

Hello Friends of the Road,
In the greater CPR area, we have had weekends with some precipitation every week dating back to December 14th & 15th! Surprisingly, that is not a record, but if it continues much longer, we may set it. At least we don’t have to water the gardens as much, right? And all these rainy days gives us more reason to stay inside and read and research history, right? I did my share yesterday and even enlisted the aid of a local historical society. I don’t know if your town has one, but they are so valuable! Most towns have the select few residents that seem to know most of the local history. Be sure to tap their brains because that information must live on and you all know how important history is!
The weekend has flown by and I had meant to get this out sooner, so I’m rushing a bit to make sure you are all properly reminded of an upcoming event. It is our 3rd outing for the year already! We had an early start, so this isn’t normal for us. Here is the official write-up for the outing:
June 14: Lake Champlain was so named by the French in 1609. The Crown Point Road was so named by the British in 1759. Both were used by the indigenous people for millennia. We will explore this history at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s Abenaki Heritage Weekend. Meet at LCMM at 10am (4472 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes). Bring lunch; admission free. For more info visit www.lcmm.org or call Barry at (802) 492-3573.
I was very happy to have attended the festivities in Castleton last month. The rain did not appear to stop any or many attendees. The venue for the re-enactment was standing room only. I can’t begin to praise all the people that were involved with the events in Castleton. It took good leaders and a sizable army to pull it off. For those who didn’t see re-enactment, we are lucky enough to have the local public access station record and offer it for streaming. You can watch it here:
I hope all of you are doing well. Maybe see you in Vergennes?
Hello Friends of the Road,
We are fully engaged in Spring now. The annual ice out contest at Joe’s Pond has ended, and hopefully your neighborhood back roads are draining out from their muddy transitions. One of the few roads that is spared of that unpleasant season is the Crown Point Road. For the most part it has been reclaimed by mother nature and is part of the landscape now. But it is not forgotten and its importance in our local history, and arguably the nation, remains strong. I hope you are all doing well.
By now, you should have received the annual mailing from us. We try to include more than just the calendar of events and our solicitation for membership support. If you did not receive this packet of treasure, you may be only receiving the email newsletters. If you want to become an official member of the CPRA and provide us with your mailing address, we would be grateful. If you are receiving this email and prefer not to receive future newsletters, please let me know. It should be a fun year of events this year and hopefully you have our magnet on your refrigerator to remind you of the dates.
It is only April, but our year of outings is about to start. Our first outing is less than a week away. It is a new outing from the master of car tours. With the 250th anniversary of many historic dates coming up this year, this outing will fit in nicely and add to the spirit that is in the air. Here is the full write-up:
April 26: The Crown Point Road Association will take a look at the Ti Branch as a possible route to Hand’s Cove for the capture of Fort Ticonderoga accomplished on May 10, 1775. There will be discussion as to how they reached the Ti Branch from Castleton. Meet at 1pm at Whiting Community Church on Rt 30. This will be a car tour. For more info, call Jim at (802) 434-7415.
Next month, May 9th to be exact, there will be events in the town of Castleton. Members of the CPRA board plan on participating with an informational booth. Feel free to stop by to visit us and say hello. Part of the evening events will be a short parade. We hope to march in it to display our banner and promote our great association. We have one volunteer so far, but his arms aren’t long enough to hold both ends of our large banner, so we are looking for more help. Do any of you want to help us with this? First come, first serve, but backups are welcome for sure. The parade begins at 6pm. If interested, please respond to this email.
I received a recommendation from a passionate CPRA member about a website. It features an historian named Katie, which is a content creator about the Revolutionary War. Her videos often feature visits to historic sites. You can find the website and links to her YouTube channel here: https://allrevolutionarywar.com
Continuing onward to promote another of the planned celebrations, I’d like to share info about a man you may know. His name was General Lafayette and he was once a “Guest of the Nation” between 1824 and 1825. There is an exciting series of events planned to mark the bicentennial of his tour. You can find out more by visiting the website to follow, or reading the attached pamphlet. www.lafayette200.org
That is all of now. Lots to plan for and do. I hope to see many of you over the course of the next few months.
Hello Friends of the Road,
It is now 2025! Can you believe it? Today is a big holiday for me. Each year I celebrate by watching the Bill Murray classic from 1993. It is nice not having an overly commercialized day to celebrate. Speaking of celebrations, are you all excited about the events planned throughout the upcoming year to mark the different 250th anniversaries? For historians, this will be a busy and exciting year! So rest up the rest of winter and be ready to hit the road to attend some of the festivities. The CPRA board is planning to get involved for sure.
