Maine, Connecticut and one Vermont -- Old Matchbook Collection #2

Maine, Connecticut and one Vermont  --  Old Matchbook Collection #2

I have decided to part with my matchbook collection, but before I throw them away I thought I'd share them. Hopefully a few will bring back old memories. Some of these books are from the mid-70s. Quite a few of the Maine restaurants are still in operation. My most memorable meal was at the Red Onion Restaurant In Rangeley, Maine (just googled it, and glad to see it is still in business).

Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock, Vermont

Norman Williams Public Library

10 The Green

Woodstock, Vermont

802-457-2295

Website: www.normanwilliamsorg

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.

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.

I have decided not to use the Comment feature for my blog. If you would like to leave a comment for me or ask a question, please write me at my email: BarbaraPoole@Gmail.com. Thank you.

My reason is because since November 2017 to May 2018, I received no comments, but upon investigating I found that I had indeed received 167 legitimate ones and 1,000 were in the spam folder. Google Blogger had made some changes that I was unaware of. Please be aware that I do not know who reads my blog, I may know who subscribes, but that is all.

Wilson Castle in Vermont -- The Minute I Heard About This Place...

Wilson Castle

Physical Address: 2708 West Street, Proctor, Vermont

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 290, Center Rutland, Vermont, 05736

The minute I heard about this place, I knew I wanted to visit. Thanks to a magazine write-up about it, I was alerted to this place. Then I signed on to Wilson Castle's Facebook page, which provides information. In June, we made a visit, and I was happy to cross this off my "Bucket List." As I entered the property, I was amazed at the size. The 32 room castle sits on 115 acres in a beautiful area, north of Rutland, Vermont.

http://www.wilsoncastle.com/history/ From this site you learn that the castle's construction was begun in 1885 by Dr. and Mrs. Johnson, and lasted over seven years. After their death, the castle was bought and sold numerous times. It wasn't until 1939 that Colonel Herbert Wilson purchased it as a summer home. He opened it in 1962 for tours.

Grand staircase, and three stained glass panels, shown above and below.

From Wilson Castle's Facebook page, July 2018, "This massive stained glass window along with the two on each side were purchased from a deconstructed church in France and are said to be over 500 years old. They are original to the Wilson Castle and the building was designed to incorporate them. Colonel Wilson had them strengthened in the 1970s by adding the steel bars running horizontally to prevent the window from sagging from its own weight."

Front hallway, stairs to the left.

This is the room where we sat, below a Tiffany chandelier, and watched an informative DVD about the history of Wilson Castle. Just look at the ceiling.

The four photos below are of the formal living room. There are antiques from around the world, including a Louis XVI crown jewel case.

The Music Room (above and below). While looking at the photos on the piano, I mentioned I was into genealogy. I was told who these people were, by the granddaughter.

Dining Room, with Tiffany chandelier. 

Our tour guide was the granddaughter of Colonel Herbert Wilson who bought this castle. She told us that this is the place setting they used for holiday meals that were served in the dining room, shown above.

Pantry, looking into the Dining Room.

The Pink Room. Usually used for brides prior to their marriage in the castle.

Various seating areas, and bedrooms, all have great views. I read there are 84 stained glass windows!

I love fireplaces, here are three of the 13 in the house.

Veranda

Something this old always needs some touch-up.

I learned there is a ballroom on the 3rd floor, now closed to visitors, but when repair work is completed, it will be open. I can't wait to make a return visit.

All statistics were confirmed by Wilson Castle on July 8, 2018. I had been given a few from my tour guide, but I didn't have the number of rooms or number of fireplaces. Searching the web showed that some sites had different figures!

As we left the property and got on the main road, we saw this view of the castle. Fortunately, a day later the above photo appeared on Wilson Castle's Facebook page, June 22, 2018 page! I called Wilson's Castle and got permission to use this on my blog.

Their Facebook page is loaded with information.