The First One to Blink — Looses.

This day off was scheduled two weeks ago – but rain (not good with top down) postponed the outing. I have a fascinating week of learning coming up, and in preparation thought a visit to Proctor, Vermont, and the Vermont Marble Museum would be helpful. Only been in the parking lot before, never inside the museum in the old original factory buildings (you know I like old and original). What a perfect BLUE BELLE day, and the cloud cover dissipated upon our arrival about 10:45 AM, I spent about 2 1/2 educational hours inside while BB1 was puzzled outside — It was a Standoff !!!

The Vermont Marble Company was the largest marble company in the US (maybe world, I forget) owning quarries all over the county – but with the work done in Proctor. There had been many quarrying attempts in the area, but it was not until about 1886 that Redfield Proctor made it a success, developing a company town named for him. The exhibits and marble displays are in the old factory building, and this one section is as it had been used up until the 1980s-90s.

Vermont Marble Museum – original work area

So much history inside, I encourage you to visit. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was carved here from a 56 ton block quarried in Yule, Colorado (the largest block ever quarried in the US up to that time – 1930).

Redfield Proctor was a US Senator from 1891 until his death 1908. It is no coincidence that many of the monuments and buildings in Washington, DC, are made of Vermont Marble from Proctor.

Marble is used for so much more, as a mineral added into many things – you would be surprised how much marble is in building materials and household and food products. The company is now part of Omya and this room told all the uses for marble granules (over 100, maybe it was a 1,000 in the width of a hair once processed).

Following is part of a display local school children developed to help document the town’s heritage. A history lesson here for our leader(s). If you cannot read the print, click for a larger image.

there were two rocking chairs in this area, with plaques on the arms. I could not resist capturing these two to share with you.

I will not show you all that was here about the quarrying operation, and the geology that formed the marble and granite in the area (my reason for going). But here are two placards with “fast facts” that I did not know that I want to share.

I then toured the town and saw many of the company built duplexes for company workers. Just up from the museum is this abandoned quarry.

The bonus for this venture came from my re-looking at a favorite book from my personal library – ABANDONED NEW ENGLAND: ITS HIDDEN RUINS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM by William F. Robinson. You know I love the old summer resort and vacation experience and historic inns, and hotels. In picking up the book I turned to the chapter – Mineral Springs and Mountain Top Resorts. Goodness, there just below Rutland on a back road heretofore not explored by me was Clarendon Springs Hotel. Further research on-line, and the 1834 hotel, grounds, other buildings, including country store – almost the whole village for 2.5M (gotta check another mattress).

well, here is a map of today’s route (in part once in the area), so you can see Clarendon in an out of the way spot (circled) below Rutland, a tad west.

more about the question mark later and the lower x in a circle.

Having researched on-line, I knew what I was looking for, and up a hill, round a corner I spotted the hotel and this sign.

THE CLARENDON HOUSE – 1834 – VERMONT

of course we pulled in

and, what was to our backs? You know I have loved 19th century stores since my pre-teens. The C.E. Seamons Country Store closed in 1937.

to sweeten the deal, this home is across the street (and I did not take a picture of the modern “caretakers” home that is included).

what is missing from this picture??? You will find the answer at the end of this post, and you better get tomorrow’s quiz right.

just to put things into perspective.

and the backside. The grounds lead down to about 500 feet of river frontage.

Plan was to head south toward Danby and Manchester. I had the route on the state map (above) in mind, but made some interesting turns, and realized I was not where I thought I was – but I never get lost, eventually I spot something familiar. But, what a place to get “lost” – just beautiful. Yes, of course its a dirt road. (you can click the below for larger image)

I stopped and talked to a mail-carrier. “Go straight, take the detour, and you will end up on Route 7,” she said. That is all I needed, you know US Route 7 is my favorite road (well I have some Class 5 and 6 Roads around I cherish, and a few in Walpole I will be working on getting designated Scenic Highways – always have to have a project or two). Still was not easy, but finally I got to Danby. Of course you know that is where Pearl S. Buck lived her final years. And, just before I got to “7” there was a small sign – I had to go.

Under Danby Mountain is one of the largest marble quarries in the world. I knew of it, and just enjoyed the video of its operation at the museum. Oh, they have to let BB1 and me visit for sure — NOT — I decided to stop. Can’t believe they bring the blocks out on the small entrance road we found.

It was then down into Manchester and Manchester Center. Tad hungry – found nice lunch spot and had an artichoke panini – at 3:40 – one traveling friend would not have liked that chow time.

BB1 behaved well, and loved this long trip – longest since her quitting last August in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. BB2 gets new tyres (English spelling, of course) tomorrow at 8, so I better finish up and get a few hours sleep.

Answer to your question — Rocking Chairs!  Catch you soon, as always, yours, RAY