Day 3 of Travel on our Pre-Canadian Maritime Two Lane Adventure

On Tuesday morning, May 30^th, we all departed the Indian Land Family Campground and headed back to Route 7 north, into Rutland Vermont. Rutland was chartered in 1761 as part of the New Hampshire Grants by the Provincial Governor Benning Wentworth. The first settlers arrived in 1770 led by Colonel James Mead. Almost immediately a controversy arose with New York claiming the same land grants under the name of “Socialborough.” This controversy ultimately led to the Vermonters forming the Republic of Vermont from 1777-1791. Vermont became the fourteenth state in 1791.

During the early 1800’s the Rutland area was known for agriculture and for the sheep industry. By the mid 1800’s the development of the marble industry and the arrival of the railroads created an industrial and retail boom which brought many immigrant workers to the Rutland area. Rutland has continued to grow in industry and population to become the largest city in Southern Vermont.

Left Route 7 and turned onto Route 4. Route 4 is also known as the Crossroads of Vermont Byway. It follows the east-west roadway of Route 4. It literally crosses the state’s Green Mountains from Rutland to Hartford. You can see all the qualities that define Vermont as one of the most beautiful states in the country. You can find the charm that nature and the scenic views provide. The Crossroad of Vermont Byway includes quaint New England towns and villages where early architectural styles abound. Still evident is the influence of Vermont’s early industrial history in marble, milling, railroad systems and agriculture which helped the towns along this byway grow and prosper. Today new business blends in with the old, and vibrant communities celebrating their arts, culture, and history welcome visitors year round. Recreational resources abound all along the Byway, for both the most active or more passive traveler.  Killington and Mendon provide four-season mountain activities, and there are hundreds of scenic views along the Ottauquechee River and the spine of the Green Mountains.

At the Crossroads of Vermont on Route 4, in Rutland just 2 miles East of Route 7, you will find the Norman Rockwell Museum of Vermont. Their nationally recognized collection of Norman Rockwell's art, was established in 1976 and commemorates Norman Rockwell's Vermont years and the entire span and diversity of his career from 1911 to 1978. There is a chronological display of more than 2,500 Norman Rockwell magazine covers, advertisements, paintings, facts, and other published works shows Rockwell's development as an illustrator.

Along Route 4, is Gifford Woods State Park. The most notable feature within this State Park is the Gifford Woods Natural Area, a 7-acre old growth northern hardwood forest (sugar maple, beech, yellow birch.) The natural area was designated in 1965 to protect one of the few remaining northern hardwood old growth forests in the northeastern United States. In addition to the developed campground facility, a section of the Appalachian Trail crosses the park as it passes from Georgia to Maine. The Kent Brook Trail is a 1-mile loop trail through the hardwood forests within the park. The Gifford Woods Interpretive Trail is a short loop with interpretive exhibits exploring the natural and cultural history of the old growth forest.

Killington is a town high atop a mountain in Vermont. At 4,235 feet in elevation, Killington Peak is second highest peak in Vermont, as well as one of the highest in all of New England. As skiing took Vermont by storm in the middle of the 20th century, skiers had their sights set on this towering peak. The population is very low, for all the town has to offer. The elevation of this town, helped once, it was one of thirteen Vermont towns isolated by flooding caused by Hurricane Irene on August 28, 2011. Killington was cut off for 19 days. The town was previously named Sherburne, but was renamed to its original name, "Killington."

The town of Killington was chartered on July 7, 1761 by a New Hampshire grant. In 1800, it was renamed Sherburne after landholder Colonel Benjamin Sherburne. The town voted to revert to its original name of Killington in March of 1999; which was approved by the Vermont General Assembly, and became effective July of 1999. On Route 4, the highest point is Sherborne Pass with an elevation of 2,150. Killington's voters have twice voted to secede from Vermont and join the state of New Hampshire. The movement stems from what some residents perceive as an inequity in taxes sent to the state of Vermont, for services received. The votes are largely symbolic, as secession would require the agreement of both states' legislatures, as well as that of the US Congress.

On Route 4, stop and check out the Water Wheel Trading Post. It is a great place to get some gas, a cup of coffee and check out their authentic water wheel.

Coming down the mountain, from Killington, we started to follow a river, the Ottaquechee. Outside of Bridgewater, Vermont there was a strange pile of rocks in the middle of the river.