The CPRA board has met throughout the cold weather days to work hard on a calendar of events for 2025. As of yesterday, we have a list in balsa wood. Not in stone yet, but soon. More to come on that. Today’s email is about saying hello, reminding you that your favorite historical organization is still kicking, and to share some timely info with you.
First of all, there are event plans now finalized for the 250th anniversary of the Westminster Massacre of 1775. For you that want to brush up on your history for this event, here are a couple of links for you: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Massacrehttps://vermonthistoryexplorer.org/the-westminster-massacreThe celebration has the following schedule:-March 13, Thursday between 3:00 and 4:00, Gathering at the house site of Azariah Wright, (4585 US Route 5, corner of Sand Hill Road) and walk to the Cemetery. The Whigs gathered at Wright’s about 4:00, took a stick of firewood from his woodpile and then walked ¾ miles up to the Court-house and occupied it. Unarmed William French was killed by gunfire that evening. We will reenact that fateful walk.-March 14, Friday, 4:00. Gathering at the Court-house site as marked by the DAR monument on Shattuck Road, celebrating the non-violent retaking of the courthouse. New York and British control were ousted from current Eastern Vermont, five weeks before Paul Revere’s ride. Our Westminster Massacre museum exhibit the will open at 3:00.-March 15, Saturday, 7:00 pm at dusk. Candlelight vigil at young William French’s grave site on the anniversary of his well-attended burial. The museum will open at 6:00pm with refreshments and our Massacre exhibit. Parking is behind the Post Office, roughly across the road from the Town Hall museum.For more information, go to www.westminstervthistory.org
And also coming really soon, is a presentation about the Crown Point Road. It may be all a “repeat” for you, but please consider attending as the side conversations will certainly be interesting. There is also plans to talk about a new project involving the Springfield area that you may want to be a part of. Members of the CPRA board will be leading the discussion. Here is a description of the event:
WHEN: February 15th at 2 pm
WHAT: Crown Point Road Association Presentation
WHERE: Springfield Art & Historical Society, 65 Route 106, North Springfield
DESCRIPTION: The Crown Point Road Association researches and leads outings along its route from Charlestown NH to Lake Champlain. The Road, first marked and cut by the British in 1759, is sometimes referred to as “Vermont’s first interstate highway.” In 2024 CPRA members Lonnie Lisai and Barry Griffith researched and led a tour along portions of the route in Springfield. On February 15 they will tell us about the historic Road and the fruits of their recent research. https://www.springfieldartandhistorical.org/
And in closing, I have some goodies to share with you. I have been sitting on some videos for you and it is about time I let you see them. These cold days are good for watching videos, right? The links below are from the association’s Annual Meeting in 2024. I hope you like them.
Last annual meeting:
Business meeting: https://youtu.be/G6lF111dI_I
Guest Presentation: https://youtu.be/lp_tRGBuCpM
That is all for now. Stay tuned for more announcements and info about our upcoming year of events.
Hello Friends of the Road,
It is me, the one that sends you thought provoking information mixed with useless rambling. I’m hoping the former is true occasionally, and certain the latter is true. The clock of life continues to spin faster and faster as another season of CPRA outings is coming to a close. Wasn’t it just May and we were exploring the Charlestown area? Today has become a rainy day so I’m trying to get some indoor tasks done. It has been great weather for the past month with very little rain and plenty of opportunities to do some leaf peeping. The foliage is now on the downward slope, but still quite good in places. And if you’re into astronomy, there’s a comet up there to look for during the next evening with clear skies.
I have a very exciting offering for you all today. It has been in the making for a little while now. The board of directors discussed and agreed that we should interview long time historian Elaine Purdy. For those that don’t know her, she has been involved with the CPRA for a long time, continues to contribute and has been invaluable to many historical societies in the area for decades. We pondered a while and came up with a list of questions for her. At the bottom of this letter, you’ll find the questions and answers. I really enjoyed reading what she wrote and I expect you will too. Many answers give great advice, and others offer insight into the life that she has had so far. I’m very thankful to have gotten to know her. Thank you very much Elaine for taking the time to do this interview and Linda for assisting her.
