Just wanted to pass along information on this year's EPD. The Poultney Historical Society has a fun day planned for all!
The 84th Annual East Poultney Day 2019 will arrive on the East Poultney green on Saturday, August 10th from 9am-3pm. Please join us if you can! The theme this year is Pastimes of Past Times and and will explore the various hobbies, sports, and activities that Poultney people have enjoyed for centuries.
Highlights include keynote presenters Dale and Joan Prouty who will provide 19th Century School Slate Display and School Lessons in the 1791 Union Academy. Throughout the day, the Proutys will discuss the school slate industry, show off their extensive slate board collection, and offer a chance for visitors to use slates while experiencing school lessons of Arithmetic, Spelling, Reading and Science. The last lesson will begin at 2:30pm.
There will be new exhibits on display this year, including In the Shadow of Herrick Mountain: Exploring Two Early Hunting Camps and Spruce Knob Racetrack, an exhibit created by our very own Andrea Mott, Chair of Genealogy and Research. Her exhibit will be on display in the 1896 East Poultney Schoolhouse. Two of the hunting camps prominently featured are Sagabond and Hidden Valley.
Everyone can participate in democracy in the Great American Ice Cream Vote, requiring some tasting of Stewart's best. Be sure to stick around to find out the winning flavor announced during the 2pm raffle drawing. There will also be a Bounce House for the children to enjoy.
In keeping with the theme, Poultney Granville Band Leader Rusty Wescott will speak about the organization's musical history at 10am and Coach David Capman will speak of the history of Poultney High School sports at 11am on the Green. Local beekeeper Matt Riley, owner of I Love U Honey Apiaries, will speak at noon on "Supporting our Local Pollinators," a talk that reaches beyond bees to the large variety of insects that help grow our food.
Don't forget to see the newly restored Primary Grades classroom in the 1896 East Poultney Schoolhouse. During the restoration, new portions of the old slate chalkboards and cork boards were uncovered, and an original color scheme discovered.
The classroom will feature "Milt's Poultney," an operating model train of the D&H railroad line looping through a miniature 1920s Poultney that was created by Oscar Milton McWithey. According to his daughter-in-law, Mary Ann McWithey, "Milt created a working train design of downtown Poultney from his childhood days. He was born in 1929. It is a very exact replica based upon his memory and photographs from that time period." Model train expert Don Buesing, who restored Milt's train, will be present all day to talk with visitors.
The day will also feature music performed by The Kowalski Brothers, with Dan on vocals and guitar, and Matt on guitar. Both reside in Poultney and play an eclectic array of songs, ranging from their own original creations to covers of rock, classic country, and folk.
As usual on East Poultney Day, there will be a diversity of local vendors selling unique crafts, folk art, collectibles, plants and local produce. The Snowmobile Club will provide their hot dogs, burgers, fries and sodas, and the East Poultney General Store will offer sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
The Historical Society's annual raffle drawing will be at 2:00 PM, featuring two Grand Prizes: a rustic hand-made children's wooden bench made by Dan Foley and a $100 cash prize, as well as many gifts and service prizes from local businesses and vendors.
At 4pm, there will also be a service at St. John's Episcopal Church bringing their Vermont-made 1860 Nutting organ to life. And don't miss the traditional Supper from 5pm-7pm, provided by the Young at Heart Senior Center on Furnace Street.
Please visit the Poultney Historical Society tent, become a member, buy raffle tickets, and help support the preservation of Poultney's history. You can also purchase raffle tickets before the event at the East Poultney General Store.
For more information, email info@poultneyhistoricalsociety.org
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