Events
The DHS holds four meetings a year – one annual meeting in January and three others quarterly, held in the third week of April, July, and October. The Society also plans one to four public events per year, which include photography and art exhibitions, educational programs, and open houses.
Quarterly Meeting - April 24, 2025
The Society’s quarterly meeting was held in the Schoolhouse in Dummerston Center on Thursday, April 24th, with an expanded business meeting for members and interested friends from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., followed by refreshments and a program at 7:30 p.m.
The DHS directors invited Society members and others to help guide the directors as they plan for this year’s events and the future of the Society. There was an open-ended discussion gathering ideas and comments regarding the role of members, day and time of quarterly meetings, programs, exhibits, general direction and more. The freewheeling participation was greatly appreciated!
The business meeting was followed at 7:30 p.m. by the showing of the circa 1950 film,
“Green Mountain Land,” a Robert Flaherty Production, with narration by Dummerston’s Ted Glabach. In addition, there was a soft opening of the Society’s newest exhibit, Schoolhouse Attic Treasures, featuring framed and unframed works of art, historical documents and photographs that are a previously unseen part of the Society’s collection.
Quarterly Meeting - October 20, 2024
On Sunday, October 20th, the Historical Society proudly presented Elysian Hills: Resilient Agricultural Innovation - a fascinating talk by Bill Schmidt. Bill took us back to the 1800s and early 1900s when Elysian Hills, then known as the Knapp Farm, was one of 150 or more hill farms in Dummerston. By the 1960s the farm transitioned to a horse farm known as Tamarlei Morgans, a complete Morgan horse farm with an indoor riding arena, Tack Shop and 34 horses at its peak. Tamarlei Morgans had a short life, ending in 1970. In the early 1970s the farm’s owner, Mary Lou, renamed the farm Elysian Hills, and after her marriage to Bill in 1975, they embarked in a new direction that featured production and marketing of Gilfeather turnip for seed, Knapp Rhubarb for wine and organic supermarkets, and the Christmas trees and greenery for which Elysian Hills is best known. The Gilfeather turnip was named Vermont’s State Vegetable in 2016 and Elysian Hills gained a wide reputation for the quality of its Christmas trees and how they were sold. Bill’s presentation included a table of photos, part of some 1800s Agricultural Dummerston censuses, and other material related to the Farm.
The day before the quarterly meeting a good crowd of people enjoyed a special walk to Elysian Hills Stone Trees and Circular Stone Cemetery, at the farm. The walk, on a picture-perfect fall day, was special as Jared Flynn, the creator and builder of the Stone Trees and nearby Circular Stone Cemetery, was there to speak about his idea for the Stones Trees and how they were constructed. The walk then proceeded to the Circular Stone Cemetery which Jared also built. The physical body of Mary Lou Schmidt and the five dogs she and husband Bill had over five decades are buried there. (You may CLICK HERE to access the handout created by John Warren and given to attendees that day.)
Quarterly Meeting - July 18, 2024
After July's quarterly business meeting we were treated to a wonderful presentation by Joe Cook, who let us ride along on his bike adventures over the decades. Joe shared great stories about his travels, from miniscule Vermont trails to Europe and the route of the Tour de France. He showed us a variety of nearly-historic photos, "game-worn" jerseys, and even the bicycle that he used to slog up and race down roads near and far.
Joe has pedaled from Vancouver to Mexico, the length and breadth of Great Britain, and
the length of rivers, including the Rhine, the Rhone, and much of the Danube. He successfully completed his 35-year quest to pedal all 4,500 miles of Vermont's paved roads, and our 1,000 miles of mapped dirt roads. Joe was quick to give credit to his stalwart wife, Debbie, as the unsung heroine of his time on the roads.
Quarterly Meeting - April 21, 2024
The Historical Society presented a Triple Header with its spring quarterly meeting
on Sunday, April 21st. An opening reception to display pastel landscape paintings of Rodrica Tilley was followed by a business meeting, then a fascinating program by veterinarian Clyde Johnson. Several new exhibits also made their debuts!
The opening reception began at 1 pm, and artist Rodrica Tilley shared her experiences traveling the United States for her Fifty State Plein Air Project. Her work is on display through June 2.
