CPRA BLOG HEADER
Posted by Dale Christie on March 23, 2024

Friends of the Road Newsletter 2024-03-23

Hello Friends of the Road,

Hopefully none of you are traveling here in the Northeast today. It is late in the season, but I’m excited to see the snow fall. I’m glad it is a day off so I can enjoy it and clean it up at my convenience. The kids are deprived of a snow day, but they also have been deprived of playing in the snow much this season, so they should be happy anyway. And for those kids who don’t like to play in the snow, they have their game consoles and history books!

I have received the beloved magnet calendars for 2024. As soon as we finalize the rest of the content for the mailing, the elves will begin their work. The year’s schedule has good diversity in it and everyone should find something of interest I hope. If any of you do not receive the annual mailing and want to be included, provide me with your mailing address. We only mail to those who have paid for a membership recently, so if you have not, we do ask that you have intensions to contribute to our organization this year. Memberships start at only $5 per year. I can’t remember who it was, but one member said we should raise our dues as they aren’t even enough to buy a good beer. 

I’d like to enlist you all for a mission. It won’t involve any bloodshed, I hope. The President of the Clarendon Historical Society, Bob Underhill, is looking for information about a possible settlement in the vicinity of Clarendon, in 1760 or 1761. Attached is a great historical document about Daniel Walker (1706 – ), who stayed over the winter in 1760 or 1761 on his way back from Canada.  It sounds like the company was following the Crown Point Road and that he couldn’t complete the journey until the spring.  He did come back to what is now Clarendon in 1768 just like the story says, and his son Daniel Jr. (1736 – 1795) was one of our Tories who fled to Canada and had his property confiscated. The article was written by a Dr. H.C. Burleigh for the Lennox & Addington Historical Society (Ontario) which regretfully closed last autumn. Their archives would have been passed on to other organizations but it might take a bit to find where this article went. Bob is totally unaware of any settlement prior to 1768, and he knows Clarendon history really well! So your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to offer information or theories about where Daniel Walker may have stayed that winter on his return from Canada. 

I have info about an historical gathering you might be interested in. The CPRA is not involved with this, but am certainly interested in it as there’s a possible connection to the CPR in Pittsford. Phil Mandalere, who is deeply involved with the Clarendon Historical Society and a few of you may remember the CPRA outing he led recently at the former Dean Farm in Brandon, will be presenting information about the Stevens cellar hole and the White’s Crossing area. It will be a presentation as part of a meeting of the Pittsford Historical Society. The meeting will be downstairs at the Pittsford Congregational Church on April 7th. Potluck meal at 5:30 followed by a brief PHS meeting, then Phil’s presentation. I hope to see a few of you there. 

That is all I have for you at the moment. Writing this newsletter has given me a break from shoveling and with daylight running low, I better get back to my work. 

Posted by Dale Christie on February 18, 2024

Friends of the Road Newsletter 2024-02-18

Hello Friends of the Road,

For those who don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dale Christie and I’ve been recently elected to another term as the Secretary of the Crown Point Road Association. I have enjoyed getting to know many of you and the pursuit of uncovering history has been quite the journey. I have been spending much of the Winter researching the local history of Proctor and other areas of Vermont, but now it is time to shift gears and focus on Vermont’s unofficial road, the Crown Point Road. 

I hope you all are doing well and the colder months of this part of the world haven’t broken you. I know seasonal depression is a real thing. Personally, I don’t mind Winter as long as there’s snow and it isn’t too cold. I’ve had half of my desires come true. A benefit of the lack of cold and deep snow is the ability to get out and explore the woods. The folks preparing for the upcoming sugaring season have had it easier too. Those looking for evidence of the past have also had it easier. The ground hasn’t been frozen as much as usual and I find that you can see the geography so much better in these conditions. Not only do you have the lack of leaves blocking your view, a dusting of snow really helps you see old roads and terrain. There is still plenty of time left for you to get some fresh air and take a slow walk through the woods and let your imagination fill your mind. 