The old Bridgewater Mill has been re-purposed into the post office, a restaurant and a gift shop. It is nice to see old buildings still in use!

We also came upon our first covered bridge in Vermont. The Lincoln Covered Bridge, built in 1877.

It is 136 foot long one of a kind modified Pratt Truss with an arch. It carries Fletcher Hill Road the over Ottaquechee River.

We then came into Woodstock Vermont, this is the second time Jack & Jackie have been to Woodstock on this trip … the first time was in New York! Woodstock was the home to Justin Morgan. He was the creator of Morgan breed of horses. There is a historical marker, erected by New England Morgan Horse Association. The inscription is ‘on this site the progenitor of the famous Morgan breed of horses was owned by Sheriff William Rice about 1800. Justin Morgan took his name from that of the singing schoolmaster who originally brought him to Vermont, but who lost possession of the later famous horse to Sheriff Rice in payment of a debt.’

In Taftsville, Vermont, is one of the oldest covered bridges in Vermont. Vermont has about 100 covered bridges. When Tropical Storm Irene hit the state in August 2011, it destroyed two covered bridges — the Bartonsville bridge in Rockingham and the Quechee Bridge. The Taftsville Covered Bridge was severely damaged from the storm but managed to stay intact. It remained closed for repairs until September 2013. Built in 1836, the bridge connects Route 4 in Taftsville and River Road, and spans the Ottauquechee River. It is a two span 189 foot long Multiple Kingpost Truss with an arch. Spans are 89 and 100 feet.

We took a break at a pull off for the Quechee Gorge. It is known as "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon", is one of New England's most popular natural wonders. The Quechee Gorge is located in Quechee, Vermont along U.S. Route 4. The gorge is 165 feet deep and is the deepest gorge in Vermont. It serves as a popular tourist attraction in Quechee State Park and can be viewed from the Route 4 bridge and from trails on both sides of the gorge. The Ottauquechee River, that we have been following, flows through the bottom of the gorge. Quechee State Park is located east of the Gorge, and its proximity to many Upper-Valley attractions make the park a popular tourist destination. Hundreds of thousands of visitors stop each year to take in the breathtaking views of the Quechee Gorge. Other visitors seeking an overnight stay enjoy the easy access to the park’s spacious campsites. Naturally, the focal point of the park is Vermont’s deepest gorge, formed by glacial activity approximately 13,000 years ago. Visitors can look down at the Ottauquechee River, flowing 165 feet below.

The Connecticut River is the Vermont and New Hampshire border. The Connecticut River is the largest river in New England. It flows 410 miles from its source at Fourth Connecticut Lake, a tiny beaver pond 300 yards from the Canadian border, to Long Island Sound. New Hampshire and Vermont share some two thirds of the river's length about 275 miles.

In New Hampshire, The spur highway from Route 3 and Route 4 are a Purple Heart Trail, it ends at the State’s Veteran’s Cemetery. The purpose of the Purple Heart Trail is to create a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges, and other monuments that give tribute to the men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal. The Purple Heart Trail accomplishes this honorary goal by creating a visual reminder to those who use the road system that others have paid a high price for their freedom to travel and live in a free society. There are currently designated sections in 45 states as well as Guam.

The Purple Heart Trail was established in 1992 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The original idea for the Purple Heart Trail came from Patriot Frank J. Kuhn, Jr., a member of Chapter 1732 in Virginia. His idea was carried to the national level by Patriot George Gallagher, a member of Virginia Chapter 353. Patriot Gallagher was a former National Adjutant. Patriot Gallagher introduced Patriot Kuhn’s Purple Heart Trail idea as a resolution during the 1992 MOPH National Convention held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The resolution was approved and the MOPH National Purple Heart Trail began. The Purple Heart Trail originates at a monument in Mt Vernon, Virginia. Mt Vernon is the burial location of George Washington. This monument marks the origin of the Purple Heart Trail.

                               

Outside of Lebanon, New Hampshire we found a statue of Yukon Jack. I call I Yukon Jack, be casue he reminds me of the fellow on the Christmas Special!

