Hello Friends of the Road,

It is me, the one that sends you thought provoking information mixed with useless rambling. I’m hoping the former is true occasionally, and certain the latter is true. The clock of life continues to spin faster and faster as another season of CPRA outings is coming to a close. Wasn’t it just May and we were exploring the Charlestown area? Today has become a rainy day so I’m trying to get some indoor tasks done. It has been great weather for the past month with very little rain and plenty of opportunities to do some leaf peeping. The foliage is now on the downward slope, but still quite good in places. And if you’re into astronomy, there’s a comet up there to look for during the next evening with clear skies. 

I have a very exciting offering for you all today. It has been in the making for a little while now. The board of directors discussed and agreed that we should interview long time historian Elaine Purdy. For those that don’t know her, she has been involved with the CPRA for a long time, continues to contribute and has been invaluable to many historical societies in the area for decades. We pondered a while and came up with a list of questions for her. At the bottom of this letter, you’ll find the questions and answers. I really enjoyed reading what she wrote and I expect you will too. Many answers give great advice, and others offer insight into the life that she has had so far. I’m very thankful to have gotten to know her. Thank you very much Elaine for taking the time to do this interview and Linda for assisting her.
 
The annual meeting is coming up for us. That means I should have my Secretary’s Report finished, but have procrastinated a bit on that. I’ll blame the good weather we’ve been having. Rest assured, I will have a report for those that attend. The outing is very flexible, and those who want to attend don’t need to be there for the whole thing. Feel free to come late, leave early, or arrive late and leave early! Our guest speaker has a lot of great information to share, and many in the area know him well. He is the pastor of the Pittsford Congregation Church, has served as a trustee of the Maclure Library for years, and has been hosting the show “Historically Speaking” also for years. If you’re not familiar with that show, you really should check it out, and perhaps binge watch the series. You can find past episodes here: https://rutlandhistory.com/historically-speaking/ You can read about all the 200+ episodes at that website, but WARNING: the video hosting website is down right now, so you won’t be able to watch them today. Hopefully soon it will be back online, so for now bookmark the page for later. Getting back to the annual meeting, it will be on October 20th, a week from today in Pittsford. Here is the full write-up: Our CPRA Annual Meeting will be at the Pittsford Congregational Church at 121 Village Green, in Pittsford, VT. We will commence at 1PM with our traditional potluck dinner — bring your place setting and a dish to share – followed by our business meeting and concluding with our featured presentation by noted historian Michael Dwyer. With four decades of teaching history and genealogical research behind him, he will share a variety of stories about his personal discoveries and the lives they have touched. Guests welcome to attend any part of the schedule. For more info, call Barry at (802) 492-3573 or email bgriffithvt@gmail.com Potluck Meal: 1:00-2PM~CPRA Business Meeting: 2:00-2:30PM~Guest Speaker: 2:30PM

And now for the Elaine Purdy interview. I hope to see a good turnout Sunday. Take care everyone and keep enjoying the wealth of historical content that is accessible to us all!

QUESTIONS:
1. How did you first get involved with the CPRA?
2. What makes you so interested in history?
3. What are important personality traits for an historian?
4. Have you ever wished you could have lived during the era when the CPR was used?
5. Do you think you could have been Ann Story?
6. Name one or more of your favorite known or believed to be known locations on the CPR?
7. Have you ever participated in any archeology work?
8. Tell us two things about the CPR that is NOT in the recent Markers Guide Book?
9. Tell us one or more of your favorite outings with the CPRA?
10. Tell us one of more of your favorite guest speakers to have attended an annual meeting?
11. Tell us the most important reason to preserve the history of the CPR?
12. What are you most proud of during your years of involvement about with the CPRA?
13. What is the one thing that you want future boards of the CPRA to accomplish most?
14. What do you think is the most effective way to get people interested in history?
15. In your opinion, what are the 5 most important events in Vermont history?
16. How has technology changed history research?
17. What can you tell us (that is not in the markers book) about CPRA’s founding fathers and mothers who created our organization and did so much for it in the years 1960 – 2000?

