Early days in Rutland
County, VT, are recalled through a mix of colorful tales, factual
data and trivia, in this booklet comprised of excerpts from three
rare vintage books: The
Geography and History of Vermont by S.R. Hall (1871); History
and Description of New England - Vermont by A.J. Coolidge and
J.B. Mansfield (1860); and Vermont, a Guide to the Green Mountain
State, written by the Workers of the Federal Writer's Project
of the WPA (1937).
The 58 page booklet is printed single-sided
on 60# opaque paper
with the print size enlarged as needed to fit the 8 1/2 x 11 size.
A vinyl sheet has been added to protect the front cover.
A major part of
the booklet consists of histories of each township (town), which
vary in size depending on the prominence of the town and its historical
significance. The towns and villages include
Benson, Brandon, Castleton, Chittenden, Clarendon, Danby, Fair Haven
(Fairhaven), Hubbardton, Ira, Mendon, Middleton, Mount Holly, Mt.
Tabor, Pawlet, Pittsfield, Pittsford, Poultney, Rutland, Shrewsbury,
Sudbury, Tinmouth, Wallingford, Wells and West Haven.
Tales of Indian
captivity, native son Stephen A. Douglas, Early settlers, Battle
at Hubbardton, Capture of Colonel Nathan Hale, Castleton Medical
College, Clarendon cave, the Iron industry, etc. are among the items
of interest.
The WPA excerpts
include a section on the shire town of Rutland, including points
of interest. The other WPA excerpts, while out-of-date as a tour
guide, remain a fascinating source of historical tidbits.
The booklet has
a few illustrations, but their quality is only fair.
Wouldn't this make a unique
gift?
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