Surprise at Millstone Trail

It is nearly mid-October, and we continue to be thrilled at

Autumn's array, though maple leaves of this cluster seen along

the Millstone Trail near Barre, Vermont are past "prime".

One thing that really filled our lamps TODAY was

a return to a Sabbath church meeting, with the Canterbury Ward.

Warning: this post will convey more than one reference

to edible pleasures we are "collecting" as our days sift away.

One of this week's fun developments was the "Ooops!

Didn't Pres. Beck tell you?" moment on Tuesday when

the Assistants stepped into our office space to ask a question

with a sudden mention that Elder Emmett from Springville, UT

(reassigned from Ivory Coast) would be arriving within the hour

to be trained to become Vehicle Coordinator when Vince leaves.

(This is Elder Emmett wearing a couple of Tiwi monitors, and

a colorful plaid tie - I hope that will influence Elder Warner!)

The question the APs had concerned the planned pick-up

that afternoon of 6 new mission vehicles from Mirak auto

dealership in Arlington, MA, which would now be completed

with the help of Elder Emmett. Here they are, below,

loaded in the mission van to drive south; Elder Warner is driver.

Forgive me if I talk too quickly - seems the rapid passing

of time is constantly on my mind now, and I find that there

are still a few things on my "must do" list before leaving.

The top two were related to Autumn in New England:

1) get a view of fall foliage across a valley from a mountain vista;

2) enjoy apple cider near the mill source.

Watchful for a chance to drive into Northern Vermont where, as

residents of Merrimack County, NH, they wouldn't be that happy

to have us come and stay as JUST visitors (COVID-19 precautions)

we found the "essential" business to make it work: to trade out

a couple of long-term rentals for the newly arrived Equinoxes.

We met up with two of the companionships involved,

doing Fall wrap-up and winter prep service in Sharon, VT, on

the grounds of the Joseph Smith Birthplace (we were told

later that the JSBM abbreviation now becomes JSB - with

"Memorial" being officially dropped from the designation).

Here they are, above: Sisters Merrill, Davis;

Sisters Todeschini, Isaksen, Young and Pratt.

Explanation: they are dressed in "duds" because they are

working outside with dirt and trees. 

You can see the black vehicle we are picking up,

and here, below, expressions of their appreciation:

 two dozen sticky notes in the cabin.

Lots of oil in our lamps from their kindness and love!

Our other errands would take us north to Burlington

to deliver packaged mail, name tags, and two bed frames

to the two Sister companionships there. Leaf color

here in Manchester is still coming on - but my worries that

in the north, time had already run out seemed to be

confirmed when we crossed the Connecticut River bridge

into Vermont and almost immediately noticed how empty

and gray colored the deciduous trees had become.

(This weather app screenshot was taken Friday morning

in Burlington, but it shows WHY leaves are down.)

The Montpelier YSA Sisters Young and Isaksen had recommended

what they called "a nature walk" that we could visit on our trip,

so we followed GPS directions to 44 Brook Street in Graniteville, VT.

Near the destination, we began to be surrounded by these

unexpected and very distinctive MOUNTAINS of cut and stacked

granite slabs and blocks, pieces and crags. Around one road curve

we passed "Rock of Ages" quarry operation, and an inkling sprouted.

(What we were seeing was "waste", called 'grout' that

was unusable in the historic commercial environment;

now the abundance is crushed for road base, etc.)

We parked, began our "hike" and realized this was a frisbee

golf course, but as we climbed we followed arrows leading to

"Grand View", so our expectations lifted slightly from zero.

Alongside the inclined trail, below, we encountered at trailside

the stacks and walls of cut granite, and intrigue grew.

We passed a broken-down wooden derrick with info sign,

and began to learn about the historic quarry operations

nearby. Then, the trail emptied onto the local road,

 crossed asphalt, and continued beyond triangle trail gate.