On the map, we saw the Ruggles Mine. Wow, it must be pretty big or important to make the Rand McNally Road atlas! It is an open-pit mine that is no longer in operation and had been turned into a tourist attraction. It is now closed and for sale. It is located in the town of Grafton The spacious pit includes tunnels and underground chambers, some of which are filled with water, for exploring. Visitors were allowed to keep any of the various minerals that are to be found on the mine floor or that can be hammered loose from the walls of the pit. Its history is unique. Sam Ruggles started the first commercial mica mine in the United States at the site that bears his name. Mica at the time was used to make, among other things, lamp chimneys and stove windows.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Ruggles began as a grocer and was merchant of West India goods in Boston, Massachusetts. He was never a resident of New Hampshire (he was born, lived and died in Boston), and hired local workers in Grafton to operate the mine. Local lore states that the mine was started in 1803, but there is no documented evidence that supports the claim. Ruggles' first purchase of property on Isinglass Hill in Grafton was on 5 July 1805. He made subsequent purchases of adjoining properties in 1806 and 1810. He had a storefront and warehouse in Boston where he sold mica. Sam Ruggles sold his mine properties to his son George in 1834. Sam and George managed the business together until Sam's death in 1843, after which George continued the family business on his own. After George's death in 1863, Sam's nephew was appointed trustee of the estate and managed the mica business until 1879. Sam Ruggles' grandsons ran the business until 1896 when it was abandoned amid bankruptcy and litigation. The value of the mica mined at Ruggles was estimated to be about $12 million by the 1960s. Beginning in 1912, mining began for feldspar, which was used as a nonabrasive scour in the production of china glazes. Later on beryl was also mined. In 1960, the mine was put up for sale. It was purchased that winter by the Wahlstrom family, who bought it for its well-deserved reputation for top-quality mica. Soon thereafter, however, cheaper sources of mica from foreign suppliers became available and domestic demand correspondingly dropped. The Wahlstrom family considered closing the mine, as well as other options. One such option was to turn it into a tourist attraction. And in 1963 that's what happened—Ruggles Mine opened to the public. The mine was open to the public from mid-May to mid-October through 2015. The mine has been put up for sale by its current owners.

In Danbury, we picked up Route 104 aka “Ragged Mountain Highway.” New Hampshire Route 104 is a 23-mile-long secondary east–west highway in central New Hampshire. The highway runs from Danbury to Meredith on Lake Winnipesaukee in the Lakes Region.

Bristol, NH is home to the NH Marathon. New Hampshire’s best kept secret for 25 years… is the New Hampshire Marathon! Come experience the natural beauty of NH in a small, friendly and community oriented event. They have events for every age, ability and goals. Full marathon, half marathon, 10K and a kids’ marathon event that ends with its final one mile on race day.

There were several Adirondack chairs sellers on the back roads we traveled. This one caught my eye, for the sheer volume and colors they had for sale.

We turned onto Route 25 and skirted the north end of Lake Winnipesaukee. New Hampshire Route 25 is alnost 100-miles long east–west state highway in New Hampshire. It runs completely across the state from Vermont to Maine.

We crossed from New Hampshire into Maine, without much fanfare.

Porter ME, river and waterfalls Porter is drained by the Ossipee River. The Ossipee River is an 18-mile long river in New Hampshire and western Maine. It is a tributary of the Saco River, which flows southeast to the Atlantic Ocean at Saco, Maine. The Ossipee River begins at the village of Effingham Falls, New Hampshire. The river, flowing east, forms the border between the towns of Effingham and Freedom. Entering Maine, the river continues to serve as a municipal boundary, first between Porter and Parsonsfield, and then between Hiram and Cornish. Kezar Falls forms a significant community along the river, with two dams. Route 25 follows the river for its entire length.

Located 16 miles from Portland at the southern tip of Sebago Lake, Standish is one of the geographically largest communities in Maine. What is now the Town of Standish was originally surveyed and granted to Captain Pearson about 1750 for services rendered in the siege of Louisburg. Initially named Pearsontown, the town was renamed Standish upon incorporation in November of 1785 in honor of Miles Standish. The town has four population centers are Steep Falls, Standish Village, Sebago Lake Village, and the Whites Bridge area, home to St. Joseph's College. There are numerous sites in town that are on the national Historic Preservation Register.

