Early Photos
On Display

The Montpelier Historical Society is proud to have two showings of the black and white photographs of local photographer Wilford Nye Smith, dating back to the early 1900s.

Wilford Nye Smith, photographer, once owned a camera store and studio on 93 Main Street, Montpelier, in what is now the location of Ben & Jerry’s. His sons, Wilford Jr. of Potsdam, N.Y., and Dale of Fearrington, N.C., have decided to use some of his photos as a commemoration to their father.

The photos will be on exhibit first at the "Vermont History Expo 2000" at the Tunbridge World’s Fair Grounds the weekend of June 17 and 18.

From Monday, June 19 through most of July, the pictures will be on exhibit at Montpelier’s City Hall. A reception from 4-6 p.m. Monday, June 19, will be held at City Hall. The Smith brothers will be in attendance.

Nye Smith took photos of some views of Montpelier that are not commonly seen. Excerpts from the diaries of Smith also will be presented. Of special interest is a photo of the old snow rollers used in the winter.

Nye Smith grew up in Montpelier and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1910 as valedictorian. After school he opened his picture store for about seven years. Like many Montpelier youth, he joined the army in World War I. Later, he worked in New York State. During his entire adult life he felt very close to Montpelier.

He married Ethel Brush of Waterbury who passed away in 1963. Nye died in 1980 and joined his wife in Green Mount Cemetery.

For further information please contact Alan Blakeman at 223-3097.

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