USA > Vermont > Addison County > Bristol > History of Bristol, Vermont (1762-1980), Third Edition > Part 13
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Over the years, the scouts have en- joyed marching in local parades, field
trips, camporees, and working on merit badges. They currently meet at The Federated Church.
Bristol Town Band
Bristol Village band concerts date to the 1870's and are still a popular at- traction on the outdoor bandstand on the Village Park on Wednesday even- ings during the summer. It is the only
town band in the State of Vermont to remain in existence for so many years. The band concert tradition began many years ago when people met to visit as well as hear the music by their neighbor musicians.
In 1884, the group was known as the Cornet Band. In time this split into two groups, one to be called the Citizens Band and the other, Bristol
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Bristol Town Band Early photo of the Bristol bandshell as it looked in the 1930's
Bristol Bandstand - located on the Park - 1979
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Cornet Band. Each put on a concert on the same night. One band played on the steps of the Bristol Inn and the other on the porch of the Hatch Block (known in 1979 as the Bristol Tavern). They took turns playing selections. This dual situation existed for several years, at which time, the Bristol Military Band was formed from both groups. This name was retained until 1969 when the present title of Bristol Town Band came into use.
The only illumination for early musicians was kerosene torches held by youngsters. These were replaced by electric lights. The first bandstand was built around 1913. In 1937, a modern bandstand with sounding board cover was erected.
Previous to 1900, the Bristol Band was directed by Mr. Allie Vittum; from 1900 to about 1905 by George Guinan; from 1905 to around 1927 Howard Hasseltine and Mr. Guinan shared the directorship; from 1928 until the late forties and early fifties by John L. Selden.
In the early fifties, the member- ship declined and members combined with the Vergennes Band giving two concerts each week -- one in Ver- gennes and one in Bristol.
From 1951 to about 1954, Franklin "Bud" Comstock lead the Bristol concerts and David Aubin and William Andrews of Vergennes led the bands in Vergennes.
About 1955, the Vergennes Band disbanded and the members joined the Bristol Band. At about that time, Roy J. Clark was elected director and has continued to lead the Bristol Band up to the present time. Currently the band members number sixty and include musicians of all ages. The oldest active member of the band is Milton "Zip" Elmer of East Middlebury who has participated for forty-five years.
Each year townspeople ap- propriate a sum of money to support the band. Rehearsals begin in the spring and concerts are held from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Thirteen concerts are scheduled for the Park. The band also plays in neighboring communities.
In the World War I years, the band rehearsed over the present Ben Franklin Store. In 1925, they moved
their rehearsals to rooms over the E. N. Dike Hardware Store, later moving to the basement of Holley Hall.
Special mention should be made of Mr. Bert N. Hill who was active in the Bristol Band and served as manager for many years until his death in 1960. Mr. Hill was responsible for keeping the band active during the years that it was necessary to combine with the Vergennes Band and it was through his efforts that the Bristol Band was re- activated in the middle fifties.
Upon the death of Percy Currier, of Ferrisburg, a band member for many years, his family donated a sum of money and the Percy Currier Memorial Fund was established. In- come from this fund is used to pay par- tial tuition for students attending a music camp or school. Other memorial contributions have been used for the same purpose.
Written by Roy J. Clark.
Bristol Chamber of Commerce
The local Chamber of Commerce has been active on and off for several years, dating back to at least the 1920's when the organization was trying to eliminate some of the eyesores in Bristol. The Chamber was active in 1939 when the Gaige-Moor Communi- ty House was placed under its supervi- sion.
In 1971, the Chamber was re- juvenated again. The local merchants felt there should be a revitalization of the business center. However, interest in an organized group seemed to wane. Currently an informal gathering of the local businessmen takes place daily. Common interests and concerns are discussed. Through this informal ex- change, communication goes on among the town's merchants.
Bristol Historical Society
On June 5, 1977, a small group met at the home of Dorothy and Win- fred Trudo to discuss the formation of an historical society in Bristol. Those present were Howard and Anna Glad- ding, John and Elizabeth Hise, John and Barbara Kennedy, Leland and Nina Landon, and Winfred and
Dorothy Trudo. The proposal was readily approved by all present and plans were made for a public meeting.
