Page 4-The Journal Opinion-August 12, 1981
i in i mml n lllmlll I n inlmll m
NORTHEAST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Inc.
Publisher of
Journal | Opinion
WeekJy Mwepeper peblbbed Ja Ibldfovd, VermoM. lhdmamqwi4qm rlnloo • Vermont Nd New Nempmkke • $9.00
Mr yoer; $6.00 fr six meolb8; out of 8tote . $1|.00 pelt Vee¢ oral 57.00 for six melfllm; Senior cJtizn
dleceu! $2.{D0.
Secend close pemtep peid at Ilmdferd, Venmmt 05033. PeblidJed by Nwtkoest Peldtskiq Cempony, inc.,
P.O. Sex 378, Ilmdfod.
Robert F. Huminski
President & Publisher
te! s s
Bradford /
Woodsville
02-222-5281 %, / 603-747-2016
An Independent Newspaper
ll lJ
Editorial
Jet jockeys,
tourists and cows
North Country local and state
representatives are raising serious
concerns with the Air Force over jet
bomber training flights that
frequently zoom close to the ground.
The message of such officials as
Executive Councilor Ray Burton and
state Rep. Ezra B, Mann is that
roaring jet planes don't mix well with
tourists, cows and the peaceful
countryside of New Hampshire's
White Mountains.
Mann, of Woodsville, said his
constituents have raised concerns
about the effect of the low.level A-10
flights in frightening cows and
disrupting milking operations. A
number of tourism business operators
believe it also frightens off tourists
who come to the White Mountains for
rest and relaxation and to get away
from such a/moyances as jet planes.
State met
recently in Concord with Air Force
Representatives, who want to
establish a new "Yankee II Military
Operations Area" in which the
training jets can buzz* within 100 feet
of the ground at speeds up to 500 miles
per hour. Somehow, the Air Force
argues, this would be better than the
present situation because it would bar
other aircraft from the area while the
training flights are taking place. The
North Country representatives aren't
buying that argument and no
agreement was reached at the
meeting.
No one disputes that the Air Force
has an important mission to train
pilots to defend the nation in the event
of war, but Burton, for one, thinks
there are other, more suitable places
where such training can be con-
ducted.
No less important than the Air
Force mission is the safety, well-
being and economy of the North
Country, which is highly dependent on
summer tourist dollars in the White
Mountains and other areas, and on
dairy farming.
To reach a satisfactory outcome,
the Air Force will have to convince
area citizens and their represen-
tauvw ttt can, U up to,
promise to keep low-flying jet planes
away from tourist areas, population
centers and, presumably, peace-
loving cows. And the military brass
will have to give assurance against
what some state officials say is the
habit of some jet jockets of buzzing
down out of the wild blue yonder just
for the fun of it, without regard to
their true training mission.
Letters to the Editor
For they. know what they do
To the Editor:
Just a note to the one who
slashed all four of my tries on
my car July 4th in our own
dooryard.
No, I haven't forgotten to
"pray for you". If you want to
tell me anytime, what was
going on in your mind, "to
make you feel like doing such
a thing '. As my many, many
friends can tell you, I'm ready
to listen.
You might wonder why my was my husband and (God
car was out of the garage" love our neighbors) many
(very convenient for you). The friends, who had to change all
reason is, I'mhavinga garage four tires. How would you
sale for the Waits River have felt if my husband had a
Methodist Church. heart attack doing the work
Now my car is in the garage you kindly made.
locked up. So if you get the Still praying -- "Forgive
urge again, I would suggest them for they know what they
you rap on the door for the do.
key.
Oh, yes, if you were trying to Berdie Perry
get a point across to me... it W. Topsham
Vermont Secretary of State
The Australian ballot
Vermont was one of the first states in the
nation to adopt the Australian ballot
system for state and local elections. That
was in 1892, almost 90 years ago, and our
experience with the system since that time
has been almost universally felicitous.
That is not to say there have been no
problems along the way. From the very
first elections using Australian ballots,
there have been confusions over how many
ballots to print, how the ballots should be
arranged, and how security could be
maintained, to name only a few of the
concerns of election officials.
The most recent controversy arising
from the use of Australian ballots has
come from the threshold question of how a
municipality may adopt the system for
annual or special elections. With the
possible exception of how to determine the
residency of voters, there is no area of our
state election law that is more misun-
derstood or maladministered.
The original 1892 law simply ruled out
the use of Australian ballots for any town
with a population of fewer than 4,000
people. This effectively excluded most of
Vermont's towns, since there were no
more than half a dozen towns in Vermont
at that time with more than 4,{}00 people.
Two years later the general assembly
decided to restrict the use of Australian
ballots even further. In 1894 the law was
amended to prevent any town with more
than 4,000 and fewer than 8,000 people from
using the system unless the town, at an
annual or special meeting called for the
purpose of deciding whether to use the
system, voted to have it apply, and then
only for the election of officers.
This is where the problems that face
Vermont municipalities today began.
From 1894 onward, there was wide con-
fusion about whether a town, once voting
, t6 adopt tlmaystem, fve eteettng r
needed to vote again next year to ad?p t
system, or whether, once it was in plaiid,
the system could continue year to year
without a new vote.
In 1912 the law changed again, making
the system available to any town with
fewer than 8,000 people, as long as it voted
first to adopt the system, but again only for
the election of officers.
It wasn't until 1935 that the system could
be used for "other specified business,"
such as the question of the budget, or high-
way repairs, or the building of new
schools.
The decision on whether to adopt the
system has always represented a collison
of two very important philosophical
principles of democracy.