It was enough just to be outside in still-mild weather, looking

at the beautiful fall colors - not as "passed" as I had thought.

Then, within 50 yards of the trail gate, we realized this

would be no ordinary experience, encountering

what seemed to be an entrance to an ancient garden.

(These "broken" columns are intentionally designed

this way, partly emerging from the "waste" granite blocks,

and distressed to look old!) 

Ascending, the trail reaches the first plateau near a tall

stacked stone wall. Delightful and a little spooky were

the numerous figures and objects which seemed to be

randomly ghost-sculpted from the stacked granite.

This, below, a warrior sentinel - Greek spartan? -

was my favorite, watching behind us as we approached.

This area is referred to as Gnome Man's Land

of the Millstone Trail system, multi-purpose but beloved

by trail bike enthusiasts. A little owl was an 'ignorable'

offering on a wall brimming with discoveries.

More than one surprising 'gnome' greets visitors.

(If you want to see some live action from Millstone Trail,

follow this LINK: )

Further along the summit is this temple to Hephaestus,

Greek god of fire, volcanoes and forges, patron of metal working,

blacksmithing and more.

Just a hint at the broad valley scenes beyond.

Remarkable that we didn't notice the Hephaestus statue

at first, because it was directly across from this defunct

Wells Quarry pit, now filled with water, and picturesque.

(The intermittent sun was absent when picture was clicked.)

As Vince explored and began his "dangerous" activity

(seeking just the right precarious position to shoot from)

that usually makes me turn away to quell my anxiety,

I left the pit rim, turning directly to view the Greek statue.

Mounting it's platform, I could finally see the namesake of

this fabulous trail destination: "Grand View".

Here, in front of me, was the vista that I had imagined

was out there, but despaired of experiencing!

Above is the east view. At trail's end, looking

west is this view (below)! I was brought briefly to tears.

My longing and inward prayer had been answered!

And my heart soared.

A little more about the quarry, which eventually became

the "Rock of Ages" operation of three co-founders 

just before the turn into twentieth century. It has become

the largest 'dimension block quarry' in the world.

In this historic photo we glimpse how labor intensive

the harvesting process was, employing hundreds

in the Barre (pron. bar-rie), VT area. Among the work force

were many highly skilled sculpture artists from Italy

(and other origins), a tradition continued forward to  

present. Those artists are the "culprits" who carved on the hill.

This photo, below, also from the web, shows the more

modern methods. A film at the Rock of Ages visitors' center

had a cartoon demonstrating how the blocks are cut out now

using equipment that is a cross between a pallet jack

and a band saw with circulating cutting rope

composed with diamond bits to act as blade.

Apologies: I only captured half of this graphic which

explains how really deep the pit has become -

half left off to right shows the opposite pit wall extending

ABOVE the flame of the top statue line drawing.

Of course, we purchased a small bit of granite

from the gift shop - a square block paperweight.

Still feeling thoroughly delighted, we headed on toward

Montpelier, and stopped in Waterbury for a COVID-modified

experience at Ben & Jerry's. Gift shops and play areas were

closed, and six-foot marks on the ramp showed us where

to stand while waiting for our turn to order, then move away

to consume our delights.

Here is my choice: New York deluxe choc brownie chunk.

(Excuse me a moment - I need to lick those drips away.)

We also stopped at the Danforth Pewter showroom

in Waterbury.

Fast forwarding now to Burlington on Lake Champlain. 

Enchanted by another unexpected sight - painted mosaic 

artwork on the side of a historically old building in downtown.

Here is the view from the lake bay park, with break water,

moored sailing boats, and small white lighthouse.

That is New York visible on the horizon.

We parked in a five-level terrace undergoing repairs

and so reached the open-air top before finding a spot.

Not a bad consequence for the dizzying drive upward!

Then we explored along the pedestrian plaza downtown

(retail area) known as 'Church Street', because, of course,

a church stands at the end of it!