In Gorham, Maine we turned off Route 25 onto Route 202. We followed 202, thru a couple traffic circles (Charlie's favorite thing ....) and into Gray, where we turned onto Route 26. In the town of Gray, there is an awesome staute at the corner of Route 202 and 26. It is part of Monument Square. In the Fall 2011, the Liberty Family Foundation approached the Town of Gray with an offer to fund the renovation of Stimson Hall, upgrade the existing Little League facilities, and establish a community park for Gray Village on the Town-owned Shaker Road properties. 

Route 26 took us into Poland, Maine, were we passed the Poland Spring Preservation Park. The museum is open and free to tour. It was first bottled by the Ricker family back in 1845, Poland Spring Natural Spring Water was drawn from a single source deep in the woods of Maine. The original Spring & Bottling Houses at Poland Spring have become a museum for visitors of all ages. Inside the historic Bottling House, find science displays, bottling memorabilia, and a virtual tour of today's bottling plant. Maine artists gallery, Maine gem displays, and a unique gift shop filled with Maine products. Inside the Spring House, see the spring itself and imagine days when white-gloved employees served visitors spring water from silver ladles.

After turning off Route 26, we hit the first dirt road of our adventure and traveled on Connor Lane to arrive at Poland Spring Campground. We got sights in the woods, which were very scenic ... but the mosquitoes could have carried off a small child! We had hoped to see friends from Florida, but things did not work out!

Day 2 of travel on our Pre-Canadian Maritime Two Lane Adventure

Friday, Saturday and Sunday we enjoyed Frosty Acres Campground. Monday, May 29^th, we departed and headed just a bit further east to join up with more Canadian Maritime caravaners! Out of the campground, we headed west on Route 20, just a few miles of back tracking … have to get the mud off our baby! We found Ultimate Wishy Wash, it is a self-service car wash and specialized truck wash. They even offer a self-service Dog Wash … talk about full service! We only needed the oversized bay to wash our RV. Once we were done, we were back heading East on Route 20 to Duanesburg.

The Town of Duanesburg was settled as early as 1736-1770 by investors such as Thomas Freeman, Timothy Bagley, William Crosby, Walter Butler and Jonathan Brewster. But by 1765, Judge Duane owned the largest share of the Town, which was named in Duane's honor. Duanesburg received its first patent as a town March 13, 1765. Early on, James Duane envisioned Duanesburg as the future capital of New York State, given his influence as mayor of New York City, Federal Judge, friend of George Washington and member of the First Continental Congress. And while this dream went by, Duanesburg became an important railway center, boasting by 1907 the largest coaling station in the world.

North Mansion was built by William North on Duane Lake during the years 1789-1791. The house, built in the Federal style, is on the National Register of Historic Properties. It has a view to the north of the Normanskill Valley and to the south of the Bozenkill watershed. William North lived there until he retired to New York City in the 1800's where he died in 1833. His son, William Augustus Steuben North, who was a Union College graduate and became a lawyer, continued to live in the house as a gentleman farmer of its nearly 1000 acres. William North came to Duanesburg in 1787 having married Mary, the eldest daughter of James Duane. North was an officer in the Revolutionary War who served on Washington's staff, and was an aid to Baron Von Steuben, who became a General. The General was a friend and became a frequent visitor at the North Mansion. North went on to become Speaker of the State Assembly on three different occasions. In the 1790's North was appointed U.S. Senator and served for about a year then was named Inspector General and Adjutant General in the Army under General Alexander Hamilton.

We picked up Route 7 heading east and entered the Town of Rotterdam. Looks like I might have found some of my Dutch roots! The area that is now the town of Rotterdam was first settled predominately by the Dutch, around 1661. The town was named after the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The rich soil along the Mohawk River created the broom corn industry during the mid-1800s. Broom corn is a type of sorghum that is used for making brooms and whiskbrooms. With the arrival of the Erie Canal and the coming of railroads to Rotterdam, hamlets began to spring up. Rotterdam was an important part of the Northeast’s railroad system. The Erie Canal traversed the entire length of northeast Rotterdam, with two locks located in the town. Established as a first class town in 1942, Rotterdam has since adopted the seal of the Old World Rotterdam, along with its motto, "Stronger Through Effort."

