County history explored in new Sheldon exhibit

Author: Molly Holmes

In a time of economic crisis, the Henry Sheldon Museum has chosen to bring to light some high points of economic and cultural prosperity in Addison County's history. On March 5, the museum unveiled a new exhibit entitled "Town Treasures: The Local History Show." The exhibit evokes the glory days of true small-town living in Vermont.

The exhibit was put together by the historical societies of 14 towns in Addison County. The effort was spearheaded by Susan Peden, the educational coordinator at the Sheldon Museum. Peden explained that the exhibit does not have a specific theme, but rather showcases highlights of the area's history.

"We asked each historical society: what is a story that you want to tell?" Peden said.

Each town created a display of photographs, artifacts and dioramas that focuses on one piece of town history. The displays present aspects of the economic and cultural history of Vermont, but they are oddly disconnected and skip around in time.

Many of the displays focus on a time of prosperity in Vermont's history. The historical society of Orwell created a display showcasing the extravagant Eagle Inn that attracted visitors to the area between 1820 and 1890. Photographs show visitors playing croquet on the lawn in elegant Victorian outfits, revealing the glamorous interior of the Inn.

The Addison County historical society also chose to highlight the good times with a remarkable display of photos depicting the coronation of the Crown Point Bridge connecting Vermont to New York. There are fascinating photographs of the opening ceremony that took place on Aug. 26, 1929, when then-Governors of Vermont and New York John E. Weeks, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, respectively, "clasped hands at the center of the bridge as the governor's salute of 17 guns boomed across the waters." As the exhibit showed, this event was monumental for the status of the state. Similarly, other towns present the histories of important town stores and farms.

Max Peterson, a native local historian and retired director of sports information at the College, reveres the history of the area.

"I accept it as part of the landscape of Vermont," he said. He chose photographs, brochures and artifacts from his collection for displays on Lake Dunmore and the Vermont Glass Factory, which provided important year-round jobs to residents from 1813 to 1817. Peterson said he enjoyed contributing to the exhibit.

"The hardest part was trying to pick a few photographs out of my collection of hundreds," he said. Several towns chose to portray the lives of prominent past citizens, including Monkton's Dr. George Russell, the focus of a Norman Rockwell painting. Music of local Vermont composers from the 18th and 19th centuries played as visitors perused the displays in the upper level of the museum.

Other town historical societies chose to focus on the educational histories of their area.

"I enjoyed the display about the schoolhouses in Starksboro, especially because they involved local children in developing the story," Elizabeth Goffe '10 said. The town of Starksboro incorporated a project done by local first- and second-graders into their display. The museum strives to involve local children in all of their exhibits. They have created a "Children's Room" where kids can try on the clothes of their ancestors.

While the quality of the presentations varies, "The Local History Show" presents many unique histories of the Addison County area. The exhibit will be open from March 5 - April 17.