Hello Friends of the Road,

Assuming you are all in the northern hemisphere, it is now officially Summer. For the most part, the weather has been good here lately but we could use a little rain as lawns are drying out and I’ve seen some hillsides are looking a bit brown. With the costs of most things going up, I’m glad to have a well producing garden and local farms to get food from. No matter how fresh the stores say their food is, it is hard to beat a local source. 

Back in May, we kicked off the year’s schedule with a presentation by local historian and ground explorer Phil Mandolare. He has done some polishing and adjustments to his digital presentation for a wider audience and has made it available for us to share. Even those who attended may enjoy watching this material again. Thanks Phil, and here is the link to view it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFqDXZBgb-w

Coming up during the month of July is not one, but TWO outings I’d like to share. They are both the same weekend, so you’ll be able to get your fill of us. One is our annual attendance at the re-enactment activities in Hubbardton. The other is a hybrid event involving some hiking and some car touring. Let’s hope the weather is good that weekend! This coming weekend will include 4th of July, and if you are one to attend barbecues, and eat lots, than maybe you’ll want to attend one or both of our events to work off some calories. Here are the full write-ups for the two outings:

July 9: As part of the annual weekend of events to celebrate the historic battle in Hubbardton, and as one of the event’s regular attendees, the CPRA will have a booth on Saturday to meet visitors. Come attend the event and support your organization at the  re-enactment. Admission fee for the weekend’s events will be $6 per person, per day. For more info, call the Battlefield Welcome Center at (802) 273-2282

July 10: Sunday afternoon, meet at 1PM at the Downer’s Corner Store, located at the intersection of VT 106 & VT 131 in Weathersfield (area also known as Downers). There will be a combination auto and walking tour from CPR Markers #17 to #24. The tour will be led by long-time CPRA members Steve Aikenhead and Dennis Devereux. Contact Steve at stevea47@tds.net or Dennis at 802-259-2460.

I’d like to share a fabulous website that was shared with me by CPRA Treasurer Whitney. It is a wealth of information that gives you an interactive view of the populations of the world. Things get really interesting the further back in time you go. I hope you all enjoy this jewel:http://geacron.com/home-en/

In closing, I often urge everyone to keep reading and study your history, but a very wise local historian offered me the following comments that are quite worthy of passing along:Perhaps you could encourage people to visit our local historic sites in lieu of long vacations due to the prices of gas.  Lots to see nearby on short day trips from Plattsburgh (War of 1812) to Albany.  Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Chimney Point & Crown Point, Mt. Independence & Hubbardton, Bennington, Roger’s Island, Saratoga, Schuyler Mansion in Albany, New York State Museum in Albany, Johnson Hall in Johnstown, NY.  Also The American Heritage Museum in Hudson, MA, New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT, are all day trips.

Vegetable are great but history has a longer shelf life.

Thank you Paul for all of that! Until we meet again. Be well all!