Such a meeting was held on July 14, 1977, at Holley Hall. Mr. Weston A. Cate, Jr., Director of the Vermont Historical Society, spoke on the pur- pose of such societies and how to organize them.
Dorothy Purinton Trudo served as temporary chairman during the sum- mer of 1977.
On August 4, 1977, the first for- mal meeting of the Bristol Historical Society was held and the following of- ficers were elected: James Bouvier, President; Constance LaRose, Vice President; Howard Gladding, Treasurer; and Lillian Lambertson, Secretary.
Several projects were proposed for the Society. They were: publish the "Munsill Papers," a history of Bristol written by the Honorable Harvey C. Munsill in 1860; publish a pictorial history of Bristol; and help to publish the Third Edition of the History of Bristol, Vermont. Publication of the "Munsill Papers," formally titled, The Early History of Bristol, Vermont was completed in December 1979; publica- tion of the Third Edition of the History of Bristol, Vermont was completed through the combined efforts of the Outlook Club of Bristol, Vermont and the Bristol Historical Society in 1981, and the pictorial history will be along soon.
When the Historical Society first met, it gathered in the Town Man- ager's office. Interest in the organiza- tion was great enough to fill that space to overflowing, so a larger area was sought. In the spring of 1978, after receiving approval from the Town, work began on the old jail, in the base- ment of Holley Hall, to convert it into the new Bristol Historical Society headquarters and a museum area. With many helping hands, especially from the Rotarians, the space began to shape up. In late summer, an active fund- raising effort was made on behalf of the building. Then at the Town Meeting in 1979, $2,000 of Revenue Sharing Funds was obtained to finish the project. On July 7 and 8, 1979, the Bristol Historical Society opened its doors to the public. Much of the credit
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for the Society's new home goes to Winfred Trudo, who drafted the ar- chitectural plans and to Howard Glad- ding, who was responsible for the con- struction activities.
The 1979-80 officers of the Bristol Historical Society are: Gertrude Hewitt Lathrop, President; Bill Paine, Vice President; Howard Gladding, Treasurer; and Lillian Lambertson, Secretary.
Thu. Loni's
Rock
BRISTOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Bristol. Vermont Chartered 1762
Bristol Historical Society Sign
Bristol Historical Society -- ribbon cutting ceremony, July 7, 1979 (left to right): John Hise; Lyman Rowell, President of Vermont Historical Society; Howard Gladding: Miriam Burke; Gertrude Lathrop; Anna Gladding; Nina Landon
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Bristol Historical Society - June 19, 1980 meeting in Society Headquarters -- basement of Holley Hall
Front row: Dorothy Purinton Trudo; Ruth Lathrop; Florence Cragen; Jessie Orvis; Adaire Mckean; Joan Frenzel
Second Row: Charles Forte; Charlotte Forte; Prudence Tomasi; Anna Gladding; Sylvia Kirby; Beverly Boss; Diane Heffernan
Third row: Winfred Trudo; Sylvia Norton; William Kilbourn; Elizabeth Hise; Marion Mckeon; Dorothy Lawrence Bosworth; Miriam Burke; Marion Liberty; Georgia Jimmo; Lawson Hammond; Helen Lathrop; Arlene Hammond
Back row: Lottie Follansbee; John Guinan; John Hise; Howard Gladding; Lawrence Lathrop, Sr.
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Bristol Rescue Squad
Previous to the mid-1940's, Mid- dlebury and Vergennes provided am- bulance service to the towns of Bristol, Lincoln, Starksboro, Monkton, and New Haven. Dr. Harry Roller of Bristol did supply ambulance care to his own patients. He used an old Nash car and put the stretcher with patient through the trunk into the back seat. Dr. Roller and Gordon Brown felt there was a need to have an ambulance service in Bristol. In March 1946, Gor- don Brown with the assistance of his part-time help, started his ambulance service. At that time, first aid courses were not required although Mr. Brown did have some ambulance and first aid training. The equipment that was used was oxygen, a stretcher, splints, and a 1939 LaSalle vehicle used for both am- bulance and hearse service. With this, Mr. Brown took over ambulance ser- vice for Bristol, Lincoln, Starksboro, Monkton, and New Haven. After be- ing on call seven days a week, twenty- four hours a day, and with insurance companies requiring that a first aid course be taken, Mr. Brown realized an organization had to be formed. With the help of Bernard Valentine, an idea became a reality. In 1970, the first signs of a rescue squad became visible. Interested and concerned individuals enrolled in a course in Burlington. These people worked with Gordon Brown in his home learning the use of the equipment that was available. Mr. Brown gave the newly formed rescue squad its first ambulance, a 1964 Cadillac, along with the equipment he had.