Vince found his spending 'swing' at Frog Hollow

Vermont Craft Center, so we are bringing even more

artistic pieces home with us.

After a brief debate, we decided to drive on surface roads

down to Shelburne to at least see the Shelburne Museum,

with its moved-to-the-site historic buildings, exhibits of quilts,

Americana and art on thousands of acres of beautiful grounds.

I knew about the COVID restrictions, so we asked about

walk-in tickets, usually requiring pre-purchase.

"Would need to see if you "qualify" the hostess explained.

Deciding to try it, we began the screening:

NOPE we could not get in, unless we had quarantined for 14 days

because we were from Merrimack County in NH, 

which has experienced a recent too-high infection rate. 

So we were kept away from an exclusively-open air experience. 

Oh, well - I WAS there at least.

Here below is the iconic round shaker barn viewable

from the expansive parking lot.

Instead, we opted to return to Waterbury and stop by

what I thought would be simply a rural fruit stand.

Wow were we surprised again!

This is Cold Hollow Cider Press, below, which is a bonafide

tourist attraction, with a general merchandise and gift store,

factory view of apple pulp being piped onto cloth presses

to have the juices and flavors extracted, before being

purified and packaged for consumption.

Must have been 200 cars parked in their farmyard-size

parking area. And inside, the social distancing was rarely

the prescribed 6 feet (which is faithfully observed here in NE).

But with masks universally being worn, we enjoyed our brief

stay, sampling their 'cider' (I would call it 'juice') . . . 

. . . watching the apple spice donuts being made,

and doing our bit to support the local economy.

(YUM!)

As we drove home to Manchester via Sharon, VT,

part of the way in separate cars to get both rentals back,

I kept thinking how unexpected were the delights of this trip.

So happy that we 'fit it in' amongst the busy-ness ahead,

as we train and prepare, assist and plan.

Pondering on the resource of this igneous granite that is

part of a wonderful, beautiful and diverse landscape here,

I was reminded of remarks made by Elder Uchtdorf at 

General Conference last weekend. 

God has revealed and will continue to reveal 

His almighty hand. 

The day will come when we will look back and 

know that during this time of adversity, 

God was helping us to find better ways—

His ways—to build His kingdom on a firm foundation.

Wishing you a happy, pleasant autumn week,

with just enough surprises to delight!

Ye Weary Come Home: Old Deerfield

LDS General Conference weekend was full of inspiring messages,

several of which mentioned the COVID-19 impacts on missionary work,

quick departures, isolation, delayed deployment, MTC home training.

There is likewise inspiration here in colorful foliage country.

Here, below, is the most colorful on a single branch award winner,

photographed by our NH friend Andrea. Stunning!

In mid-September, a cars errand brought us close enough 

to detour into middle upper Massachusetts to re-visit

Historic Deerfield village. One of our first visual delights

was a budding rosebush, with well-kept historic house behind.

The second half of this post will thumbnail that experience.

On a more domestic note, harvest foods are celebrating

the autumn season. We are enjoying pumpkin bread,

pumpkin ginger snaps, pumpkin spice cereal, cranberry

English muffins, fresh apple cider, and apples by the bushel.

Here is a variety I had not seen: Macoun out of

Massachusetts orchards. Midway on the sweetness

chart between Fuji (sweet) and Granny Smith (tart).

Missionary transfer activity has tentatively slowed down,

and so we pick back up our usual office cadences.

Elder Allison, of the Office Elders trio, has been assigned

to be trained and assume parts of my tasks and duties.

We celebrated the birthdays of two of our MTC group of

young missionaries that we got to know in Provo, Sister Semadeni

and Elder Persson. Finding small ways to help them celebrate

helped fill my lamp this week. (Elder Persson with Elder Knight

in Portland are "hotel" missionaries now, because all the regular

housing is filled. Concerned about their confined circumstances

I reached out, obtained a suggestion, then arranged and paid

for lunch for them to pick up on his birthday. Below is their text

with ordering specifics, and lamp-filling message.)

