Poultney factory a centerpiece of Saturday's annual hoedown
Toolbox
By Gordon Dritschilo Staff Writer - Published: August 7, 2009
POULTNEY — Last year, Poultney Historical Society officially reopened the melodeon factory.
"We now have exhibits in it," said Dick Hanson of the Poultney Historical Society. "That's the fun part."
The exhibits at the restored historic building form the center of the 74th annual East Poultney Day celebration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday on the East Poultney Green.
Originally built as a blacksmith shop in 1810, the factory building is one of three owned by the historical society. The building's floor suddenly dropped several inches in 2006, sending the society on an odyssey of fundraising and repairs.
"We were working on some of the exhibits when the second floor collapsed," Hanson said. "Now we're back in action."
Naturally, there's an exhibit on melodeons — bellows-powered organs that look like small pianos.
"We have a number of melodeons that have been donated to the society over the years." Hanson said. "We have a couple that are completely restored … one is sort of deconstructed so you can see how it functions."
Another exhibit looks at domestic life during the time the factory was operating, from 1852 to 1875. Hanson said it includes clothing and a variety of household items.
A third exhibit looks at medicine during the same period. Hanson said Poultney had two doctors in town at the time. One, Dr. Horton, served in the Civil War and his apothecary kit will be on display.
The first floor of the museum features two large artifacts — a 1920s mail wagon and a meat wagon, both horse drawn.
"Meat was delivered door-to-door in Poultney up to the 1950s," he said.
On the green, 50 juried vendors will sell a range of food, crafts, antiques and collectibles. Green Mountain College will exhibit livestock from its campus farm.
At 11 a.m., historian Patricia Moore will offer a talk on Poultney in the 1820s. At 12:30 p.m., Jim Cassarino will lead a performance of colonial and 19th-century Welsh hymns. Other demonstrations cover topics such as beekeeping and blacksmithing.
Hanson said the historical society is also in the middle of a project on Poultney's schools, and invited people to bring any relevant photos, memorabilia or stories. He said the society will be able to scan and copy photos.
The event concludes with a traditional Vermont church dinner at the 1805 Baptist Church. There are seatings at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
gordon.dritschilo@rutlandherald.com
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