2015 Rockingham Old Home Days Insert
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Old Home Days Schedule Enjoy Old Home Days! Your Hometown Full Service Tire Store
Enjoy thE firEworks &
havE fun at rockingham old homE days! Sponsored in part by Cheever Tire Family Owned and Operated
CHEEVER TIRE SERVICE, INC. Rt. 5 North, Bellows Falls, VT
802-463-3320
y Enjo e Hom d l O s! Day
ROCKINGHAM, VT -Great Falls Regional Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to come to the 39th Annual Rockingham Old Home Days in Bellows Falls Vermont from July 31- August 2, 2015. GFRCC would like to thank the following sponsors: Vermont Country Store, Chroma, Town of Rockingham, Rockingham Fireworks Fund, Best Septic, Green Mountain Traffic Control, Hennessey Electric, Bellows Falls Rotary, Cota Oil, Greater Falls Connections, Mascoma Savings, Massucco Law Office, Halladays, The Richards Group, Village Square Booksellers. For more information: Great Falls Regional Chamber of Commerce, Waypoint Center,17 Depot St, Bellows Falls, VT. www.gfrcc.org 802463-4280 Saturday August 1, 2015 “Bring It Home” 5K Run/Walk Registration 7:30 am to 8:30 am at the TDBank parking lot. Registration fee is 15.00. All proceeds support Rockingham Old Home Days, Event assisted by Greater Rock Fitness. Entertainment Schedule: At the Waypoint Center: Contests: 10:30 am: donut, 12 pm: Athens pizza, 1pm: Dari Joy ice cream, 3 pm: at Shona Grill hot dog Interactive Strolling Performers - Juggler: 11-2 pm, Hula Hooper: 12-3 pm, Balloon Extravaganzas: 3:30-
7:30 pm Petting Zoo: 9-2 pm * Roaming Railroad: 10-5 pm, Bounce Houses Rockingham Recreation Center: Children’s activities 11-2 pm Montshire Museum 12-5 pm Southern Vermont Nature Museum Watershed on Wheels (WOW) 10-5:30 pm Main Street Arts Bicycle Paint Game Bellows Falls Bike Project Bike Rodeo 1 pm Rockingham Library Lego-building Table 10-2 pm Greater Connections Dunk Tank 1-5 pm Boys & Girls Club Face Painting GFRCC Tie-Dye T-shirts 11-3 pm & 50/50 Raffle Ticket Booth Glowstick Vendors at the Waypoint Center 10-5 pm & near the Bridge 5-9 pm Fireworks at Dusk (after 9) - Best fireworks display in Vermont Rails Vermont Fireworks Train leaves Chester at 7 pm for Bellows Falls In the Square: Adams Grist Mill Museum, Bellows Falls Historical Society, Mill Street 1-3 pm American Legion: Chicken BBQ Donovan’s Mechanical Bull 6:3010:30 pm & Live Music 4:30 & 9:30 pm Flat Iron Exchange: Million Dollar
Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches on sale Halladays: Wine and Cheese Tasting 12-4 pm Valley Cafe: Fresh Squeezed Lemonade & Homemade Desserts Village Square Booksellers: Webster’s House Animal Shelter 10-1 pm, Strategy Games 1-4 pm, Find Waldo Local Prize Party at 2 pm Sidewalk Sales at Coyote Moon, Halladay’s Harvest Barn, J&H Hardware, J&H Sporting Goods, SEVCA Good Buy Store, The Rock & Hammer Jewelry and Village Square Booksellers. Please check with individual stores for hours or in-the-store sales. Bellows Falls Union High School: Antique Truck Show at, Rt 5 - 8-4 pm Live Music Schedule: Waypoint Center: 10-12 pm: Jesse Peters; 1-5 pm: Worldway Calypso Band; 5-9 pm: The Illusion Bridge St: Voice of United Spirit Square: Live Music at Donovan’s, Popolo & Shona Grill Food Booths at the Waypoint Center: Athens Pizza, BFDDA Fruit Kebabs, GFRCC Cotton Candy & Popcorn, Moose Lodge Grill, RJ’s Grill and Taste of Thai Guinness World Records Team BBQ starts Friday July 31 at 11 am at Shona Grill through Fireworks Au-
Old Home Days
Farm market Come to Allen Brothers for the freshest ProduCe! OuR OwN TOmATOES, SwEET CORN, BEANS, CuCumBERS & FRESH EGGS ~GARDEN CENTER SALE~ Old Fashioned Hard Ice Cream Inside/Outside Eating Areas
OPEN 7 dayS 5:30 am - 9:00 Pm Exit 5 off I-91 • Rte 5 South • Westminster, VT 802 722-3395 • www.allenbrothersfarms.com 2
2015 Rockingham Old Home Days Insert
Town of Rockingham The Town of Rockingham is located in southeastern Vermont, on the banks of the Connecticut River. In population and in its impact on the region, it is the second largest community in Windham County. About forty square miles in area, Rockingham is predominantly rural and forested, but also includes densely settled residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and several industrial areas. Of approximately 5,300 residents, about 4,000 live within two incorporated villages, Bellows Falls and Saxtons River. Many others live in or near the small hamlets of Bartonsville, Brockways Mills, and Cambridgeport. (“Hamlet” is another word for an unincorporated rural village.) All of the town’s settlements are located on the Connecticut River or one of two tributaries to the Connecticut, the Williams and Saxtons Rivers. The balance of the town not