The annual meeting is coming up for us. That means I should have my Secretary’s Report finished, but have procrastinated a bit on that. I’ll blame the good weather we’ve been having. Rest assured, I will have a report for those that attend. The outing is very flexible, and those who want to attend don’t need to be there for the whole thing. Feel free to come late, leave early, or arrive late and leave early! Our guest speaker has a lot of great information to share, and many in the area know him well. He is the pastor of the Pittsford Congregation Church, has served as a trustee of the Maclure Library for years, and has been hosting the show “Historically Speaking” also for years. If you’re not familiar with that show, you really should check it out, and perhaps binge watch the series. You can find past episodes here: https://rutlandhistory.com/historically-speaking/ You can read about all the 200+ episodes at that website, but WARNING: the video hosting website is down right now, so you won’t be able to watch them today. Hopefully soon it will be back online, so for now bookmark the page for later. Getting back to the annual meeting, it will be on October 20th, a week from today in Pittsford. Here is the full write-up: Our CPRA Annual Meeting will be at the Pittsford Congregational Church at 121 Village Green, in Pittsford, VT. We will commence at 1PM with our traditional potluck dinner — bring your place setting and a dish to share – followed by our business meeting and concluding with our featured presentation by noted historian Michael Dwyer. With four decades of teaching history and genealogical research behind him, he will share a variety of stories about his personal discoveries and the lives they have touched. Guests welcome to attend any part of the schedule. For more info, call Barry at (802) 492-3573 or email bgriffithvt@gmail.com Potluck Meal: 1:00-2PM~CPRA Business Meeting: 2:00-2:30PM~Guest Speaker: 2:30PM
And now for the Elaine Purdy interview. I hope to see a good turnout Sunday. Take care everyone and keep enjoying the wealth of historical content that is accessible to us all!
QUESTIONS:
1. How did you first get involved with the CPRA?
2. What makes you so interested in history?
3. What are important personality traits for an historian?
4. Have you ever wished you could have lived during the era when the CPR was used?
5. Do you think you could have been Ann Story?
6. Name one or more of your favorite known or believed to be known locations on the CPR?
7. Have you ever participated in any archeology work?
8. Tell us two things about the CPR that is NOT in the recent Markers Guide Book?
9. Tell us one or more of your favorite outings with the CPRA?
10. Tell us one of more of your favorite guest speakers to have attended an annual meeting?
11. Tell us the most important reason to preserve the history of the CPR?
12. What are you most proud of during your years of involvement about with the CPRA?
13. What is the one thing that you want future boards of the CPRA to accomplish most?
14. What do you think is the most effective way to get people interested in history?
15. In your opinion, what are the 5 most important events in Vermont history?
16. How has technology changed history research?
17. What can you tell us (that is not in the markers book) about CPRA’s founding fathers and mothers who created our organization and did so much for it in the years 1960 – 2000?
ANSWERS:
17. What can you tell us (that is not in the markers book) about CPRA’s founding fathers and mothers who created our organization and did so much for it in the years 1960 – 2000?
I will do my best to answer the 17 questions that have been submitted. The responses will be off the top of my head – a head cluttered with trivia I might add – so I will try not to wander too much. I will begin with the final question, Number 17, about some of the founding members of the association.Phyllis Humphries lived in West Rutland and was a descendant of quarry owner Charles Slason. With her husband, Hubert, they spent time attempting to establish the true location of the road through primary sources: studying deeds, town records and maps and creating detailed overlays. They created a wonderful springboard for future exploration.Flora Weeks, who was single, and a Registered Nurse, researched texts and sought out old timers with ties to the earliest local settlers. Her ancestors were early settlers in Clarendon and she grew up in the old homestead. She was a natural historian and writer.Both Phyllis and Flora, through their columns in the Rutland Herald, created awareness of and interest in the CPR. They were, no doubt, inspired by their membership in the DAR.Martin Howe and Carl Hollender were undoubtedly responsible for the establishment of the CPRA as an Association. I think they were both engineers and successful in business. Howe was raised on the Martin property in Mount Holly, now the Perry Farm . Marker 34A was dedicated in his memory. This site was called Halfway Hill by Ruth Fletcher Charland, who wrote a seminal article describing the probable direction of the road. Howe was related to the Pollards who were very early settlers in the area. His description of the history and lure of the Crown Point Road in the Introduction to the Marker book is eloquent and ought to be included in future editions.Carl Hollender is probably the most notorious and interesting character among our founders. He was born in Brattleboro to parents who resided in what was then a sizeable enclave of German emigres. During World War I, Germans were the objects of constant suspicion, and Carl, because of his young age, became one of them. According to the story (there was a book written about his travails) an ambitious government agent pursued him until he was sent to Federal prison for several months as a German spy. When he was released some suspected his mother may have been the spy because of her many inflammatory statements in favor of the Kaiser. After a successful business career, he and Fran retired to Shrewsbury and took interest in local history.Eroe Howe carried on with the CPRA as an officer after her husband’s death. She was responsible for many of the early photographic records. After Hollender died in 1968 wife Fran remained in their home in Shrewsbury on the road to the Poor House and explored the section of the CPR that led to the school house marker on Lincoln Hill. Note: a large iron cooking pot similar to those carried by the British army was found on the road North of the house, according to Flora Weeks.Augustus Aldrich must be mentioned because he is sort of our Patron Saint. His enthusiasm and over-the-ground exploration surely kindled an interest in others to continue his quest. Carmine Guicca was his disciple and friend and carried on his work with Boy Scouts and as trail guide.Carmine was profoundly deaf due to undergoing a prolonged barrage while with a landing party on a Pacific Island (Iwo Jima?) during WW11. He and Carmella attended two church services every Sunday at his church and then hers.
