Friends of the Road Newsletter 2023-09-11

September 12, 2023 Dale Christie

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!