The CPRA board has had 3 meetings already this “off-season” and final details are being put together for another fun year of historical gatherings. The economy and other factors have led us to pass over any plans for a bus trip this year, but we are going to lead a day trip out of state. We are also planning on making small changes to our bylaws. Some of them are greatly outdated and need to be modernized. We will be sharing more information about this in the future as we are required to hold an official vote at a meeting open to the members and give proper notice to do so. Don’t worry, we still won’t share your contact info and will not be selling advertising space along the old roadway!

Attached is a transcription of an old journal from 1760, written by David Holden during travel on the CPR. It is another glimpse of life in that era, and the conditions of the old road. I was made aware of this by John-Eric Nelson, history wizard. 

For those shopping for historical books, the online shop of the Vermont Historical Society offers a great selection of content. My only complaint is the lack of a search function. You may even find a familiar looking book about historical markers: https://vermont-historical-society-museum.square.site/product/historical-markers-on-the-crown-point-road/1084?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=8
The Annual Meeting we had last October included a presentation by an enthusiastic member of the CPRA by the name of John-Eric Nelson. Video was recorded of his presentation, along with our business meeting. I feel bad about not sharing these earlier. I could say I’ve been hibernating like a bear, but as I wrote above, I’ve been busy and still have a day job, so no rest for me! Here is a link to our Business meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4Kq6zOPzQA and a link to John-Eric’s presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPa5-FWUDog

I’ve rambled on long enough and given you some good reading and viewing content. I consider my duties served. You will be hearing more from me in the near future as we have news about our upcoming calendar of outings. Despite what the groundhog says, Spring will arrive on March 19th. Until then, make a snowman or have sugar on snow, or whatever you enjoy about Winter. 

Cheers!

Posted by Dale Christie on February 18, 2024

Friends of the Road Newsletter 2023-10-07

How is everyone’s love for history? Alive and strong I hope. With depressing news flooding the airways, I think history is getting more popular! We are in peak foliage season here in the northern hemisphere on planet Earth, for those receiving this in other parts of the solar system. The warm weather lately has been nice, but I’d trade it for seasonal temps and more daylight. That is the part that is tougher for me to adjust to. 

For those who don’t know about it, the archives of the CPRA is housed safely at Middlebury College. You can learn more about it here: https://www.crownpointroad.org/home/archives/. A short time ago, I visited it for my first time. It was like a goldmine and the available time just vanished. I hope to go back someday. Some of the glimpses I saw of the past included old program guides and membership forms. I’ve attached one of each to this email for your pleasure. The dues have gone up a bit, but much less than inflation!

As the year continues to flyby, we now have about a week to this year’s annual meeting. I know the word “meeting” is often a turnoff and a bore. But our business meetings go pretty fast and lead to good things. Feel free to show up fashionably late if you just want to see the guest speaker. This year we are having it on historic ground, in Charleston NH. This will offer a very historic and engaging environment. We will be meeting on October 15th, at the Fort at No. 4. You can read about it and how to get there on their website: https://www.fortat4.org/. The fort is open from 11-3:30pm. Normally there is an admission fee to visit the fort, but the CPRA will cover the costs to our attendees. You’re welcome to make a donation to the fort as it is certainly a good cause. When you arrive, mention that you’re there for the CPRA and they won’t charge you. Feel free to arrive early and enjoy the theme of the weekend: “Women of the Fort”. Their website explains: “Join us at Fort at No. 4 and explore some of the many roles women had in the 18th century on the frontier.”  Our Annual Meeting will commence at the Farnsworth House at 1PM with our traditional potluck dinner — bring your place setting and a dish to share – followed by our business meeting at 1:45 and concluding at 2:15pm with our featured presentation on Col. Nathan Whiting who was Garrison Commander at Fort at No. 4 in 1757 by noted period historian John-Eric Nelson. Guests welcome to attend any part of the schedule. For more info, call Barry at (802) 492-3573 or email bgriffithvt@gmail.com NOTE: our business meeting has been moved up to make sure there is enough time for our presenter as we will have to leave when the Fort closes at 3:30pm.