On the other hand, the system allows any
registered voter an opportunity to par-
ticipate in the most important decisions of
local government, whether his or her
employer allows time to attend the
traditional town meeting or not.
On the other hand, by adopting the
system, legal voters of a town give up the
experience of give and take and personal
exchanges of opinion and argument that
have made town meetings so vital a part of
the unique system of local control Vermont
has treasured for more than two hundred
years.
The decision to adopt the system must
then be made very carefully by any
Vermont town. As the law now reads, that
decision must be made first in an open
session, where all the issues can be raised
before a voter enters the voting booth to
cast a ballot.
The 1978 omnibus election law reform
allowed any town to adopt the Australian
ballot system, for any issue, whether it
involves electing officers or the system for
subsequent elections of public questions.
That decision must be made on an issue by
issue basis, with a public meeting called
for the purpose of making the system
apply to specific issues, for each election.
Once a town accepts the principle of
electing its officers by Australian ballot,
however, it need not re-vote that decision
each year. The system stays in place until
a town votes otherwise.
There is no confusion on one point--the
law isn't as clear as it should be, and it
begs for legislative reform. The fact
remains that many Vermont towns simply
have not understood the two-step process
of adopting Australian balloting, and have,
without legal authority, held Australian
ballot elections without the authority of a
preliminary vote to adopt the system.
An old Vermont Supreme Court opinion
said it best, when it explained that the
"affairs of our municipalities are rarely
administered by legal technicians."
Perhaps it's time the Legislature took a
hard look at our election laws, with an eye
toward making the law crystal clear, even
for those of us who are non-lawyers.
il iiiill
Underhills give program on roots
PIERMONT--An Underhill
Roots Program was held for
Piermont Historical Society
July 24. It traced the family's
early history in England from
1450-1630 and early history in
America from 1630-1796,
narrated by Hugh Underhill.
Introduction of Evelyn
Merrill, another Underhill
descendant, to tell of her
ancestors, was made by Helen
Underhill.
Mention of music as a big
part of Underhill life was
made and two songs
presented: "Oh God Beneath
Thy Guiding Hand," and "The
Quilting Party." '
Singers were Joann and
Janet Winn, Agnes Perkins,
Cynthia Underhill, Faith
Norton. Miriam Underhill
Norton was the accompanist.
Calvin Underhill im-
personated Nathaniel, first to
settle in Piermont, and Jef-
frey Underhill impersonated
the first Stephen in town-born
1806.
Early years in Piermont
from 1796 - 1836, were outlined
by Laurence Underhill.
Children of Horace Pearson
Underhill were represented by
REGIsTRATION
LEBANON--Registration will
be held for Lebanon College at
the college Mondays through
Fridays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Registration may also be
made Aug. 14-15 and Aug. 28-
29 at Currier & Co. in Lebanon,
at Dartmouth Bookstore in
Hanover Aug. 7-8, Aug. 21-22,
and Sept 4-5. and at Norman
Williams Library in Wood-
stock Aug. 14 from 10 a.m.-5
p.m. and Aug. 15 from 10 a.m-
12p.m.
from Agnes Perkins and
Miriam Norton.
Many pictures and
memories were enjoyed by the
audience before and after the
presentation.
Capt. John Underhill was a
colorful figure in the early
years in America. He was
primarily a soldier but later
held several public offices. He
came first to Long Island but
came intoNew England for a
time in New Hampshire.
His monument stands on
Long Island at Mantinecock
not far from his home which
he named Kenisworth.
FAMILY QUILTS--Display is made by John
Underhili (left) and Ernest Underhill. V i
six fifth-generation- The song "Memories" was
descendants of 4-1orace in sung by Cynthia Underhill.
costume: Medora Maud Faith Norton introduced a
Underhill (Baker) byCynthia paper written by Mary
Underhill; Leon Henry by Underhill Koloseithe, read by
Stephen Underhill; Ernest Miriam Underhill Norton.
Stephen by Daniel Norton; "May The Good Lord Bless
Louena Adelaide Underhill And Keep You," led by the
Childs by Faith Norton; Sarah singers completed the
Ann Underhill by Lois Norton; program.
and Rosette May by Beth The daughter and four sons
Underhill. of Stephen Underhill and all
Mrs. Glen Perkins (Agnes but three grandchildren were
Hodsden) introduced this present.
group. All the participants were
Charles Thompson of Underhill descendants except "MEMORIES"--Singers
Colchester, Vt., great grand- Mrs. Stephen Underhill are Cynthia Underhill,
son of Medora, spoke for her (Helen), researcher and Miriam Underhili Norton
family, coordinator with special help and Faith Norton.
Agnes Perkins spoke for the
family of Leon Henry, her own
grandmother. Louena
Adelaide and Sarah Ann.
Janet and Joann Winn gave
their family history from
Rosette.
Laurence Underhill spoke of
his grandfathe r , Ernest
Stephen and father, Stephen
Leon.
Miriam Underhill Norton of
Nashua gave information
BOOK SALE
FAIRLEE--A Book Sale will
be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Aug. 15 at Anne's Book Barn about the Henry Underlflll
on Rte. 5 between Fairlee and family and a letter from Janet
Bradford for the benefit of the Underhill Dagenhart, his
Fairlee Library. daughter.
Wednesday, Aug. 19
BRADFORD: Bi0go, American glon Hall, 7:30 p.m.
WELLS RIVER:Senior citizens hmcheon, United Church of
Christ vestry, serving at noon. Reservations: 757-2206.
W. TOPSHAM: TriVillage Thrift Shop, Tues.-Thurs., 1-4
p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-neon.
