Holiday Open House Nov. 27, 2010

Photos from the Harvest Dinner

Here are a few photos from the Candlelight Harvest Dinner we held on October 16th.

Candlelight Harvest Dinner, October 16th

Old Stone House Museum

Candlelight Harvest Dinner

in the

Samuel Read Hall House

October 16, 2010

Beginning at 5:30 p.m.

$50 per plate, limited seating by reservation only, call (802)754-2022

A fund raising event to benefit programs at the Old Stone House Museum

Experience hospitality from the 19^th century at the historic Samuel Read Hall House.

For a convivial evening of food & drink, return to the early years of our village, when the hearth was the center of the home, and candles illuminated tables laden with the produce of our own farms.

Supper Bill of Fare:

Before Dinner:

A demonstration, participation and tasting of hearth side cooking of the 1840’s:

Pounded Cheese: a surprisingly spicy concoction of cheese, cream, hot peppers and curry

Served on Common Crackers

Bake Kettle Pudding

Meat roasted before the hearth

Winter vegetables browned in the spyder

Gingerbread baked in the "tin kitchen"

A variety of red wines and white wines, local beers and fresh cider

The first course

Oyster Stew

The second course

Slow cooked Beef Roast with onions and tomatoes

Roast Pork with a Comfit of Maple and Apples

Traditional Apple Pie

Museum Marrow Squash Pie

Pound Cake

Oven roasted Potatoes

Braised Fall Greens and Herbs

Stewed Winter Vegetables from the Museum’s period garden

Various Pickles, Jellies and Relishes

Rolls and butter

Third Course

Trifle: Sponge Cake layered with fruits, custard, and whipped cream

Coffee and tea

Cheese and Apple Tasting, October 3rd

Come try farmstead cheese and heirloom apples at the Old Stone House Museum's second Cheese & Apple Tasting, October 3rd, 2010. From 11 am-3 pm, the farms will have their wares displayed in the field to the right of the Old Stone House Museum. There will be cider pressing and a Boston Marrow squash competition as well. Admission is $5. Any questions, call 802-754-2022, or email education@oldstonehousemuseum.org.

Photos from the Fall Foliage Run, Walk and Bike

Six cousins posed in front of the Old Stone House on their bikes before the race.

Thirteen bikers rode in the inaugural Old Stone House Fall Foliage Bike Race, which made a 12 mile counter clockwise loop down Old Stone House Rd., through Brownington Center, then on Ticehurst, Pepin, and Chilafoux, Gaye Hill, Chapdelaine, and Hinman Settler Roads.

Michael Karasinski started out ahead and stayed ahead in the 5K Run, placing first with a time of 18:53.

BROWNINGTON -- The second annual Old Stone House Fall Foliage Race was held on Sunday morning, September 12, with a Half Marathon Run, a 5K Run, a 5K Walk and a 12 Mile Bicycle Race. A brisk breeze did not discourage the 47 participants who raced on mostly dirt country roads with scenic vistas, brightened by early fall foliage.

Nine racers started the Half Marathon a little after 8 a.m., on a route that took them over the Old Stone House Rd., Hinman Settler Rd, Chapdelaine Rd., Ticehurst Rd., Gaye Hill Rd., Chilafoux Rd., and the Pepin Rd. Jason Shafer of Barton, 33, placed first with a time of 1:31:28. Tyler Alexander of Derby, 26, place second, even though he made a wrong turn that took him almost an extra mile, with a time of 1:35:42. Alex Grafton of Newport, 33, was third with a time of 1:46:19. Beverly Tannahill of Westmount, Quebec, 34, was the first woman with a time of 1:48:39, and placed fifth overall.

The other racers started a little after 9 a.m. Thirteen bikers raced on the same course as the half marathoners, but in the opposite direction. This was the first year for the bike race.

Women took first and second place overall. Linda Ramsdell of Craftsbury Common, 46, won with a time of 44:04. Ami English of Glover placed second with a time of 52:41. Oren Martin of Brownington, 57, third overall and first man over the finish line, came in with a time of 54:20.

The next four riders declared themselves a peleton, and came across the finish line with the same time of 1:00:54: Rian Hayman-Jones of Glover,10, Anaka Maher of West Glover, 12, Malakai Maher of West Glover,10, and Dennis Gibson of West Glover, 61. More enthusiastic young riders came in close behind. Aiden,Maher, 8, was eleventh, Asom,Hayman-Jones, 8, placed eighth, and Karamae Hayman-Jones, 12, was tenth.