You may recall from my recent newsletter that there was a presentation to the DAR about Ann Story. Video of that presentation is being edited and soon will be available to watch on the local public access station (PEG TV) and we will also work on getting it available on YouTube. When we have more information about the viewing options, I’ll share them with you all. 

I do hope to see some of you at the upcoming meeting. John-Eric is an entertaining speaker and catching up with fellow “roadies” is always fun. Until we meet again, be well and keep history alive! 

Posted by Dale Christie on September 12, 2023

Friends of the Road Newsletter 2023-09-11

Hello Friends of the Road,

Are you ready for some football? It is almost time for a big game to start, so I may not be too long in this newsletter. I hope you are all doing well. The daylight is fading quickly, so enjoy this time as soon we’ll be turning the heat back on!

I have a series of announcements to share with you all. First the bad news. I know, I didn’t give you a choice if you want the bad news first or the good news. I like to end on a high note, so bad news first. Our upcoming Plymouth outing on September 30th is cancelled for this year. I know, that’s 2 cancellations this year. We will do our best to make it up to you and have a great year next year. We do still have the Annual Meeting coming up and that is going to have some bonus fun, so stay tuned. So once again, no hike this month. You now have the day available for other activities. 

I have THREE events to talk about though. On this Saturday (the 16th) at 10am, meet at the Hubbardton Battlefield Museum & Visitors Center. After a brief lecture about the historic battle fought there and the ultimate retreat by American forces, a tour will leave the Visitor Center and ascend the nearby hillside part way up the ridge. People should bring snacks/lunch, and good hiking shoes. It will take about 3 hours. Admission will be charged at the Hubbardton Battlefield and will allow entrance to visitor center and site. Leaders will be Travis Hart (State & Private Lands Biologist with the VT Dept. of Fish and Wildlife) and Jim Rowe (CPRA Historian). For more info, call Jim at (802) 434-7415. 

The second event is going to be held this week in Bridport. I know it is on a workday and short notice, but I hope some can attend. The Ann Story chapter of the DAR will be hosting a meeting in Shrewsbury Thursday the 14th. It will be a great opportunity to get familiar with some very important local history. At 11:30am there will be a business meeting, then a lunch, then a presentation. If you are going, you NEED to RSVP to julanne sharrow julanne@vermontel.net so they can be prepared. Please bring something to add to a salad provided. It’s at the Shrewsbury Meeting House 88 Lottery Rd, Shrewsbury, VT 05738.

The last, but not least event I have to share is coming up later this month. It will feature a presentation by our current CPRA President, Barry Griffith. I’ve attended some of his presentations before and he does a great job. This will be in Bridport, VT and he will offer some local history for the area, along with an overview about the Crown Point Road. Barry will be speaking at the Annual Meeting of the Bridport Historical Society on Sunday, September 24.  The meeting is at the Masonic/Community Hall – at the junction of the Middle Road and Crown Point Road (of course).  There will be a potluck at 1 PM followed by the presentation at 2 PM or so.  Please come if you can. 

And finally, I’d like to offer a fun tidbit for you to chew on. It is related to the Bridport event, and offers a really cool glimpse into the past. This was provided by our long time supporter and Historian of all Historians, Elaine Purdy. Attached is that image. 

That is all for now. A sporting event of pain and drama awaits me. 
Take care and keep studying history!

Posted by Dale Christie on August 6, 2023

Friends of the Road Newsletter 2023-08-06

Hello Friends of the Road,

Is it really August already? The summer is flying by, so I recommend you make the time to do the fun stuff you wanted to do while you were avoiding the snowbanks. I made sure I got outside this weekend and darkened up my tan. With all the rain we’ve been getting, things are growing very quickly and need more maintenance. But once the work was done, I moved onto a large and cold maple creamee. Did you think I was going to say cold beer? That may come later, but first I need to write to you about good things to come. 

