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Thursday, October 18, 2018

Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock, Vermont


Norman Williams Public Library
10 The Green
Woodstock, Vermont
802-457-2295

When we headed to the library I was quite concerned, because it was almost 6, their closing time. There was plenty of parking along the front street, as the farmer's market had just closed down. My timing wasn't right, because once I walked in, they were about to close. I managed to get the below flyer from the reference desk as I turned around to walk out with some patrons.

The library was built in was built between 1883-1884, and in 1999-2000, the Library underwent a $5 million renovation, restoration, expansion, and automation project. I believe one thing they did was to install massive large glass panels in front of the three arches, and add a middle door. Nice feature, because when the library is closed, you could still peek inside the library.

(Side view.)

From the steps of the library, I am facing The Green (just beyond the cars).
The following morning we returned, for a better picture, but not to go in, because they didn't open until 10, and we had to get going.

I called the reference librarian to ask what they have to offer for genealogical research. They have a history room that contains historical records, cemetery lists, the Vermont Standard newspaper on microfiche and other material. Heritage Quest is available online for Woodstock residents. She mentioned that most genealogy material is located at the nearby Woodstock History Center. I went to their website and thought perhaps the Woodstock Cemetery Index might be useful to researchers. When I told her why I was calling, and the fact that I couldn't find any good interior pictures, she gave me permission to use anything from their site, including facebook. I was pleased, because I had just seen the below picture online.


The flyer I picked up.

WOODSTOCK
Woodstock was the terminus of the  Woodstock Railway, 1877-1933, which connected the town to the Central Vermont Railroad in White River Junction. Travelers coming to Woodstock via the railway established the town's reputation as a tourist destination, still prevalent today. Call "the prettiest small town in America" by a national publication, Woodstock is famous for the architecture of its houses and churches. It is the site of the first ski-tow in the United States, in 1934, home to the March-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park (see my blog with a lot of photos) and remains the only town in America with 5 church bells cast by Paul Revere and Co."

From the library grounds, looking right towards the center of town.
Walkway in The Green, across from the library.
Windsor County Court House (immediate right of the library).
A few steps away is the Woodstock Inn and Resort.
We did not stay here, but in the past, we've eaten there. For this June weekend, it was very quiet, so I asked if we could stroll around on the first floor. We didn't see anybody. However, in the paper, I read they were going to have a huge sale of their hotel furnishings, so I got the impression they were getting ready to have new stuff for the summer. Below photos taken around 6:30, not a guest to be seen!








Google map, showing location of the Library.

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