HANOVER: Crafts Fair, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Hopkins Center
Plaza. Benefit of Upper Valley Development & Training
Center.
Friday, Aug. 31
BRADFORD: Senior citizens luncheon, Oxbow Vocational
Center, serving at 11:45 a.m., reservations requested (802)
222-4782.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
BRADFORD: Bingo, American Legion Hall, 7: 30 p.m.
NORWICH: A Community Health Services, Inc., town nurse
will check weight, hypertension and diabetes from 9 a.m.-I
p.m. at Tracy Hall.
THETFORD: A Community Health Services, Inc. town nurse
will check weight, hypertension and diabetes from 7-9 p.m. at
Thetford Hill Church.
WELLS RIVER: Senior citizens' luncheon, United Church of
Christ vestry, serving at noon. Reservations: 757-2206.
N. THETFORD: Bazaar, 2-5 p.m. and Buffet supper at 5:30
p.m. at the N. Thetford Federated Church. Sponsored by the
Ladies' Aid Society.
Friday, Aug. 14
BRADFORD: Senior citizens' luncheon, Oxbow Vocational
Center, serving at 11:45 a.m. Reservations requested: (802)
222-4782.
FAIRLEE: Lobster and Clam supper on the common (inside
if rain) at 5 p.m. Benefit of the Federated Church.
THETFORD HILL: Concert of traditional music with
"Wintergreen," Thetford Hill Grange, 8 p.m. Donations
requested of $2.50 for adults, $1.25 for children and seniors.
Saturday, Aug. 15
THETFORD CENTER: Annual Thetford Historical Society
meeting with guest speaker William Godfrey, auctioneer, 8
p.m., at the Community Center (old schoolhouse).
W. TOPSHAM: Tri-Village Fire Department First Annual
Auction for benefit of department at Martel's Farm on Rte.
25 one-half mile south of W. Topsham Village, 10 a.m.
ORFORD: Kiddie Carnival bellind the Congregational
Church, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Pet show at 10:30 a.m, relay races at
1 p.m. (Rain date: Aug. 22)
STRAFFORD: Lobster Bake from 5-7 p.m. on the Common.
Reservations: 763-7000. Sponsored by the Stratford
Firemen's Auxiliary. Stratford; Street Dance, 8-12 p.m. with
Tom Walker. Beverages allowed. Sponsored by the Stratford
Firemen.
FAIRLEE: Book Sale from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Anne's Book
Barn, Rte. 5 between Bradford and Fairlee. Benefit of the
Fairlee Public Library.
W. TOPSHAM: Community Church Supper, 5, 6, 7 p.m.
settings at the W. Topsham Community Church.
Sunday, Aug. 16
ORFORDVILLE: Roast Beef Supper, 12:30-1:30 p.m. set-
tings, Orfordville Town Hall. Benefit of the Orfordville
Church.
BRADFORD: Concert benefitting North Country Chorus
trip-to-England fund, 8 p.m. at the Congregational Church.
FAIRLEE: St. Martin's Chapel, I:ake Mercy Rd. East, Rev.
William Atkinson, summer Eucharist, 9:30 a.m
Tuesday, Aug, 18
BARRE & MONTPELIER: Community College of Vermont
fall registration, Aug. 18-21, 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m.
BRADFORD: Senior citizens' luncheon, Oxbow Vocational
Center, serving at 11:45 a.m. Reservations requested: (802)
222-4782.
FAIRLEE: Women of St. Martin's meeting, St. Martin's
Chapel, 10 a.m.
Bicentennial and Centu00. Farms in
Hutehins-Woods-Blandin-
Glover homes
and farm, 1781
In 1781, Jeremiah Hut-
chins and his family came up
to Bath from Haverhill, Mass.,
making the long trip in two
double sleighs and two ox
sleds. They settled in Upper
Bath, building first a log
cabin. In 1799 they completed
their large frame house,
which they operated as a
stagecoach tavern and which
is still standing (but not in the
family). Jeremiah also built a
store north, of his house,
besides the present barns
across the road.
Through the years,
Jeremiah and his sons Samuel
and James built other houses
nearby for members of the
family, which have been
occupied by varmus
descendants down through the
Goodall, Carleton, Woods,
Blandin and Glover families.
Also, one of the houses has
returned to the family through
ownership by Gen. Robert C.
Richardson, Jr., retired from
the United States Air Force.
The two Glover houses
have remained in the family,
but the greater part of" the
farmland went with the Col.
Woods house, which was in the
family until about ten years
ago, when it was sold to
Harold Geneen.
(Note: More later under
the subjects of taverns,
lawyers, and early houses.)
Child farm, 1786-1980
The Child place was the
oldest family farm in West
Bath, being first settled by
John Child in 1786. Besides the
big house, there is.a smaller
house across the road which
was built first, both houses
being occupied by different
generations of the Child
family until 1955, when the big
house was sold out of the
family to Carroll C. Nihan. It
is now the home of the
Chrostowski family.
The farm passed down
through the Child family from
John to his son Dwight,
grandson John, great-
grandson Dwight, then to
Parker and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, widow of Raymond
Hoyt, occupied the small
house as a summer home until
she sold it in 1980.
Minot farm, 1799
The George Minot farm in
West Bath has been owned.by
the Minot family since lots No.
14 and 15 were deeded to Jonas
Minot in 1799, and has len
occupied by the family since
his son Samuel moved here in
1802. They lived in a s.mall
house on the same side of the
road as the barn until they
completed the present house
in 1807. Succeeding
generations on the farm have
been William, Jonas, and now
George and his son Alden.