The first annual meeting of the Bristol Rescue Squad was held on September 7, 1970. In nine months, the Squad had come a long way. There were twenty-five members. In 1971, many important steps were taken. A dispatch system was set up with the telephone company and a 1970 Cadillac was purchased as a second ambulance for $9,500. A parcel of land was purchased on Fitch Avenue from Alice Paine for the purpose of building a two-bay garage. As the application for federal matching funds was denied, the members of the Squad had some difficult decisions to make. With the
BRISTO
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Bristol Rescue Squad:
Kneeling: Lorraine Wry, Vice President; Norene Swanson; Deborah Bouvier; Helen Layn; Nancy Pechie; Mary Cobb; Sheila Henderson; Esther Valentine
Standing: Bernard Valentine; Patricia Hier, Secretary; Richard Cote (back); Anthony Salvadore; Lottie Follansbee, Clerk-Treasurer; Richard Scott-Smith (back); Susan Scott-Smith (back); William James (back); David Cobb; Elissa Cobb; Edwin Hilbert, Jr .; Judith Hilbert
help and generosity of the people in Bristol and the surrounding towns, members of the Squad, Mount Abraham Union High School students and instructors, the garage was built. From this point on, the Rescue Squad has continued to grow. The Rescue Squad today has become an even more professional and efficient squad. The Squad is closely associated with the First Response Squads of Starksboro, Monkton, and Lincoln which play an important role in providing good pa- tient care immediately.
The training in the Squad ranges from Advanced First Aid to Emergen- cy Medical Technician to I.V. certifica- tion. The Squad transports to Porter Medical Center, Middlebury; Fanny Allen Hospital, Winooski; and both units of the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont in Burlington.
The current officers are: Presi- dent, George Shortsleeve; Vice Presi- dent, Lorraine Wry; Secretary, Patricia Hier; Clerk-Treasurer, Lottie Follansbee; Trustee, Deborah Bouvier.
As of January 1980, there were thirty-one members.
Material compiled from the Bristol Rescue Squad 1979 Annual Report.
4-H Club
4-H clubs for boys and girls have been in existence in Bristol on and off for many years under the leadership of various persons. The most recent group was formed in September 1972 when Mrs. Elsie Purinton and seven girls chartered the Bristol Sew and Grow Club. For the next five years, the club grew in numbers and interests under Mrs. Purinton. In 1977, Mrs. Diane Heffernan assumed leadership and today the club is actively pursuing interests in needlecrafts, weaving, woodworking, ceramics, and cooking.
Mrs. Heffernan is assisted by Mrs. Susan Buonincontro, co-leader, and Dorothy Heffernan, teen leader. Many mothers serve as project leaders in- cluding Mrs. Denise Cousino, Mrs. Sheila Henderson, Mrs. Ellen Leone,
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and Mrs. Hildgund Shepherd. The twenty members participate in com- petitions on a county-wide level in the areas of clothing, foods, and crafts.
The 4-H programs are co- operatively developed by the U.S. De- partment of Agriculture, the Uni- versity of Vermont, and the County Extension Service Advisory Boards. The 4-H clubs aim to provide positive experiences for all participants and em- phasize the human worth and personal dignity of every member.
Information compiled by Dorothy Purinton Trudo, Susan Buonincontro, and Diane Heffer- nan.
Girl Scouts
Girl Scouting in Bristol was re- vived in 1978 because of a need for the girls in our community to belong to an organization that helps girls learn and practice decision-making skills, gain self-confidence, meet new people, learn new things, and experience new activities. Presently there are approx- imately eighty-five girls (grades 1-6) participating in Scouting and ten adult volunteer leaders. Mrs. Carol K. Short is the Girl Scout Service Unit Coor- dinator for Bristol.
