"Let's Take An Old -Fashion Walk"

Pictured above is a photo of the old Congregational Church of Ludlow (now the United Church of Ludlow) as it looked in the early 1900's.  This will be part of the planned historic walk through the Village of Ludlow scheduled by Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) on Saturday, August 21 at 3 pm.  The appearance of the church, and many of the other 17 buildings included in the tour, will have changed substantially from the time they were first erected until they are viewed during the walk.  This will be a major part of BRAM's role during the walking tour: to explain what happened to these homes and other buildings over the years - in most cases, over the centuries.  Some of the people explaining what has happened to these structures include John Bremer, Stanton Wyman, Sue Pollendar, Anita Alic and Linda Tucker.  Some of the buildings included in this tour are Ida Fuller's home (the first social Security recipient), the Fletcher House (now the Ludlow Health Center), the fire department (now the home of Black river Good Neighbors), and Ludlow Baptist Church.   The tour will begin at 3 pm at the Gazebo located in Veterans Memorial Park.  Tickets for the tour are $5 which includes a pamphlet describing the buildings included in the tour which will be given to participants at the conclusion of the tour when they return to BRAM.  For information, call 802-228-5050.

 

BRM Plans Special Dinner Treat Aug 14

 

It isn't very unusual for organizations to put together cookbooks; however, it is rather rare to have them actually prepare a full dinner based on the recipes in that cookbook.  That's what the members of the Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) are planning to do on Saturday, August 14 from 6 to 8 PM at Cafe at Delight in Ludlow.

 

BRAM will be hosting a very special buffer dinner that will feature wonderful creations found in its recently-released cookbook.  The recipes were supplied by the many gourmet cooks from the area and promise to offer some of the finest tasting foods imaginable.  Foods offered will include everything from appetizers through entrees to desserts.

The dinner will be held at the Café at Delight on the corner of Main Street and Depot Street in Ludlow (at the stop light).  The cost is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for ages 8 and under. 

Museum Roof Gets Repaired

 

The roof at Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) in Ludlow is finally being repaired following a long series of problems that started as a small leak that ultimately became a major problem effecting all three levels of the building.  Pictured above are workmen from Doran Roofing of Bomoseen, VT, as they replace faulty slate and flashing with new materials.  The museum  was hard-pressed to raise the funds for this repair work but, as Director Georgia Brehm noted, "it was a project that had to be done to ensure the long-term condition of this very historic building".  She added that current funding efforts are addressing the capital fund-raising requirements for an elevator cab in the recently completed elevator wing of BRAM.

 

On Saturday, July 24 at 7 pm, Black River Academy Museum will feature a presentation by Dr. John Bremer on the origins of the Village and Town of Ludlow, concentrating on their development during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The talk will concentrate on the early stages of chartering and settlement up to the time of the Vermont Republic (1777) and its subsequent admission to the Union in 1791. Until 1777 what we know as Vermont did not exist as a political unit and was only known as part of the Province of New Hampshire, under its energetic governor Benning Wentworth until the time of the Revolution.

The discussion will highlight events in both England and the colonies preceding the War of Independence that impacted the creation and development of Ludlow. Bremer will also review the long-standing disputes over the so-called "New Hampshire grants" and the claims of New York.

Bremer, a long-time Ludlow resident, has recently retired as Professor of Humanities at Cambridge College, which he founded in 1971. He attended the University of Cambridge and came to the United States in 1951 as a Fulbright Fellow.

He is a member of the Black River Academy Board and serves as one member of its History Project; the team is writing the history of Ludlow from 1900 onwards.

 

ClearLake Furniture and BRAM revive 19^th century Vermont chair

 

Brent Karner, owner and master craftsman of ClearLake Furniture, has been crafting fine furniture by hand for nearly 30 years. But these days, he’s going a little farther into the past to bring a real present to some amateur furniture crafters.

This July, Karner will teach a group of woodworkers how to build a wooden rocking chair. He is using the chairs of the L.G. Fullam & Sons Company as a model. The Fullam rockers were designed and manufactured in Ludlow over a century ago, but their classic styling and sturdy design make for a timeless piece.

Karner has never shared his workshop with anyone other than the craftsmen he employs. But to celebrate the work of an earlier woodworker for a bygone era, he is opening the doors to ClearLake’s workshop the weekend of July 9-11, as part of the summer-long Black River Academy Museum’s (BRAM) tribute to Fullam’s work.