We got lucky last week with the Orwell outing. The rain held off and those who attended enjoyed the cooler weather to do some exploring and extra conversing. This coming week, we’ll be gathering in the other side of the state, in the town of Plymouth. Board member Lonnie Lisai is co-leading the outing and has been working hard to prepare. Normally, outing leaders provide a handout to the attendees. Lonnie is so excited, he’s sharing info early to get everyone else excited too. Attached is a promo for you all. Here is the full write-up for you: August 12: Crown Point Road Association is hosting an informational outing between CPR Markers 28 and 30. Interested people to meet at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum at 10:00 a.m. Plan on a short uphill hike from Marker 29 to the gravesite of ‘Unknown Soldier of the French and Indian War’. Following the hike, we will drive to Coffeen Cemetery, Marker 29A and Marker 30. For more information contact Lonnie Lisai: lonnielisai@gmail.com or Connie DeVere; Cdevere@verizon.net

Not to play 2nd fiddle, I’d also like to promote an upcoming outing that is not officially a CPRA event, but we’re lending our prized historian to work for the Vt historic sites (generously without pay) to lead a car tour. Jim Rowe has done this enough he may be able to do it in his sleep. But let’s hope he’s awake. It will be much safer for those following him. Here is the full write-up for that outing: August 19: On this Saturday at 10am, meet at the Hubbardton Battlefield Museum & Visitors Center. On this 12th annual driving tour, Jim Rowe, CPRA historian, is your leader to look at the Hydeville Branch of the 1776 Mount Independence-Hubbardton Military Road. The tour will travel north from Hydeville through West Castleton to eastern Benson. There will be several stops along the way for discussion. People should bring snacks/lunch. It will take about 3 hours. Admission will be charged at the Hubbardton Battlefield and will allow entrance to Visitor Center and museum. For more info, call Jim at (802) 434-7415.

The last few weeks the CPRA Facebook page has been very active. I know not all of you are Facebook users, and I would not hold that against you if you don’t. So another way to see the discussion and shared content is to visit our website, www.crownpointroad.org and on the homepage you can see the recent Facebook posts. 

That is all for now. Enjoy the summer all and I hope to see some of you soon. 

Posted by Dale Christie on March 23, 2024

Friends of the Road Newsletter 2024-03-23

Hello Friends of the Road,

Hopefully none of you are traveling here in the Northeast today. It is late in the season, but I’m excited to see the snow fall. I’m glad it is a day off so I can enjoy it and clean it up at my convenience. The kids are deprived of a snow day, but they also have been deprived of playing in the snow much this season, so they should be happy anyway. And for those kids who don’t like to play in the snow, they have their game consoles and history books!

I have received the beloved magnet calendars for 2024. As soon as we finalize the rest of the content for the mailing, the elves will begin their work. The year’s schedule has good diversity in it and everyone should find something of interest I hope. If any of you do not receive the annual mailing and want to be included, provide me with your mailing address. We only mail to those who have paid for a membership recently, so if you have not, we do ask that you have intensions to contribute to our organization this year. Memberships start at only $5 per year. I can’t remember who it was, but one member said we should raise our dues as they aren’t even enough to buy a good beer. 

I’d like to enlist you all for a mission. It won’t involve any bloodshed, I hope. The President of the Clarendon Historical Society, Bob Underhill, is looking for information about a possible settlement in the vicinity of Clarendon, in 1760 or 1761. Attached is a great historical document about Daniel Walker (1706 – ), who stayed over the winter in 1760 or 1761 on his way back from Canada.  It sounds like the company was following the Crown Point Road and that he couldn’t complete the journey until the spring.  He did come back to what is now Clarendon in 1768 just like the story says, and his son Daniel Jr. (1736 – 1795) was one of our Tories who fled to Canada and had his property confiscated. The article was written by a Dr. H.C. Burleigh for the Lennox & Addington Historical Society (Ontario) which regretfully closed last autumn. Their archives would have been passed on to other organizations but it might take a bit to find where this article went. Bob is totally unaware of any settlement prior to 1768, and he knows Clarendon history really well! So your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to offer information or theories about where Daniel Walker may have stayed that winter on his return from Canada. 