George Minot says that
the date 1802 on the barn in-
dicates the date the family
came there, not the date the
barn was built. Years ago
there were two barns, end-to-
end, but later they were both
raised and were joined into
one building.
For many years this farm,
like most others, was a sub-
sistence farm, greatly self-
sufficient, and what they
couldn't eat, they sold. The
first cash crop on this and
many of the farms in this area
was a coarse variety of
potatoes used for making
starch. In the mid-1800's there
used to be a starch factory
near where Frank Millette's
house is now.
Farming was very
diversified in those days. They
raised their own pigs for pork
and ham, also had their own
beef. Each year the oldest
team of oxen would be but-
chered or sold for beef, and a
new team started. Every farm
raised a little wheat for its
own flour, to be ground at the
local gristmill. However, the
Minors could raise corn a lot
better than wheat, so they sold
corn to buy wheat. They used
to pay the minister with rye.
The cows gave most of
their milk in the summer,
while fresh and on pasture.
For many years the Minots
were famous for their butter,
for which they eventually had
a gasoline-powered separator
and churn. After the railroad
came, the Minots found a good
market for their butter in
Woodsville, as the railroad
men did not have their own
cows, but they did have the
money for buying butter. The
Minots also sold cream to the
creamery at the fork of the
West Bath Road and the
Pettyboro Road. They shipped
their first whole milk in May,
1919.
An old Minor family diary
tells about annual market
trips to Boston in the early
days before the railroad. They
called this trip "going below,"
and they would take farm
produce such as butter,
land speculation, t
better, and
the farm the
debts paid off
make a good
the old diaries
dressed pork and dry beans, contentment, as
In the Boston area they would became secure
buy manufactured items such fort
as cotton cloth, spices, salt,
needles and thread. According
to the diary, in 1839 Samuel The first
Minot and his brother George
made the trip together, each Samuel
driving a rig (a horse with son Henry
some kind of market sleigh), bought his own
Some of the neighboring Child which
family went along in the same until 1976.
caravan, for mutual help The
along the way, in case they got farm
stuck or broken down. The registered deeds,
caravan left Bath on February many years
20; went as far as Kimball's in held in trust
Coventry (Benton) the first estate. His
night; next night to the end of had married a
the turnpike (probably outside S. Lang. They
Plymouth); then Franklin; her home pla¢
then Bow; etc. They spent later he left
seven days on the trip down, infant daughter
did their trading in Danvers, moved to a
Mass. for one day, then When Emma
returned home in seven days years old her
(although the Childs stopped she remained
in Nashua and did their grandparents
trading there), farm. According
They had oxen for farm of Henry H.
work such as plowing, 1865
harrowing, and heavy to his wife and
hauling, but used horses for daughter,
traveling, such as for "going sold during the
below." They were medium- either.
sized horses; it wasn't until Emma
later that heavy work horses Reed in 1874
were brought in from the the farm
West. David
The Minots and other Clarence and
farmers also sold a lot of farm was sold to
produce at the local stores,
exchanging it for other sup-
plies. They settled up with the Near
storekeeper once a year, and covered bridge
usually by that time HE and
owned THEM money. Chamberlin
Mr. Minot says that in the was first
early days his great- George
grandfather almost "went buildings having i
under," over-extending on (please turn to|
Our
0000.Rlver
The long tidal river
by GEOFF DATES
The left shore appeared to be better for
were on the right. The heavy flow made it
to fight our way across, and once half the
that task, the rest were stranded without the
buoy them. They walked downstream to find a
while the three of us with the food and
portage. No one had anticipated that the
over a mile long, nor that it would be so
ding. We were again on logged-over land.
The debris and thick undergrowth made
chore -- with a canoe, the
The most logical way to complete the portage
stages. At roughly the halfway mark,
trying to cross over found us and led us to a
the end of the big whitewater.
The three-hour portage left us far behind
there was more lining to do. Fortanately,
rapids was over and we soon reached the
Lake. Mercifully, the wet weather had
Sun and blue sky was a most welcome
weather however, there always seems to be
time it was the wind. Four miles fighting a
sapped our last energy and put us further
In Pittsburg, the group increased in size fro
first night we were all together, 31,
dipped to 28 degrees F and a heavy
we broke camp. The newcomers
find out if it had been a "typical"
The whole purpose of the Source to the Se
heighten public awareness of the
tremendous importance of, the Connecticut
places, it is a forgotten or abused resource.
In 1959, Dr. Joseph Davidson, then
Watershed Council, and his wife Madeleine,
first "Source to the Sea" trip by canoe,
boat, and automobile. [t was a 7-day
highlight the pollution problem in the river,
time was very severe. Serving many
amounted to an open sewer, the river had
point where it smelled, and
from going near the water.
The Davidsons met with
sportsman's groups to encourage
conservation of the valley's natural resourceS.
to their efforts, the Connecticut River has
recovery, but it seems that the river's image is
has not made a parallel recovery.
We saw the first boat, besides ourselves,
north of Lancaster; the first canoe, not
Bradford area. The traffic increased to
further south, but it is apparent that the river
valuable recreational resource. Times
the 1950s. In fact,
have occurred in the last five years.
director of a water quality testing lab
accompanied our group as far as Lyme,
portable lab he made spot checks at site
The data he collected indicates that, in
quality has improved. After all, atlantic
ning to the river. "Source to the Sea"
people against" letting up our guard."
At the end of the ninth day
Hanover, the home
Office. Up to that point,
and agriculture had been
Lyme respectively. With the population
as we traveled south, the organized
became more numerous. In
and we often slept in beds, not on the
Sleeping in beds on a canoe tri t
me.
In my fmal column on Source to the
ocean and I'll make some closing
our river.
