I receive news feeds from both New Hampshire and Vermont. Based upon my searching on-line I often receive Facebook feeds of events matching my interests. Not sure how I learned of this exhibit, but so glad I did — and visited the Mill Store 1865, in Bennington, Vermont, to see The History of Halloween with a Focus on American Vintage Halloween Costumes. The exhibit featured a never before seen private collection of vintage Halloween costumes. Gary Yuschalk of Victorian Interiors in Massachusetts shared his collection dating back to the 1940s through 1980s featuring American-made Halloween costumes. This is the first time Yuschalk, who has been collecting for several decades, has shared his collection with more than 40 costumes on display for the entire month of October at Mill Store 1865.

The Mill Store 1865 is located in a beautifully restored 1865 company store originally built for workers of the historic Bennington Mill. Located at 121 Benmont Avenue, I had a feeling this unique brick building, surrounded by what would have been factory workers homes, looked familiar. And, yes, in checking my archives in the late 1990s and early 2000s I visited here at a used book store – NEW ENGLANDIANA owned by Roger D. Harris.

RAY RECOMMENDS — This weekend travel across Vermont Route 9 as the leaves are now turning nicely — your destination Mill Store 1865 for the Halloween Costume exhibit. Several routes back to NH, I will mention later. Working on this post has led to many “rabbit holes” (as my son, Gary, and I experience) to learn more – I will share some, but have fun.

Climbing up from Brattleboro on Route 9 you arrive at the overlook at Hogback Mountain. I have seen better colors from here over the decades, but always fun to stop (except weekends – hard to find parking). I do not recall all the travel and name stickers on the guard rail before — fun. (remember you may click any of my images for a larger view).

The colors on their way.

Below a gallery (which you can click for larger views) with the Mill Store (entrance on the side street) and the banner welcoming you inside.

I was overwhelmed with smiles and fun, first gazing at the wall of costumes, well organized by category, and. basically all by one company – Ben Cooper. My first “rabbit hole” – there is a documentary of the company – https://bencooperdoc.com – which is also available on Amazon Prime. Narrated by his grandson, Ben was one of the first and best at working out licensing of characters – in fact his contract with Walt Disney was only the second by Disney, and signed by Walt himself. I have more research to do, and you do as well, but start with the documentary.

Owner Vance was very welcoming and gracious to me sharing his background and his art and antique gallery. Open only three months, in asking why Bennington, he replied, “I fell in love with this building.” We had many shared interests, and I apologized for chatting too much — well, it was fun. While I was there a number of people stopped by — I sincerely hope that continues for Vance.

I did not travel over last Friday night for the opening talk, but it was covered in the BENNINGTON BANNER along with more background on Vance’s new shop – which the BANNER quoted Vance as a “welcoming community space, and not just a place to shop.” Here is a link to the article that Vance sent to me last evening.

And, “Off to See the Wizard” is this group of Ben Cooper “finery.”

Here is one of the few brief labels sharing background of the costumes and the characters represented.

You can understand the popularity of youngsters in those times wanting “to be” a loved character, and now so many good memories are brought back I can imagine.

Do look closely at MR. SLINKY.

I can image that every child (and older children as well) would long to be their favorite super hero and save the world

Below the wall of SUPER HEROES

On the window are these fascinating (and very sheer and probably flimsy) spooky see through Halloween illustrations. “Rabbit Hole” Number Two. These look vintage to me, and I needed to learn more. I started with a reverse Google image search – learned a little – then used terms “halloween window see through decorations.” Yes — new ones are out there and seem pretty nice and inexpensive, even on Amazon. I will stop searching now to get this post done — but will return – yes I have windows to adorn.

I enjoyed my visit of maybe an hour and a half, and then headed up to Old Bennington to visit some favorite spots. First below on Route 9 with the green to the right (Bennington Museum down the hill to the right, yes I stopped again). Below next is driving up to the Bennington Monument.

Earlier I mentioned there are many options for a day trip for the return back to Walpole — or to venture in reverse. One option would be to take Route 7A (the original Route 7 that I first traveled alone in 1962 in my 1929 Model A Ford Roadster – BELZEBUTH) up to Arlington to Manchester, Manchester Center, and then head east on VT 30 and then VT 11 towards Chester and home.

But I have another favorite route that few people know about and take that I really enjoy and HIGHLY RECOMMEND, and is easy, no cars, and scenic.

Head back to Wilmington and in Wilmington at the intersection of VT 9 and VT 100, turn north on VT 100 and soon turn right on East Dover Road which becomes Dover Road (you will want to be heading to East Dover, and eventually to Williamsville and Route 30). If you miss East Dover Road just watch for a sharp cut back right onto Don Fitch Road. Enjoy turning up Holland Road to see “downtown” Dover. Back on the “main road” soon you may even wish to swing in to see the East Dover post office and store – I visited the store July 4, 2022.

You pass through South Newfane (do not blink) and one reason I love this route is I always stop and capture of picture of the Williamsville Covered Bridge, this time with some extra color after a short rain.

I recently read that the 1828 Williamstown General Store had reopened and I had to see it – but alas it closed at 3 pm, 17 minutes before I pulled up. Well, another trip, darn (ha, ha). And across the street supposedly an old Feed and Grain store.

I continued on to Route 30 then crossing the Covered Bridge to Dummerston over to US 5 and home. A GREAT EIGHT HOURS OUT even though no books or Halloween Blow-Molds found.

BUT, the day was not a loss (by no means as you see above) — My new girl friend moved in today. We met on my way home from this amazing Halloween exhibit in Bennington.

RAY RECOMMENDS:

1 – Get out now and “leaf peek” – they are changing fast and early
2 – Visit the MILL STORE 1865 in Bennington – tell Vance I sent you
3 – Experience my route through East Dover and Williamsville (ask me if you want to know where the old West River Railroad station is).

And, I have some upcoming HALLOWEEN adventures to share with you soon. Stay safe and well, BOO, luv, RAY