Numbers 1-16
1. How did you first get involved with the CPRA?
The columns written by Phyllis and Flora for the Rutland Herald in the late Fifties sparked an interest in the Crown Point Road but I wasn’t able to go on a hike until sometime later. The hike was led by Larry and Peggy. It included the Prickly Ash site and the Doolittle house and I was hooked!
2. What makes you so interested in history?
My father shared his love of History with me at an early age. Week-end and vacation trips nearly always had a destination of historical and sometimes just unusual places. My grandmothers were proud of their lineage and encouraged an interest in Genealogy so my interest in the past was pre-ordained.
3. What are important personality traits for an historian?
A historian must have a sense of curiosity, a need to find answers and then the ability to do proper research to find them. The research then has to be compiled, sorted and verified. Sometimes a local legend will turn out to be false and has to be discarded; although in some cases it may lead in a promising direction. You have to rely on primary sources. Once you believe you have made a true find you can introduce it to an audience where it will be welcomed and appreciated.
4. Have you ever wished you could have lived during the era when the CPR was used?
I think I can answer Four and Five together, about wanting to return to the Colonial era on the Crown Point Road. I would probably only want to go back to that time in History as a teen-ager. Having a sense of adventure and no responsibilities might compensate for leaving a comfortable home for an uncertain yet promising future.
5. Do you think you could have been Ann Story?
As to being Ann Story: Probably not, although you never know how you might react if your children are threatened. I did have several great, great, great grandmothers who might have given her a run for the money. Maybe I could have been Molly Pitcher.
6. Name one or more of your favorite locations known or believed to be known on the crown point road.
The site of the long-abandoned Pollard home site at the four corners between Shrewsbury and Plymouth is one of my favorite locations. The four roads lead almost directly to the four points of the compass. Going North you will pass the grave of the Unknown Soldier who died at the nearby spring associated with an early campground. One of the first school houses was located there also. Continuing on you will arrive at Captain John Coolidge’s early pitch. To the South you pass signs of early settlement and arrive at the Halfway Encampment in Mount Holly. To the West are more early home sites and family cemeteries. Then on to the town of Shrewsbury. Go East and you will travel brookside down to Tyson and the Black River ponds. You can just imagine the back-and-forth travel and socializing amongst these early settlers once peace had come.
7. Have you ever participated in any archaeological work?
I have never done any archaeological work unless you count the time Al Ransom had permission from landowners to conduct a dig at a promising cellar hole at the top of Dix Hill. He had constructed rudimentary items for the search and I was elected to operate the sifter. Unfortunately, we found only items related to sugaring and they were left with the landowner.
8. Two things about the CPR that are not in the current guide book.
It would be interesting to note in the book that Revolutionary War Generals Washington and Schuyler were well aware of the old road and its strategic importance. It is mentioned a number of times in their correspondence. Another thing I would like to see is improved mapping. The current maps involved a lot of research and have been very useful but GPS probably will take over in the future I can imagine a laminated map embracing the entire road in a rear pocket of the book. There are a number of businessmen in the area who would probably assist funding. Also it would be good to better identify documented points in the book. Location and description and an image would be very informative.
9. Tell us one or more of your favorite outings.
One of the earliest outings I went on was with Barbara Jones at Fort Number Four and the New Hampshire markers on the New Hampshire side of the Connecticut River. Barbara was a serious historian and was instrumental in organizing the first hike and Crown Point Road celebration in Springfield in 1958. She was also deeply involved in the restoration of the Old Fort and preserving its place in history.A second special outing was with former president Bill Allen in Old Deerfield. Even though he was in ill health at the time, he accompanied us pointing out the many points of interest. Bill was a native of the area and attended Deerfield Academy so he knew his history well. He was also interested in the Sudbury Vermont area since he was a descendant of the Ketchams What a privilege it was to meet and know these two interesting people.