The quarterly meeting and a brief business meeting were followed by a talk from veterinarian Clyde Johnson about his long medical career in Dummerston. Dr. Johnson joined Dr. David Baldwin as a partner in the Vermont New Hampshire Veterinary Clinic in 1962 where his practice was largely in livestock and horses. He had many stories to share. Those who know Clyde will remember his masterful moderating at Town Meeting, his wealth of jokes, his strong voice, and his commanding presence! Enjoy his presentation in its entirety, right here:
New exhibits include a collection of photographs of farm and work animals from the
past, the Brook Farm Camp sign donated by Richard Langlois, photos and history of the Brook Farm Camp (which was previously located on East-West Road between 1924 and 1936), a scythe and blades donated by Clai Claiborne, a collection of cookbooks from the Dummerston Women’s Association, plus a signature display of a few albums from our archives.
Annual Meeting - January 21, 2024
After a short business meeting to review the past year's activities, clarify goals for the coming year, and conduct the election of officers and directors for the coming year, Chuck Fish hosted a discussion generally about Dummerston's waterways. Attendees were invited and encouraged to share their experiences, stories, and knowledge of our local and various wetlands, ponds, streams, and rivers.
Quarterly Meeting - October 22, 2023
At our quarterly meeting in October, we took advantage of our large collection of material about Dummerston native Dr. Grace Burnett (1886-1963) to produce a program featuring not only Dr. Burnett, Brattleboro’s first female physician, but also the distinguished Dr. Robert Tortolani who spoke about the medical career of his pioneering predecessor.
Dr. Burnett’s early house calls were made on horseback and by horse and buggy. She delivered thousands of babies, some now well-aged, but still alive. She was a competitive rider, winning blue ribbons, a member of a dozen community and professional organizations, a director of the Valley Fair, and a great supporter of the SPCA. The Historical Society has many photos from her albums and forty-four volumes of her medical library.
Quarterly Meeting - July 20, 2023
The July quarterly meeting was a grand tribute to Don Hazelton, lifelong Dummerstonian whose apples, strawberries, and maple syrup made Dummerston Center an important part of regional agriculture for decades. But Don is remembered as much for his kindness and public service.
His good heart, his tractor, and his sound judgment solved many a problem for his neighbors. An attempt to pay him embarrassed him and he would refuse. A number of homes stayed warm because of the work he and his friends did with the Wood Pantry, bringing firewood to those in need.
Family and many friends gathered at the Schoolhouse to honor him and wish him well in retirement.
Quarterly Meeting - April 23, 2023
For the April quarterly meeting we were most fortunate to receive a gift and have a program central to the purpose of a historical society. Charles Marchant, Bob LeBlond, and Lester Dunklee showed a collection of digitized glass plate negatives of Dummerston scenes donated by Barbara Johnson. The audience helped to identify the subjects.
The negatives were part of a larger collection including scenes of Vernon and Brattleboro, whose historical societies, along with Dummerston’s, will receive the digitized images and the negatives for their archives. Dummerston’s significant photo collection was much enriched by this gift. The three presenters have preserved thousands of historic photographs over the years.
Our warmest thanks to them and Barbara.
Annual Meeting - January 22, 2023
Officers and Board of Director members for 2023 were duly elected as follows: Officers; Muriel Taylor, President, Chuck Fish, Vice President, Sara Ryan, Secretary, Ruth Hoffman, Treasurer and Gail Sorenson, Director. Jody Normandeau will continue her term as Director.
To our great regret but with understanding and gratitude, we accepted Sallie May’s decision to step down after many years as director. Words of appreciation were sincerely expressed by the Board. Sallie, we will miss you!
The theme for discussion at this, our first in person meeting in many months, was “School Days in Dummerston”. Some folks who are known to have gone to school in our very own building and others who spent early years in both West and East Dummerston Schools were encouraged to attend and had wonderful stories to tell. Thanks to all who shared their youthful tales and to all those who listened, chuckled and remembered their own early adventures.
