Historic in Vermont
Click on any photo to enlarge
Click on any photo to enlarge
Brattleboro, VT
Originally named "Vermont Asylum for the Insane", this 63-foot tower was built (1887) by the patients of the local asylum facility. The doctors felt physical labor was a good way to help the mentally insane. Presently, the tower is the "Brattleboro Retreat Tower."
Stowe, VT
This European setting rests in over 2,000 acres of Vermont mountains. The Trapp family continues to own this facility since 1940's. Who is the Trapp family? They inspired the musical, "The Sound of Music." This 96-room lodge is full of the history of the once touring Trapp family.
Marble and Granite History
Granite and Marble are everywhere in Vermont. Here are some iconic examples of finished hand-crafted gems of marble and granite throughout the state. Click on the photo to learn more about each of them. A most unique find is the Granite Bowling Lane (pic above). This is a prototype and the idea never took off as the traditional bowling ball would break the granite lane and pins when struck. Duh!
The first boy scout troop was established in Barre, Vermont. Barre's "Scout Club" began in 1909. This beautiful granite monument displays a young man with a youth scout slung on his shoulders.
The city of Barre is considered the "The Granite Capital of the World.' Hope Cemetery hosts some of the most beautiful and unique granite monuments in the world. There are over 10,000 monuments offering this cemetery as a brilliant showing of granite artistry.
Located within the Vermont Marble Company is a stunning handcrafted marble collection of past Presidents of the United States.
As you enter the room, you find yourself surrounded in beautiful marble carvings of each president, up to the last carving being George Bush. Each piece of work was drafted from official Presidential photographs and took 12 full days to complete.
The carver, Renzo Palmerini, worked at Vermont Marble Company for over 25 years. Renzo's impressive talent is on full display in this unique collection of US presidents. Two other of Renzo's pieces are at the entrance of the House of Representatives in Washington, DC.
In the workshop, artisans meticulously handcraft cemetery monuments. These beautifully stones are all made of granite from their quarry located behind the workshop, "Rock of Ages Quarry."
One of the specialty items is their military cemetery monuments. Outside, in the back, are piles of remnants and stones which did not meet expectations.
Gazing downwards, 600 feet downwards, at the world's largest deep-hole, dimension quarry in the world is a sight one never will forget! Over 100,000 people stand at this location to peer at the huge slabs of granite being removed with huge machinery! Check out the cool short video below of the complete Rock of Ages Quarry Mine.
Old Bennington, VT
This cloud reaching monument stands at a screaming 306 feet with a huge base of 37 feet. To better grasp the enormousness of this structure, check out the entrance door at the base! This monument, The Bennington Battle Monument, took 4 years to build. The completion date was 1891.
Right down the street stands another piece of Vermont's history - The Old First Church. It was built in 1806 and continues to serve the area over 200 years. The enclosed, white pews were sold to families, which paid for the entire construction at $7,793.20. Each pew had an area to place the family's hot coals to keep warm during the sermons. The balcony seats were free for others and the youth. Some of the youth showed their delinquency and boredom by the carvings in the balcony walls with their pocket knives.
Behind the historic church is a graveyard housing one of the most honored poets in the world - Robert Frost. He is recognized as one of the greatest poets of all time.
What is going to happen to this historic Inn? The Walloomsac Inn was built in the 1770's. The Inn hosted many known historical figures, such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The local residents of Old Bennington hope it will come back go life one day and be the focal point of the town.
Rutland, VT
The downtown streets of Rutland are lined up with wonderful granite-chiseled artwork. One in particular is the half head and hand sculpture. Check out the short reel below.
"Bill W", a local boy, gained sobriety in 1934 and co founded Alcoholics Anonymous one year later. His writings, including "The Twelve Steps", tremendously helped alcoholism to be professionally recognized as an illness. Prior, alcoholism was considered a character flaw. This unique granite sculpture was created in honor of "Bill W".
Plenty of places to sit in downtown Rutland as there are 42 benches beautifully painted by local artists.
Eight hours a day, for two weeks, Lopi LaRoe painted creating this massive 60-foot wall mural entitled, "We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest Until it Comes." A beautiful mini park, hid between multiple brick buildings, captures the art community in Rutland - marble, benches and a mural.
Montpelier, VT
The smallest State Capital city in the United States is Vermont. Only 7,855 live there and it is still the 5th biggest city in the state. Oddly, this is the only capital city without a McDonald's restaurant.
On top of State Capital building stands Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. She proudly stands at 15 feet on top of the domel. A little known fact is she is carved out of wood! Driving through this small state you might notice there are no billboards anywhere. Why? A state law prohibits them in order to protect the incredible natural scenery of the state.
Richmond, VT
A 16-sided wooden church, built by 17 carpenters, still stands 200 years later. A matter-of-fact, it is one of the only surviving examples of a round church today in America. Folklore shares the church was built round so the devil can't hide in any corners.
The younger generation didn't want to sit with their parents and were given permission to sit upstairs. Little did any know, the rambunctious teens all carried pocket knives!
Count the stripes. There are 15 on this flag. Today, the American flag has 13. The original concept was a stripe for each state. After Vermont (13th) and Kentucky (14) were added they decided the flag was getting too long. They went back to the original thirteen. This 15 stiped/strarred flag is on display within the round church.
Shelburne, VT
This is not your ordinary museum! You will explore 45 acres of immaculate landscaped grounds for 39 out-of-place, eye-catching outdoor structures.
In 1974, Electra Webb wanted to secure a public place for her family's horse-drawn carriages, which was the beginning of Shelbourne Museum. She then began scouring the northeast in search of historic buildings. She began moving these structures to Shelbourne Museum. Today, the outdoor museum houses some unique structures such as a 220-foot steamboat, a round barn and even a carousel. It is so easy to thoroughly enjoy a full day exploring the grounds and buildings at Shelbourne Museum.
Grand Isle, VT
Believed to be the oldest log cabin in the United States! Built in 1783, by a Revolutionary War veteran, Jedidiah Hyde. Mr Hyde raised 10 children in this 20 by 25 foot cedar wood cabin. The cabin stayed in the family for over 150 years. Check out the short below for an inside tour.
Check back - More to come......