Another missionary interaction was encouraging and

brightened my day. Elder Stephens, a reassigned missionary

who had been whisked out of his original Phillipines assignment

last March requested language training materials that

he left behind during his rushed exit. Could we possibly find

and re-supply those materials so that he could keep improving

his skills toward the day when he can return to teach there?

Friday was Manchester District Council meeting, which "strategically"

concludes at lunchtime. We were able to treat the ten young

missionaries (plus Elder Warner, too) to pizza for lunch.

(They can't have food at in-person meetings yet - 

so they are collecting it out of my back hatch to take back

to apartments to consume it there - or somewhere on the way.)

Enroute to Worcester, I delivered materials (and pastries)

to the Peterborough Elders (Young and Hodgkin),

who humored me with a requested selfie in front of 

their too-cute New England residential apartment.

Classic New England!

Always get a little heart buzz when I read 

the road signs around Peterborough, because it is

inevitable not the hear the word in my mind morph

to become "Peter Barrow" (rhymes with "sparrow") who is

my remarkable nephew (recently recovered from COVID-19).

A less significant but still memorable part of the mid-Sept.

trip into Mass. and then back via Vermont was a side-trip

to the Vermont Country Store in Rockingham. Their catalog is

an intriguing mailbox find, so I wanted to have 

this in-person experience.

Nearly all we purchased (we arrived too late to dawdle)

were consumables, and I admit that the fudge did not even

last long enough for me to get home and take a picture.

With the story of Historic Deerfield on my mind today,

I was touched by the [recorded] music of Conference - 

that's NOT unusual. 

As I listened to the hymn lyrics to "Softly and Tenderly

Jesus is Calling" with its chorus of "Come home, come home,

ye who are weary, come home,"

my selected topic focused and came to life.

You see, a huge part of the historic story of Deerfield

developed because it was "home" for more than one culture.

And the results of the clashing and conflict have created 

many "come home" sentiments to those affected.

Here we are beginning our pandemic-changed visitor's

experience, in front of the Dwight House near the Flynt Center.

One of the new vocab additions for me that day was

the descriptive term for the layout of this style house:

the extension off the back - often as an addition that signals

increased prosperity by the homeowner - is called and spelled "el"

which I always translated in my mind to 'L', as in L-shaped.

I always find the historic markers instructive.

Find here the mention of the 1704 attack and the capture

and transport of townspeople to Canada. The 100+

who walked in February north across Vermont to Canada,

undoubtedly mourning and longing to return 'home'

This is our walking tour guide David who provided wonderful

information and insights, as a descendant of all three of

the groups involved in the raid: Deerfield residents,

Canadian French and Pocumtuck Native Tribe.

David explained why this location was important over the years,

as prime agricultural ground between the Deerfield River (left)

which flows north, and (off-map to the right) the Connecticut

River with headwaters in Canada that runs south to the Atlantic.

Water and transportation - few things more critical to settlement.

At the top of this old-style map is the end of the main Deerfield

roadway. Beyond that was the effective "wilderness" boundary.

In 1704, Deerfield was colonial America, but beyond was 

up for grabs, and the direction from whence arrived

repeated invasion from others.

A contemporary-to-us exhibit of photographs of the area

was on display in the Flynt Center of Early New England Life,

showing and quoting from accounts describing 

what the captives endured.

This interpretive painting, below, shows the 1704 Deerfield town,

behind its protective fortifications, attacked by the enemy

French come down from Canadian colonies, and their

Native American allies. Somehow the wall was breeched,

(snow had drifted up against the bulwarks),

and the assault was brutal. David's narrative was 

a balance of perspectives that it is helpful to remember.

As a retired history teacher, he talked about the purchase treaties

usually dealt to Native Americans, who did NOT believe

people could "own" the land, and therefore they did NOT

understand the concept of protected, proprietary land deals

and assumed they could still use, hunt and inhabit the areas.