Page 4-The Journal Opinion-August 12, 1981
i in i mml n lllmlll I n inlmll m
NORTHEAST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Inc.
Publisher of
Journal | Opinion
WeekJy Mwepeper peblbbed Ja Ibldfovd, VermoM. lhdmamqwi4qm rlnloo • Vermont Nd New Nempmkke • $9.00
Mr yoer; $6.00 fr six meolb8; out of 8tote . $1|.00 pelt Vee¢ oral 57.00 for six melfllm; Senior cJtizn
dleceu! $2.{D0.
Secend close pemtep peid at Ilmdferd, Venmmt 05033. PeblidJed by Nwtkoest Peldtskiq Cempony, inc.,
P.O. Sex 378, Ilmdfod.
Robert F. Huminski
President & Publisher
te! s s
Bradford /
Woodsville
02-222-5281 %, / 603-747-2016
An Independent Newspaper
ll lJ
Editorial
Jet jockeys,
tourists and cows
North Country local and state
representatives are raising serious
concerns with the Air Force over jet
bomber training flights that
frequently zoom close to the ground.
The message of such officials as
Executive Councilor Ray Burton and
state Rep. Ezra B, Mann is that
roaring jet planes don't mix well with
tourists, cows and the peaceful
countryside of New Hampshire's
White Mountains.
Mann, of Woodsville, said his
constituents have raised concerns
about the effect of the low.level A-10
flights in frightening cows and
disrupting milking operations. A
number of tourism business operators
believe it also frightens off tourists
who come to the White Mountains for
rest and relaxation and to get away
from such a/moyances as jet planes.
State met
recently in Concord with Air Force
Representatives, who want to
establish a new "Yankee II Military
Operations Area" in which the
training jets can buzz* within 100 feet
of the ground at speeds up to 500 miles
per hour. Somehow, the Air Force
argues, this would be better than the
present situation because it would bar
other aircraft from the area while the
training flights are taking place. The
North Country representatives aren't
buying that argument and no
agreement was reached at the
meeting.
No one disputes that the Air Force
has an important mission to train
pilots to defend the nation in the event
of war, but Burton, for one, thinks
there are other, more suitable places
where such training can be con-
ducted.
No less important than the Air
Force mission is the safety, well-
being and economy of the North
Country, which is highly dependent on
summer tourist dollars in the White
Mountains and other areas, and on
dairy farming.
To reach a satisfactory outcome,
the Air Force will have to convince
area citizens and their represen-
tauvw ttt can, U up to,
promise to keep low-flying jet planes
away from tourist areas, population
centers and, presumably, peace-
loving cows. And the military brass
will have to give assurance against
what some state officials say is the
habit of some jet jockets of buzzing
down out of the wild blue yonder just
for the fun of it, without regard to
their true training mission.
Letters to the Editor
For they. know what they do
To the Editor:
Just a note to the one who
slashed all four of my tries on
my car July 4th in our own
dooryard.
No, I haven't forgotten to
"pray for you". If you want to
tell me anytime, what was
going on in your mind, "to
make you feel like doing such
a thing '. As my many, many
friends can tell you, I'm ready
to listen.
You might wonder why my was my husband and (God
car was out of the garage" love our neighbors) many
(very convenient for you). The friends, who had to change all
reason is, I'mhavinga garage four tires. How would you
sale for the Waits River have felt if my husband had a
Methodist Church. heart attack doing the work
Now my car is in the garage you kindly made.
locked up. So if you get the Still praying -- "Forgive
urge again, I would suggest them for they know what they
you rap on the door for the do.
key.
Oh, yes, if you were trying to Berdie Perry
get a point across to me... it W. Topsham
Vermont Secretary of State
The Australian ballot
Vermont was one of the first states in the
nation to adopt the Australian ballot
system for state and local elections. That
was in 1892, almost 90 years ago, and our
experience with the system since that time
has been almost universally felicitous.
That is not to say there have been no
problems along the way. From the very
first elections using Australian ballots,
there have been confusions over how many
ballots to print, how the ballots should be
arranged, and how security could be
maintained, to name only a few of the
concerns of election officials.
The most recent controversy arising
from the use of Australian ballots has
come from the threshold question of how a
municipality may adopt the system for
annual or special elections. With the
possible exception of how to determine the
residency of voters, there is no area of our
state election law that is more misun-
derstood or maladministered.
The original 1892 law simply ruled out
the use of Australian ballots for any town
with a population of fewer than 4,000
people. This effectively excluded most of
Vermont's towns, since there were no
more than half a dozen towns in Vermont
at that time with more than 4,{}00 people.
Two years later the general assembly
decided to restrict the use of Australian
ballots even further. In 1894 the law was
amended to prevent any town with more
than 4,000 and fewer than 8,000 people from
using the system unless the town, at an
annual or special meeting called for the
purpose of deciding whether to use the
system, voted to have it apply, and then
only for the election of officers.
This is where the problems that face
Vermont municipalities today began.
From 1894 onward, there was wide con-
fusion about whether a town, once voting
, t6 adopt tlmaystem, fve eteettng r
needed to vote again next year to ad?p t
system, or whether, once it was in plaiid,
the system could continue year to year
without a new vote.
In 1912 the law changed again, making
the system available to any town with
fewer than 8,000 people, as long as it voted
first to adopt the system, but again only for
the election of officers.
It wasn't until 1935 that the system could
be used for "other specified business,"
such as the question of the budget, or high-
way repairs, or the building of new
schools.
The decision on whether to adopt the
system has always represented a collison
of two very important philosophical
principles of democracy.
