGLE USE PLASTIC WORKSHOP HANDOUT
Due to a computer glitch, the handout for the July 14 workshop Replacing single use plastics was not available. Per the request of those in attendance, we are providing this information in the Newsletter.
If this seems like an odd workshop for a historical society to offer, keep in mind that these organizations are good repositories of how people once lived. Sometimes we need to draw on that knowledge to help people adjust to changes that are more reflective of past eras.

It wasn’t until 1985 that single use plastic bags became routinely used in grocery stores. Very quickly, they took on other uses: totes for other objects, liners for trashcans and a useful tool in cleaning up after the dog. Note that the first “Pooper Scooper” law went into effect in 1978, almost 10 years before the high volume of plastic bags became available.

REPLACEMENTS FOR SINGLE USE PLASTIC

Vermont’s law banning single use plastics goes into effect July 2020. The new law prohibits retailers and restaurants from providing customers with single-use carryout bags, plastic stirrers, or cups, takeout, or other food containers made from expanded polystyrene. Straws may be provided, by request, and the ban does not extend to those requiring straws for medical conditions.

Pooper Scooper: Make a scoop from a milk or laundry jug. There are a number of readily available products that can be purchased. Highly recommended is Dogit Jaws.

Straws: For those that need a straw, the following are rated among the best by disability groups:
• Silicon Straws receive top scores for ease of use, can be used for hot and cold drinks, extremely durable, they’re dishwasher safe, can be sterilized. Seraphina’s Kitchen Reusable Silicone Straws
• Stainless steel straws with silicon tips: Stainless steel is the most durable, can be sterilized and if you lose a tip it can be replaced. Best for cold beverages. Mooker Silicone Straws Plus Silicone-Tipped Stainless-Steel Straws
• Biodegradable or Single use straws-such as a restaurant might provide: Paper does not hold up but those made from plant-based materials are much better. 

Trashcan Liners: Trashcans and bins that hold recyclables don’t require a liner as items placed in there should be clean and dry. If you have been using a plastic bag to hold compost-consider using a compost bucket. Note that compost can be brought to the Cavendish Transfer Station for free.

Tote Bags: While the workshop showed how to convert old T-shirts into totes, many types of shopping bags are readily available at stores. It is not clear if stores will charge for paper bags, which some already do.

What to do with single use plastic bags: Most grocery stores, as well as big box stores, e.g. Walmart have bins for recycling single use plastic. They will take grocery bags, bread bags, case overwrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, wood pellet bags, Ziplock & other re-sealable bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, salt bags, and cereal bags. All materials must be clean, dry and free of food residue.

CAVENDISH SCHOOLS: Part II Tarbell Hill

Inspired by the paintings of John Snarksi, which were recently re hung in the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES), the spring edition of The Scribbler included the histories of The Cavendish Academy, Wheeler School; Fittonsville School; Duttonsville School; and the Rumke School.

Part II focuses on Tarbell Hill School and the memories of it shared by Carmine Guica in his “The Story of My Life. “ Note that the text appears as written.

Tarbell Hill School: The first recollection that I have of my school days is in the fall of the year of 1927. The year of the great flood. The Town sent up a truck to take all the kids home as water in the road was too deep, especially for the smaller children…In them days school was kept five days a week regardless of the weather and all Holidays were celebrated on the day they fell on by the calendar.

Our teachers when they taught at Tarbell Hill school it usually was their first time of teaching and they done a great job as they had all eight grades to teach. There usually was from 17 to 27 pupils and most of the years that I went to school perhaps it was near the lower side.

One of things we all looked forward to was the programs that we would put on at Holidays and the plays. We all would have poems we would recite and at Halloween it usually ends with a Box Social…the neighbors would come and sometime they would join with us in the fun. I believe one of the things that made our school great was the teachers. They were all young and very energetic and there always was a good cooperation between teacher, parents and pupils.

We always did look forward to recess time and to play games such as baseball, volley ball and just about all games and some that we made up. Then in the winter time we would slide down Tarbell Hill as there hardly was any cars.

The first few years we didn’t have running water as it was the job of the bigger boys to go up to the Wilcox’s with a pail for water and then we would fill up the blue stripped clay jug that had a spigot at the bottom so we could draw drinking water.

School days were busy in them days, as all our work we done at school. Very seldom did we have home work. I don’t ever remembering of bringing home the work that should be done in school, unless it was a book or so to read for pleasure. Now a days these kids have a “Hikers Pack” with work that they have to do at home.

The first thing in the morning after the teacher rang the bell to call us in from the playground to start our days, we would salute the flag from the heart then extend our right arm outward towards the Flag and recite the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Then we would all sit at our desk and bow our heads and recite the “Lord’s Prayer.” This accomplished, we would then start our day’s studies. I am sure that later in life we were better for it---the start of the day with a tribute to the Flag and to God.