Quarterly Meeting - October 20, 2022
Our fall Quarterly meeting was held on October 20th. We were fortunate to have our Dummerston neighbor, Lynn Levine, as our speaker. Lynn, a retired consulting
forester, an author, an environmental educator and a creator of interpretive nature trails, shared her recent love affair with a tract of land off Black Mountain Road. Initially looking for Red Pine on the property, Lynn described her many findings there, including puzzling dead Red Cedar trees, various animals, interesting plants and geological surprises.
Quarterly Meeting - July 21, 2022
After hosting the regular quarterly business meeting, DHS President Muriel Taylor welcomed special guest Glenn Annis, noted authority on the history of the West River
Railroad. Glenn presented the fascinating arc of the railroad's story, based on his research that began nearly four decades ago.
Have you viewed the big stone bridge piers beside Route 30 near the Covered Bridge? Have you wondered why they are where they are? Those towers are about all that is left of the West River Railroad, a 36 mile narrow gauge line that began in 1878 until the railroad went out of business in 1934. Glenn shared background on how the railroad was built, its operation, and the cause of its ultimate demise.
Annual Meeting - January 20, 2022
The Dummerston Historical Society’s 2022 Annual Meeting was hosted by President Muriel Taylor via Zoom at 7 pm Thursday, January 20th. After a brief business
meeting and the election of officers, the theme for discussion at this wintry Zoom gathering centered on early engine-driven transportation in Dummerston and environs.
Some specially invited “Old Timers” were encouraged by moderator Chuck Fish to share memories of the early days of motorized vehicles in our town - including, but not limited to, automobiles, trucks, fire engines,
planes, trains, roads, rope tows, and more. Many residents contributed priceless stories, and the evening was a refreshing break from winter's grip
Quarterly Meeting - October 21, 2021
It was a privilege to welcome Dummerston resident, Jared Flynn as our speaker for our fall Quarterly Meeting. Jared is a professional member of the Dry Stone Walling
Association of Great Britain and has his
Master Level certificate from the Dry Stone Conservancy of Kentucky.
In 2010, Jared founded The Stone Trust which, in collaboration with Landmark Trust, is headquartered at Scott Farm on Kipling Road. Some examples of Jared’s varied creations are easily accessible for those of us who live locally.
After listening to his talk, you may wish to view Jared’s dry wall constructions
at the Stone Trust at Scott Farm or view the monolithic Moon Bridge at Green Mountain Orchards. He also invites you to visit his website at vtstone.com
Quarterly Meeting - April 15, 2021
Our spring Quarterly Meeting saw more than 60 people Zoomed-in to enjoy a
fascinating program presented by Rich Holschuh, a resident of Wantastegok
(Brattleboro, VT) and an independent historic and cultural researcher. Rich is a public liaison and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Elnu Abenaki, a member of the contemporary Indigenous community.
Rich shared stories of indigenous presence specifically in what is now Dummerston, and then generally in the immediate area of Sokwakik/ Sokoki country (how this region is seen through Abenaki eyes).
Annual Meeting - January 21, 2021
We're delighted to report that our first ever ZOOM-based Annual Meeting was very successful, attended by 40+ members and friends. After reporting on our 2020
accomplishments, current finances and 2021 goals, the Officers and Directors for 2021 were duly presented and elected. The business portion of our meeting completed, we were then treated to a wonderful program by Board Member Charles Fish, who illuminated the life and times of Rudyard Kipling during his Dummerston years. A recording of that most interesting talk appears here for your enjoyment.
Quarterly Meeting - October 15, 2020
History in the making! Covid-19 has changed our lives, and we are living it! Unfortunately, this history-making event is causing us to cancel our October DHS Quarterly meeting, and while we wish we could all meet together, your health and safety are much more important to us.
However, please be aware that your Dummerston Historical Society is still very much alive and busy. The Directors have been meeting monthly over ZOOM. Some Directors have been working on projects at home, creating albums with selections from the myriad of photos we have at the schoolhouse, working in pairs and trios sorting through the many boxes of albums and papers from the family of Carol Bessette and entering into the talking stage with a Dummerston resident about creating a Facebook presence sometime in the future.
We are pleased to report that our moisture problem at the schoolhouse seems to have been pretty much corrected and the humidity readings are consistently staying within the recommended parameters. Thanks to Bob Taylor and Kevin Ryan for their hard work.