I have info about an historical gathering you might be interested in. The CPRA is not involved with this, but am certainly interested in it as there’s a possible connection to the CPR in Pittsford. Phil Mandalere, who is deeply involved with the Clarendon Historical Society and a few of you may remember the CPRA outing he led recently at the former Dean Farm in Brandon, will be presenting information about the Stevens cellar hole and the White’s Crossing area. It will be a presentation as part of a meeting of the Pittsford Historical Society. The meeting will be downstairs at the Pittsford Congregational Church on April 7th. Potluck meal at 5:30 followed by a brief PHS meeting, then Phil’s presentation. I hope to see a few of you there. 

That is all I have for you at the moment. Writing this newsletter has given me a break from shoveling and with daylight running low, I better get back to my work. 

Posted by Dale Christie on February 18, 2024

Friends of the Road Newsletter 2024-02-18

Hello Friends of the Road,

For those who don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dale Christie and I’ve been recently elected to another term as the Secretary of the Crown Point Road Association. I have enjoyed getting to know many of you and the pursuit of uncovering history has been quite the journey. I have been spending much of the Winter researching the local history of Proctor and other areas of Vermont, but now it is time to shift gears and focus on Vermont’s unofficial road, the Crown Point Road. 

I hope you all are doing well and the colder months of this part of the world haven’t broken you. I know seasonal depression is a real thing. Personally, I don’t mind Winter as long as there’s snow and it isn’t too cold. I’ve had half of my desires come true. A benefit of the lack of cold and deep snow is the ability to get out and explore the woods. The folks preparing for the upcoming sugaring season have had it easier too. Those looking for evidence of the past have also had it easier. The ground hasn’t been frozen as much as usual and I find that you can see the geography so much better in these conditions. Not only do you have the lack of leaves blocking your view, a dusting of snow really helps you see old roads and terrain. There is still plenty of time left for you to get some fresh air and take a slow walk through the woods and let your imagination fill your mind. 

The CPRA board has had 3 meetings already this “off-season” and final details are being put together for another fun year of historical gatherings. The economy and other factors have led us to pass over any plans for a bus trip this year, but we are going to lead a day trip out of state. We are also planning on making small changes to our bylaws. Some of them are greatly outdated and need to be modernized. We will be sharing more information about this in the future as we are required to hold an official vote at a meeting open to the members and give proper notice to do so. Don’t worry, we still won’t share your contact info and will not be selling advertising space along the old roadway!

Attached is a transcription of an old journal from 1760, written by David Holden during travel on the CPR. It is another glimpse of life in that era, and the conditions of the old road. I was made aware of this by John-Eric Nelson, history wizard. 

For those shopping for historical books, the online shop of the Vermont Historical Society offers a great selection of content. My only complaint is the lack of a search function. You may even find a familiar looking book about historical markers: https://vermont-historical-society-museum.square.site/product/historical-markers-on-the-crown-point-road/1084?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=8
The Annual Meeting we had last October included a presentation by an enthusiastic member of the CPRA by the name of John-Eric Nelson. Video was recorded of his presentation, along with our business meeting. I feel bad about not sharing these earlier. I could say I’ve been hibernating like a bear, but as I wrote above, I’ve been busy and still have a day job, so no rest for me! Here is a link to our Business meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4Kq6zOPzQA and a link to John-Eric’s presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPa5-FWUDog

I’ve rambled on long enough and given you some good reading and viewing content. I consider my duties served. You will be hearing more from me in the near future as we have news about our upcoming calendar of outings. Despite what the groundhog says, Spring will arrive on March 19th. Until then, make a snowman or have sugar on snow, or whatever you enjoy about Winter. 

Cheers!

Posted by Dale Christie on February 18, 2024

Friends of the Road Newsletter 2023-10-07

How is everyone’s love for history? Alive and strong I hope. With depressing news flooding the airways, I think history is getting more popular! We are in peak foliage season here in the northern hemisphere on planet Earth, for those receiving this in other parts of the solar system. The warm weather lately has been nice, but I’d trade it for seasonal temps and more daylight. That is the part that is tougher for me to adjust to. 