Former Coordinators for the Bristol area scouts include Mrs. Betty Maher, Mrs. Mary Sullivan, Mrs. Louise Acker, Mrs. Rosemary Bryden, Mrs. Natalie Peters, and others.
During 1968-74, seven troops were active involving over eighty girls. At least fourteen adult leaders volunteered their time to work with these girls. In the spring of 1974, the Cadette Troop under the leadership of Mrs. Louise Acker and Mrs. Jeannette Diette earned enough money to have twenty-six girls travel by bus to Rockwood Girl Scout Center outside of Washington, D.C., for a five-day stay. There was also day camping at Elephant Mountain during these years.
In the mid-1960's, the Girl Scouts were involved in overnight camping, visiting with the elderly, and other ser- vice projects. Throughout its history, Girl Scouting in Bristol has continued to help girls find and develop their uni- que talents, gifts, and sense of personal worth.
Grange
The first Grange in Bristol was No. 173 organized in 1875 and called Bristol Valley Grange. After that group disbanded, No. 394 called Bristol Grange was organized in December of 1907. They held their first meetings in the Odd Fellows Hall but purchased their own hall on Garfield Street. The Bristol Grange disbanded in 1922 and the hall was sold to Esdram Duclos.
The most recent grange, No. 543, took on the name of the original group, the Bristol Valley Grange. It was organized in June 1941. They met first in the Gaige-Moor Community House, then in the Bristol Flats School, then they rented again from the Odd Fellows. Later they bought back the Grange Hall from the Duclos family. The original officers of Grange No. 543 were: Master, James Burpee; Lec- turer, Myrtle Lowell; and Secretary, Myra Dike. The Grange was a fraternal organization. The initiation ceremo- nies exemplified the importance and beauty of the family, home, communi- ty, and agriculture. In the late 1960's, the Bristol Valley Grange No. 543 disbanded. George Sherman served as its last Master. The former Grange Hall on Garfield Street was sold to John Coffey in September 1971 and is being used for apartments currently.
Green Mountain Senior Citizens
In the late 1960's, a group of women in a Home Demonstration club discussed the possibility of a senior citizens' group. Dr. Dewees Brown also thought that such a group in town would benefit the older citizens. He, Eleta (Sammy) Scribner, and Leona Thompson of the County Extension Service, met with others to organize and name the Green Mountain Senior Citizens. The membership included residents of the five towns, Bristol, Starksboro, Monkton, Lincoln, and New Haven. Wayne Fuller was elected the first president. They first met in the Advent Church, then the Baptist Church, and now meet in the American Legion Hall. Currently there are ninety-six members on the roll. At present Robert Clark Stetson is Presi-
dent; Albert Coleman, First Vice Presi- dent; Inez Hubbell, Second Vice Presi- dent; Jessie Thomas, Treasurer; and Myra Stetson, Secretary. Although originally backed by the state and federal government, the group is now self-supporting carrying on fund- raising projects.
The group meets for the business meeting the first Thursday of the month at one o'clock in the American Legion Hall. The third Thursday of the month is usually a dinner meeting at Mount Abraham Union High School followed by a program, a picnic, or an occasional bus day trip. The goals of the group are simple - friendship plus an interest in the current life of the town. Any person retired and desirous of joining is welcome.
Written by Myra D. Stetson.
Homemaker Clubs
The Bristol Home Demonstration Club was formed in 1940. Monthly meetings were held over the years until 1960 at which time the organization was divided into two groups - Bristol Afternoon Homemakers and Bristol Evening Homemakers. Both are active today. As of July 1, 1979, the After- noon Homemakers had eighteen members and Bristol Evening, twenty- four. Currently there are twenty-three "Homemaker" clubs (as they are now referred to) in Addison County with a total membership of four-hundred- sixty-one.
The purpose of the organization is to extend to homemakers the oppor- tunity under trained leadership to study homemaking and community problems, increase their skills, and add to their information. With this new knowledge, they can apply the con- tributions of science and art to their chosen profession, "Homemaking," and may more effectively contribute to the well-being of their communities. This educational program is carried out under the direction of the Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Vermont.