Our calendars are ready and can be picked up at the Dummerston Town Office or by calling Jody Normandeau at 380-9027 or Gail Sorenson at 254-9311. The cost is still $10 and they make great gifts, especially for out of town family and friends.
It is now time to consider renewing your membership in the Dummerston Historical Society. For a small membership fee of $15 a year, you will help support us in our continued efforts to permanently retrieve, store and share the history of our town. While the schoolhouse remains temporarily closed, our building costs remain constant (insurance, heat, electricity, organizational membership fees, etc.). Your continued support helps cover these ongoing costs.
Thank you.
Your DHS Directors
April 16th Meeting is Cancelled
Due to the COVID-19 virus, the Dummerston Historical Society has cancelled its April 16th 2020 quarterly meeting with speaker Rich Holschuh and hopefully will reschedule sometime later this year. We will keep you posted!
Earlier Events
2020 Annual Meeting
January 16, 2020
Please join us at the Schoolhouse on Thursday, January 16th at 7 P.M. for our Annual Meeting.
From 7 – 7:30 we will conduct the business of the membership, including electing the Board of Directors for 2020 and voting on the annual budget. Our activities during 2019 will be reviewed briefly and Chuck Fish will give a detailed report on the “state of the building.” The Society’s aspirations and plans for 2020 will also be described.
True to the season, our Annual Meeting topic is entitled “Old Timers' Winter Memories.”
Drawing on the musings of those of you who are geriatrically qualified (or not) to speak, the evening is sure to bring humor and an occasional bit of wistfulness to those in attendance. It was a different time and it behooves us to remember it well. Please come and share your memories and/or bear witness to a different time.
Dan Snow, master dry stone wall builder, to present program at the Dummerston Historical Society quarterly meeting July 18 at 7:30 pm.
July 18, 2019
Dan Snow, one of the nation’s premier dry stone wall builders, is a master craftsman who also happens to be a Vermonter and a Dummerston resident. He will talk about the history of the town pound and the making of the pound during 2008-2009. Dan teaches dry stone wall building and, during five workshops with 44 participants, recreated the town pound adjacent to the Historical Society Schoolhouse.
The original livestock pound was built in October 1796 by Benjamin Alvord for the town of Dummerston. The size of the fence was 4 feet wide at the base and 6 feet in height. Each of the four sides was 36 feet long. The site, in Dummerston Center, was near where the Historical Society schoolhouse stands today but nothing remains of the original pound.
Author of three books, “In the Company of Stone: The Art of the Stone Wall,” “Listening to Stone,” and “The Solitary Stoneworker,” Dan has taught and created stone structures throughout the United States, Newfoundland, and Scandinavia. His imagination and works are incredible and one is left wondering just how his creations could be envisioned and built.
Please join us on July 18th at the Dummerston Historical Society in Dummerston Center, next to the Town Office. The program starts at 7:30 pm and will be preceded by a brief business meeting at 7 pm. The Historical Society is handicapped accessible. All events are free of charge, and one need not be a member to attend. Info: 802-254-9311
For more information on Dan Snow’s installation, see: www.dansnowstoneworks.com
Quarterly Meeting and Presentation from Local Historian Stewart McDermet
April 20, 2017
The upcoming April 20th Quarterly Meeting, following a business meeting at 7, will feature at 7:30 pm, local historian and neighbor, Stewart McDermet. Stewart will present and discuss an antique flag he has in his possession, flown many years ago on his and Kris' property on Butterfield Road in Dummerston. The 12 foot by 7 1/2 foot flag was made sometime after 1896 as it has 45 stars on it (Utah began the 45th state in 1896) and was our country's flag until 1907 when Oklahoma became the 46th state. Stewart also has a photograph taken around 1914 of this flag flying over their house. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own flags (and their stories) to this meeting!
Stewart will also share information regarding the history of his home, which was one of five houses built of bricks from a local Stickney Brook brickyard and which was moved from Western Avenue in Brattleboro to its current site on Butterfield Road.
There is much to learn about these subjects. Come, listen, learn and share.
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