ANSWERS:
17.  What can you tell us (that is not in the markers book) about CPRA’s founding fathers and mothers who created our organization and did so much for it in the years 1960 – 2000?
I will do my best to answer the 17 questions that have been submitted. The responses will be off the top of my head – a head cluttered with trivia I might add – so I will try not to wander too much. I will begin with the final question, Number 17, about some of the founding members of the association.Phyllis Humphries lived in West Rutland and was a descendant of quarry owner Charles Slason. With her husband, Hubert, they spent time attempting to establish the true location of the road through primary sources: studying deeds, town records and maps and creating detailed overlays. They created a wonderful springboard for future exploration.Flora Weeks, who was single, and a Registered Nurse, researched texts and sought out old timers with ties to the earliest local settlers. Her ancestors were early settlers in Clarendon and she grew up in the old homestead. She was a natural historian and writer.Both Phyllis and Flora, through their columns in the Rutland Herald, created awareness of and interest in the CPR. They were, no doubt, inspired by their membership in the DAR.Martin Howe and Carl Hollender were undoubtedly responsible for the establishment of the CPRA as an Association. I think they were both engineers and successful in business. Howe was raised on the Martin property in Mount Holly, now the Perry Farm . Marker 34A was dedicated in his memory. This site was called Halfway Hill by Ruth Fletcher Charland, who wrote a seminal article describing the probable direction of the road. Howe was related to the Pollards who were very early settlers in the area. His description of the history and lure of the Crown Point Road in the Introduction to the Marker book is eloquent and ought to be included in future editions.Carl Hollender is probably the most notorious and interesting character among our founders. He was born in Brattleboro to parents who resided in what was then a sizeable enclave of German emigres. During World War I, Germans were the objects of constant suspicion, and Carl, because of his young age, became one of them. According to the story (there was a book written about his travails) an ambitious government agent pursued him until he was sent to Federal prison for several months as a German spy. When he was released some suspected his mother may have been the spy because of her many inflammatory statements in favor of the Kaiser. After a successful business career, he and Fran retired to Shrewsbury and took interest in local history.Eroe Howe carried on with the CPRA as an officer after her husband’s death. She was responsible for many of the early photographic records. After Hollender died in 1968 wife Fran remained in their home in Shrewsbury on the road to the Poor House and explored the section of the CPR that led to the school house marker on Lincoln Hill.  Note: a large iron cooking pot similar to those carried by the British army was found on the road North of the house, according to Flora Weeks.Augustus Aldrich must be mentioned because he is sort of our Patron Saint. His enthusiasm and over-the-ground exploration surely kindled an interest in others to continue his quest. Carmine Guicca was his disciple and friend and carried on his work with Boy Scouts and as trail guide.Carmine was profoundly deaf due to undergoing a prolonged barrage while with a landing party on a Pacific Island (Iwo Jima?) during WW11. He and Carmella attended two church services every Sunday at his church and then hers.

Numbers 1-16
1. How did you first get involved with the CPRA?
The columns written by Phyllis and Flora for the Rutland Herald in the late Fifties sparked an interest in the Crown Point Road but I wasn’t able to go on a hike until sometime later. The hike was led by Larry and Peggy. It included the Prickly Ash site and the Doolittle house and I was hooked!

2. What makes you so interested in history?  
My father shared his love of History with me at an early age. Week-end and vacation trips nearly always had a destination of historical and sometimes just unusual places. My grandmothers were proud of their lineage and encouraged an interest in Genealogy so my interest in the past was pre-ordained.

3. What are important personality traits for an historian?
A historian must have a sense of curiosity, a need to find answers and then the ability to do proper research to find them. The research then has to be compiled, sorted and verified. Sometimes a local legend will turn out to be false and has to be discarded; although in some cases it may lead in a promising direction. You have to rely on primary sources. Once you believe you have made a true find you can introduce it to an audience where it will be welcomed and appreciated.

