Vermont History Expo

Focuses on Vt. Ingenuity

By Chelsea Rose Sargent

The Fairlee Historical society seeks to stir up some controversy claiming that their once-upon-a-time local Samuel Morey and not Robert Fulton, as widely believed, was the true inventor of the first stea boat.

Documents to this effect are among the presentations from historical societies across the state can be found at the Vermont History Expo at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds June 21 and 22. The doors are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days

This year’s theme is "Industry and Innovation: Vermont Ingenuity," and will honor all the inventions and manufactured items that Vermont is famous for (or sometimes not). Vermont has the highest number of registered patents per capita in the nation.

"We had a very industrious group," said the Randolph Historical Society’s Harriet Chase. She will be showcasing Randolph’s firsts in everything from farm equipment to musical instruments, even including Vermont’s first female pharmacist. Chase’s favorite is a photo album she put together of images taken by Luther Sparhawk who was the first to use a wide range of photographing techniques.

Michael Dempsey, president of the Brookfield Historical Society is pretty sure that the Brookfield Floating bridge, the theme of their display, is "the last floating bridge in the lower 48."

The story of the floating bridge is one of intrigue and ingenuity. First built after a death in 1820, there have been seven original bridges with technology shifting along the way starting with oak buckets and being built in the seventies out of plastic and Styrofoam.

"We need some help to get this one working," Dempsey said in reference to the current bridge which will be open only for foot traffic this summer "so I have a save the bridge campaign going on with the exhibit."

Gizmo? Contraption?

"A gizmo is something that may or may not be useful. A contraption may have a purpose," explained Julia Purdy, the assistant museum manager at the Rochester Historical Society. Their exhibit, "Made in Rochester" will feature mainly contraptions. They have a coin operated electrical box that used to be located in barns where people could pay as they went for energy (their "oddest" contraption) and will feature look at maple cream candies made by Tilly Kingsbury and her mother that were so tasty they were sent to President Eisenhower (alas, no samples remain).

Rochester’s cream of the crop is a scale model of an automated two-man cross cut saw made for the purpose of being patented, and the patent that goes along with it. They even have a set of molding planes made for George Walker who built a number of houses, most of which are still standing, in Rochester.

Other glimpses of ingenuity from across Vermont include Georgia’s Quincy Gardener who invented laughing gas. Also, Richmond will present their Underwear Factory, the first in that town to be powered by electricity.

The Brattleboro Historical Society and Estey Organ Museum will have an interactive exhibit, inviting guests to play their reed (also known as pump) organs.

Gelatin Factory

Along with the exhibits there will be presentations. Chase looks forward to the one by Bill Brigham about the Brigham Gelatin Factory where gelatin used to be made to color film for movies.

There will also be dance and music performances, heirloom animals, old games to be played, living history encampments, a country auction and more.

At the fair "you get a taste of what Vermont is like," concluded Chase.

For more information go to www.vermonthistory.org/expo, and visit local historical society museums.