In 1889, Fullam and his son began building chairs in an old blacksmith shop in the small town of Ludlow, Vermont. Within five years, the demand for Leighton G. Fullam’s chairs grew to the point where he doubled his space and employed 30 men. The Fullam rockers were known for their comfort, including a high back, wider seat, and broad, flat arms that provided the ideal rest.

Rocking chairs from L.G. Fullam and Sons shipped all around the United States. The company, which offered more than 90 styles, was manufacturing 150 to 200 chairs a day to keep up with demand. The company thrived through the turn of the century, still building with Vermont-grown hardwoods. In 1909, the company hit hard times. The bank foreclosed on the building in 1915.

But ClearLake Furniture and BRAM are reviving the chairs that had been a popular fixture on front porches, with “What the Rocker Knows”.

“Our tools are more modern, but we use the same, age-old methods for joinery as Fullam did,” says Karner, who was trained at the prestigious North Bennet Street School in Boston. “We’re going to show our guests how chair-making was, is, and should be done.”

The weekend workshop provides participants with the materials, tools, and instruction for building a rocking chair out of Vermont maple, white oak, or cherry—theirs for the keeping. The $1,920 fee also includes lodging at either the Jackson Gore Inn or Governor’s Inn, plus two catered lunches and a dinner at the Coleman Brook Tavern. Karner says he has a ClearLake Concierge who will coordinate other activities for family members and friends who want to spend a summer weekend in the Green Mountains, but not necessarily in the workshop. These activities include a cooking class at Governor’s Inn, one of several classes at the Fletcher Farm School, spa treatment at Calm Moments, and a tour of Vermont cheesemakers and wineries on The Good Bus.

The Black River Academy Museum (BRAM), also in Ludlow, preserves and promotes the heritage of the Black River Valley in southeastern Vermont. BRAM will be hosting a celebration of the Fullam & Sons contribution to the region, with “What the Rocker Knows”, an exhibit beginning June 5, 2010. In conjunction with the exhibit, Karner has agreed to share the woodworking experience with interested participants.  This event is part of the Vermont Crafts Council State of Craft 2010 Statewide Events showcase.

BRAM Reflects of Elevator Progress

 

In summarizing the progress in installing its three-story elevator wing at Black River Academy Museum (BRAM), Anita Alic, Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee for BRAM, noted, "We are amazed at our audacity in taking on such a daunting project as a separate tower for an elevator and an essential second set of fire stairs.  We realized that the future of the museum depended on our ability to use the building to its fullest extent."

 

Alic continued by noting that "after our star-gazed start, reality began to set in.  The initial size of the tower needed to increase by 20% as we had to switch the placement of the elevator cab and the fire stairs due to sandy, unstable sub-soil.  This increased the cost by about 20%, but we felt it was essential to proceed. Various “work order” changes, although each relatively small, added at least another $15,000.  Problems with water leaks in the existing building, related to the tower’s connection, are also costing us more money.  But the truly unexpected cost - $28,500 - is the fire protection upgrade mandated by becoming fully accessible."

 

She indicated that the soon to be completed fire protection upgrade will once again make the museum’s third floor open, prior to this, our third floor had been closed to visitors.  Additionally, the second floor will be able to host many more guests attending various events and programs.  

 

BRAM now has approved points of egress on all three exhibition floors.  With the installation of the elevator cab, it will be in total compliance with ADA requirements and enable area students and visitors to take advantage of its extensive collection and exhibits of Black River history.

 

In reviewing funding for the elevator wing and cab, Alic said, "We have been able to cover these added costs, but every penny takes away from the elevator cab itself.  We have and are applying for all grants that are available to us.  Unfortunately, our project does not qualify for any historical preservation grants, as it is new construction - even though we are preserving the integrity of our historic building, listed on the National Register. We have been fortunate to receive an $18,000 grant from Vermont Cultural Facilities Coalition and the State of Vermont, a $1000 grant from the Walter Cert Community Fund of the VT Community Foundation and two gifts, each $10,000, from the Town of Ludlow through the Enterprise Fund."

 

She concluded, "While we have whittled down the amount we need for the elevator and its electrical components, we are still looking to raise an additional $120,000.  We are proud and a little anxious that we have taken on this major endeavor, enduring and persevering through a major economic downturn.  We feel that the real long- term benefits easily outweigh the fund raising travails and will mean the continuance of the Black River Academy Museum and thus the history of the Black River Valley.  Hopefully, our many programs with the local schools will foster an ongoing support from our grass roots and our history will be available to all those who are interested."

 

Alic added that donations of all sizes are appreciated.  They may be sent to BRAM, PO Box 73, Ludlow, VT  05149.  