On the other hand, the system allows any
registered voter an opportunity to par-
ticipate in the most important decisions of
local government, whether his or her
employer allows time to attend the
traditional town meeting or not.
On the other hand, by adopting the
system, legal voters of a town give up the
experience of give and take and personal
exchanges of opinion and argument that
have made town meetings so vital a part of
the unique system of local control Vermont
has treasured for more than two hundred
years.
The decision to adopt the system must
then be made very carefully by any
Vermont town. As the law now reads, that
decision must be made first in an open
session, where all the issues can be raised
before a voter enters the voting booth to
cast a ballot.
The 1978 omnibus election law reform
allowed any town to adopt the Australian
ballot system, for any issue, whether it
involves electing officers or the system for
subsequent elections of public questions.
That decision must be made on an issue by
issue basis, with a public meeting called
for the purpose of making the system
apply to specific issues, for each election.
Once a town accepts the principle of
electing its officers by Australian ballot,
however, it need not re-vote that decision
each year. The system stays in place until
a town votes otherwise.
There is no confusion on one point--the
law isn't as clear as it should be, and it
begs for legislative reform. The fact
remains that many Vermont towns simply
have not understood the two-step process
of adopting Australian balloting, and have,
without legal authority, held Australian
ballot elections without the authority of a
preliminary vote to adopt the system.
An old Vermont Supreme Court opinion
said it best, when it explained that the
"affairs of our municipalities are rarely
administered by legal technicians."
Perhaps it's time the Legislature took a
hard look at our election laws, with an eye
toward making the law crystal clear, even
for those of us who are non-lawyers.
il iiiill
Underhills give program on roots
PIERMONT--An Underhill
Roots Program was held for
Piermont Historical Society
July 24. It traced the family's
early history in England from
1450-1630 and early history in
America from 1630-1796,
narrated by Hugh Underhill.
Introduction of Evelyn
Merrill, another Underhill
descendant, to tell of her
ancestors, was made by Helen
Underhill.
Mention of music as a big
part of Underhill life was
made and two songs
presented: "Oh God Beneath
Thy Guiding Hand," and "The
Quilting Party." '
Singers were Joann and
Janet Winn, Agnes Perkins,
Cynthia Underhill, Faith
Norton. Miriam Underhill
Norton was the accompanist.
Calvin Underhill im-
personated Nathaniel, first to
settle in Piermont, and Jef-
frey Underhill impersonated
the first Stephen in town-born
1806.
Early years in Piermont
from 1796 - 1836, were outlined
by Laurence Underhill.
Children of Horace Pearson
Underhill were represented by
REGIsTRATION
LEBANON--Registration will
be held for Lebanon College at
the college Mondays through
Fridays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Registration may also be
made Aug. 14-15 and Aug. 28-
29 at Currier & Co. in Lebanon,
at Dartmouth Bookstore in
Hanover Aug. 7-8, Aug. 21-22,
and Sept 4-5. and at Norman
Williams Library in Wood-
stock Aug. 14 from 10 a.m.-5
p.m. and Aug. 15 from 10 a.m-
12p.m.
from Agnes Perkins and
Miriam Norton.
Many pictures and
memories were enjoyed by the
audience before and after the
presentation.
Capt. John Underhill was a
colorful figure in the early
years in America. He was
primarily a soldier but later
held several public offices. He
came first to Long Island but
came intoNew England for a
time in New Hampshire.
His monument stands on
Long Island at Mantinecock
not far from his home which
he named Kenisworth.
FAMILY QUILTS--Display is made by John
Underhili (left) and Ernest Underhill. V i
six fifth-generation- The song "Memories" was
descendants of 4-1orace in sung by Cynthia Underhill.
costume: Medora Maud Faith Norton introduced a
Underhill (Baker) byCynthia paper written by Mary
Underhill; Leon Henry by Underhill Koloseithe, read by
Stephen Underhill; Ernest Miriam Underhill Norton.
Stephen by Daniel Norton; "May The Good Lord Bless
Louena Adelaide Underhill And Keep You," led by the
Childs by Faith Norton; Sarah singers completed the
Ann Underhill by Lois Norton; program.
and Rosette May by Beth The daughter and four sons
Underhill. of Stephen Underhill and all
Mrs. Glen Perkins (Agnes but three grandchildren were
Hodsden) introduced this present.
group. All the participants were
Charles Thompson of Underhill descendants except "MEMORIES"--Singers
Colchester, Vt., great grand- Mrs. Stephen Underhill are Cynthia Underhill,
son of Medora, spoke for her (Helen), researcher and Miriam Underhili Norton
family, coordinator with special help and Faith Norton.
Agnes Perkins spoke for the
family of Leon Henry, her own
grandmother. Louena
Adelaide and Sarah Ann.
Janet and Joann Winn gave
their family history from
Rosette.
Laurence Underhill spoke of
his grandfathe r , Ernest
Stephen and father, Stephen
Leon.
Miriam Underhill Norton of
Nashua gave information
BOOK SALE
FAIRLEE--A Book Sale will
be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Aug. 15 at Anne's Book Barn about the Henry Underlflll
on Rte. 5 between Fairlee and family and a letter from Janet
Bradford for the benefit of the Underhill Dagenhart, his
Fairlee Library. daughter.
Wednesday, Aug. 19
BRADFORD: Bi0go, American glon Hall, 7:30 p.m.
WELLS RIVER:Senior citizens hmcheon, United Church of
Christ vestry, serving at noon. Reservations: 757-2206.
W. TOPSHAM: TriVillage Thrift Shop, Tues.-Thurs., 1-4
p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-neon.