For those who don’t know about it, the archives of the CPRA is housed safely at Middlebury College. You can learn more about it here: https://www.crownpointroad.org/home/archives/. A short time ago, I visited it for my first time. It was like a goldmine and the available time just vanished. I hope to go back someday. Some of the glimpses I saw of the past included old program guides and membership forms. I’ve attached one of each to this email for your pleasure. The dues have gone up a bit, but much less than inflation!

As the year continues to flyby, we now have about a week to this year’s annual meeting. I know the word “meeting” is often a turnoff and a bore. But our business meetings go pretty fast and lead to good things. Feel free to show up fashionably late if you just want to see the guest speaker. This year we are having it on historic ground, in Charleston NH. This will offer a very historic and engaging environment. We will be meeting on October 15th, at the Fort at No. 4. You can read about it and how to get there on their website: https://www.fortat4.org/. The fort is open from 11-3:30pm. Normally there is an admission fee to visit the fort, but the CPRA will cover the costs to our attendees. You’re welcome to make a donation to the fort as it is certainly a good cause. When you arrive, mention that you’re there for the CPRA and they won’t charge you. Feel free to arrive early and enjoy the theme of the weekend: “Women of the Fort”. Their website explains: “Join us at Fort at No. 4 and explore some of the many roles women had in the 18th century on the frontier.”  Our Annual Meeting will commence at the Farnsworth House at 1PM with our traditional potluck dinner — bring your place setting and a dish to share – followed by our business meeting at 1:45 and concluding at 2:15pm with our featured presentation on Col. Nathan Whiting who was Garrison Commander at Fort at No. 4 in 1757 by noted period historian John-Eric Nelson. Guests welcome to attend any part of the schedule. For more info, call Barry at (802) 492-3573 or email bgriffithvt@gmail.com NOTE: our business meeting has been moved up to make sure there is enough time for our presenter as we will have to leave when the Fort closes at 3:30pm.

You may recall from my recent newsletter that there was a presentation to the DAR about Ann Story. Video of that presentation is being edited and soon will be available to watch on the local public access station (PEG TV) and we will also work on getting it available on YouTube. When we have more information about the viewing options, I’ll share them with you all. 

I do hope to see some of you at the upcoming meeting. John-Eric is an entertaining speaker and catching up with fellow “roadies” is always fun. Until we meet again, be well and keep history alive! 

Posted by Dale Christie on September 12, 2023

Friends of the Road Newsletter 2023-09-11

Hello Friends of the Road,

Are you ready for some football? It is almost time for a big game to start, so I may not be too long in this newsletter. I hope you are all doing well. The daylight is fading quickly, so enjoy this time as soon we’ll be turning the heat back on!

I have a series of announcements to share with you all. First the bad news. I know, I didn’t give you a choice if you want the bad news first or the good news. I like to end on a high note, so bad news first. Our upcoming Plymouth outing on September 30th is cancelled for this year. I know, that’s 2 cancellations this year. We will do our best to make it up to you and have a great year next year. We do still have the Annual Meeting coming up and that is going to have some bonus fun, so stay tuned. So once again, no hike this month. You now have the day available for other activities. 

I have THREE events to talk about though. On this Saturday (the 16th) at 10am, meet at the Hubbardton Battlefield Museum & Visitors Center. After a brief lecture about the historic battle fought there and the ultimate retreat by American forces, a tour will leave the Visitor Center and ascend the nearby hillside part way up the ridge. People should bring snacks/lunch, and good hiking shoes. It will take about 3 hours. Admission will be charged at the Hubbardton Battlefield and will allow entrance to visitor center and site. Leaders will be Travis Hart (State & Private Lands Biologist with the VT Dept. of Fish and Wildlife) and Jim Rowe (CPRA Historian). For more info, call Jim at (802) 434-7415. 