Merrill Retires as BRAM Treasurer

 

Joan Merrill, Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) Treasurer for the past eight years, was feted by BRAM at its recent Trustees meeting to honor her work with the museum.  During her tenure as treasurer, she helped guide the museum through the arduous task of financing the new elevator wing on the historic BRAM structure.  In presenting the photograph of early Ludlow to Merrill, BRAM Director Georgia Brehm noted the hard work that Merrill tackled and her willingness to give "110% of herself in helping the museum deal with the dynamics of sustaining a not-for-profit group such as BRAM."  Pictured above are, from left to right, Brehm, Merrill, and Anita Alic, BRAM Vice Chairperson.

 

 

 

BRAM Upgrades Fire Protection

 

The Black River Academy Museum will be upgrading its fire protection system starting in early December.  Given our impending greater accessibility, due to the elevator, we have been mandated, by the state, wisely, to greatly enhance our system.

 

Countryside Lock and Alarm will be placing smoke detectors in all room, including the basement, which is off limits to the public.  Original doors will be re-hung and covered with a fire retardant paint.  These doors will also be self-closing in the event smoke is detected by a nearby, programmed detector.

 

Once this upgrade is completed, the entire museum will again be fully open to visitors.  The cost of this upgrade is approximately $30,000, which the museum has raised while still running a capital campaign to fund the elevator cab in the new tower.

 

Pictured above is a view of the 1870 Ludlow living room looking into the elevator wing entrance with a Christmas tree.  When the fire protection upgrades is completed, visitors will be able to use the stairways in the elevator wing to access the exhibits and programs available on the second and third floors of the museum.

BRAM Attends “State of Craft” Planning Meeting

  

On Wed., Oct. 28^th, Georgia Brehm, director of the Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) and Anita Alic, BRAM trustee, attended a very exciting meeting where the VT Crafts Council revealed their plans for “State of Craft”, an ambitious program for 2010.  The theme of this program is to tie the thread of historical crafts in Vermont to the present day crafts.  The cultural, social and historic craft movement in Vermont during the 1960’s was a catalyst for an ongoing craft movement in the state, which has been supported by Vermont through the years.

 

A number of museums, cultural heritage organizations and craft organizations were invited to this meeting.  It was learned that Bennington Museum will be opening a major exhibit of the studio craft movement in Vermont in the 1960’s on May 17^th, 2010, and the exhibit will follow this movement’s influence on the present “State of Craft”.

 

The attendees, from all over the state, were invited and encouraged to create local “showcases” exploring the historical craft movements and their relationship to today’s crafts in their area.

 

Participants were exhorted to use their imagination, creating a one-day event, a weekend event, an ongoing exhibit or whatever.  However, to be part of the “State of Craft” showcase program, the Crafts Council will need to approve submitted proposals.  The Vermont Crafts Council will work closely with the state Dept. of Tourism and Marketing and those organizations, with approved proposals, will be promoted in the tourism campaign.

 

The Crafts Council is responsible for creating the very popular Open Studio Days weekend, which encompasses all of Vermont.  Their hope is that there will be “showcase” exhibits/events throughout the state in 2010 reflecting the theme of “State of Craft”.

 

Brehm and Alic are very excited about preparing a proposal so that the BRAM can be a part of this wonderful initiative.

BRAM Elects New Directors

 

Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) has elected two new directors, Dr. John Bremer and Stanton Wyman.  The two will join the BRAM Board at the Nov. 3 annual meeting.

 

Dr. John Bremer

 

Born in England, John Bremer studied at Cambridge University and served in the Royal Air Force.

 

He retired last year from his position as Professor of Humanities at Cambridge College, which he founded in 1971. Before that he had been involved in public education in both New York and Philadelphia where he founded the original School-without-Walls in 1969, a program that earned him a page in Time magazine and an invitation to the Today Show.

 

Bremer has published several books on philosophy, education, and C.S. Lewis, translated into five languages, and more than a hundred articles. He now writes mostly on Plato and Homer.

 

He has been active locally, spending the past summer rebuilding and restoring a large antique doll-house for BRAM.  He is also a member of the team writing a history of Ludlow. In May the College of St Joseph in Rutland awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree for his contributions to scholarship and education.

 

Bremer moved to Ludlow almost fifteen years, after his wife Anne died. He now shares a home with his marmalade cat, Molly.

 

Stanton Wyman

 

Stanton Wyman, married to Lisa Larabee Wyman and the son of Bruce and Georgia Wyman of Ludlow. He is a lifelong resident and graduate of Black River High School. He started Wyman's Contracting in 2001, formerly located in Mount Holly, and now in Tyson.

