10E2334: Building JJ Hapgood - the movie

Trailer for an upcoming documentary short on the rebuilding of Peru, Vermont's JJ Hapgood store. Told through local interviews and footage, the full doc will be released later this winter. Created by a student of Burr and Burton Academy Film Department, David Rose.

The store really started in 1827; the current incarnation is a rebuild of the previous structure utilizing salvaged beams, gorgeous Danby marble, tables milled from a felled maple on the property, and the return of the outdoor benches and the community message board. For those just joining, I partly grew up in this small town and the store was a fixture of the community. New owner Juliette also grew up in town (a grade school friend) and with her husband Tim they have responsibly and sensitively rebooted the store and probably the town center. More of my pics and words here.

10E2311: History of Forestry in Vermont: 1909-1959

Reading this report on the first 50 years of active forestry management in Vermont, and amongst a lot of numbers and committee appointee info are some great nuggets (and fantastic sans serif headings throughout);

"Many [land] owners were willing to have their forests cut selectively and the mill owners preferred to buy logs from such an operation. However the logger or jobber still insists on cutting every tree in site."

The fact was, fire was a much bigger eater of trees than the axe. "It was estimated that at the height of use Vermont railroads burned annually over 500,000 cords of firewood." As well, the railroads of the time were responsible for some of the massive forest fires. 1,000 acre fires were common leading to an appointment of town forest fire wardens – and the creation of trails, with the Green Mountain Club, on ridges to mountaintop lookout stations. The tower on Stratton Mountain was set up in 1913 for example.

"There must be a change in National attitude. Our industries, our land owners, our farmers, all our citizens must learn to treat our forests as a crop to be used but also to be renewed. We must learn to tend our woodlands as carefully as we tend our farms." - President Coolidge [Vermont's son], 1925.

I had always wondered about which stage of growth we see in the Green Mountains - this quote illuminates that a bit;

"Of the land area of Vermont 62.5% or 3,711,100 acres arc covered with forest growth. The forest areas have been cut over several times without too much regard for the next crop. Up until the last twenty-five years chiefly softwoods were taken.  Some areas were cut very lightly, if at all, until the Second World War. Beginning then everything was taken to fill our war needs. 

The result today is a forest area (1) of much timber of the less desirable species, (2) of stands with an insufficient number of trues per acre, (3) with a growth rate of 1/2 to 1/3 of what it should be, (4) with a large volume of timber in the lower diameter class, and (5) with cull timber left from cutting only high quality trees."

Read it all here.

See also my select annotated bibliography of logging in New England.

10E2303: Back of the Door

Some carpentry happening at the Fox farm. This door doesn't have long to live. Never noticed the initials marked there probably since 1990. Names of the 3 brothers. Alpha order...

10E2299: Farmers Talk Episode 1 w/ Arthur Willey

A sled-driving/gouda-making/hayride acquaintance of ours Jon Wright of Taylor Farm in Southern Vermont has started a series of interviews called Farmer's Talk about the history, art and craft of farming - for the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont. 

His first episode (and nice gams Jon btw) was an hour long talk with Arthur Willey, a retired dairy farmer who managed the Janeway Farm in South Londonderry, VT. We hear about growing up in the 1930's and 40's, the advent of refrigerated trucks and bulk tanks, and other things that have (or haven't) changed in dairy farming over the last century. Great bit in the middle about dealing with an employee "who could drink pretty well". Not only is this an interesting historical document but suddenly more important too as unfortunately Mr. Willey died this past October... Also love that he is still in the work uniform after all these year. Hoping for a shirt like that to replace my worn one... #turnthecollar

If still reading... we used to visit the Janeway Farm pretty regularly when Senator Janeway owned it back in the late 70s. Their cook made the best apple-pie, and we would play Jack Straws (like pick-up-stix on steroids) while Pops made house calls. 

10E2251: Apples This Year

The apple harvest all across the states has been big this year. Here in VT took only minutes to fill a bucket of windfalls for the horses. Rotten or broken fruit can attract bees and yellow-jackets though so alert kids to be a little careful.

10E2243: Brewland

Our friends Rough Water Films are filming a documentary (right now!) about the craft beer movement and especially Vermont's place as a cradle and leader for that industry. [Update 9/19 - teaser forthcoming...]

Not only are they speaking to almost every big name in Vermont brewing, and the publicans, but I believe there is also some historical element of Vermont's place pre-Prohibition and a look to the future (e.g. University of Vermont testing hops for in-state production). Lots more... Follow along at  https://www.facebook.com/Brewland or on the twitters @brewlandfilm.  I am sure there will be a Boston area event at some time... keep you posted.