HANOVER: Crafts Fair, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Hopkins Center
Plaza. Benefit of Upper Valley Development & Training
Center.
Friday, Aug. 31
BRADFORD: Senior citizens luncheon, Oxbow Vocational
Center, serving at 11:45 a.m., reservations requested (802)
222-4782.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
BRADFORD: Bingo, American Legion Hall, 7: 30 p.m.
NORWICH: A Community Health Services, Inc., town nurse
will check weight, hypertension and diabetes from 9 a.m.-I
p.m. at Tracy Hall.
THETFORD: A Community Health Services, Inc. town nurse
will check weight, hypertension and diabetes from 7-9 p.m. at
Thetford Hill Church.
WELLS RIVER: Senior citizens' luncheon, United Church of
Christ vestry, serving at noon. Reservations: 757-2206.
N. THETFORD: Bazaar, 2-5 p.m. and Buffet supper at 5:30
p.m. at the N. Thetford Federated Church. Sponsored by the
Ladies' Aid Society.
Friday, Aug. 14
BRADFORD: Senior citizens' luncheon, Oxbow Vocational
Center, serving at 11:45 a.m. Reservations requested: (802)
222-4782.
FAIRLEE: Lobster and Clam supper on the common (inside
if rain) at 5 p.m. Benefit of the Federated Church.
THETFORD HILL: Concert of traditional music with
"Wintergreen," Thetford Hill Grange, 8 p.m. Donations
requested of $2.50 for adults, $1.25 for children and seniors.
Saturday, Aug. 15
THETFORD CENTER: Annual Thetford Historical Society
meeting with guest speaker William Godfrey, auctioneer, 8
p.m., at the Community Center (old schoolhouse).
W. TOPSHAM: Tri-Village Fire Department First Annual
Auction for benefit of department at Martel's Farm on Rte.
25 one-half mile south of W. Topsham Village, 10 a.m.
ORFORD: Kiddie Carnival bellind the Congregational
Church, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Pet show at 10:30 a.m, relay races at
1 p.m. (Rain date: Aug. 22)
STRAFFORD: Lobster Bake from 5-7 p.m. on the Common.
Reservations: 763-7000. Sponsored by the Stratford
Firemen's Auxiliary. Stratford; Street Dance, 8-12 p.m. with
Tom Walker. Beverages allowed. Sponsored by the Stratford
Firemen.
FAIRLEE: Book Sale from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Anne's Book
Barn, Rte. 5 between Bradford and Fairlee. Benefit of the
Fairlee Public Library.
W. TOPSHAM: Community Church Supper, 5, 6, 7 p.m.
settings at the W. Topsham Community Church.
Sunday, Aug. 16
ORFORDVILLE: Roast Beef Supper, 12:30-1:30 p.m. set-
tings, Orfordville Town Hall. Benefit of the Orfordville
Church.
BRADFORD: Concert benefitting North Country Chorus
trip-to-England fund, 8 p.m. at the Congregational Church.
FAIRLEE: St. Martin's Chapel, I:ake Mercy Rd. East, Rev.
William Atkinson, summer Eucharist, 9:30 a.m
Tuesday, Aug, 18
BARRE & MONTPELIER: Community College of Vermont
fall registration, Aug. 18-21, 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m.
BRADFORD: Senior citizens' luncheon, Oxbow Vocational
Center, serving at 11:45 a.m. Reservations requested: (802)
222-4782.
FAIRLEE: Women of St. Martin's meeting, St. Martin's
Chapel, 10 a.m.
Bicentennial and Centu00. Farms in
Hutehins-Woods-Blandin-
Glover homes
and farm, 1781
In 1781, Jeremiah Hut-
chins and his family came up
to Bath from Haverhill, Mass.,
making the long trip in two
double sleighs and two ox
sleds. They settled in Upper
Bath, building first a log
cabin. In 1799 they completed
their large frame house,
which they operated as a
stagecoach tavern and which
is still standing (but not in the
family). Jeremiah also built a
store north, of his house,
besides the present barns
across the road.
Through the years,
Jeremiah and his sons Samuel
and James built other houses
nearby for members of the
family, which have been
occupied by varmus
descendants down through the
Goodall, Carleton, Woods,
Blandin and Glover families.
Also, one of the houses has
returned to the family through
ownership by Gen. Robert C.
Richardson, Jr., retired from
the United States Air Force.
The two Glover houses
have remained in the family,
but the greater part of" the
farmland went with the Col.
Woods house, which was in the
family until about ten years
ago, when it was sold to
Harold Geneen.
(Note: More later under
the subjects of taverns,
lawyers, and early houses.)
Child farm, 1786-1980
The Child place was the
oldest family farm in West
Bath, being first settled by
John Child in 1786. Besides the
big house, there is.a smaller
house across the road which
was built first, both houses
being occupied by different
generations of the Child
family until 1955, when the big
house was sold out of the
family to Carroll C. Nihan. It
is now the home of the
Chrostowski family.
The farm passed down
through the Child family from
John to his son Dwight,
grandson John, great-
grandson Dwight, then to
Parker and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, widow of Raymond
Hoyt, occupied the small
house as a summer home until
she sold it in 1980.
Minot farm, 1799
The George Minot farm in
West Bath has been owned.by
the Minot family since lots No.
14 and 15 were deeded to Jonas
Minot in 1799, and has len
occupied by the family since
his son Samuel moved here in
1802. They lived in a s.mall
house on the same side of the
road as the barn until they
completed the present house
in 1807. Succeeding
generations on the farm have
been William, Jonas, and now
George and his son Alden.