The 5K course took racers up and back on the Hinman Settler Rd., traversing the high ridge with breathtaking views of Jay Peak and Lake Memphremagog. In the 5K Run, Michael Karasinski of Barton, 18, came in first with a time of 18:53. Larry Allard of Barton, 52, was second with a time of 20:22. Patrick Brogan of Orleans, 23, was third with a time of 20:56. Lindy Sargent, 58, was the first woman across the line, and placed fifth overall, with a time of 24:29. Casey Dearborn of Albany, 31, was the second woman with a time of 25:30. Erin Magoon of Craftsbury Common, 31, was the third woman with a time of 28:23.

In the 5K Walk, Roy Gero of Barton, 71, placed first with a time of 38:28. Women took both second and third. Barbara Grant of Brownington, 55, was second with a time of 40:28. Andie Stratton of Newport, 55, was third with a time of 42:31 Larry Faust of Brownington was fourth overall with a time of 45:43, and Wayne Wheeler of Newport, the oldest participant of all the races, was fifth with a time of 50:21.

Following the events racers enjoyed hot corn on the cob, fresh pressed apple cider, cookies, doughnuts, fruit and plenty of hot coffee. Sponsors of the race included Radiant Floor, Craftsbury Sports Center, Kingdom Trails, Columbia Forest Products, Evansville Trading Post, Juddy's Portable Toilets, Village Sport Shop, Parker Pie, Concept 2 Rowing, Memphremagog Press, Big Bear Real Estate, Lakefront & Country Rentals, Gene Besaw & Associates, Passumpsic Savings Bank, Total Security, Blanchard Oil, Currier's Market, and the Village Bike Shop. The proceeds from the race will support the programs at the museum. from the Old Stone House Museum

Cheese & Apple Tasting, October 3, 2010

Come try farmstead cheese and heirloom apples at the Old Stone House Museum's second Cheese & Apple Tasting, October 3rd, 2010. From 11 am-3 pm, the farms will have their wares displayed in the field to the right of the Old Stone House Museum. There will be cider pressing and a Boston Marrow squash competition as well. Admission is $5. Any questions, call 802-754-2022, or email education@oldstonehousemuseum.org.

Fall Foliage Run, Walk & Bike, Sept. 12, 2010

Here are our publicity posters and registration form for the Half Marathon and 5k Run the Orleans County Historical Society is sponsoring in September. Hope you can join us!

Antique Appraisal Show, Aug. 25, 2010

Antique Appraisal Show

Wed, August 25, 6pm – 9pm

Old Stone House Museum, Brownington, Vermont (map)

Antique appraiser Jim Marquis will be at the Grange Hall in Brownington Village to appraise items on Wednesday evening. Appraisals cost $10 per item, or three items for $25. No jewelry. Refreshments will be served. Please register in advance by phoning 754-2022.

Old Stone House Day, Aug. 15, 2010

Sunday, Aug 15, 2010
10 am to 4 pm
Old Stone House Museum, Brownington, VT

Our biggest event of the year with museum open house, demonstrations of traditional skills, crafts, farmers market, children's activities, music, and food.

North Country Poetry Reading, July 18

July 18th
2-4 pm
Brownington, VT

Northern Vermont poets, including Galway Kinnell, David Budbill, Jody Gladding, Burt Porter, and Lindsay Knowlton will read from their own work, and also poems by the late Hayden Carruth and James Hayford, at the Brownington Congregational Church from 2-4 pm. Admission by donation. Refreshments will be served.

Big Band Dance This Saturday, July 10

July 10, 2010
8-11 pm
Irasburg, VT


The Swing North Big Band will be playing for our 5th annual Benefit Dance at the beautifully restored, acoustically excellent Irasburg Town Hall. This rare opportunity to hear the big band sound of yesteryear honors veterans of all wars by recognizing those at the dance, and listing the names of those who enlisted from every town in the county in the downstairs exhibit, where bountiful refreshments are provided. The dance benefits programs at the museum. $25 per couple, or $15 individual admission.

Hands on History Pictures from June 12th

This month's Hands on History topic was Tea & Table Manners. Hands on History is held every second Saturday of the month.

Antique Engine Show Pictures

On June 19th, the Vermont Gas and Steam Engine Association hosted the Annual Antique Engine Show at the Old Stone House Museum.