 

Stanton's family has deep historical ties to Ludlow and the surrounding area. For example, his Great-Uncle Howard Kenworthy graduated in the 2nd-to-last class from Black River Academy, and was recently Grand Marshall of Ludlow's 2009 Alumni Parade. George Kenworthy, Howard's Father and Stanton's Great-Grandfather, owned Ludlow's first IGA store through the early 1900's, located where the Ellison building on Main Street is now.

 

Stanton's paternal Grandfather Orville Wyman operated the steam-shovels that widened Proctorsville Gulf when the 'modern' road was constructed, and his maternal Grandfather George Ripley owned a plumbing business in the old Grade-School building next to BRAM, also when in the Army, Mr. Ripley was the 24hr Honor Guard posted at Calvin Coolidge's Burial. 

 

The annual meeting of BRAM members is scheduled for Nov. 3 at 6 pm at the Ludlow Senior Center.  It will feature Jackie Calder, Curator of the Vermont Historical Society,who will speak on J. Goddard Rugg, Black River Academy graduate of 1901.  Bring a dish to share.  Seating is limited, RSVP 228-5050.

BRAM Readies Phase 2 For New Elevator Wing

 

Even the unexpected and unbudgetted $30,000 cost to cover fire code enhancement requirements has not prevented Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) from completing the first phase of its elevator wing construction to permit access to all floors of the museum according to Anita Alic, BRAM capital fund coordinator.  Pictured above is the portico entrance to the new elevator wing.

 

Alic indicated that the three story elevator wing is complete, the fire stairs within the wing are finished, and the wing has been connected to all three floors of the historic BRAM structure.  The plans for the fire code enhancements are in Montpelier for approval.

 

In commentring on the status of the connection of the new wing to the building, Alic observed, "Joining the tower to the existing building proved to be easier than we anticipated, with no major disturbance to the existing building.  In fact, the entrances to the tower on the main level and the second floor look as if they were meant to be.  The entrance on the third floor classroom is clear, but very unobtrusive."

 

She noted, "Once we get approval, we will move ahead with the fire code upgrade so that our museum can be fully open on all three floors.  At the moment no one can visit the third floor with the Victorian classroom and we are limited to the number of people who can attend a presentation on the second floor."  Alic added that the money necessary for the fire code enhancement had already been raised thru donations. 

 

She said that additional funding had also been received, "We have received two grants, one for a $1,000 from the Walter Cerf Community Fund of the VT Community Foundation and one for $18,000 from the VT Cultural Facilities Coalition and the State of VT.  We are appreciative that they value our project."

 

Phase 2 of Project

 

According to Alic, BRAM is now concentrating on Phase 2 of the project, the acquisition and installation of the elevator cab to complete the project.  "The last stage of our project is the elevator cab itself and in spite of setbacks, we are still making headway.  The estimated cost of the final stage, the elevator cab, is $184,000.  Towards this goal, we have $59,000 leaving us with $125,000 to raise.  We are confident that we can reach this goal by the end of 2010 and our museum will be open to all."

 

Commenting on the museum's difficulty in raising grant monies for the new elevator wing, Alic said, "As the tower is 'new construction' we do not meet the criteria of the many preservation grants.  By far, the largest support we have had is from private donations."

 

She emphasized the need for individual donations to make up for the difficulty in raising grant funding.  Donations may be sent to BRAM, PO Box 73, 14 High Street, Ludlow, VT  05149.  She added that the BRAM web site also "has the facility to enable on-line donations".  The BRAM web site is at www.bramvt.org.

 

Pictured above are some of the group that gathered for the walk through the newly-named Historic District in the Village of Ludlow.  Sponsored by the Black River Academy Museum (BRAM), the walk featured 17 homes and properties in the historic district that covered Ludlow's Main Street area from the Walker Bridge to the Andover St-Main Street intersection.  More than thirty people assembled on the Village Green to start the tour with a history of Ludlow and the Black River area given by Jackie Hunt.  Information on the walk as a self-guided tour is available at BRAM's web site, www.bramvt.org.  This is the second in a series of planned historic walks executed by the museum.

The Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) announced the start of a brick memorial walkway between its parking lot and new elevator wing.  The walkway will be made of bricks engraved to honor specific persons or events important to the donors.  "The bricks will consist of three lines, determined by the donor, and will be very visible in this new walkway," noted Georgia Brehm, Bram Director.  Pictured above, Linda Tucker, Assistant Director, holds a sample brick.  Information on the memorial bricks is available at the BRAM web site, www.bramvt.org/brick.htm, or by calling 228-5050.

