2010 Annual Report of the President & Trustees
 The Swanton Historical Society has just completed its 26th year of serving its members and the Swanton community. It has been another busy and interesting year. The process of discovering and celebrating the history of Swanton has been challenging, invigorating and rewarding. Since 1984 the Historical Society has been offering numerous educational and entertainment programs free and open to the public including the following this past year:
January: “When Embers Glowed on Merchants Row” The 40th Anniversary of the Swanton Fire, January 28, 1970 A crowd of Swanton residents and guests gathered together to recall the terrible night and morning of January 28 & 29, 1970 when most of Swanton’s business district was destroyed by a wind-swept fire, including a big part of Swanton Lumber Co.
February: The “Robinson School” visits the Railroad Depot Museum. 15 students, teachers and parents from the Robinson School in Starksboro paid us a visit on their field trip to learn about trains, round houses, turntables, cabooses, Toll Houses, long houses and lots of other things not available in their small community South of Hinesburg and North of Bristol.
March: “Antique Appraisal Night” A very popular program presented by Duane Merrill and Company of Williston with staff who provided appraisals for all antiques and artifacts brought in as well as discussing the trends and values for many collectible objects.
May: “Swanton Memories – Tell Me a Story” A group of Swanton octogenarians gathered at the Swanton Municipal Complex to reminisce about growing up in Swanton as they shared stories of a more youthful time while historic photographs were projected on screen.
June: 26th Annual Meeting & Election of Officers, featuring a strawberries and ice cream. “Certificates of Appreciation” were presented to Principal Julie Benay in recognition of her years of service to Swanton school children and to Andy Leduc, Skip Root and Colleen Root for restoring our caboose, and to Robert Blakeslee for his service as Curator for the Society.
September: “Family Fun Day” A partnership with the Swanton Rec. Dept, Library, Local businesses and NMC to celebrate families and fun on a Sunday afternoon under a tent provided by the Fire Dept. complete with balloons, prizes and healthy snacks.
November: “A Vermont Music Sampler” With the assistance and support from the Vermont Humanities Council, Dr. William Tortolano, Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts/Music at St. Michael’s College provided music on tape, slides and commentary about fascinating Vermont musical folklore.
December: “Holiday Trains at the Depot” A continuation of our popular Christmas program with Dr. Fred Wiseman’s vintage Lionel trains operated by Chief Engineer Roger Livingston assisted by Carmen St. Germain, Ron Kilburn and others. Certificates were issued to each youngster who successfully operated the trains.
Officers & Trustees:
The following members of the Swanton Historical Society have graciously agreed to serve until the next Annual Meeting in June, 2011. They also serve as ex-officio members of the Board of Trustees.
Officers:
Ronald F. Kilburn, President
Glen Gurwit, Vice-President
Polly Pare, Secretary
Georgette Langevin, Treasurer
The following members serve as Trustees for three-year terms as shown below:
Trustees:
Evelyn Laselle, (2nd Term, ending 2011)
Marilyn Livingston, (1st Term, ending 2011)
Larry Trombley, (1st Term, ending 2011)
Tom Sargent, (2nd Term, ending 2012)
Dick St. Pierre, (2nd Term, ending 2012)
Linda Kelly, (2nd Term, ending 2012)
Gary Langlois, (1st Term, ending 2013
Elizabeth Root, (2nd Term, ending 2013)
Christine Fichman, (2nd Term, ending 2013)
Other: Gloria Bechard, Honorary Fund Raising Chair
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Community Resources: The Swanton Railroad Depot Museum and Toll House Bridge Museum located at 58 South River St. are open to the public from May-October, Tuesday-Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and at other times by appointment by calling the Historical Society at 868-5436. The Society also maintains a historical research facility in the lower level of the Swanton Public Library. Our facilities are fully accessible, free and open to the public, including all programs. Visit our website at www.swantonhistoricalsociety.org
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Swanton is a very special place, rich in history, culture and tradition. We have much to share and to learn from each other, students & seniors alike. We welcome everyone to join our Society and to help us preserve and appreciate our heritage. I continue to be proud of our Society and its members and am honored to serve once again as President.
A special Thank You is due to the citizens of Swanton and elsewhere who have supported us through the years and especially to those who have donated their time, financial assistance and historical items.
Respectfully submitted by: Ronald F. Kilburn, President, with assistance from the Officers and Trustees. |
