Preserving "the best-known small town in America"
On March 20, 2009, Governor Jim Douglas came to present PHS and the Town of Putney with a check for over 200K from the Vermont Community Development program, for the stabilization of the Putney General Store. The event was well attended, and numerous media reps were there as well. Our thanks go to so many … Read more
On Friday, March 20, Governor Douglas is expected to present the Putney Historical Society with a grant of about $200,000 from the Vermont Community Development Program to pay for the stabilization of the general store building. The project, budgeted for $225K, will restore the structure, pay for the truss roof and slate shingles, in addition … Read more
The historical society’s report is posted below.
Putney Historical Society
On May 3, 2008, a fire severely blackened the heart of Putney, leaving a blight where an important gathering place had been.
Since late August, the Putney Historical Society has striven to reestablish the Putney General Store at the heart of our village.
People of Putney, congratulations! The frame is up, and soon a roof on the General Store. Thanks to all of you for your support!
If you have any serious interest in running the new Putney General Store, take a look at the new request for proposals posted at www.putneygeneralstore.org. Spread the word! We would like initial proposals by February 10.
PIERCE’S HALL RECEIVES GRANT FOR A NEW ROOF
by Anne Kerrey
EAST PUTNEY–Pierce’s Hall, a favorite venue of contra dancers and bands for the last 35 years, has passed a milestone on its path toward a new roof in the New Year. The Vermont Division of Historic Preservation has awarded the Putney Historical Society the full $12,500 that it and the East Putney Community Club requested to save the historic East Putney community building, built in 1832 as a Methodist meeting house. This state grant will provide half of the amount needed for a new standing seam metal roof for Pierce’s Hall.
Sunday, December 21st, around 4 pm, Santa Claus came to take suggestions and comments from, and give gifts to community children. Unfortunately, there was a blizzard–and though that did not deter him much, only a few children saw him emerge from the historical society fire escape. We had a fire, and a warming tent for … Read more
After strong community support, a loan, and some legal back and forth, the Putney Historical Society closed on the General Store on November 7. Very exciting! Bob Stevens, a respected Brattleboro engineer, helped us complete a structural analysis in September and October to determine feasibility and costs, which were higher than we had hoped. Immediately, … Read more
By Laurel Ellis and Stuart Strothman
There has been a general merchandise store on the site of the Putney General Store, and possibly in the same building, for over 200 years.
by Barbara Taylor Chris Hadsel, who worked on the Painted Theater curtains awhile ago, recently announced a Windham County Open House that will take place October 4 & 5 in the towns of Jamaica, Newfane, Grafton, Saxtons River, Westminster, Guilford and Putney, displaying painted curtains from itinerant painters in the early 1900s. Putney Historical Society … Read more