10. Tell us the names of some of your favorite guest speakers at our annual meeting.
The first speaker that comes to mind is our own Tom Hughes. The occasion I especially remember was when he lectured us on the history of the fort at Crown Point. He gave a detailed chronology and answered many of our questions relating to both the French and the English occupations. In addition, he passed out maps and diagrams for us to study and keep. I know I have mine in a safe place and have studied and looked at them many times. A second speaker of note was Art Cohn from the Champlain Maritime Museum. He brought to life the early days of Skenesborough and Benedict Arnold’s time there building his ships and later destroying them. Cohn went on to doing much valuable work in the underwater archaeology of Lake Champlain and the further development of the museum. His contribution to history and education is sizable.
11. Tell us the most important reason to preserve the history of the CPR.
As with many of the historic events leading to the establishment of our country it is important to remember and preserve not only the event but also the immense contribution of our ancestors. If we look around ourselves today we can see the immense damage that can be done to the heritage that has been passed on to us by others. And it only takes one person.
12. What are you most proud of during your years of involvement about with the CPRA?
It would probably be my involvement in the instigation of our attempt to have the CPR placed on the National Register of Historic Places. I talked to Vt. Senator Jim Jeffords who offered encouragement and advice on how to approach the project. The board members agreed and we proceeded to secure a grant and backing from the state. An archaeologist was hired and Al Ransom became project manager. The time and effort spent by assisting members helped compile reams of information about the road in the area of Socialborough, later the town of Rutland, even though our submission failed. I sincerely hope new attempts will be made in the future It has been suggested that a simpler, less complicated pursuit would be to have the markers placed on the register instead.
13. What is the one thing that you want future boards of the CPRA to accomplish most?
While I don’t know if by laws have been altered to expand inclusion, I do understand a younger generation’s desire to pursue research in other old roads and places of historic interest. I do hope the goals and dedication of the founders will also continue to be pursued and honored. They were true Patriots and historians.
14. What do you think is the most effective way to get people interested in history?
Some people become interested in history because of the discovery of an interesting artifact or an old letter or photograph. This leads them to a desire to know more and to begin some exploration. However; not everyone possesses this character trait. In this case, perhaps an interest may be aroused by visiting a museum or witnessing a commemorative event. This might be a patriotic holiday celebration, parade or reenactment. The substitution of Social Studies in place of History in our schools was a big mistake in my opinion. It really is the responsibility of teachers, parents and family members to teach respect of country and family. With institutions such as the CPRA they can perform outreach such as has been done in the past by offering lectures and narrations for public education. Having representation at appropriate public events contributes to living history and may inspire someone’s interest.
15. In your opinion, what are the 5 most important events in Vermont history?
The fact that the state of Vermont was blessed with a wonderful location between two major waterways, Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River, plus the many streams draining into them, destined it to become a major thoroughfare throughout the ages. Its rich soil and mineral deposits attracted settlers who were soon involved in land title disputes. The coming of the Revolutionary War and its successful outcome was a major event ushering in Vermont’s importance in agriculture, travel and commerce. Included in this period were two other major events which occurred on the same day. They were the Battle of Hubbardton and the Constitutional Convention in Arlington. Statehood was attained in 1791. The coming of the railroad in 1849 led to the growth of industry and markets. The growing ease of travel also allowed over crowded households to emigrate westward. During World War II Vermont contributed to the war effort producing war material with its manufacturing plants and heavy industries. In the 1950s the Vermont legislature passed Act 250 a major piece of environmental protection.I think I listed five but I would like to add one more. A tribute to US Senator Jim Jeffords whose principles and concerns for the ideals of his constituents compelled him to resign from the Republican party.
16. How has technology changed history research?
Early CPR researchers worked so diligently, traveling to town offices, searching deeds and wills, looking at old maps, plotting sites and then seeking them out on foot. All this when today they could have been sitting comfortably at home in front of a computer.But they were not that sort of people. They were adventurers and true researchers. Even today I imagine they would welcome computers but I think they would miss the spirit of discovering something for yourself and walking where others had walked. Without technology they managed to locate most positions on the trail and left a multitude of accurate information for those who followed.
Closing: Respectfully submitted by Elaine Purdy, former CPRA officer, with many thanks to daughter Linda Shelvey for editing, compiling and printing the above.