The second event is going to be held this week in Bridport. I know it is on a workday and short notice, but I hope some can attend. The Ann Story chapter of the DAR will be hosting a meeting in Shrewsbury Thursday the 14th. It will be a great opportunity to get familiar with some very important local history. At 11:30am there will be a business meeting, then a lunch, then a presentation. If you are going, you NEED to RSVP to julanne sharrow julanne@vermontel.net so they can be prepared. Please bring something to add to a salad provided. It’s at the Shrewsbury Meeting House 88 Lottery Rd, Shrewsbury, VT 05738.

The last, but not least event I have to share is coming up later this month. It will feature a presentation by our current CPRA President, Barry Griffith. I’ve attended some of his presentations before and he does a great job. This will be in Bridport, VT and he will offer some local history for the area, along with an overview about the Crown Point Road. Barry will be speaking at the Annual Meeting of the Bridport Historical Society on Sunday, September 24.  The meeting is at the Masonic/Community Hall – at the junction of the Middle Road and Crown Point Road (of course).  There will be a potluck at 1 PM followed by the presentation at 2 PM or so.  Please come if you can. 

And finally, I’d like to offer a fun tidbit for you to chew on. It is related to the Bridport event, and offers a really cool glimpse into the past. This was provided by our long time supporter and Historian of all Historians, Elaine Purdy. Attached is that image. 

That is all for now. A sporting event of pain and drama awaits me. 
Take care and keep studying history!

Posted by Dale Christie on August 6, 2023

Friends of the Road Newsletter 2023-08-06

Hello Friends of the Road,

Is it really August already? The summer is flying by, so I recommend you make the time to do the fun stuff you wanted to do while you were avoiding the snowbanks. I made sure I got outside this weekend and darkened up my tan. With all the rain we’ve been getting, things are growing very quickly and need more maintenance. But once the work was done, I moved onto a large and cold maple creamee. Did you think I was going to say cold beer? That may come later, but first I need to write to you about good things to come. 

We got lucky last week with the Orwell outing. The rain held off and those who attended enjoyed the cooler weather to do some exploring and extra conversing. This coming week, we’ll be gathering in the other side of the state, in the town of Plymouth. Board member Lonnie Lisai is co-leading the outing and has been working hard to prepare. Normally, outing leaders provide a handout to the attendees. Lonnie is so excited, he’s sharing info early to get everyone else excited too. Attached is a promo for you all. Here is the full write-up for you: August 12: Crown Point Road Association is hosting an informational outing between CPR Markers 28 and 30. Interested people to meet at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum at 10:00 a.m. Plan on a short uphill hike from Marker 29 to the gravesite of ‘Unknown Soldier of the French and Indian War’. Following the hike, we will drive to Coffeen Cemetery, Marker 29A and Marker 30. For more information contact Lonnie Lisai: lonnielisai@gmail.com or Connie DeVere; Cdevere@verizon.net

Not to play 2nd fiddle, I’d also like to promote an upcoming outing that is not officially a CPRA event, but we’re lending our prized historian to work for the Vt historic sites (generously without pay) to lead a car tour. Jim Rowe has done this enough he may be able to do it in his sleep. But let’s hope he’s awake. It will be much safer for those following him. Here is the full write-up for that outing: August 19: On this Saturday at 10am, meet at the Hubbardton Battlefield Museum & Visitors Center. On this 12th annual driving tour, Jim Rowe, CPRA historian, is your leader to look at the Hydeville Branch of the 1776 Mount Independence-Hubbardton Military Road. The tour will travel north from Hydeville through West Castleton to eastern Benson. There will be several stops along the way for discussion. People should bring snacks/lunch. It will take about 3 hours. Admission will be charged at the Hubbardton Battlefield and will allow entrance to Visitor Center and museum. For more info, call Jim at (802) 434-7415.

The last few weeks the CPRA Facebook page has been very active. I know not all of you are Facebook users, and I would not hold that against you if you don’t. So another way to see the discussion and shared content is to visit our website, www.crownpointroad.org and on the homepage you can see the recent Facebook posts. 

That is all for now. Enjoy the summer all and I hope to see some of you soon. 

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