Guica included in his book an article he wrote on the Tarbell Hill School Reunion, which took place in 1991. The original school was built before 1799, according to a deed that I have and in 1860 it was moved a short distance down Tarbell Hill from its original site to where it was in 1956 when taken down.

Among the speakers that day was Mrs. Murial (Blanchad) Link who taught at Tarbell Hill School in 1915-1917. She said that she was her own janitor, built the fires in the winter, swept the floors and everything else that needed to be done. The hours were from 9 to 4 with a 15-minute recess and one hour for noon. This would give just time for a nice slide down Tarbell Hill in winter…Once a month the State Library sent 50 books in a wooden box, only cost was to return by Express. In the Spring they planned for a fair in September. The children would plant seeds at home and on fair day they would bring vegetables, canned goods, cakes, some needle work, and bird houses. These were all judged and prizes given. Friends, parents and neighbors all came and joined in the races and games..,When she taught there were 37 pupils.

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    __ Carmine Guica Young Historians

Donations are always welcome and can be designated as follows:
__ For general purposes                        __ Young Historians                  __Publications
__ Archaeological Activities                _ Museum & Archival             __ Special Events
__ Rankin Fund                          __  Williams Fund                 __ Solzhenitsyn Project
__ Other (please specify)                       __ Cemetery Restoration           __ Preservation Projects
    

Monday, July 1, 2019

CHS Briefs July 1, 2019



Please also check the Cavendish VT Facebook page for photo albums of various Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) activities.

UPCOMING EVENTS
July 14 (Sunday): In response to Vermont banning single use plastics, CHS will offer a Replacing Plastic Workshop, 2 pm at the Museum in Cavendish. Participants will learn how to make a no sew tote from an old T shirt, a “pooper scooper,” and how to fold a beach towel so it can be a carrying case as well as a pillow. Please bring an old t shirt. This is a free hands on workshop open to the public. If this seems like an odd workshop for a historical society to offer, keep in mind that we are good repositories of how people once lived. Sometimes we need to draw on that knowledge to help people adjust to changes that are more reflective of past eras.

July 27 (Saturday): 9th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale. The CHS booth will be in the gazebo on the Proctorsville Green.

September 8 (Sunday): Annual Phineas Gage Walk & Talk. The talk portion begins at 2 pm. We will be walking out to the site of the accident, which is approximately ¾ of a mile from the Museum. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

October 13 (Sunday): In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, CHS will present a talk on the First Peoples of the Okemo Valley, 2 pm at the Museum.

WHAT WE’VE BEEN DOING
ARCHEOLOGY: We had planned on taking the 5th and 6th graders out to the dig, but the never ending rain in April and May caused serious flooding so the trip will be rescheduled for the fall. In the mean, we are thrilled that Young Historian Emery Benoit, she has been with us since the program began in 2010, will be among the first students this fall at Castleton University’s new archeology program under Dr. Matt Moriarity, of SCHEP  (Southern Champlain Historical Ecology Project) , which we’ve been involved with for the last four years.

BUILDINGS: We’re waiting for Bruce McEnaney to return from England to start on the steps of the Museum. Bob Naess and Dave Stern continue to work between the rain drops in completing the front door project.  

Cleaning gravestones
CARMINE GUICA YOUNG HISTORIANS: Yes the school year is over, but we’re hard at work planning for the 2019/2020. Before we launch into plans, we want to thank our 5th and 6th graders for their hard work in cleaning the grave stones in the Cavendish Cemetery. A week later these two grades learned a great deal at the American Precision Museum in Windsor and from St. Gaudens, just across the river from the Museum. Thank you to our volunteers Bobby Glidden, Bob Naess and Pang Ting.
5th & 6th grade at St. Gaudens

To help our local teachers, as well as other schools who have been in contact, we have set up a web page “Resource for Teachers: Trip Opportunities.” This site lists places where students can learn more about their town, state and country. These are catalogued by travel time from Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) as well as by state. This list will be continually updated with new resources as well as notes about experiences.

New for the upcoming school year is Carmine Guica Young Historians: Preserving and Serving Cavendish VT. This program is for students at CTES. They serve each other, their families, community, state and country. In so doing, they learn basic civics, how their community functions and what type of citizens we want them to become. The teachers have been very helpful in identifying various projects that students can do. More information about this program will be provided in September.

A very special thank you to Ernestine van Schaik whose support to the continuation of this program. While we couldn’t do this without her financial help,  we also want to recognize her creativity and ideas about programs and activities to try. As a former teacher, she is a wealth of information.


HOW YOU CAN HELP
Anyone who would like to volunteer to paint at the Museum and/or the Stone Church, please contact CHS at the numbers below.

If you have questions or wish to volunteer with CHS, please call 802-226-7807, e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com