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 Some of them are greatly outdated and need to be modernized.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!