included in the geographic areas listed above is referred to as Rural Rockingham. The area encompassed by the Town has a rich and varied history, which is highlighted in this paper. Rockingham Town Until about 1825, the now-quiet hamlet near the Meeting House was the principal village of the Town in business and inhabitants, and the town offices were located there. The settlement took form at the base of the small hill where the town meeting houses were located. Development in Bellows Falls in the 19th Century shifted the focus of the town, and a fire in 1909 destroyed the stores and post office. The Rockingham Meeting House, constructed 17871801, is now operated by the Town as a museum. It has been declared a National Historic Landmark. Indigenous people inhabited the Connecticut River Valley for some 10,000 years. It is believed that for
Old Home Days Schedule Continued gust 1. Friday July 31 BF Farmer’s Market 4-7pm United Church Pig Roast, 5pm Rockingham Rec Center Carnival 6-9pm Sunday August 2, 1pm Rockingham Meeting House 109th Pilgrimage: Main Street Arts String Band: “Precious Memories: Regional Music and Poetry for the Occasion”
The
Village Printers
5 Canal Street • Bellows Falls, VT 05101 ph/fax: 802-463-9697 • vilprtnr@sover.net
A colored postcard of The Rockinham Meeting House circa 1920.
PHOTO PROVIDED.
Full Service Print & Shop 1-4 Color Offset & Digital Printing Wide Format Digital Printing Laminating
First Run Films • Classic Film Night • Live Music Events Live Theater • Meetings • Presentations 2 Venues Available Bellows Falls Opera House & Town Hall Lower Theater www.bfoperahouse.com • 463-4766 • Find us on Facebook
several thousand years they gathered here at the Great Falls on the Connecticut to harvest migrating salmon and shad. The first European settlers tried to establish homesteads in this area during the first half of the 1700s, when the land was still occupied by Native Americans, the Abenaki, who joined the French in conducting a war against English intruders. Bedrock near the Great Falls retain stone carvings known as petroglyphs that are believed to have been created by Abenaki at least 300 years ago or more, during a period when their villages and burial grounds were set out here on the banks of the Connecticut in present-day Vermont and New Hampshire. Rockingham was chartered in 1753 by Benning Wentworth, the Colonial Governor sitting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Since then, a Select Board whose members are elected by registered voters of the Town has governed it. After the conclusion of the French & Indian War, in 1763, settlement began in earnest. Many new inhabitants came from previous homes
in Massachusetts and Connecticut. They cleared land and established homesteads scattered throughout the town. The Rockingham Meeting House, constructed 1789-1801, was erected in roughly the geographic center of the town, in the hamlet that still bears the name of Rockingham. However, industrial and commercial development after the Civil War produced a concentration of population and activity in Bellows Falls, where it remains today. Rockingham takes pride in its local history and traditions, and seeks to improve its economic condition, cultural and educational outlooks, and quality of life, through community collaborations and creative approaches. To read more of the history of Rockingham, consult the two Town History books: History of the Town of Rockingham 1753-1907, by Lyman Simpson Hayes, published by the Town, 1907. History of the Town of Rockingham, 1907-1957, by Frances Stockwell Lovell and Everett C. Lovell, published by the Town, 1958.
the windham ballroom friday july 31 8pm tanya donelly with arc iris
36 the square bellows falls reservations 802.460.7676 popolomeanspeople.com
Let The Current take you where you need to go
CONVENIENT PARK AND RIDES... LOW FARES
RIDING THE BUS JUST MAKES $SENSE! With Convenient Park and Rides and low fares, riding the bus just makes $sense! Upper Valley Commuter Buses .. $2 one way Brattleboro Commuter Buses ….. $1 one way Buses to and between Bellows Falls, Springfield and Brattleboro
The Current wishes everyone in Rockingham Happy Old Home Days! For schedules and Information visit our website at www.crtransit.org or call us at 888-869-6287 or 802-460-RIDE Free interpreter services available. Please tell us if you need an interpreter or other accommodation.
2015 Rockingham Old Home Days Insert
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Our Community
Enjoy Old Home Days! Visit the Emblem Club Booth During Old Home Days! 41 Square, Suite B, Bellows Falls, VT Salon: 802-463-3992 • Home: 802-463-3573 Email: scissors@sover.net
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE!