George Minot says that
the date 1802 on the barn in-
dicates the date the family
came there, not the date the
barn was built. Years ago
there were two barns, end-to-
end, but later they were both
raised and were joined into
one building.
For many years this farm,
like most others, was a sub-
sistence farm, greatly self-
sufficient, and what they
couldn't eat, they sold. The
first cash crop on this and
many of the farms in this area
was a coarse variety of
potatoes used for making
starch. In the mid-1800's there
used to be a starch factory
near where Frank Millette's
house is now.
Farming was very
diversified in those days. They
raised their own pigs for pork
and ham, also had their own
beef. Each year the oldest
team of oxen would be but-
chered or sold for beef, and a
new team started. Every farm
raised a little wheat for its
own flour, to be ground at the
local gristmill. However, the
Minors could raise corn a lot
better than wheat, so they sold
corn to buy wheat. They used
to pay the minister with rye.
The cows gave most of
their milk in the summer,
while fresh and on pasture.
For many years the Minots
were famous for their butter,
for which they eventually had
a gasoline-powered separator
and churn. After the railroad
came, the Minots found a good
market for their butter in
Woodsville, as the railroad
men did not have their own
cows, but they did have the
money for buying butter. The
Minots also sold cream to the
creamery at the fork of the
West Bath Road and the
Pettyboro Road. They shipped
their first whole milk in May,
1919.
An old Minor family diary
tells about annual market
trips to Boston in the early
days before the railroad. They
called this trip "going below,"
and they would take farm
produce such as butter,
land speculation, t
better, and
the farm the
debts paid off
make a good
the old diaries
dressed pork and dry beans, contentment, as
In the Boston area they would became secure
buy manufactured items such fort
as cotton cloth, spices, salt,
needles and thread. According
to the diary, in 1839 Samuel The first
Minot and his brother George
made the trip together, each Samuel
driving a rig (a horse with son Henry
some kind of market sleigh), bought his own
Some of the neighboring Child which
family went along in the same until 1976.
caravan, for mutual help The
along the way, in case they got farm
stuck or broken down. The registered deeds,
caravan left Bath on February many years
20; went as far as Kimball's in held in trust
Coventry (Benton) the first estate. His
night; next night to the end of had married a
the turnpike (probably outside S. Lang. They
Plymouth); then Franklin; her home pla¢
then Bow; etc. They spent later he left
seven days on the trip down, infant daughter
did their trading in Danvers, moved to a
Mass. for one day, then When Emma
returned home in seven days years old her
(although the Childs stopped she remained
in Nashua and did their grandparents
trading there), farm. According
They had oxen for farm of Henry H.
work such as plowing, 1865
harrowing, and heavy to his wife and
hauling, but used horses for daughter,
traveling, such as for "going sold during the
below." They were medium- either.
sized horses; it wasn't until Emma
later that heavy work horses Reed in 1874
were brought in from the the farm
West. David
The Minots and other Clarence and
farmers also sold a lot of farm was sold to
produce at the local stores,
exchanging it for other sup-
plies. They settled up with the Near
storekeeper once a year, and covered bridge
usually by that time HE and
owned THEM money. Chamberlin
Mr. Minot says that in the was first
early days his great- George
grandfather almost "went buildings having i
under," over-extending on (please turn to|
Our
0000.Rlver
The long tidal river
by GEOFF DATES
The left shore appeared to be better for
were on the right. The heavy flow made it
to fight our way across, and once half the
that task, the rest were stranded without the
buoy them. They walked downstream to find a
while the three of us with the food and
portage. No one had anticipated that the
over a mile long, nor that it would be so
ding. We were again on logged-over land.
The debris and thick undergrowth made
chore -- with a canoe, the
The most logical way to complete the portage
stages. At roughly the halfway mark,
trying to cross over found us and led us to a
the end of the big whitewater.
The three-hour portage left us far behind
there was more lining to do. Fortanately,
rapids was over and we soon reached the
Lake. Mercifully, the wet weather had
Sun and blue sky was a most welcome
weather however, there always seems to be
time it was the wind. Four miles fighting a
sapped our last energy and put us further
In Pittsburg, the group increased in size fro
first night we were all together, 31,
dipped to 28 degrees F and a heavy
we broke camp. The newcomers
find out if it had been a "typical"
The whole purpose of the Source to the Se
heighten public awareness of the
tremendous importance of, the Connecticut
places, it is a forgotten or abused resource.
In 1959, Dr. Joseph Davidson, then
Watershed Council, and his wife Madeleine,
first "Source to the Sea" trip by canoe,
boat, and automobile. [t was a 7-day
highlight the pollution problem in the river,
time was very severe. Serving many
amounted to an open sewer, the river had
point where it smelled, and
from going near the water.
The Davidsons met with
sportsman's groups to encourage
conservation of the valley's natural resourceS.
to their efforts, the Connecticut River has
recovery, but it seems that the river's image is
has not made a parallel recovery.
We saw the first boat, besides ourselves,
north of Lancaster; the first canoe, not
Bradford area. The traffic increased to
further south, but it is apparent that the river
valuable recreational resource. Times
the 1950s. In fact,
have occurred in the last five years.
director of a water quality testing lab
accompanied our group as far as Lyme,
portable lab he made spot checks at site
The data he collected indicates that, in
quality has improved. After all, atlantic
ning to the river. "Source to the Sea"
people against" letting up our guard."
At the end of the ninth day
Hanover, the home
Office. Up to that point,
and agriculture had been
Lyme respectively. With the population
as we traveled south, the organized
became more numerous. In
and we often slept in beds, not on the
Sleeping in beds on a canoe tri t
me.
In my fmal column on Source to the
ocean and I'll make some closing
our river.