Historic Tea at Bram July 25 Served by "First Lady"

Grace Coolidge, the nation's first lady when Calvin Coolidge served as President, will be serving tea in the Victorian Parlor of Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) on Saturday, July 25 between the hours of 1 and 4 pm.

 

Mrs. Coolidge (see photo), in the guise of Mimi Baird of Woodstock, will preside over this special event attired in a dress appropriate to the period.  Baird, aka Mrs. Coolidge, will greet guests in the gracious manner of the President's wife, a role Baird is becoming known for in this region. 

 

Of special note, the "first lady" will be driven to BRAM in the car that was actually used by President Coolidge while serving in Washington, DC.  The car, a 1923 Lincoln town car, is currently owned by Jay Barrett of White River Junction and was used by Coolidge during his term as Vice President prior to assuming the Commander-in-Chief role following the death of President Warning Harding.  Barrett will drive the "first lady" from White River Junction to the museum.  Its rumored that the vehicle is not the most eco-friendly car; it gets 8 miles to the gallon. The car has a body built by Herman Brunn Company of Buffalo, NY – on of several custom body builders  and suppliers to Lincoln; and cost $4,800., at a time when a new Model T Ford cost as little as $290.  A photo of then Vice President Coolidge with the car is attached.

 

The tea table will be laden with an array of dainty sandwiches, tiny caskes and cookies, along with Grace Coolidge's favorite, ice box cookies.  The Victorian Parlor, where tea will be served, is a historic room created, in large measure, by the efforts of an Advanced Placement Junior class at Black River High School in 1996.  It is in the same academy building that Calvin Coolidge graduated from in 1890.

 

The tea is open to everyone.  Guests may plan on arriving anytime between 1 and 4 pm.  Tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased in advance by calling 802-228-5050 or at the door.

Black River Students Relive The Past At Ludlow Cemetery

 

Black River Middle Schoolin Ludlow hosted its Second Annual Cemetery Walk on Thursday, June 4th at the Ludlow Cemetery.

For the event, 8th grade students from Black River Middle School portrayed deceased residents of Ludlow, Plymouth and Mount Holly.  Each student selected a person buried in Ludlow’s Pleasant View Cemetery, Mount Holly or Plymouth, and has researched that person’s personal history. During the tour, the students stood beside the graves of their chosen subjects and related stories about that person's life. In the case of Mt. Holly and Plymouth, the students stood next to a photo of the gravesite. The entire 8th grade class at Black River Middle School participated in the event, which is sponsored by the Black River Academy Museum.  Sue Pollender coordinated the event at the school but the students were responsible for conducting the research on their selected subject.  Pictured above is Georgia Brehm, Black River Academy Museum Director as she listens to the students portraying members of the Spaulding family.  From left to right, they are Alexis Palmer as Ellen Spaulding Reed, Marina Torco as Ellen Bagley, and Susie Chapman as Leonora A. Spaulding Bagley.  Below, standing next to the tombstone of Abby Maria Hemenway is Kelsey Rebhan who portrayed the famous Ludlow woman poet and author.  Rebhan noted the literary efforts of Hemenway to chronicle the spoken history of the counties of Vermont.  Other photos of the Cemetery Walk may be viewed by clicking here.

 

On Wednesday, June 17, Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) will present an unusual glimpse of Vermont's early history when it offers a program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Crown Point Road, Vermont's first interstate (or intra-colony) highway.

 

According to the Crown Point Road Association,

Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) will host a number of interesting programs in June according to Georgia Brehm, BRAM Director.  The museum started its official new season on June 2.

 

Brehm noted that the cemetery walk, popular last year, will be repeated on Thursday, June 4 from 6:30 to 8 pm at Pleasant View Cemetery in Ludlow.  Students from Black River Middle School will portray some former residents of Ludlow, Mt Holly, and Plymouth.  Following the walk, refreshments will be served at the museum.

 

Another student-based program will be offered at BRAM on Monday, June 8 at 6:30 pm.  Entitled "Barns:Vermont's Vanishing Landscape", sixth grade students from Heidi Baitz's class at Ludlow Elementary School will exhibit their research and models of area barns.  This has been an on-going project of the class with field trips to inspect some of the barns in the region.  Refreshments will be served at this event.

 

On Saturday, June 13, from 10 to 4 pm, learn chair caning at the Black River Academy Museum.  Registration by June 5th a must.   $10 plus supplies.  Bring your own chair and a bag lunch.