K.BEEBE, INC.
YOUR WATER SYSTEMS EXPERT
A colored postcard of the new Arch Bridge.
Enjoy Rockingham Old Home Days!
Photo Courtesy of Bellows Falls Historical Society
CABLE TOOL WELL DRILLING & HEATING
Have a Great Time at Old Home Days!
Pump Sales & Service
Walpole Valley Tire
K. SHELDON BEEBE 802-463-3725 Bellows Falls, Vermont 05101
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 - 5:00 • Saturday 8:00 - Noon
Route 12 • Walpole, NH • 603-445-2060
Bellows Falls Village The Village of Bellows Falls is the largest population center (about 3,500 residents) within the Town of Rockingham and has long served as the civic, commercial, and cultural hub of the community. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the local topography of the Connecticut River inspired the construction of a canal system, bridges, and mills that took advantage of hydropower and plentiful water. As a transportation hub and manufacturing center, Bellows Falls became the “market town” for the regional agricultural economy. It has been the seat of town government since 1869. The Village itself was incorporated in 1909 and since then has been overseen by a Board of Trustees elected by residents of the Village. Today, the tall clock tower of the brick Town Hall rises above a vibrant downtown that’s gained a regional reputation for arts and antiques, live music, and innovative bricksand-mortar projects that combine economic development and historic preservation. Within a short walk of downtown are residential neighborhoods that include many gems of Victorian-era architecture known as “painted ladies.” Visit the “Walking
ENJOY ROCKINGHAM OLD HOME DAYS! Choice Meats Since 1926
LISAI’S MARKET
LITTLE LISAI’S MARKET
802-463-4118
802-463-4118
128 Atkinson St. • Bellows Falls, VT Mon.-Sun. 8am - 8pm
All Your BBQ Supplies and Needs 4
2015 Rockingham Old Home Days Insert
Atkinson St. • Bellows Falls, VT Mon.–Sun. 8am - 8pm
Come In, Take a Break, Let Us Cook for You
borhoods that include many gems of Victorian-era architecture known as “painted ladies.” Visit the “Walking Tour of Bellows Falls” to see some fine examples of this architecture.
Our Community
district and nearby neighborhoods. Three historic districts
LOcaLLy Owned & Operated
NEW SECTIONS on our website!
of Historic Places encompass industrial, commercial and resi-
Falls. short distance Tour of Bellows Falls”cut to see some long River agoThe created a se- between shores enabled the construction of fine examples of this architecture. ries of level terraces adjacent to the first bridge anywhere on At Bellows Falls, thea Connecticut long and narrow gorge(1785) known the entire 410-mile-long river, making River long ago created series of asathe Great Falls. The short disBellows Falls an enabled important river crosslevel terraces adjacent tance to a long between and shores roads. At a time when travel narrow gorge known as the Great rst by river
bridge (1785) anywhere on the ing Bellows Falls an important
cal than overland, a series of eight locks on the Bellows Falls
was more practical than overland, a series of eight locks on the Bellows Falls Canal (1791-1802) lifted boats a height of more than fifty feet around the gorge. It was one of the first transportation canals constructed in the country, and was completed more than two decades before the famous Erie Canal. In 1849, two railroad lines converged in Bellows Falls, making
Auto
Real Estate
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We’re located at: 8 High Street in Ludlow • 802-228-3600
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Interior of The Rockinham Meeting House circa 1920.
Space reservations by 12 noon Friday Camera Ready ads due: Monday at 12 noon
PRESS RELEASE/ ARTICLE DEADLINES: All articles are due by Friday at 12 noon All editorial is due by Friday at 12 noon
Photo provided
An old storage crypt/vault in the Rockingham Meeting House Cemetary.