We skirted the edge of the City of Schenectady and entered Niskayuna. The name Niskayuna is said to be derived from the Connestigione Indians who occupied the area upon the arrival of the Dutch in about 1642. The name, meaning “extensive corn flats,” evolved from the original “Canastagione.” When the first settlers arrived in the 1600s, the Indians occupied land on both sides of the Mohawk River. In 1664, Harmon Vedder built the first home in Niskayuna. In 1799, the Albany-Schenectady Turnpike, now Route 5, was built through Niskayuna and tolls were collected. The route of the Turnpike was laid out by surveyor Lawrence Vrooman, who became Niskayuna’s first Town Supervisor in 1809. In 1822, the Erie Canal crossed the river into Niskayuna at Alexander’s Mills.

The Reformed Church of Niskayuna, organized about 1750, moved a short distance to its current location on Troy Road near the Colonie border in 1852. It is one of two Niskayuna sites listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. The other is the George Westinghouse Jones home on the corner of Troy Road and St. David’s Lane, now the education center of the First Baptist Church. I grew up in a Dutch Reformed Church, in Rochester NY. Reformed Churches separated from the Roman Catholic Church as part of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. The Dutch Reformed sect can be traced back to the Dutch settlers who gathered in New Amsterdam in 1628. The Dutch Reformed Church maintained ecclesiastical ties to Holland until 1819, when they were incorporated as the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. In 1867, the name was changed to the Reformed Church in America. The Reformed Church in America has over 300,000 members and is a founding member of the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. According to the church website, the church seeks “to strike a balance between accepting people the way they are and encouraging them to live by Christian standards of fidelity, forgiveness, and growth.”

As we traveled along Route 7, the memories came flooding back. This was the route I traveled when I was assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters in Troy. I used to travel down every Monday morning and head home to the Rochester area every Friday evening. Thanks to my Chief and his family, I was able to crash at his home every night! I spent years in this area … working … turning colleagues into friends … building relationships … and serving our country. As I was remembering all of the good times and the tough times as Charlie drove this familiar route … then out of the blue, Lee Greenwood’s ‘God Bless the USA’ came on the radio. That gave me chills and even more to think about, this Memorial Day.

We stopped at the Walmart on Hoosick Rd to meet up with some of our other Canadian Maritime caravaners. We also did a quick shopping trip … a few grocery items and Jack & Jackie needed a new battery for their CRV. 

It is amazing what you find at Walmart ... I think I can honestly say, this is the first instant coffee machine I have seen! After leaving Troy, there was a sign that indicated that Route 7 in this area is also known as Brigadier General James L Kenney Memorial Highway. Kenney served the nation's military for over 40 years, beginning in the World War II-era and continuing through the Cold War until his retirement in 1987.

We crossed a bridge over the Tomhannock Reservoir in Pittstown, just north of Troy NY. It is the water source for the city of Troy, a man-made reservoir over 5-miles long, and holds over 12 billion gallons when full. Construction of the reservoir began in the early 1900s as relief to the overextended Lansingburgh Reservoir. It was placed into service 6-years later. Facilities for chlorination, metering and the addition of lime to the water were added in 1952. In 1960, a study determined that the Tomhannock Reservoir could serve the city of Troy and 4 cities adjacent to the city.

Big Moose Deli and Country Store in Hoosick, NY is not a cookie cutter convenience store. What you first see, is a Big Moose on the roof, well you think it is a cow at first … because the Big Moose, the Buffalo and a horse are all painted like a cow! They offer a completely different experience. They offer a wide variety of things that will keep you interested and looking as you browse around. The first thing you will notice is the look and feel of our store. The wooden shelves provide the old country store feeling, there are no metal racks. The items they have in stock on their shelves tell a story. There are so many things to choose from including Big Moose peanut butter, jars of homemade jams and jellies and you will be amazed at the variety of flavors that are available. Enjoy a selection of homemade pastries and pies and other great treats.  They don’t forget about your pets either, a cat lover’s lane and the dog lover’s area will give you plenty of things to take home for your best friend. Your kids will rush to the candy aisle where they will find candy of all shapes and sizes. Souvenir hunters will love the selection of coffee mugs, stuffed animals and other crafts that you cannot find anywhere else. If there had been RV parking, we would have stopped and explored a bit more!

We left NY and entered Vermont. We were greeted by a small sign, indicating we were entering ‘The Green Mountain State.’  With the Green Mountain looming off to our east, there was no doubt we were in Vermont. 