 

Dennis Devereux of Mt Holly will present a slide show on Wednesday, June 17 at 7 pm depicting the history of Crown Point Road, the Revolutionary Road from Fort No. 4 to Fort Crown Point. The road passes through Springfield, Weathersfield, Cavendish, Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Brandon/Pittsford area.

 

Brehm also noted that on Saturday July 11, from 10 to 3 pm, BRAM will host a program dealing with scrapbooking led by Kathy McMahon.  Participants will work on a “Fun In The Sun” album filled with their own memories and pictures.  Class limited to twenty.  Early registration by June 15th required. $18.  After June 15th registration is $20.   All supplies and lunch included.

 

For additional information, call 288-5050.

Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) was the site of a historic "break-thru" as the new elevator wing structure was connected to the main section of the museum recently.  Pictured above is a graphic illustration of just how anxious BRAM was to see this important step completed as Capitol Committee chairperson Anita Alic maneuvers an air hammer to start the break-through process.   "This is much more than just connecting the old to the new," said Alic.  "It means that, for the first time, the museum has two points of egress."  Alic explained that, under current fire safety regulations, the museum was unable to allow school children to visit the upper levels of the historic building since it only had one means of exit.  She added that this also limited the number of adults who could enjoy the many programs and performances offered by BRAM in its second floor auditorium.  Georgia Brehm, BRAM Director, noted that the historic exhibits on BRAM's second and third floors will now be open for students to see and appreciate.  "Most area students have never had the chance to see the model school room where President Calvin Coolidge received his public school education," she said.  "Now they can both see that room on the third floor and visit the other exhibits on the upper floors."  Alic quipped that "it may be a bit of a hike to walk up the stairs but, with the break-through, everyone now the opportunity to do so".  She added that BRAM is still in a fund-raising mode so that they can complete the elevator wing project with the installation of the elevator itself.  Pictured from left right are Joe Poston, Wright Construction Project Manager, Anita Alic, Georgia Brehm, and Linda Tucker, Assistant Director of BRAM.

The Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) announced that it will reach a major milestone in construction of its new elevator tower - on Monday morning, April 13, Wright Construction, the building contractors, will begin the process of breaking through the original museum walls to connect the newly-erected elevator tower to the main building on all levels.
 
"This is much more than just connecting the old to the new," said Anita Alic, BRAM's capitol fund drive chairperson.  "It means that, for the first time, the museum has two points of egress."  Alic explained that, under current fire safety regulations, the museum was unable to allow school children to visit the upper levels of the historic building since it only had one means of exit.  She added that this also limited the number of adults who could enjoy the many programs and performances offered by BRAM in its second floor auditorium.
 
Georgia Brehm, BRAM Director, noted that the historic exhibits on BRAM's second and third floors will now be open for students to see and appreciate.  "Most area students have never had the chance to see the model school room where President Calvin Coolidge received his public school education," she said.  "Now they can both see that room on the third floor and visit the other exhibits on the upper floors."
 
Alic quipped that "it may be a bit of a hike to walk up the stairs but, with the break-through, everyone now the opportunity to do so".
 
She added that BRAM is still in a fund-raising mode so that they can complete the elevator wing project with the installation of the elevator itself. 

 

 

 

 

BRAM Announces 2009 Season Calendar

 

 

BRAM Receives $18,000 Grant for Elevator

 

Black River Academy Museum in Ludlow received an $18,000 award from the Vermont Arts Council recently to assist it in completing its project to install an elevator in the historic building.  Pictured above during the award presentation are, from left to right, Rep. Mark B. Mitchell from Barnard, Governor Jim Douglas, Georgia Brehm, BRAM director, Alex Aldrich, Executive Director of the Vermont Arts Council, Linda Tucker BRAM associate director, Senator Alice Nitka, and Rep Dennis Devereux.  At the ceremony, the Vermont Arts Council announced the recipients of 2009 Cultural Facilities Grants.  Governor Jim Douglas presented the awards to sixteen organizations in a ceremony at the Vermont State House on Thursday, January 15. The grants, totaling $180,699 will be used to improve existing facilities and expand their capacity to provide cultural activities for the public.  The Cultural Facilities Grant program is administered by the Vermont Arts Council in conjunction with the Vermont Historical Society, the Vermont Museum & Gallery Alliance, and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.  The program is funded through an annual appropriation in the Capital Budget.  At the ceremony, Governor Douglas addressed the recipients saying: “You're [all] doing a great job, and I know some of [your grants] are for things like plumbing and electrical work that aren't the sexy part of what a cultural facility does and presents, but it's very important, as is access for people of all physical abilities. Everything you do is really important to your communities and to our state.”   The Cultural Facilities Grant program has helped nonprofit organizations and municipalities improve, revive or refurbish historic Vermont buildings for 20 years.  More than 75 organizations have been funded in the past five years alone.  The enhancements resulting from this program have made it possible for citizens of all ages and abilities to enjoy more cultural events and increase their participation in the heritage of their communities.  

