Chelsea, Tunbridge, East Randolph CB Tour
Beth Brown-Limmer was the tour guide for two “trips around the block, Vermont style”, visiting nine historic covered bridges in Chelsea, Tunbridge, and East Randolph. It was a perfect day to go bridging, and a good time was had by all. We gained one new member and several avid covered bridge enthusiasts.
Elaine Howe, VCBS life member, met us at Howe CB on behalf of Tunbridge Historical Society.
Thanks to MyPlace Hotel in Randolph Center for the load–unload area and Paul, who manned the base camp.
Waitsfield Farmers Market
Celebrate America - Connecticut River Flotilla
We were a small but mighty group for the Flotilla. Unfortunately, the Connecticut River is extremely low right now, so our motorized and party boat registrants could not sail. Our on-the-water lead organizer’s party boat was mired in mud at his dock on the Connecticut River. But we were still 9 strong kayaks and canoes! Everyone had a great time. The event was co-sponsored by CESER Task Force and the Vermont Covered Bridge Society.
Prizes were awarded in 4 categories:
- Most Patriotic: Meghan
- Best Use of Red/White/Blue: Kate, Ryan, and Hawkeye
- Most Festive Hat: Linda
- Most Enthusiastic: Curt
Maple Monday
Gorham Covered Bridge – Pittsford
Peggy Wilson, Paul Limmer, and Beth Brown-Limmer represented the VCBS here. A MYNBC5 news reporter met us there and did a short piece for evening news. Thanks to Stewart Maple of Cuttingsville, who donated the maple proceeds.
Here is the video produced by MYNBC5: Vermont kicks off Covered Bridge Week with Maple Monday events at covered bridges across the state
Martin Covered Bridge – Marshfield
Steve Brown represented the VCBS at the Martin CB in Marshfield. Steve was able to talk with many local townspeople and learn about the bridge’s history. Maple products were supplied by Brimblecombe Maple of Marshfield.
Mount Orne Covered Bridge – Lunenburg
Gary Briggs represented the VCBS at the Mount Orne CB in Lunenburg. Despite a shortened time frame due to rain, Maple Monday still drew many visitors who shopped for maple syrup from Lowell Family Maple and visited the VCBS table for information and to shop for VCBS merch.
Valley Artists Guild Plein Air Session
Warren Covered Bridge – Warren
The Warren Covered Bridge was the subject of a Plein Air session held by the Valley Artists Guild on Monday, August 3. VCBS board member Bev Kehoe reports that 5 people participated. Their work was seen by many town folks who stopped by.
Cookbook Club Potluck
VCBS board member Beverly Kehoe represented the VCBS at the Cookbook Club Dinner held inside the Warren Covered Bridge on Monday of Covered Bridge Week. Bev reports that, despite the deluges, the bridge was dry inside. There were 16 people in attendance. This included longtime residents and visitors. The town of Warren and the library were very supportive of the event. Here is a link to the event announcement: MRV Cookbook Club
Covered Bridge Day
Brattleboro Covered Bridge Day Creamery CB.
It was a hot and humid day with a crowd of approximately 75 people. Beth spoke at the dedication ceremony of the cobblestones in the garden. One was dedicated to Ed Barna, VCBS Founder. Peggy Wilson manned the VCBS booth. A film by Phil Gatenby about the 13 lost CBs of Brattleboro was shown. VCBS life member, Jil McMenamin, organized much of this event with the Brattleboro Elks Lodge #1499 and the Brattleboro Garden Club.
Read more about the event in this article from The Brattleboro Reformer by Kristopher Radder: Spanning a century (and a half): Historic Creamery Covered Bridge celebrated
The event was featured in a video by the Brattleboro Reformer: Celebrating Covered Bridges
Here is the link to the Lost Bridges of Brattleboro video by Phill Gatenby: Vermont’s 100 Covered Bridges – Lost Bridges Of Brattleboro
Speaker On Wednesday Series
Vermont’s Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Plan – Charlotte Pubic Library
VCBS founder William McKone was there and 15 others, including Lt. Gov. John Rodgers. J.B. McCarthy and Bob McCullough delivered an extremely informative presentation about Vermont’s Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Plan, the first of its kind in the United States, adopted in 2003.
WCAX published the following story to document the event: Vermont marks Covered Bridge Week with preservation plan
Paint 'n Sip
Paint ‘n Sip Mount Orne Covered Bridge
We had a great time at the Mount Orne Paint ‘N Sip tonight! We had 13 painters. Folks tooted their horns as they went by. I’m sure this was the first time this type of event has been held at the Mount Orne Covered Bridge. All who participated encouraged us to repeat the event next year.
Brandon Farmers Market
Brandon
VCBS Vice President and Membership Chair Scott Scribner represented the VCBS at the Brandon Farmers Market. Scott reported that it was a beautiful sunny day and there were a lot of people visiting the market. The VCBS was once again given free space to host our Covered Bridge Week festivities. Barbara Scribner stopped by to bring me some water, and Beverly Kehoe came by to replenish some inventory.
Arlington Village Farmers Market
Arlington
Pat Simpson, VCBS Publicity Chair Peggy Wilson, Paul Limmer, and VCBS President Beth Brown-Limmer represented the VCBS in the booth at the Arlington Village Farmers Market. We added one new couple membership here.
Rockingham - Grafton CB Tour
Beth Brown-Limmer led tour groups in the Grafton and Rockingham area. They were met at the Kidder Hill Covered Bridge by Grafton Historical Society.
The society provided apple pie with Grafton cheese, beverages, and merchandise. Paul and Pat Simpson held down base camp.
Thanks to the Vermont Country Store for raffle prizes and a place to load and unload. The group saw the Victorian Village Covered Bridge at the start of the tour.
The tour group is pictured with 93-year-old Esther in the center at Worrall Covered Bridge in Rockingham
Old Home Day
Gary Briggs represented the VCBS at Belvidere’s Old Home Day. Belvidere is a very small community, but it is doing its best to maintain old country traditions.
Montgomery Farmers Market
Marcel and Jeanne Beaudry represented the VCBS here. One picture shows Scott Perry from the Montgomery Historical Society during his presentation about Montgomery’s Covered Bridges and the town’s history. The last picture is of us with Sidney and Marian Nichols, lifetime members.