Even on the dreary, foggy, drizzling day the mountain was still spectacular!

We traveled on the Molly Stark Byway (Vermont Route 9) for just a bit. The Molly Stark Byway winds its way through lowland valleys, historic villages, busy downtowns, and the spectacular Green Mountain National Forest. Anchored at either end by vibrant historic town centers in Bennington, to the south, and Brattleboro, to the north. Following along the 48 mile byway is a great way to experience the full character of southern Vermont. 

We veered off Route 9 back onto Route 7, after we traversed the quaint village of Bennington.

Much of the early history of Vermont took place in Bennington. In front of the Old First Church, on the commons, is a large marker in stone on. The church was first organized in 1762. As indicated by the markers in the area, it played a prominent role in Vermont’s early history. 

The graveyard behind the church contains the graves of about 75 revolutionary war patriots as well as British and Hessian Soldiers killed in the Battle of Bennington. The grave of American Poet, Robert Frost, is also in the cemetery. At the southeast corner of the intersection of Route 9 and Monument Avenue near the graveyard that surrounds Old First Church is a stone marker indicating the place where Ethan Allen’s home once stood. Inside the cemetery, there is a memorial stone for those who fought at the Battle of Bennington. Across the street from the church is the Walloomsac Inn. The former inn was the oldest in the state, built in 1764. About halfway up Monument Avenue from the church on the right is a marker for the Catamount Tavern, where the patriots would meet.

The Green Mountain National Forest is Vermont's only public, federally managed national forest. The Green Mountain National Forest is characterized by striking scenery that combines rugged mountain peaks with quintessential Vermont villages. The forest offers extensive multi-use advantages to the public, providing ecological and science-based forestry stewardship, clean water, diverse vegetation, high-value, high-quality forest products, economic and educational contributions, and trail-based back-country recreation.

Just north of East Dorset, is Emerald Lake State Park. In the early 1920s, Robert Alfred Shaw purchased more than 1,000 acres of land, establishing North Dorset Farms. His acquisitions included the area surrounding Dorset Pond, which is now known as Emerald Lake. In 1957, following Mr. Shaw’s death, the State purchased approximately 1,000 acres from his estate. Approximately 500 acres, located adjacent to the park on the east side of US Route 7, is now Emerald Lake State Forest. The 430 acres on the west side of the highway comprises the park. In 1960, Emerald Lake State Park opened to the public. Located conveniently between Manchester and Rutland, the park is popular for its wooded hillside campground, beach and swimming area, and nearby attractions and tourist destinations. The park surrounds 20-acre Emerald Lake, named for the emerald green color of its waters when viewed from above. Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed on the lake, as well as swimming. The lake also offers fisherman the opportunity to catch yellow perch, small mouth bass, northern pike and other species. The park is a favorite destination of hikers, with the Long Trail, Appalachian Trail and trails on Dorset Mountain.

Photo Credit: Pintrest

The Dorset area became well known for its marble quarries by the early 19th century. The first commercial marble quarry to open in the region, and likely the country, was opened in 1785 by Isaac Underhill on Mt Aeolus. The quarry age of Dorset spanned some 130 years. In the early years, marble was cut for uses like headstones and hearthstones. Later, huge blocks of stone were cut from the mountainsides at the quarry where they were placed on an inclined rail system and sent a mile down the mountain to a finishing mill. Finished stone was sent out on rail cars. During the quarry age peak, as many as 30 quarries harvested stone for many uses, including projects like the New York City library and many bank and public buildings across the country. Many local buildings and sidewalks are made from the local stone. By the beginning of the 20th century, however, quarrying marble in Dorset began to draw to a close. Quarries further north in West Rutland and Proctor proved to yield higher quality stone much easier than the rugged mountain quarries in Dorset. Other former quarries remain as water-filled pits. We watched a TV documentary about the best swimming holes in the country. One of them is in Dorset, where an old marble quarry now attracts swan divers and belly floppers.

We continued to follow Route 7, through Wallington Vermont, into North Clarendon. We diverted off Route 7, to arrive at Iroquois Land Family Campground.

Tomorrow, we head from Vermont, through New Hampshire into Maine! Stay tuned!

