MHSNews1017

Scott Perry - Chair/Editor

Bill McGroarty - Vice Chair

Marijke Dollois - Secretary

Mark Baddorf - Treasurer

The MHS Board meets the third Thursday of the month at 9:00a.m. Pratt Hall in the summer, Public Safety Building Conference Room in the Winter.

History Quiz:

1. What do the following men have in common?

George Washington,
Thomas Jefferson,
Alexander Hamilton

2. The most current design of the two dollar bill was first printed and released in:

a. 1965 b. 1976

c. 1985 d. 1991

3. The most recent printing of the two dollar bill was:

a. 1976 b. 1985

c. 1991 d. 2014

Chairman's Message

Every time we get together with other historical societies we hear the same lament. "How do we keep our organization going? How can we attract new, younger members? How do we convince people about the importance and relevance of community heritage work?

Our Society is better off than most in this regard. Still, this summer the Board made a concerted effort to diversify our programs and increase our public engagement Our thinking was to expose our organization to the community in ways that build interest and appreciation for what we do.

Our decision to mount an exhibit commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the 97 Flood was part of that effort. About 275 people viewed the exhibit at Pratt Hall over three Summer Saturdays and nearly 700 have viewed the exhibit's centerpiece flood video on our Youtube channel. Feedback has been uniformly positive. Some said "I had no idea" about the damage. Some said it was therapeutic. Many thanked us for doing it.

We also decided to take a few risks and do some things outside of our normal comfort zone or traditional role. This included hosting and organizing this year's Farmers' Market, a puppet show in September, another Oktoberfest dinner, and upcoming draft horse wagon rides at Christmas.

It's been a busy Summer and Fall. We hope you have been able to join us or can in the future. As always thanks for your support.

Scott

Farmer's Market a Huge Success

Feedback from everyone has been fantastic. The vendors are doing well and people are enjoying socializing and shopping at this hyper-local weekly market. Sue Wilson extended the market through the end of September by request, and is already planning next year's schedule. It will likely reprieve the baby animals and may include some live music and other surprises.

Of note, we provided free space at the Farmer's Market for other groups to raise money too, including the Conservation Commission, Franklin County Home Health, the Montgomery Quilters' Circle, Hectorville Bridge Committee, Covered Bridges Garden Club and the Humane Society.

Many folks have stopped by the Society tent to thank us for organizing and hosting this event which features a little bit of everything. Thanks to Sue and Elsie Saborowski, and all the volunteers who've manned the tent, and helped set up and close down the market every week. This is a real success story.

Puppet Show

The Society teamed with the Town Library and the "Friends of the Library" to host the Modern Times Theater Puppet Show on September 16th. Think Punch and Judy meets Vermont, Mr. Punch barely escaped the crocodile (with audience help) and we set a record for kazoo playing in Pratt Hall. A grand time was had by all.

Oktoberfest Dinner

Elsie and crew will be serving up all the traditional German fare on October 7th at the Town Hall / Grange. Paid reservations are required in person at Lutz's Automotive... if any openings are left. Give them a call to check. $25 per person, BYOB.

Christmas Plans

We are offering something a little different this year. There will be free Christmas wagon rides, pulled by "Down to Earth Draft Horses'" Belgians and Percherons, on Saturday Dec 16th from Noon to 3:00. The Hall will be open to warm the participants and hot chocolate and cookies for all. Candles and Carols will be Sunday the 17th at 5:00 o'clock. Details will be announced on our web site, via email, and in Lois' column.

2017 Membership Report

Our reminder letter was a tad later than we would have liked but better late than never. Please help us reach our goal of 200 members for 2017. Remember you can now join or renew via our web site's Membership link and pay using a credit card or Paypal. Just click the Donate button. If you've already joined - thank you! If not, it's never too late.

Look For Our Booth at the MES Craft Show and Sale

We will reprise our booth at this show Dec 9th at the Montgomery Elementary School from 9:00 to 3:00. Books, cards, ornaments, engraved brick pavers, and more will be for sale. Check out the sale and stop by and say hello.

Can't make the show? You can purchase any of these items by clicking the History for Sale link on our web site.

Vermont Civil War Heritage Trail / Gen.Stannard Home

A group of enthusiasts has organized a new trail, roughly following U.S. Route 7, comprised of 15 sites related to Vermont in the Civil War. It includes the St. Albans Raid (Taylor Park and The St. Albans Museum) and Swanton (the Raiders escape route). It's a work in progress and hopes to include more sites in the future.

Download their brochure.

The new trail also includes the home of VT Civil War hero Gen George Stannard in Milton. Another new group is seeking to restore the General's post-war home. More information here: http://www.generalstannardhouse.org/

Support the MHS, Use Amazon Smile

As we approach the holiday season please consider using Amazon Smile for your Amazon purchases. You can shop just like you normally would on Amazon and designate the MHS (in Vermont) as your beneficiary. Amazon will donate from their charitable foundation based on what you spend on each purchase. It's small but adds up. Thanks.

This Quarter in Montgomery History

Oct - 1809, Measures taken to establish Town's first school.

Nov - 1898, Four Corners (West Hill) Post Office opened

Dec - 1977, St. Bartholomew's renamed Pratt Hall.

History Quiz Answers

1. They were all on the front side of the two dollar bill / note over history.

2. b. The latest two dollar bill design was in 1976 in celebration of the bicentennial.

3. d. The latest printing of the two dollar bill was 2014.

League of Local Historical Societies and Museums (LLHSM)
Annual Meeting Oct 28th

This year's meeting will be at Lyndon State College. This day long conference, usually attended by over 100 members of local societies, includes a keynote address, award ceremony, and workshops on a variety of topics. It's open to the public and at a discount for members of local societies. Let us know if you'd like to join us. More info here: LLHSM Annual Meeting

Thanks for your support!!