4. Have you ever wished you could have lived during the era when the CPR was used?
I think I can answer Four and Five together, about wanting to return to the Colonial era on the Crown Point Road. I would probably only want to go back to that time in History as a teen-ager. Having a sense of adventure and no responsibilities might compensate for leaving a comfortable home for an uncertain yet promising future.

5. Do you think you could have been Ann Story?
As to being Ann Story:  Probably not, although you never know how you might react if your children are threatened. I did have several great, great, great grandmothers who might have given her a run for the money. Maybe I could have been Molly Pitcher.

6. Name one or more of your favorite locations known or believed to be known on the crown point road.
The site of the long-abandoned Pollard home site at the four corners between Shrewsbury and Plymouth is one of my favorite locations. The four roads lead almost directly to the four points of the compass. Going North you will pass the grave of the Unknown Soldier who died at the nearby spring associated with an early campground. One of the first school houses was located there also. Continuing on you will arrive at Captain John Coolidge’s early pitch. To the South you pass signs of early settlement and arrive at the Halfway Encampment in Mount Holly.  To the West are more early home sites and family cemeteries. Then on to the town of Shrewsbury.  Go East and you will travel brookside down to Tyson and the Black River ponds.  You can just imagine the back-and-forth travel and socializing amongst these early settlers once peace had come.

7. Have you ever participated in any archaeological work?
I have never done any archaeological work unless you count the time Al Ransom had permission from landowners to conduct a dig at a promising cellar hole at the top of Dix Hill. He had constructed rudimentary items for the search and I was elected to operate the sifter. Unfortunately, we found only items related to sugaring and they were left with the landowner.

8. Two things about the CPR that are not in the current guide book.
It would be interesting to note in the book that Revolutionary War Generals Washington and Schuyler were well aware of the old road and its strategic importance. It is mentioned a number of times in their correspondence. Another thing I would like to see is improved mapping. The current maps involved a lot of research and have been very useful but GPS probably will take over in the future I can imagine a laminated map embracing the entire road in a rear pocket of the book. There are a number of businessmen in the area who would probably assist funding. Also it would be good to better identify documented points in the book. Location and description and an image would be very informative.

9. Tell us one or more of your favorite outings.
One of the earliest outings I went on was with Barbara Jones at Fort Number Four and the New Hampshire markers on the New Hampshire side of the Connecticut River. Barbara was a serious historian and was instrumental in organizing the first hike and Crown Point Road celebration in Springfield in 1958. She was also deeply involved in the restoration of the Old Fort and preserving its place in history.A second special outing was with former president Bill Allen in Old Deerfield. Even though he was in ill health at the time, he accompanied us pointing out the many points of interest. Bill was a native of the area and attended Deerfield Academy so he knew his history well.   He was also interested in the Sudbury Vermont area since he was a descendant of the Ketchams What a privilege it was to meet and know these two interesting people.

10. Tell us the names of some of your favorite guest speakers at our annual meeting.
The first speaker that comes to mind is our own Tom Hughes. The occasion I especially remember was when he lectured us on the history of the fort at Crown Point. He gave a detailed chronology and answered many of our questions relating to both the French and the English occupations. In addition, he passed out maps and diagrams for us to study and keep. I know I have mine in a safe place and have studied and looked at them many times.    A second speaker of note was Art Cohn from the Champlain Maritime Museum. He brought to life the early days of Skenesborough and Benedict Arnold’s time there building his ships and later destroying them. Cohn went on to doing much valuable work in the underwater archaeology of Lake Champlain and the further development of the museum. His contribution to history and education is sizable.

11. Tell us the most important reason to preserve the history of the CPR.
As with many of the historic events leading to the establishment of our country it is important to remember and preserve not only the event but also the immense contribution of our ancestors.  If we look around ourselves today we can see the immense damage that can be done to the heritage that has been passed on to us by others. And it only takes one person.