Howard Barrup of Newport displays his old engine, and gave away homemade soap made as a byproduct of his bio-diesel operation




Dallas Campbell and his family came from Cookshire, PQ, to display their old engines.




Jane Williams of West Burke brought her teacup collection



Bill Thorneloe of Marbleton, PQ, has a great collection of cow bells

Bill Thorneloe's collection of tools


Bill Thorneloe's collection of painted tools

Bill Thorneloe's collection of locks and keys



Bill Thorneloe's collection of tools

Glover Runaway Pond Celebration Pictures

June 4-6, 2010, Glover celebrated their bicentennial of the letting out of Long Pond, now called Runaway Pond. These photos are of the celebration at Runaway Pond Park on June 6th.



Civil War Reenactors shot their cannon off every half hour like they did at the centennial celebration in 1910.




Digging up the time capsule buried in 1997 by Glover School children


Joan Alexander, chairman of the Runaway Pond Celebration Committee


MacArthur family sings their late mother Margaret MacArthur's "Ballad of Runaway Pond"



The Orleans County Historical Society set up kettle coffee over an open fire like they did at the celebration in 1910

Antique Engine Show, Sat. June 19, 2010

The Annual Antique Engine Show will be held on Sat. June 19, 2010, at the Old Stone House Museum.

Big Band Dance, Sat. July 10, 2010

The Annual Big Band Dance will be held in Irasburg on Sat. July 10th, 2010. Refer to our events page for times.

Volunteer Tea and Annual Meeting – Tues. June 8, 3-5:30 pm

We welcome volunteers both old and new for another busy season at the museum. Bill Hosely will present a program on Reading Places: Art, Architecture & Gravestones in Early Vermont. The program will be followed by a brief annual meeting of the Orleans County Historical Society, reviewing 2009 and electing new board members

Time Travelers Camp Accepting Applications

Time Travelers Camp, our annual summer day camp for kids ages 8 - 12 years old, is currently taking applications for this years camp! It's being held July 26 - 30, 2010, at the Old Stone House Museum in Brownington. This year's theme is "Mr. Hinman's Road." Time Travelers will walk in the footsteps of Timothy Hinman and the settlers who traveled north on his new road through the forest. Activities will include Wood Craft, Sheep to Shuttle, Blacksmith, Hearth, and Potter's Trade.

If you have questions, would like to volunteer to help out, or would like to sign up your child for the camp, please contact Susanna at 754-2022.

Blacksmith Shop Hammer-In and Grand Opening, May 22 2010

Blacksmith Shop Hammer-In and Grand Opening
Sat, May 22, 10am – 4pm

Old Stone House Museum, Brownington, VT (map)

Come see local blacksmiths at work in our new blacksmith shop on International Blacksmith Day. We are planning a series of Blacksmithing Courses during the summer. Come meet the instructors and see this new teaching space!

Better Berries Class, Sat. May 15, 2010

Better Berries

Saturday, May 15, 2010
9AM to 2PM
Old Stone House Museum grounds


This is a class on how to grow better berries. Life long farmer's market grower and former Old Stone House Museum staff member Mort Gellman has years of expertise with small fruits and berries. Participants will be introduced to old fashioned favorites such as currants and gooseberries, and learn to care for and prune raspberries and blackberries. Hands-on soil preparation, discussion about diseases and varieties. Take home raspberry roots to plant.

Cost: $20 members. $30 non-members. Pre-register by May 12. Call 802-754-2022

Time Travelers Camp Accepting Applications

Time Travelers Camp, our annual summer day camp for kids ages 8 - 12 years old, is currently taking applications for this years camp! It's being held July 26 - 30, 2010, at the Old Stone House Museum in Brownington. This year's theme is "Mr. Hinman's Road." Time Travelers will walk in the footsteps of Timothy Hinman and the settlers who traveled north on his new road through the forest. Activities will include Wood Craft, Sheep to Shuttle, Blacksmith, Hearth, and Potter's Trade.

If you have questions, would like to volunteer to help out, or would like to sign up your child for the camp, please contact Susanna at 754-2022.

Spring Apple Class April 17, 2010

Renewal Pruning and Heirloom Apples

Sat, April 17, 10am – 2pm

Old Stone House Museum

$40 Members. $50 non-members.

Pre-registration required before April 10.

Call 802-754-2022.

