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!