10E2237: J.J. Hapgood General Store & Eatery - The Revival (part 1)

Joseph Jackson Hapgood established a general store in Peru, Vermont in 1827 and until a few years ago it had been the longest continually running general store in the state. I partly grew up in this small town and the store in the 80's was still a fixture of the community. It was a right of passage to get your own "account" on turning 16. In the 40s and 50s the town post office was inside the store as well - and horses would be fed and watered outside. And let me get this out of the way... this store (and the town) was heavily used in the film Baby Boom with Diane Keaton and Sam Shephard - still holds a goofy place our hearts (heck our cow was used in the movie...). Outside of a post about our kids (which I don't really do) emotions run pretty high about love of this store here at 10engines.

 

Sis in front of the store circa 2006. That truck now dust after being rolled winter of 2009...

After its fall from grace a few years ago many in town were thinking someone should really do something with the [abandoned] store.  Enter an old classmate of mine Juliette who still lives in town (with husband and kids) who decided the someone and something was them. Hats off / high fives / 21 gun salute. The historic building was deamed non-viable by the local commission and they are already midway through a rebuild project - the end goal being to create a store, an exhibition space and kitchen for prepared breakfast and lunches in addition to supplying homewares, dry groceries, produce, beer and wood fired pizza. I know they are already working with neighboring producers and farmers intending to promote local food awareness through special events - events aiming squarely at residents as well as a destination for visitors, but also psyched on the meeting room/exhibition space they have planned. The store is one key to invigorating the town of Peru (one stop sign, no light...) and I could not be happier. To my New England readers especially, see www.jjhapgood.com/ to follow along and hope you 'll pay them visit.

Below is a series of photos taken by Carol Kaplan of the store as it was broomswept and ready to be packed up before demo and the current rebuild - which is being done inclusively with the town (even receiving a church blessing) and sensitively in terms of construction (not to get all Meet The Parents but yes salvaging usable timbers and hardware to be used later) recreating the facade, keeping the facing benches out front... Basically doing everything by the book. Walk through the door and have a look...

This was not 'for show' - the sandwich counter was used to prep sandwiches, the pickle barrel was filled, 

the huge glass cheese case held a massive wheel of cheddar, etc. 

The store was living and breathing at one point and will be again.  

Those Js are so distinctive, love that they have are keeping that in the new signage. #wellplayed

This was the last time I was inside - February 24th 2013. Juliette cranked up the woodstove and

the aged constable came by to tell us his childhood recollections of the store. Amazing.
Another set of these photos to follow in part 2...

Local pastor Margaret blessed the old store this summer and neighbors were invited to reminisce.

Here we go folks www.jjhapgood.com/ a renewal and new beginning. 

I am really looking forward to this ride...

Who decided it was good idea to do all this while wrangling 3 kids and a massive garden? 

Oh yeah... this lady did. Thank you Juliette and Tim!

10E2232: The Road Not Taken

Someone mentioned how this Friday (pre-Labor Day weekend) is one of the busiest travel days of the year, so we should take the road less travelled. Reminded me of this 1991 (I think..) lecture by Kevin Murphy, Professor of English at Ithaca College, who examines Robert Frost's popularity and the darker implications of his poetry and The Road Not Taken. Have posted this once before but absolutely riveting, #essential. 25mins so settle in. Happy Friday.

10E2181: Whole Larder Love in Vermont | June 15

Vermont readers - come along to Misty Valley Books in Chester on June 15th to hear Rohan Anderson talk from/about his book on sustainable food practices Whole Larder Love. Many Vermonters are familiar with self-sufficiency (self-imposed or otherwise) and I imagine a lively discussion and skill sharing with this author.

I'll be driving Ro to VT... hitting Walden Pond, Curtis BBQ, and Erskine's Store on the way up. The Dorset Quarry, Dorset Farmer's Market and SOLO on the way back. Where else folks?? #mushrooms #berries #greens

Boston area readers, Rohan will be speaking in Somerville on June 17 in a benefit for the Friends of the Somerville Public Library. $15 includes social hour w/ Flatbread Co. pizza and Island Creek Oysters (and clams). Tickets at http://igg.me/at/wholelarderlove

10E2155: David Utiger

Sugarbush (detail), Watercolor, Ink, Acrylic

Moonshine 13" x 6", Watercolor, Ink, Acrylic

Fertile Crescent 18" x 12" Watercolor, Ink, Acrylic

Artist, maple-sugar man and volunteer firefighter/pigroaster David Utiger is a resident of our town Peru, VT. He keeps the fine art part a little quiet, but do check the color and relief work he has agreed to show on 10E and much more on his site. Taking inspiration from moonlit hiking, and the surrounding maple trees and landscape through the seasons there is a lot to chew on. Maybe my limited thinking but I would love to see one of those vertical pieces as a snowboard graphic...  Thx David.