(I like this image, but it doesn't look like February 29th.)

Among those taken captive in 1704 were the Rev. John Williams

and his family. His wife had given birth to their youngest child

within 6 or so weeks of the raid, and when she could not

keep pace by even the end of the first day, her life was taken

along with the infant. His teenage daughter survived the trek

and the captivity, and later was assimilated into the Native tribal

culture, and ignored pleas to return to Deerfield.

This book describes his experience.

Tragic story of clashing cultures and territorial aspirations,

but this history was part of Deerfield's "preservation capital",

and provided interest in restoration and collection by descendants,

residents and philanthropists who stepped in. Efforts began

as early as 1847, revitalized in the 1880s, then given emphasis 

by the Flynts after they enrolled their son in the Deerfield School

in 1936. Their considerable efforts and enlistment of other support

for the preservation proves them major benefactors.

This, below, is one of the homes that has been preserved:

the Wells-Thorn house, and this remarkable blue

is a true-to-history color, displaying the prosperity

of its owner, since blue was an expensive and elite color.

This front addition was added last, as parts of the 'el'

served as one-room house, then had added family quarters,

then finally the "five-over-five" windows parlor

and entertaining quarters.

This style home below, (Allen house) with unpainted 

wood exterior seems to capture so much of 

the old New England charm. We see this dark color

everywhere in our travels, and in spring I wonder why

such a dour color was chosen. Now in October, they often have

colorful wreaths on the doors, and orange pumpkins

on the stoop - visual impact becomes prize-worthy!

Here is another charmer, 

This home below is privately owned and inhabited.

As we walked, we enjoyed the changing foliage,

and also the wandering students from the Deerfield

School, with many classes being held outside in the mild

autumn weather, with teacher, display board, and students

in camp chairs sitting on grassy areas or safe-distance grouped

around porches that became teacher's rostrum,

and all with masks on.

We fit in a stop at the Old Burying Ground and had

a private tour with the idle guide there, awaiting a tour group

that didn't appear. This is the oldest stone, dated 1696.

A mass grave is memorialized for the massacre victims,

but many graves are unmarked, as proved by

ground-penetrating radar in the past decade.

We were enchanted by the funerary artwork on

old-style headstones - a more modern cemetery replaced

this one, so all headstones are old. This stone's image

illustrates what the carved text records: 

a mother and her baby interred together.

(A post on cemeteries will explore more in near future.)

Deerfield was the home of Joseph Stebbins who

responded to the Lexington Alarm at the start of

the War for Independence, and was captain

at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

The Flynt Museum offered informative exhibits on

clothing and textile arts, woodworking of the era and

area. Almost as a last thought, we were invited to climb

to second floor to see the "museum's attic" where much of their

additional collections were behind glass to be safe from

light and dust, but still cataloged and viewable.

Here are candle lamps with multi-faceted mirror discs

to help spread the flame light.

Pewter is among my favorite early American materials.

My eye was caught by these porringers, and then I read . . .

. . . the story of how the accompanying collection of tools

was found and added to the Museum's holdings,

including this rare "pewterer's touchmark" tool.

Following the end of the Civil War, interest in historic

locales, crafts and techniques had a resurgence.

In Deerfield, the "Society of Blue and White Needlework" 

promoted traditional crafts including wood working, 

furniture making, metalcraft, basketry, pottery

and netting. This is a historic piece of tapestry needlework.

Gorgeous!

Many more photos were clicked that day, of course.

As we toured and learned, looked and listened,

we appreciated once again the lives and work of

so many participants in our American history.

We had visited here once before, when daughter Kenzie

was a toddler. Some venues we remembered,

many more were new to us. Sorry that virus worries

kept us out of most of the homes.

Very happy to be here, near so much of

our country's rich and inspiring past.

Relishing each remaining week and day.