Afternotes: During my time as an officer, I kept files on all activities I was involved in. They were kept in file folders together in a box which I have given to Dale Christie. I also kept yearbooks of each year. They are also with Dale. All the information from the National Register application is in the archives at Middlebury college. Confession: Aside from meeting old friends at annual meetings I really looked forward to Barb’s potato salad, Dennis’ lasagna, Peg’s chicken and biscuits, Larry’s huge apple pies, Gayle’s chocolate chip cookies, Jim’s wonderful maple syrup, Jim Moores’s BBQ chicken wings, Dale’s pulled pork, Sanford Witherell’s apples, Carmella’s chicken and biscuits and luscious egg salad sandwiches. Carmine always brought apple cider. The two of them always arrived early, to open the place, turn on the heat and get the coffee percolating, and finally Sanborn’s block of cheese and anything left over from lunch at Wake Robin!
“Freedom and Unity”
Over and out!
Hello Friends of the Road,
This area seems to be basking in a stretch of good weather. Our gardens are in overdrive still and the apple season seems to have arrived a bit early. I picked some apples this morning and certainly enjoyed it. It always seems so easy after working the fields for berries. I hope you are all enjoying the weather and doing well.
The new Ira Allen book is out. Any of you have any feedback on it yet? I have to thin down my herd before I take on any more. Even the newspapers seem to be piling up more than I’d like.
For those who attended the recent outing in Springfield, the research and discussion continues on. I have a feeling when the tour picks up again where it left off, there will be much more to share and talk about. Lonnie did a great job putting together points of interest, reading material and recruited great assistance from local land owners as well. This year’s outings are quickly going by, but we have 2 more to come.
Recently I crossed paths with historian lover and CPRA member Kellie Meyer. She was excited to tell me about a photo she found that was taken in the original Catamount Tavern in Bennington. With her assistance, I found a source online that has the complete article that goes with it. I think you’ll enjoy the read and at least the photograph. Thank you Kellie, and those who helped produce the article for the Vermont Historical Society. Here’s the link to the article: https://vermonthistory.org/journal/misc/EconomicStructureBennington.pdf
I am cramming to put together a handout and plan for the outing coming up. I have a lot of information and know the area well, so I don’t expect I’ll have a shortage of things to say. I hope many of you can attend as this will be the last outdoor outing for 2024. I will cover multiple centuries in my discussion, but don’t worry, there will be plenty of talk about the CPR. It will get center stage for sure. Here’s a write-up for those who want details:
September 21: Starting at 10am, we will gather and explore parts of the Proctor area. The meeting area is the west shore of Beaver Pond, at a large parking area along the Beaver Pond Road. We will begin by walking part of the original Crown Point Road, and possible historic landmarks along it. Following that, we will visit a 20th century industrial site that is being “re-wilded”. Total hiking distance is about 2 miles and includes some minor bushwacking. Bring sturdy shoes, water and snacks. For info, contact Dale.
The day is flying by quickly, so I will wrap things up now. I have football picks to make and chores to do. Be well and keep studying your history. It is much easier than studying the future.

Hello Friends of the Road,
Are any of you planning on dressing up as a revolutionary war soldier for Halloween? I know it is is traditional to dress up as something scary, but why not something educational? As the leaves fall off the trees, things are changing fast and soon we’ll be in “stick season”. That is one of my least favorite times of the year. I’ll try to focus on enjoying the outdoors as much as I can before it gets too cold and too dark.
I have a special offering for you all today. Thanks to a very generous CPRA member, Dennis Devereux, there is a limited time only opportunity to visit a local memorial. it is located in Mount Holly and is on private land, thus the reason why it is a limited time only offer. On the site, there is a plaque placed by parents of a young soldier that was killed in WW1 while in France. Dennis will lead a couple hikes to see the plaque this coming week. The weather looks good for some of the days. If you cannot make one this week, he plans to offer several more over the next 3 weeks. He will not finalize the days and times until he sees some responses from interested people. The hikes will be offered sometime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The hike would be rather short. For more details or to report your interest, write to Dennis at: ddevereux@vermontel.net
I have one more topic for you all today. It is about an outing that is expected to be part of our 2020 outing schedule. Jim Rowe will likely lead another car tour to cover the next segment of the Taverns, Homesteads, and Other Points of Interest Tour. It will continue from where this year’s tour ended, in the Cavendish/Ludlow area. If any of you would like to contribute or help in anyway, please contact me. Perhaps you have a story to tell, a site to invite the tour to, or a site to recommend. Any help is welcome. Thanks!
That is all I have for now. I hope you all are doing well. Soon we’ll be “stuck” inside more, so be sure to enjoy the opportunities we have left for the year.
