preserving "the best-known small town in America"
This recent article focuses on fundraising, the proprietor search, and a recent, successful Pepsi Challenge grant. Times Argus article by Susan Smallheer
Immediately after the tragic November 1 fire which destroyed the Putney General Store, the Putney Craft Tour responded with a raffle, donating handcrafted prizes worth over $3K. The drawing was held Friday night at the Putney Community Supper, also hosted by the Craft Tour.
What’s the status of the arson investigation?
The case is still active, though there’s been no specific update from the Fire Marshall, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, or the State’s Attorney (who is prosecuting the case)…but that’s not surprising. The investigators are working quietly, behind the scenes, and they can’t share information without jeopardizing the case. The ATF is currently the primary investigatory force. A $15,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for setting the fire (Call 1-800-32-ARSON & reference case #09-D202950).
PHS is pleased to announce its positive, ongoing negotiations with Lonnie and Obe Lisai, who run Lisai’s Market in Chester Depot, and come from generations of Vermont grocers. Read the recent Reformer article.
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.
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.
Putney Historical Society minutes—September 27, 2008
Present: Barbara Taylor, Tom Jamison, Tim Ragle, Maryanne Toffolon, Stuart Strothman, Lyssa Papazian
President call to order:
Minutes of the annual meeting are in process—will be reviewed at next meeting.
Veterans Memorial—we know of a few more names to put on the memorial, and will check with Laurel and/or Marion Daley. We still have money to add names.
We have a Boy Scout who wants to do a history project for his Eagle badge—we will talk to Laura H and do some research to see what we have for him.
Pierce’s Hall is seeking grants—will look to Windham Foundation, and will have no conflict there—they will seek a letter through the Preservation Trust for possible additional support. We mentioned a few other grant sources, and Anne said she’d look into that.
Painted Curtains Event Oct 4, 11-4 at Putney Town Hall— came in and started to repaint—will come back and paint all day on Oct 4, and we’ll be open for public display—Barb is trying to get 14 tables for that Saturday—town is hard, but will look into church and/or Putney School. She’ll get back to us if needing help.
General Store Project—Stuart briefly introduced our status as of Thursday evening’s task force,
Putney Historical Society Annual Meeting Minutes
Putney Community Center
September 21, 2008
Board members present: Stuart Strothman, Tim Ragle, Tom Jamison, Jane Rawley, Maryanne Toffolon, Ruth Barton, Barbara Taylor
Also present: Selectboard member Josh Laughlin, Paul Bruhn of Preservation Trust; maybe 150-175 PHS members and other attendees.
President Stuart Strothman called the meeting to order.
Malcolm Donaldson, a Putney School student, performed song inspired by the Putney General Store fire.
Business Meeting
Approval of last years minutes. Ruth moved to accept minutes. Seconded by group.
Financial statement. Moved by Ruth Barton. Seconded by Maryanne Toffolon.
Marianne read slate of officers for PHS.
Pres. Stuart Strothman
VP Tim Ragle
Sec. Lindley Speers
Treas. Tom Jamison
Ruth Barton moves to accept slate of officers. Seconded by group.
Painted curtains Oct. 4th Saturday will be on display in Town Hall.
After discussion of Store project, members will be asked for show of hands if they approve the project.