Civil War History Hike, September 28

The Royalton Historical Society will host a hike to Oliver's Cave, Saturday, September 28 and all are welcome to join the hike to this area landmark tucked up in the hills of Royalton.

The group will gather at 11:00 a.m. at the Royalton Academy Building on Route 14 in Royalton village and car pool to the starting point. This year we are walking to the cave and being led by Mark Wood from the Royalton side of Broad Brook Mountain. Wear comfortable shoes, bring tick repellant, and bring a snack to share and eat at the cave. Mark reports that it is a moderately easy walk through the woods and past numerous ledge outcroppings.

Oliver's Cave takes its name from Oliver Plaisted (1823-1881), who grew up in Royalton's Broad Brook district and was a well educated man who became a schoolteacher in Royalton who wanted to avoid the Civil War. To do this, he constructed a stone hut in which to seek refuge. Oliver is buried in Royalton's Broad Brook Cemetery beside his parents. His marble stone was damaged many years ago and the Society is asking participants to make a donation so that the stone can be restored. Today, Oliver's Cave, located in the Broad Brook area of town, is a popular and short hiking destination. The one-room stone chamber with a massive stone slab for its roof, and nearby rock piles and pits, leaves many open questions and a time for reflection.
for more information contact: jpdumville@yahoo.com