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Dale Christie
CPRA Secretary of Defense
Hello friends, brothers and sisters of the road, I hope you’ve been enjoying this nice weather we’ve had. The foliage has been amazing this year after a dull season last year. The weather has allowed the color to remain on the trees, and not fall to the ground early due to rain or wind. It is also a nice time of year to walk in the woods. There is less daylight in the day, but still plenty of time to explore. Be aware though, there are still ticks in the woods! Darn little devils! I don’t have any valuable documents or links to share with you today. I will offer a nice picture of a road I took on Rt 30 recently. Something about the meandering road always gets my attention. The nice sunset was also a nice addition! For those holding out on whether or not to attend our Annual Meeting, I have something to entice you. One quick word of advice, grab some water based lubricant http://amerikabulteni.com/2017/01/06/obamanin-beyaz-saraya-veda-partisi-unlu-isimlerin-akinina-ugradi/ levitra 20 mg while you are there. It accounts for cialis viagra on line more than 95 percent of diabetic cases. ED may strike up to 15-25 percent of individual who has land up in grave head injury. more helpful tabs cialis uk Take your own extra care to keep yourself safe from cialis viagra online them. A much anticipated guest speaker has been formalized. Paul Huey, a legendary archaeologist that many of you may already know, will offer a program about archaeological excavations from 1955-2009. A map previewing what he will discuss is attached. Here is the formal write-up:
The title of Sunday afternoon’s program in Bridport will be “Archeological Research at Crown Point State Historic Site, 1955 – 2009.” Pictured is our presenter, Paul R. Huey, Ph.D who has personally researched the history of Crown Point every year, starting in 1956! Paul is the program speaker after the 1:00 p.m. potluck lunch [Bring your own place setting.] and annual business meeting of the Crown Point Road Association in the Community Hall at Bridport (just west of Route 22A) VT on Sunday, October 20, 2019. THIS Sunday! Please come!
I hope to see some of you there. For all that attend, you will receive a Collector’s Edition of my Secretary Report for 2019.
Cheers!
Dale ChristieCPRA Secretary of Defense
Hello Friends of the Road,
I hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather we’ve been having. I just played some outdoor tennis at the local school, which was great. I’ve heard about snow out west and heavy flooding down south, so I consider myself fortunate to be in the Northeast at the moment.
Some of you may already know about this, but we have made some small markers for marking the known areas of the CPR. They measure 5-5/8” x 3-3/4”. Attached is what they look like. To avoid playing favorites, we also got some markers made for our other “child”, the Hubbardton Military Road. It is the same size and also made of vinyl and made to last. Attached is an image of what they look like. The markers have been made to help preserve the knowledge of the areas that we have some level of confidence about the exact route. Previously, there was some tin can lids used to mark the routes. They have held up well, but the years have been catching up with them (as so many of us can relate to). Attached is a picture of what the old markers look like.
The main reason why I brought up the markers again, is to address those landowners who own known sections of either road. If you are willing, we would be excited to share some of the markers with you for installation on trees. Contact me if you are one of those fortunate individuals and willing to help us.
I have some great literature about the Crown Point Road to share with you all. Perhaps some of you have seen or read this, but I presume most of you have not. I am very thankful to a CPRA member named Ken Hatch who told me about this article. It was published in the October 1993 edition of Muzzle Blasts. It feels to me like a hidden treasure that Ken was nice enough to share with us all. I hope you enjoy reading it.
I have two upcoming events to talk about now. One is on our calendars, but one has come in “under the radar”, but is worthy of consideration. CPRA V.P. Barry Griffith, will be speaking about the CPR in Vergennes. He has been doing a great job with public outreach lately. We are thankful for his efforts and the extra time his retirement has given him. I hope you can attend one or both of these great events.
September 21: Barry will be speaking at the Annual Meeting for VOCA (Vermont Old Cemetery Association). Attached is a copy of the VOCA newsletter page outlining the schedule. If any CPRA members want to attend the AM meeting and lunch, please request a reservation from VOCA. Otherwise, all are welcome to attend Barry’s presentation at 1pm. For those who do not know about VOCA, it is one of the best organizations in the state and do a tremendous about of work to preserve our historical cemeteries. Their website is: https://voca58.org
September 28: The route of the Crown Point Road used during the Revolution and by Plymouth’s first settlers descended from the “Kingdom” to the shores of Lakes Echo and Amherst. A CPRA outing a decade ago was able to find traces of the road still visible. We’ll walk about two miles along the route and see what we can find. Meet in the parking lot of the Tyson Congregational Church off Route 100 (39 Dublin Road) on Saturday, September 28 at 10am. Bring a lunch, wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. For more info, contact leaders Barry and Barbara Griffith at (802) 492-3573 or bgriffithvt@gmail.com
Until we meet again,
Don’t forget your history!