Black River Academy Museum is preparing a very special Valentine's Day celebration on Saturday, February 14 at 6:30 pm.  The evening's program, entitled "A Valentine Celebration: Not Just Desserts", will feature music, poetry reading, and very specially prepared desserts to please every palate.  In addition to poetry readings by John Bremer, BRAM will provide working materials for children to make their own Valentine cards.  Following the poetry reading, a variety of desserts prepared by area inns and BRAM members will be offered along with suitable beverages.  A large number of door prizes, provided by area businesses, will be presented to conclude the evening.  Since seating will be limited, advance ticket sales will be available at area stores and businesses as well as BRAM itself.  Pictured above planning the event are, from left to right, Gloria Brehm, Joan Merrill, Anita Alic, Linda Tucker, Joyce Washburn, Sharon Combes-Farr, and Betty Masterson.

A team of Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) members met recently to discuss the preparation of a history of Ludlow from 1900 to the 1999.  Using the well-known Harris, History of Ludlow, as a point of departure, the group, led by Frank Wingate, prepared a conceptual approach to this envisioned history, dividing the historical approach by decades.   During the preliminary discussions, it was noted that the people of Ludlow experienced a number of trying and memorable events and periods during this century.  These included, but were not limited to, the impact of the great flood of 1927, the depression of the 30's, World War II and its aftermath, the end of the milling industry, and the onset of tourism as an economic driver.  The group hopes to have its initial draft ready in 2009.  Pictured above discussing the proposed history are, from left to right, Frank Wingate, Michael Normyle, Georgie Brehm, BRAM Director, John Bremer, and Jim Fuller.  Not included in the picture are Jim Alic and Ralph Pace.

BRAM and BRMS Receives State Historical Award

The Award of Excellence was awarded to the Black River Academy Museum in the category of Educational Outreach for "Ellen's Journey'. Presented by The Vermont Historical Society, Ellen's Journey is a play based on the book 'Pieced from Ellen's Quilt' by Linda Otto Lipsett, which tells the true story of Ellen Spaulding Reed of Ludlow, Vt., who moves West with her husband in the late 1800's.

 

The play featured members of the Black River Middle School (BRMS) under the direction of Stephanie Rowe of Springfield, VT. This is a story of love and hardship, of a girl leaving her family and facting hard times in the West. Students involved in this production were: Jesse Gillette, Noah Schmidt, Newton Rose, Alyssa Collins, Lucy Gagner, Rachel Karner, Rachel Broza, Eva Daily and Hunter Hup. Susan Pollander, Middle School Social Studies teacher, assisted in providing support for the students along with Linda Tucker.

 

As part of the motif for the production, the eighth grade class at  BRMS, with the guidance and expertise of Sylvia Fairbanks of The Cook's Cupboard in Ludlow, designed and prepared a quilt that contained the names of the 8th grade students.

BRAM Readies Plays For Christmas Program

 

Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) announced that it will be presenting a special Holiday treat for area residents and visitors.  On Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13, it will offer two one-act plays in keeping with the season and designed to provide more than a few chuckles and smiles to the audience.  In addition to the plays, which will begin at 7 PM, BRAM has made arrangements for caroling before and after the plays.  There will also be a silent auction with winners announced following the plays.  Doors will open at 6 PM for caroling and other musical presentations.

 

High Drama

According to Georgia Brehm, BRAM Director, Stephanie Rowe will be directing the two plays. 

The first play will be "The Cancelled Debt" by Isla Paschal Richardson.  It is a story similar to The Gift of The Magi.  The play is set on Christmas Eve at Ned Blair's farmhouse sitting room, circa 1940's.  The players are Wes Hup, Loran Greenslet, Marilyn Greenslet, Linda Burns, Linda Dunworth, Frank Waddleton, Lanie Waddleton and Anna Kendall.

This will be followed by "Half-Pint Windhom Rides West" which is a take-off on the old Western drama.  The players in this play are; Wes Hupp, Hunter Hupp, Loran Gleenslet, Marilyn Greenslet, Linda Burns, Linda Dunworth, Frank Waddleton,  Molly Ferris, A;ice Harwood and Anna Kendall.  It will have the good guys and the bad guys, a stagecoach scene, a card game, dancers at the saloon, "The Skunk Hollow Gazette", and even an angel.  Half-Pint rides west to avenge the death of his father, Pint Windom.  He foils the villain, rescues beauty in distress and wins coy Tess to the clatter of hooves and the banging of guns.