10E2154: Keith Jennison - Publisher, Vermonter

Keith Jennison became a respected publisher midcareer but may be best remembered as a writer and humorist producing stark, dry-as-a-bone (in a good way) books about New England, and especially his home state of Vermont. My cousin loaned me the 1941 release Vermont Is Where You Find It and Green Mountains And Rock Ribs (1954). Outtakes below, you'll get the idea. Thx Mike!

These titles not hard to find online, and something for every flavor of yankee.

10E2124: I Wear A Helmet For 3 Reasons + Bern Promo

I wear a helmet for three reasons; and they are often at home waiting for me. This isn't a story about me though... Last week we were lucky enough to take the kids out on the hill for a few days, where I witnessed the final answer on helmet usage...   

He went till last chair. Headsock is key. 

#1 son and I were headed over the crest of Bear Down at Stratton and he caught his backside edge... Remember that scene when Brad Pitt gets clocked during the gypsybareknuckle fight in Snatch? Or when Michael Biehn gets punched out in The Abyss... talking horizontal backwards. Feet off the floor. That's what I saw. Then he landed head first.

He was shaken up for sure. Me too. But all fine and after a few deep breathes we were on our way. It happens to be that he wears a summer/winter Bern helmet (Nino model) that I bought him - though course there are other brands out there. Essential.

If you don't have something for your young ones or yourself the folk behind  Bern Unlimited are offering 10e readers a discount; use code 10engines for 10% off your purchase right now at GoAllSeason.com. Thx gents.

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BTW here is another hot tip for parents; remember to check your local mountain for a lower-lift or beginner ticket. Stratton offers a lower adult mountain ticket for $15, which combined with U7 tickets for $5 paradoxically makes them the cheapest option in New England for ski/riding if you are taking beginner kids with you. Also remember to check Liftopia.com to get 10-50% most area tickets if you book in advance - I did it last week and yes it works.

10E2110: Vermont Open (of Snowboarding)

The Vermont Open (VTO) has been created to take the place of the US Open of Snowboarding (having been moved to Vail this year - from its home at Stratton, VT - further reading). It will be a 3 day tribute to the pioneer days & spirit of snowboarding. This is a chance to ride and compete in retro-style venues and events. [mini pipe? ed.] Come for the weekend and ride with Legends, Pros, Amateurs, Washed Up Pros and long lost friends; + music/parties/old school equipment. All held at Stratton, VT.

Event Shedule:
Rail Jam Friday with Finals Friday Night
Half Pipe Saturday
[Washed Up Cup] Banked Slalom Sunday.
Music all weekend.

Registration to Compete:
$135 includes 3 day lift ticket incl. entry to all contests + entry to all official parties (Welcome Party at Grizzly's Friday / BBQ on Grizzly's Deck Saturday / St Paddy's Day Breakfast Buffet Sunday). Register here.

Plus - in deference to USOpen's past, St Paddy's Day will infact coincide with the events... #alcoholicsaroundvermont

10E2001: Chalmers and 'Sending Milk' on WCAX

My buddy Skye Chalmers took his photo-essay Sending Milk (about dairy farming within the Cabot Cooperative) onto Vermont television this morning. You can hear a bit more from him about his hopes for the book (get curious!) and the crux of the project (pay respect to the farmers themselves). I am over the moon for the guy and am trying to get him to Boston for a lecture and slideshow; details and date forthcoming. Like how he is showing more leg than the presenter .... #shortshorts

10E2000: Nautical Bow Tie from Beau Ties of Vermont

New release from a 10e fave vendor, Beau Ties of Vermont; The Commodore. $72. Can get it as a necktie if you prefer. Could wear while reading a little Melville or maybe C. S. Forester - but suitable anytime. Bowties have this odd duality in that they have a slightly comical pictoral history (80s nerd...) but they can also be agressive, almost daring the observer to comment.

BTW thanks to my handy new numbering scheme, I see this is the 2000th post on 10e. *fireworks*

10E1997v: The Midway Diner

The Midway in Rutland, VT (next to Bowl-A-Rama) waa rebuilt about 20 years ago from a classic silver dining car into a larger but somehow even more retro affair. Like a "diner of the future" circa 1950. You almost expect there to be an automat in the entrance way. The whole thing is mint green and chrome inside.

Won't reach too far here - but yes, it is a solid diner, enhanced by the older waitresses, sure. Local blueberry pie didn't hurt. They used to have the bully burger - 2 patties and bacon - that was a solid choice with onion rings.