Hello Friends of the Road,
I hope you are all well, but this letter will be stripped of all side topics, links and related information. This letter is all about the exciting bus trip we have planned for July. A very nice comfortable bus will be escorting participants to their destinations in the Albany NY area. The event organizer, Tom Hughes, has packed in a great schedule for the day. A bonus for the tour will be hearing insights along the way from the top authority on the topics that we will encounter: retired archeologist Paul Huey, who led the Fort Orange excavations 48 years ago! Vermonters may recognize Dr. Huey from his 60 years of research, starting in 1956, into the history of the fort ruins at Crown Point State Historic Site on Lake Champlain.
For all the details about the trip, you can read the attached document. If you’re like me, and don’t like to see movie trailers of movies I plan on watching, maybe you should get the key bits of the document (where, when, etc) and skim over the other parts of the document. It should be a great day to get together with fellow members, soak up lots of local history, and support a great organization (ours!).
If you have troubles opening the document, let me know. If you have any questions about the trip, or to reserve a seat (highly recommended!), than contact Tom Hughes, who’s contact information is at the bottom of the document. Also attached, is an image of Fort Orange, by artist Len Tantillo.
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Dale Christie
CPRA Secretary of Defense
Hello Friends of the Road(s), Allow me to begin by apologizing to those who have paid for merchandise, but have not yet received the “goods”. I can give you a few lame sounding excuses, but instead, I’ll just say that I have received your requests, and will get them in the mail sometime in the next few days. In case you didn’t notice the subtle change in my letter opening, I chose to add the “s” to “Road”. Many of us have taken an interest in the Hubbardton Military Road, or perhaps the Ti-Branch of the CPR, or even the Bayley-Hazen Road. For those who missed the car tour along the Bayley last year, be sure to make your voices heard if you want us to revisit that road in the future. Last month we had a great Spring day for our outing in Brandon. Leader Jim Rowe led us through a varied terrain and pointed out some areas that had a good likelihood of being the original route of the CPR. Just as a reminder to everyone, we have some areas we are confident that is the original route of the CPR, but much of the route is only “believed to be”, or “possibly” the route. With only a few known artifacts, and over 250 years since the road was formalized, the exact route has been mostly lost to time. But new information continues to be found all the time, and thanks to historical documents being made public, we continue to learn about the CPR. We want to do more archeological research which may uncover more artifacts as well. To all those who have mailed in your membership dues, THANK YOU! Your generosity will go toward future outings, research and preservation of the CPR history. Also, we got a few responses to our request for volunteers in the recent mailing. We’ll be sure to contact those individuals soon to make arrangements for your efforts. As with all non-profit organizations, It is essential to get more volunteers and keeping our membership healthy. For those who are not members of Facebook, I have attached some images that were posted recently in the Crown Point Road Facebook page. Tom Hughes does most of the contributions to the page. Thanks Tom for all your help! Here’s a link to a New York State website that gives 5 reasons to make Crown Point, NY on your summer bucket list: https://expo.newyorkupstate.com/life-and-culture/g66l-2019/05/0b310dcc45de4/5-reasons-crown-point-ny-needs-to-be-on-your-summer-bucket-list.html While you have your calendars out, I hope many of you have Saturday reserved for our upcoming outing. For years, Jim Rowe has led car tours sharing the routes of the Crown Point Road and the Hubbardton Military Road. The car tours have become immensely popular and now Jim has been inspired to create a new tour that highlights many noteworthy sites along the route of the CPR. Sites will include locations where revolutionary war taverns existed, historic homesteads, and other historic landmarks. This year will be the first part of the complete tour which will cover everywhere between Springfield, Vt and Crown Point, NY. I hope to see many of you Saturday. Here is the official write-up for the outing: Members and the public are encouraged to attend the first segment of the Taverns, Homesteads and Other Points of Interest Car Tour. Meet at the Hoyt’s Landing (boat access on Vermont side of Connecticut River) in Springfield at 10am. We will tour by car along the original route of the Crown Point Road to learn about many points of interest. This year’s tour segment will end in the Cavendish / Ludlow area. Bring a lunch. The leader will be Jim Rowe and assisted by Rebecca Hougher. For more info, call Jim at (802) 434-7415
Enjoy the warmer weather everyone, and never abandon your interest in history. It is as important as ever to remember the past!
Cheers!
Dale ChristieCPRA Secretary of Defense