The Birthplace of Memorial Day

In 2014, I blogged about “What Memorial Day Mean to Me.” This year, I am drawn to blog again, about Memorial Day. We traveled through Waterloo, New York at the start of the Memorial Day extended weekend. Waterloo earned the title the “birthplace of Memorial Day” and it is a very patriotic village.

Driving through the village, there are flags, buntings and flowers everywhere … on graves, porches, homes, light poles, even the businesses hang flags!

How did Memorial Day begin in Waterloo? In the summer of 1865, a prominent local druggist, Henry C. Welles, mentioned to some of his friends at a social gathering that while praising the living veterans of the Civil War it would be good to remember the patriotic dead by placing flowers on their graves. Nothing happened that year. He tried again, the next spring, by talking to General John B. Murray. Murray, a civil war hero and intensely patriotic. He supported the idea wholeheartedly and organized veterans’ support. Plans were developed for a more complete celebration by a local citizens’ committee headed by Welles and Murray.

On May 5, 1866, the Village was decorated with flags at half mast, draped with evergreen bows and mourning black. Veterans, civic societies and residents, led by General Murray, marched to the strains of martial music to the three village cemeteries. There impressive ceremonies were held and soldiers’ graves decorated. One year later, on May 5, 1867, the ceremonies were repeated. In 1868, Waterloo joined with other communities in holding their observance on May 30th, in accordance with General Logan’s orders. It has been held annually ever since.

Waterloo held the first formal, village wide, annual observance of a day dedicated to honoring the war dead. On March 7, 1966, the State of New York recognized Waterloo by a proclamation signed by then  Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller. The House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 587 in mid-May of 1966. It reads in part “Resolved that the Congress of the United States, in recognition of the patriotic tradition set in motion one hundred years ago in the Village of Waterloo, NY, does hereby officially recognize Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day…”

What made Henry Carter Welles, so patriotic, who was he? Henry was born in Connecticut in 1821. His mother brought the family to live with relatives in Waterloo sometime after 1825. Little else is known about his early life. Henry married in the 1850’s and the couple had three children, all of whom died in childhood. He became a prominent druggist in Waterloo and was elected to village offices as well as being a member of fraternal organizations. While Henry was well known at the time, he would probably be forgotten today by all but descendants except for a comment that he made to townspeople in the summer of 1865. While it was widely known at the time that Henry Welles was largely responsible for the first Memorial Day, the more prominent General Murray overshadowed him in gaining recognition outside the village. The Centennial Committee, formed in Waterloo for the 100th observance in 1966, found the newspapers of the time gave Henry credit for suggesting the first Memorial Day. Henry C. Welles died in July, 1868, but had lived long enough to see Memorial Day nationally proclaimed by General John Logan. His obituary in the Geneva Times, one of few death notices in the papers in this time period, was statement of his importance in the community.

Who was the General that overshadowed Henry’s contributions to patriotism? John Boyce Murray was born in Arlington, Vermont on August 13, 1822. His parents brought him to Scipio, NY in 1831. In his early years, he studied law and taught in a rural school in Seneca County. Five years after his marriage to Angelina Savage, he moved with his wife and two children to Seneca Falls. Before the Civil War, he became a successful lawyer and politician. In 1862, he entered the war as a captain in the 50^th New York Engineers. He rose to the rank of Colonel in just over 2 years and commanded the 148th Regiment of New York State Volunteers. When he returned home in 1866, he was a brigadier general. He was elected clerk of Seneca County and moved to Waterloo to assume office. The idea of Memorial Day was suggested by the prominent druggist. Together they made Memorial Day a reality. In 1869, General Murray moved back to Seneca Falls and he was in great demand as a speaker. On Oct. 7, 1884, after making a speech at the Harrison Chamberlain residence in Seneca Falls, he fell seriously ill and died the next day.

It used to be everyone marked the day with the somber tradition of decorating or placing fresh cut flowers on graves of our war dead. Decades later, some still decorate graves as May draws to a close, but it is a practice few young people now follow. Today, Americans mark this holiday with parades, remembrance events and cook-outs. It's a different world. It's kind of a lost tradition. Many grandchildren, don't have any idea where their great-great-grandparents are buried, let alone if they served and died. Cemeteries and graves have less of a focal point in our lives. I worry about the day when graves go un-visited and undecorated. That is not the case in Waterloo NY, everyone participates in the activities leading up to and on Memorial Day!