SHHS April 3rd Program—A Short History of the Churches of South Hero--April 4 7-8 The South Hero Historical Society presented “A short history of the Churches of South Hero.” Alice Toth and David Gardner took us through a quick history of the first Catholic mass celebrated on the islands in 1666, to the founding of St Rose [circa 1854], through today. The South Hero Congregational Church was founded in 1795. Guy Winch talked about how the fellowship hall was excavated and built by hand. A focus was placed on past joint projects between the churches, community outreach and support, as well as what is going on now. We must acknowledge Max Reader, Richard Crocker, and Father Branon, who because of their personal friendships, forged an ecumenical awareness between the churches that lives in the hearts of the parishioners to this day. Stories were also shared

of fish fries, community suppers, Sunday breakfasts, Christmas baskets, Food For Thought, and the donation of church space for CIDER functions.

Memories of Dad's Farm--Ray Allen, Rod Larrow, and Tim Maxham

MEMORIES OF DAD’S FARM The South Hero Historical Society welcomes Rod Larrow, Ray Allen, and Tim Maxham, who will share memories of growing up on the farm. They will meet at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 7th at Folsom Ed. Center. Each of them comes from multi-generations of farmers. Descended from Ira Allen, at least four generations of Allens have farmed the Allenholm Farm on South Street. Presently we think of it as an orchard with some berries and vegetables, but at one time it was also a dairy, selling individual bottles of milk. The former Larrow farm is now owned by Ron and Celia Hackett. Rod’s Grandfather owned a farm about two miles down the road, also on South Street. As a teenager one of Rod’s chores was to hoe the bean field. At that time beans were an important side crop, and also provided jobs for workers in the bean factory. One year he was called on to substitute for the milkman. Early in the morning he trucked around So. Hero, pulling cans dripping cold water out of coolers. He gained an up close and personal appreciation for the farms of South Hero. Tim Maxham family farmed what is now Good Hope Farm (formerly Contentment Farm) There are stories of other farm families gathering on Saturday nights to dance in the kitchen. The Maxhams then moved to Enosburg where they operated a large farm. When his father, Ivan, developed an illness related to his work in the barn, they moved back to So Hero where his father worked on the Allen farm. They had a sugar house in the back yard. They and the neighbors tapped the maples on South Street. For a number of years South Street enjoyed the sweet smell of maple during the month of March. The SHHS has delighted in the large crowds, children and adults, members and non-members who have attended our meetings. It is a joy to see the enthusiasm that natives and newcomers experience in these meetings. This meeting promises to be another jam packed with interesting stories. Please join us.

Growing Up in South Hero in the Forties

Being a Kid in South Hero in the Forties and Some “Famous” People Who Lived in South Hero Friday, Feb. 7th @ 7PM We were so excited to have Joyce Robinson Blow and Susan McBride Crowley share personal stories of growing up in So. Hero in the forties. Both are from families who have lived here for generations. Joyce is the daughter of Hollis and Dorilda Robinson. Hollis was a carpenter and caught sturgeon which he shipped by train to Boston. As a child Joyce would help meet the train and transport “city slickers” and their servants to their summer homes. Every year on her birthday Joyce and her family would hop on the train in South Hero and go to Burlington for shopping and dinner. It was a big trip and so much fun! Sue is the daughter of Helen and Henry McBride. They lived on a farm on West Shore Road where Dad also had a sawmill. Granddad helped build the fill for the railroad and her grandmother cooked meals for the railroad workers. Sue has vivid memories and wonderful stories including tales about the Baker family and her close friends, the Folsoms, who gave the first $50,000 for the new school. Sue was actually in the first graduation Folsom School Class. Remember Colonel Jackson of Jackson Pt. fame, who drove the first car across the country? Guess who used to play with his granddaughters?

History of the Sandbar Bridge, Phelps House, and Sandbar Motel with Bill and Ron Phelps

October 4, 2013

Annual Meeting and Sandbar Restaurant Program by Bill and Ron Phelps

Sept. 18, 2013 Dear SHHS Members, We would like to invite you to our very first SHHS Annual Meeting on Oct. 4, 2013 at the Folsom School starting at 6:30. We will be voting on the By-Laws which a committee worked on this year. We will present a Treasurer's report and a budget for next year. We will ask for your input into projects you would like to see the society consider and future programs you would like to see the society host. We will also host Bill and Ron Phelps telling stories of their grandfather Benajah Phelps and their great-uncle Sydney Phelps who built and operated the Sandbar Restaurant, otherwise known as the Phelps House. In addition to collecting tolls for the bridge, they operated an inn and a restaurant. This grandfather also planted the trees at the south end of South Street. Great-grandfather Benajah was also postmaster, as well as having fought in the Civil War. All are welcome to share in an important part of our local history. Members have received via email or snail mail

the President's report of the society's activities for the past year and a copy of the By-Laws which we will need to vote on that night. Please take a moment to look them over and if you have any questions you may email us or call our president, Terry Robinson at 372-3933. Thank you for your input and support. We hope to see you Friday, Oct. 4. Your SHHS Executive board, President-Terry Robinson Vice-president-Peg Clark Treasurer-Sue Crowley Secretary--Dolf Wirsing Trustees-Bret Corbin, Judy Duval, Ken Rocheleau and Hazel Quelch

Pictures From Two Campgrounds--Lakeside and Skyland

A few stories from our program;
Ron Phelps would pick raspberries for 10 cents a quart for his Grandma and she would sell them to Skyland for 65cents!!
Loved the stories about the vacationers who ended up having summer romances with the locals and ended up married and living in South Hero!