12. What are you most proud of during your years of involvement about with the CPRA?
It would probably be my involvement in the instigation of our attempt to have the CPR placed on the National Register of Historic Places. I talked to Vt. Senator Jim Jeffords who offered encouragement and advice on how to approach the project. The board members agreed and we proceeded to secure a grant and backing from the state. An archaeologist was hired and Al Ransom became project manager. The time and effort spent by assisting members helped compile reams of information about the road in the area of Socialborough, later the town of Rutland, even though our submission failed. I sincerely hope new attempts will be made in the future It has been suggested that a simpler, less complicated pursuit would be to have the markers placed on the register instead.

13. What is the one thing that you want future boards of the CPRA to accomplish most?
While I don’t know if by laws have been altered to expand inclusion, I do understand a younger generation’s desire to pursue research in other old roads and places of historic interest. I do hope the goals and dedication of the founders will also continue to be pursued and honored. They were true Patriots and historians.

14. What do you think is the most effective way to get people interested in history?
Some people become interested in history because of the discovery of an interesting artifact or an old letter or photograph. This leads them to a desire to know more and to begin some exploration. However; not everyone possesses this character trait. In this case, perhaps an interest may be aroused by visiting a museum or witnessing a commemorative event. This might be a patriotic holiday celebration, parade or reenactment. The substitution of Social Studies in place of History in our schools was a big mistake in my opinion. It really is the responsibility of teachers, parents and family members to teach respect of country and family.   With institutions such as the CPRA they can perform outreach such as has been done in the past by offering lectures and narrations for public education. Having representation at appropriate public events contributes to living history and may inspire someone’s interest.

15. In your opinion, what are the 5 most important events in Vermont history?
The fact that the state of Vermont was blessed with a wonderful location between two major waterways, Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River, plus the many streams draining into them, destined it to become a major thoroughfare throughout the ages. Its rich soil and mineral deposits attracted settlers who were soon involved in land title disputes. The coming of the Revolutionary War and its successful outcome was a major event ushering in Vermont’s importance in agriculture, travel and commerce. Included in this   period were two other major events which occurred on the same day. They were the Battle of Hubbardton and the Constitutional Convention in Arlington. Statehood was attained in 1791. The coming of the railroad in 1849 led to the growth of industry and markets. The growing ease of travel also allowed over crowded households to emigrate westward.  During World War II Vermont contributed to the war effort producing war material with its manufacturing plants and heavy industries. In the 1950s the Vermont legislature passed Act 250 a major piece of environmental protection.I think I listed five but I would like to add one more. A tribute to US Senator Jim Jeffords whose principles and concerns for the ideals of his constituents compelled him to resign from the Republican party.

16. How has technology changed history research?
Early CPR researchers worked so diligently, traveling to town offices, searching deeds and wills, looking at old maps, plotting sites and then seeking them out on foot. All this when today they could have been sitting comfortably at home in front of a computer.But they were not that sort of people. They were adventurers and true researchers. Even today I imagine they would welcome computers but I think they would miss the spirit of discovering something for yourself and walking where others had walked. Without technology they managed to locate most positions on the trail and left a multitude of accurate information for those who followed.

Closing: Respectfully submitted by Elaine Purdy, former CPRA officer, with many thanks to daughter Linda Shelvey for editing, compiling and printing the above.

Afternotes:  During my time as an officer, I kept files on all activities I was involved in. They were kept in file folders together in a box which I have given to Dale Christie. I also kept yearbooks of each year. They are also with Dale. All the information from the National Register application is in the archives at Middlebury college.   Confession: Aside from meeting old friends at annual meetings I really looked forward to Barb’s potato salad, Dennis’ lasagna, Peg’s chicken and biscuits, Larry’s huge apple pies, Gayle’s chocolate chip cookies, Jim’s  wonderful maple syrup, Jim Moores’s BBQ chicken wings, Dale’s pulled pork, Sanford Witherell’s apples, Carmella’s chicken and biscuits and luscious egg salad sandwiches. Carmine always brought apple cider. The two of them always arrived early, to open the place, turn on the heat and get the coffee percolating, and finally Sanborn’s block of cheese and anything left over from lunch at Wake Robin!

“Freedom and Unity”
Over and out!