The following is a partial list of interviews conducted during the writing of the 2003 history: Putney: World’s Best Known Small Town. Arcadia, 2003. Most are unrecorded by audio or video.
oral history
William Graham: Law enforcement in Putney
By Stuart Strothman, June 2002
For every land where reasonable law is held as the standard for society, there must be people to enforce the law. These people are in a demanding position, not only because bravery and clarity are required as a matter of course, but because a careful balance must be found between law enforcement, peacekeeping, and respect for the constitutional rights of citizens. William Graham, as a longtime citizen and well-respected law enforcement officer in the town of Putney, with more than thirty years spent as Windham County Sheriff, seems to have created a comfortable balance in his lifetime, as has Henry Farnum, also of Putney, fourteen years his chief deputy and recently county sheriff. Though many people in Windham may not realize, citizens of the town of Putney have played a very important role in the development of reliable law enforcement, county wide.
Olive Frost
By Laurel Ellis, August 23, 2006
In our busy here and now it’s hard to imagine how different everything will be at some unknown time in the future. Today’s minor hardships could even be remembered with a touch of nostalgia for the related memories of simpler and otherwise happy times. Sometimes it’s someone else’s memory that enriches our sense of everyday life at a time and place we could never experience first hand. Like a good novel but much more real. Such was the feeling enjoyed when talking with Olive Frost in August, 2006.
Ellie Lascore: Waitress, Putney Diner
Interview and transcription by Paul Levasseur, April 2007
This is the best job in the world for anybody like me.
I had a very tough childhood, but as I grew older it got better, through my work. That’s what made me happy, I found out.
This is the best job in the world for anybody like me. You know, you can meet nice people, you have a good time, and you get paid for having a good time! I mean I just met so many wonderful people, and it’s never been a job for me. It’s been a good time, all the time. My kids can’t get over that, or anyone that knows me can’t get over that.
November 14 07
Present: Stuart Strothman, Tim Ragle, Lindley Speers, Jane Rawley, Lyssa Papazian, Laurel Ellis, and Tom Jamison.
Secretary’s Report
President Stuart Strothman presented the minutes of the PHS Annual Meeting, held September 23, 2007, at the Community Center.
Motion to accept the minutes was made, seconded, and accepted.
May 31 08
PHS Minutes, May 31, 2008
Present: Tim, Ruth, Lindley, Barbara, Stuart, Laurel, Maryanne
Minutes of PHS Jan. 19, 2008 approved
Twilight on the tavern—moved and seconded to contribute $100 to the concert series. Concerts will be on Sunday this year.
Regular hours + staffing—Stuart is planning to staff PHS 9-12 Saturdays, and would like to advertise.