 

Pictured above are some of the performers as they rehearse a scene from "Half-Pint Windhom Rides West".  From left to right, they are Linda Burns, Anna Kendall, Lanie Waddleton behind Hunter Hupp and Alice Harwood. 

 

Silent Auction

 

The silent auction will feature, among other things, four 48" artificial Christmas trees decorated by Ludlow Art students, the Finnish Society, the Book Nook and the Museum.    Also a table decoration donated by Marion's Floral Shop and a gingerbread house donated by Rigmor Frink will be offered.

 

Brehm noted that BRAM would welcome other items for the silent auction.  To donate items, contact BRAM at 228-5050.

 

To top off the evening, BRAM will have refreshments available following the plays.  Donations for this event will be $8 a person or $20 per family.  For additional information contact 228-5050.

 

 The Agan Vacuum – A Precursor of Modern Automation

 

(The following is the first in a series of articles on the contributions made to society and the world by alumni of Black River Academy (BRAM) in Ludlow, Vermont.  While Calvin Coolidge is its most renowned alumnus, there were many others who made lasting contributions.  This is an effort to recognize them.  We plan to update this list of BRAM alumni monthly.)

 

Frank W. Agan was born in Plymouth, VT., December 18, 1868.  He attended the common schools and the Black River Academy in Ludlow.  June 10, 1896, he married Cora A. Safford,  daughter of the late Major Darius Safford of Morrisville, Vt.  She passed away August 26, 1988.  In 1897, Mr. Agan commenced the manufacture of the shoddy, the first industry of the kind ever established in Ludlow.

 

The Agan vacuum cleaner was created by Agan in Ludlow, Vermont sometime in the late 19th or 20th century.  The Agan Vacuum is an important symbol of the Gilded Age.  As technology and innovation spurred on the Industrial Age, wealth increased and as a consequence a new class developed.  With a vast amount of buying power, many new products appeared to meet the demands of this new class, especially its women.  Society demanded that women present their homes as a model of their husband's wealth and influence in the work place and with disposable income on the increase, washing machines, stoves and vacuums all represented this wealth.  Meant as 'labor saving devices' these new products also opened up some ''leisure time' allowing women to spend time on volunteering in their communities and focusing on other aspects of their roles as mothers and wives.  The museum has in its collection a hand  operated vacuum and a power operated vacuum made by Frank.

 

What is fascinating about Mr. Agan's career, however, is the breadth of his interests and scope of his involvement in community affairs.  He was involved in Vermont politics, narrowly being defeated for Lt. Governor in 1902 in what the New York Times described as "the hottest political campaign in the history of Vermont".  He began his career in the mills of Ludlow, eventually owning a shoddy mill ("shoddy" was wool produced from reclaimed wool).

 

He managed to find time to be President of the Ludlow Telephone Company, a Trustee of the Village of Ludlow, a principal in a medical equipment company, a school board member, and an active Mason.

 

But history will best remember him for his vacuum cleaner.  Meant to be used by two people, one to crank the wheel in order to generate the suction and one to clean with the wand or head of the vacuum, this labor saving device collected dirt as well as dust in one hose and transferred it to the second so that the refuse may be placed out the window. As new technology, this vacuum was an innovation of its day and it enabled women or their servants to clean rugs, furniture and hardwood floors. The non-electric wheel type vacuums, such as the Agan, were in great demand until the electric replacement came onto the market also in the early 20th century.

 

 

BRAM Receives Award of Excellence 

The Award of Excellence was awarded to the Black River Academy Museum in the category of Educational Outreach for "Ellen's Journey'. Presented by The Vermont Historical Society, Ellen's Journey is a play based on the book 'Pieced from Ellen's Quilt' by Linda Otto Lipsett, which tells the true story of Ellen Spaulding Reed of Ludlow, Vt., who moves West with her husband in the late 1800's. The play featured members of the Black River Middle School under the direction of Stephanie Rowe of Springfield, VT. This is a story of love and hardship, of a girl leaving her family and facting hard times in the West. Students involved in this production were: Jesse Gillette, Noah Schmidt, Newton Rose, Alyssa Collins, Lucy Gagner, Rachel Karner, Rachel Broza, Eva Daily and Hunter Hup. Teacher Mrs. Susan Pollander.

 

 

Students Team with BRAM To Research Area History