February, 2004

February Meeting & Potluck Supper

The Pittsford Historical Society will host a potluck supper and program on Sunday, Feb. 29^th 5:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church. Guest speaker Jim McRae will present a program on the historical comparison of sheep producers of the 1880’s with the ones of today. Jim and his wife Liz live in the former home of the Peabody Manufacturing Company where Joseph Holt Peabody made sheepskin moccasins, mittens and gloves. Jim, who also owns and operates Vermont Camera Works, began raising sheep as a hobby in 1986. He has served as director of the Vermont Sheep Breeder’s Association and as president of the Vermont Lamb Promotion Board.

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Jean Davies’ new book “Neighborly Notes,”
will be ready for sale March 1^st, 2004.
It’s a collection of articles on Vermont people, places and the way things were done in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Many names are familiar to Pittsford people, yet they could have been part of almost any small Vermont town with a change of label. Appropriate photographs go with each story, including Dr. Leslie Frost in his World War 1 uniform, Eleanor Smith’s electric butter churn, and numerous prints from Mary Randall Allen’s glass negatives. A percentage of the profits from the sale of the 256-page book will go to the Pittsford Historical Society.

Cost is $25.00

To purchase a copy contact Jean at 483-6623 or e-mail jeansdavies@juno.com You can pick one up at the Eaton Hall Museum when it opens in late March, or if you need the book shipped send a check for $25.00 plus $7.00 shipping to Cozi Publishing, L.L.C. P.O. Box 211 Rutland, Vt. 05702

2004 Dates to Remember

April 25 Membership Meeting

Memorial Day Ceremonies

July Tag & Bake Sale

Summer Picnic at Jackson’s

Oct. 17^th Annual Meeting

May 6^th Dedication

All society members are invited to the dedication of the Pomainville Wetlands on May 6^th 11:00 a.m. at the barn of the Pomainville farm on Rt. 7 north of Pittsford.

Depending on the weather, Eaton Hall Museum will open
for the season either late March or early April.

VERMONT HISTORY EXPO 2004

The fifth anniversary of the Vermont History Expo takes place on June 26^th & 27^th at the Tunbridge World’s Fairgrounds in Tunbridge, Vermont. Based on the popularity and success of last year’s collaborative effort by six local historical societies in the Orange County Copper Mining District, Roger Bailey of the West Fairlee Historical Society has coordinated an expanded version of what he organized for Expo 2003. Roger has asked those historical societies that have had or still have a mining operation in their area to participate. Possible exhibits could include copper, slate, granite, marble, iron, soapstone, gold and more.

Pittsford Historical Society will present an exhibit on the iron industry with the help once again from Fran Wheeler from the Chittenden Historical Society. Pittsford’s iron furnace (first built by Israel Keith in 1791) was used for smelting iron ore into “pig iron.” Large quantities of the iron ore came from mines two miles away in Chittenden. If you’re interested in helping with this fun project, contact Peg Armitage chairman of the history exhibit at 483-2108.

The Vermont History Expo enables all societies who attend an opportunity to share a piece of their history with thousands of visitors, and is recognized as a model cultural heritage event across the country. The weekend events include: a heritage parade, Box Lunch Auction, historic croquet matches, treasure hunts, living history reenactments from the Revolutionary, Civil and Korean Wars, music and dance, and much much more.

Testimonial from Paul Bruhn, Executive Director of the Preservation Trust of Vermont:

“The Vermont History Expo provides publicity for local historical societies, as well as opportunities that assist local groups in preserving and exhibiting their collections and ultimately their properties. I am very excited about the Expo because it increases attention for the effort of saving and celebrating Vermont’s treasures. Local historical societies desperately need the attention and technical assistance which are advanced by the Vermont History Expo.”

We encourage everyone to attend this fantastic event!!!

***** In Memoriam: *****

The Society marks with deep sorrow the passing of three of its friends and members, Donald Breault, Walt Worosila,and Ila Rouleau. Our deepest sympathies go out to their families.

Volunteers Save

John Cadwell has volunteered to take over the lawn care at Eaton Hall for Clint Pratt. For the past several years Clint has donated many mornings mowing the front and back yards and trimming when necessary. Volunteers such as John and Clint save the Society money that is better spent on archival supplies for the Museum’s artifacts.

When Does Your Membership Expire?

Membership dues are based on a calendar year and if your newsletter has a red dot this time, YOUR DUES ARE DUE. Community support through membership keeps our Society vital and helps pay for the upkeep of Eaton Hall.

Send your check to membership chairman:

Doris Hoare ,
P.O. Box 187
Pittsford, Vt. 05763

Single: $15
Family: $20.00
Contributing: $25.00
Sponsor: $50.00
Life: $200 per person

Officers and Trustees 2004

Officers: President, Len Lumsden , Vice President, Peg Armitage

Treasurer, Jean Harvie , Recording Secretary, Margaret Lumsden

Corresponding Secretary, Dorothea Parker

Trustees: Betty Atwood 483-9462; Edward Keith ; Barbara Poljacik

Anne Pelkey, immediate past president

Membership Chairman: Doris Hoare ; Program Chairman John Cadwell

Exhibit Chairman: Betty Atwood

Eaton Hall Hours: Tuesdays 9:00-4:00 March to end of November

Phone: 483-2040 (leave a message)

Website: www.pittsford-historical.com

Genealogy Questions: Jean Harvie jean1953@sover.net

PITTSFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

PO BOX 423

PITTSFORD, VERMONT 05763