Michael Phillips of Lost Nation Orchard and well known author “Guide for the Organic Orchardist” returns to the Museum by popular request. Michael invites you to learn from his long experience as an organic apple grower and shares the scientific basis of apple growing. You will practice pruning and bench grafting. Choose Scion wood from a variety of heirloom varieties and go home with your 2 grafted trees.

Heirloom Squashes

Heirloom Squash seeds were given out to the public from March to April. In the fall, there will be a contest called the "Best Boston Marrow" for the biggest, best Boston Marrow squash, and the winner will have free admission to the Cheese and Apple Tasting event in October. Thank you to all who showed interest, and we hope to see great results in the fall!

Kitchen Junket Pictures

The 2nd annual Kitchen Junket at the Old Stone House Museum was held February 28th, 2010. There was music and dancing in the kitchen, and sleigh rides and ice skating outside.

Parlor Music Concerts, March 28 & April 11

Hall House Parlor Concert - the Matthews Duo

Sun, March 28, 2pm – 4pm

Samuel Read Hall House, Brownington, VT (map)

The Matthews Duo -- flutist Wendy Matthews and husband classical guitarist Peter Matthews -- will perform at the Orleans County Historical Society on Sunday, March 28, at 2:00 p.m. The program will open with music from the 20th and 18th centuries, including that of composers Ernst Gottlieb Baron, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, and Astor Piazzolla. The second half of the concert will feature music composed by 19th century guitarists Napoleon Coste and Mauro Giuliani. The duo will conclude the recital with selections from contemporary composer Robert Beaser's Mountain Songs, a collection of pieces based on folk music popular during Alexander Twilight's lifetime.






Hall House Parlor Concert - Jim Daniels

Sun, April 11, 2pm – 4pm

Samuel Read Hall House, Brownington, VT (map)

String Band music and traditional American tunes will be performed by NEK favorites Daniels & McGinnis on April 11, Sunday afternoon 2 pm. The parlor at newly restored Hall House provides an early 1800's setting for this duo's fine acoustic music and vocals. This concert is second in a series at Old Stone House Museum in Brownington, Vt.

Apple Classes at the Museum, April 3 & April 17

Home Orchard Grafting & Pruning
Sat, April 3, 10am – 2pm Old Stone House Museum (map) $25 Members. $30 Non-members. Pre-registration required before March 27. Call 802-754-2022
Todd Parlo owns and operates Walden Heights Nursery & Orchard, a certified organic orchard and propagation nursery in Walden, Vt. He does professional pruning with decades of experience. Todd grafts thousands of trees of hundreds of varieties every year. You can learn more about the farm at waldenheightsnursery.com. Fruit Tree Pruning and Grafting. This combination workshop will give an overview of various techniques and physiology behind grafting and pruning of cold climate tree fruits. Discover the proper way to prune your tree for good health and maximum yields. Learn how to make your own orchard with the 4000 year old trick of grafting. Students will be provided with the materials and information to graft their own tree. Materials Attendees should bring a steel utility knife, pruning shears and a plastic grocery bag. If you have scions of your own feel free to bring them. Additional rootstocks and scionwood will be available for purchase at the class. Enrollment limited.

Renewal Pruning & Heirloom Apples
Sat, April 17, 10am – 2pm Old Stone House Museum $40 Members. $50 non-members. Pre-registration required before April 10. Call 802-754-2022.
Michael Phillips of Lost Nation Orchard and well known author “Guide for the Organic Orchardist” returns to the Museum by popular request. Michael invites you to learn from his long experience as an organic apple grower and shares the scientific basis of apple growing. You will practice pruning and bench grafting. Choose Scion wood from a variety of heirloom varieties and go home with your 2 grafted trees.

Collectors Fair Pictures

Pictures from the Collectors Fair, February 21st, 2010.

A fine collection of antique toasters.

Howard and Brad Barrup at their display. The Barrups always give away soap which they make with glycerin, a bi-product of their biodiesel operation. They produce enough biodiesel at their fix-it shop in Newport to heat the shop and power a Volkswagen.

A collection of toy soldiers, stamps and coins



An electric train set ran around the track



Rows of tables in the Orleans Elementary School Gym held interesting collections of all sorts. A steady stream of visitors enjoyed the display and chatted with the collectors.



- These are just some of the unique cast iron bottle openers that filled one table.



A beautiful collection of remembrance teacups made in Germany.



A second grader at Orleans Elementary School, displayed her collection of seashells and snow globes.






A very attractive display of glass insulators.