SHHS Proudly presents: Sawyer Island by Members of the Farnham Family May 6th, 2016

Stratton’s book titled “History of The South Hero Island” informs us that back in 1786, Col. Ephraim Sawyer settled on South Hero’s west shore near what are still referred to as Sawyer Bay and Sawyer Island. About 100 years later, John J. Wright bought the nearby farmland and (“evidently” according to Stratton) they also bought the little island from Orange Phelps. Join us Friday evening May 6, 2016 as members of the Farnham family, who have owned the little island since the 1970’s, share more recent accounts of life and (in the case of some waterfowl) death, on Sawyer Island and Sawyer Bay, portions of South Hero’s “West Coast of New England.”

SHHS Proudly Presents: Valcour Island and Lighthouses of Lake Champlain by Rob Clark and Roger Harwood Friday, April 8th, 2016 at 7PM at Folsom School Upstairs in the Old Brick Section South Hero has always had a close connection with the lake. Valcour Island on the New York shore is a common destination for boaters during the summer months. Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island overlooks the sight where the Battle of Lake Champlain occurred. Come hear stories and historical facts from Roger Harwood, chairperson of the Bluff Point Lighthouse and Rob Clark, owner of two Vermont lighthouses--one located on Isle LaMotte and pictured below and the other located in Alburgh called Windmill Point Lighthouse, pictured below, also. Rob will share his vast knowledge of Lake Champlain Lighthouses and Roger will discuss the Bluff Point Lighthouse and its recent major restoration. We are excited to present our second program this year. Everyone of all ages are welcome!

We’re Back! Proudly presents: The Secrets and Treasures of Life on the Ministerial Lot-- Located on Town Line Road by Jim Hoag and Marilyn Pillsbury Friday, March 4, 2016 at 7PM at Folsom School in Julie Pidgeon’s Room SHHS is glad to start up the 2016 year of local historical programs with Jim Hoag and Marilyn Pillsbury revealing the secrets and little know facts about the Ministerial Lot (Lot 19 on Townline Rd) and the brick house next door that is one of the oldest and least known houses in South Hero. It was built on or before 1794 making it about 222 years old! You will hear the history of the transformation of the Ministerial lot, set aside in the first legislature for the support of the ministry, later to be sold and divided. Marilyn will share pictures of the old fireplace with the Dutch ovens which had been stoned up behind a wall for over 100 years and revealed beautiful fossils in the mantle stone. Our meetings are held at 7 p.m. in the Folsom School on South Street usually the first Friday of each month. Check the Islander for confirmation. If you prefer not to climb the stairs, enter the building from the original front door in the brick half of the building. All ages are welcome! Our website is www.southherohistoricalsociety.blogspot.com Membership/contributions of $10.00 can be sent to SHHS, P.O. Box 49, South Hero, VT, 05486.

Oct. 23, 2015 Annual Meeting and Halloween Stories

Thank you to Guy Winch, John Roy, Bret Corbin and more!