Photo by donna allen
20 Village Square Bellows Falls, VT 802-463-4140 Online Customer Service: 1-855-828-9792
Fall Foliage Trains Sept 19th - Oct 18th Schedules & Tickets Available at: www.rails-vt.com
2015 Rockingham Old Home Days Insert
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GREATER FALLS INSURANCE
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Our Community
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Glass negative of the old covered bridge, and mill and violin shop at Brockway Mills, VT. Photo courtesy of Chester Historical Society
Enjoy Rockingham Old Home Days! Certified Organic Produce Our Own Pork & Grass Fed Beef Fresh Free Range Chicken Available Sweet Corn Picked Daily Visit us on Facebook! Look us up on the web: HarlowFarm.com Route 5 • Westminster, Vermont • 802-722-3515 (1/2 Mile North off Exit 5/Interstate 91)
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2015 Rockingham Old Home Days Insert
Bellows Falls a railroad hub. The railroad stimulated the growth of local industries like the Vermont Farm Machine Company, which manufactured farm and dairy equipment, and the Bellows Falls Cooperative Creamery, which processed and distributed milk from farms in the region. After the railroad arrived, the transportation canal became a system of flumes that directed water to one of the largest papermaking complexes in the world. The company that in 1869 was among the first to use wood pulp for making paper was later one of 13 consolidated to form the International Paper Company in 1898. All of this industrial activity promoted the growth and evolution of a downtown commercial district and nearby neighborhoods. Three historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places encompass industrial, commercial and residential areas. Saxtons River The Village of Saxtons River is the second-largest population center (about 500 residents) within the Town of Rockingham. Several falls on the Saxtons River provided opportunities in the early 19th century for
water-powered mills that stimulated the growth of the Village. Among the early businesses were woolen and saw mills, a gristmill, tannery, distillery, clock manufacturer, and hotel. In 1820, the Town established boundaries of the village, and in 1905, the Village of Saxtons River was incorporated and since then has been overseen by a Board of Trustees elected by registered voters of the Village. From 1900-1924, the Bellows Falls & Saxtons River Railroad, an electric train system, linked Rockingham’s two villages. The company created Barber Park east of Saxtons River, to which summertime crowds took the trolleys to baseball games and amusement rides. Located just outside the Village boundaries – but a strong influence on the character and economy of Saxtons River – is Vermont Academy, a private, co-educational high school founded in 1876. Vermont Academy established an annual Winter Carnival early in the 20th century, contributing to the creation of New England’s winter recreation culture. Student enrollment is around 250. The commercial core of the Village is formed by a general store, an inn, and a restaurant and is surrounded
Moose
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Lodge #527
Have fun at Old Home Days! 59 Westminster St. • 802-463-4054 • Bellows Falls, Vermont
by a residential neighborhood that dates back to the 19th century and historic mill sites. The village center is a National Register Historic District. Bartonsville This hamlet near the Williams River drew its name from Jeremiah Barton, who erected the first mills for sawing lumber and grinding grains for humans and animals about 1840. In about 1852, these were rebuilt into a paper mill, and the community grew to include two paper mills, a gristmill, blacksmith shop, store, post office, and railroad station. However, a flood in 1869 changed the course of the Williams River, leaving the village and mills some distance away, and the mills were moved to Bellows Falls. Brockways Mills A high gorge on the Williams River was the site around 1800 of an unusual water-powered mill, which ground flour at one end and lumber at the other, and for a time also served as a tannery. The sawmill included a woodworking shop, which manufactured spindles for the pews when the Rockingham Meeting House was restored in 1907. Like Bartonsville, it was once a stop on the Rutland Railroad. Cambridgeport Located on the town line with Grafton, a portion of this hamlet lies in each town. A drop in elevation of the Saxtons River once furnished waterpower to woolen, saw, grist, and soapstone mills. Only one mill remains, as a ruin. The hamlet was named after J.T. Cambridge, who opened a clothing business in 1825.
Le Studio gymnastics and Southern VT dance Academy “36 Years of Building Confidence through Skill and Self-Esteem”
Want to register for fall classes? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! u Register online at lestudio.biz v Call us at 802-463-9010 or 603-477-9479 w Visit us at our Open house Saturday, August 1st 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. 7752 US Rte 5, Westminster, VT (Across from the bellows Fall high School)
Activities: Open gym, demonstrations, games, door prizes valued at over $1,000, refreshments and more! Register by August 1 and pay in full and receive your recital costume and birthday party FRee! Le Studio was voted USA gymnastics VT “CLUb OF The yeAR” 2013
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Le Studio offers the moste creative, fun, high energy birthday parties you will ever experience. Our birthday party menu can be found online at lestudio.biz. please book early to save your special day!
After School All Stars Dance The Southern VT dance Academy under the direction of Alyssa hewitt offers the finest dance in all styles to all levels of dancers. Join us for fun in ballet, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, modern and jazz. Call us today to hold your spot!
Le Studio is the finest after school program in the area. We offer a full range of activities from gymnastics, dance, martial arts, cooking, snacks, crafts, theater, homework club and so much more. We provide transportation from bellow Falls, Walpole, Saxtons River, Westminster and putney. We are open on non school days and during school vacations. Space is limited and fills quickly, please enroll today.
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FOR MORe inFORMATiOn On Any OF OUR pROgRAMS pLeASe CALL US AT 802-463-9010 7752 US Route 5, Westminster, VT 05158
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OnLine RegiSTRATiOn AT WWW.LeSTUdiO.biz MORe inFORMATiOn AT 802-463-9010 OR gyMbiz35@yAhOO.COM 2015 Rockingham Old Home Days Insert
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HB Energy Solutions Bridge Street, Springfield, VT 05156 | 802‐885‐2300 www.hbenergy.com 8
2015 Rockingham Old Home Days Insert