of the Putney Historical Society
Over the past year the Putney Historical Society has lost three past presidents of the society. We miss these friends and colleagues tremendously, having lost their deep knowledge of the history of Putney and the society as well as their friendship.
Laurel Ellis
President, Treasurer, Bookkeeper, informal auditor
Laurel was President (for 6 years) and Treasurer (for many years) of the PHS. She conducted extensive research on dozens of local homes, cemeteries, unknown structures, public and private buildings. She was instrumental in planning and writing the book, Putney – The World’s Best Small Town, in 2003, was named Putney Person of the Year in 2005, and was closely involved in the reconstruction of the Putney General Store and renovation of the United Church of Putney into Next Stage Arts. Laurel’s accounting expertise was an invaluable as she guided the society through various potentially hazardous financial straits. Laurel was exacting, but unfailingly good natured and always ready to help. She will be forever missed.
Stuart Strothman
President, Secretary
Stuart was PHS president during particularly challenging times as the PHS worked to reconstruct the General Store and collaborate to bring Next Stage Arts to life. He was instrumental in obtaining grants for both efforts and seeing to numerous details of the projects. As president, he was a steady motivating voice in accomplishing many mundane and monumental tasks. Stuart’s book Sackett provides an intimate portrait of Abenaki and colonist interactions in the region. The book has been well received by reviewers and adds to the relevance of Putney to 18th century history. Stuart was an energetic board member, scholar and friend who will be greatly missed.
Ruth Barton
President
Ruth was PHS president for many years at a time when we were working through reconstruction of the General Store, collaborating with Next Stage Arts and had to navigate difficulties with changes in the general store proprietors. As a lifelong resident of the area, Ruth had an encyclopedic knowledge of the local history and individuals who make up our communities in the past and present. She always had a story or insight on historical questions and as such was able to fill in many gaps of our understanding of local history. Her anecdotes always brought to vivid life the people and village life, often with a humorous aspect. Ruth will be missed for her commitment to PHS and carrying on the history of the area.