I.O.O.F.
Bristol Lodge No. 36 of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows was
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instituted at Bristol, Vermont, July 8, 1898. There were twenty-six charter members. Membership quickly in- creased to one-hundred-forty-five. Bristol lodge members have always had a true community spirit, working always for the betterment of the com- munity, sponsoring and lending what- ever help possible to other local ac- tivities. The Odd Fellows had their own meeting hall located on the top floor of the Hatch Building. They purchased the hall December 15, 1924, from R. F. Hatch.
In the early 1900's, an Encamp- ment branch was instituted. In 1916, a Canton branch was formed in Bristol. Both Encampment and Canton sur- rendered their charters, however, and remaining members joined groups in Vergennes, Middlebury, or Burlington. On June 6, 1963, the Bristol Odd Fellows disbanded.
Jaycees
The Greater Bristol Jaycees chartered in 1961 with Walter Hoag as its first President.
To qualify for membership, the men had to be between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five. Members of the Vergennes Jaycees came to Bristol and played an important part in form- ing an active group of thirty-five in- terested men.
The Jaycee motto is "Service to Others." They involved themselves in many projects, including "Toys for Tots," food baskets, and Little League. They were helpful in giving the Union District #28 Planning Board a boost by helping with publicity for the proposed new union high school, rides to the polls, and door-to-door selling of the new school, believing it to be in the best interests of the community.
"Young men in action" best describes the Bristol Jaycees during the 1960's. Gradually, the interest began to decrease; and in 1970, the chapter disbanded.
Written by George Rockwood.
Lions Club
With Donald McCormick, Jr., as their first President, the Bristol Lions Club chartered on February 26, 1976.
It was a time when Bristol was in need of a club of active, younger men, their motto being "We Serve."
The Vergennes Lions were in- strumental in bringing together a group of interested persons in 1975, the result was the chartering of the Bristol club in 1976.
The club is recognized for its in- volvement in the sight van, eye glasses, and hearing aids. Also, the Lions help with the Babe Ruth League, Little League, transportation for the elderly, Memory Tree, shoveling snow for the elderly, and many service functions which are only offered once.
We hope that history will record us as a club that is a "mover of people" within our community. Bristol Lions membership at the present time is thirty-eight members. The 1979-80 officers are: President, George Rockwood; Secretary, Peter Perlee; Treasurer, William Wisell; First Vice President, Sandy Wilson; Second Vice President, Jay Vrooman; and Third Vice President, David Marsters.
Written by George Rockwood.
Masons
Libanus Lodge No. 71 F. & A. M. was consecrated December 13, 1826, by the Grand Lodge of the State of
Vermont. According to Grand Lodge proceedings, Libanus Lodge No. 71 was active in their records for the years 1827 through 1830 and again in 1833. The last meeting of Libanus Lodge No. 71 was held September 8, 1829. Due to the Anti-Masonic Era, the Lodge sur- rendered its Charter, as did many other Lodges at that time.
In September 1858, several of the Freemasons of Bristol met and ap- pointed H. Munsill to secure a dispen- sation under which they might meet until the next meeting of the Grand Lodge of Vermont. The dispensation was secured and the first meeting was held October 11, 1858. The Charter was granted January 13, 1859, by the Grand Lodge in session. On February 14, 1859, Libanus Lodge No. 47 was instituted. In the year ending Decem- ber 27, 1859, an all-time record of ninety-five degrees were worked.
The Masons met in several places on Main Street, two of which were destroyed by fire. In August, 1948, Libanus Lodge bought the Congrega- tional Church at the corner of North and Elm Streets for their lodge rooms where they still meet today.
The Masonic Order is a charitable and fraternal order. Millions of dollars are spent yearly for hospitals, homes for the aged, widows, and orphans.
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Masonic Temple - corner of Elm and North Streets
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The Masonic Order accepts members from all Christian faiths.
The membership of Libanus Lodge at this writing is one-hundred- forty members. The Lodge meets on the first Monday of each month.
The 1979-80 officers are as follows: Worshipful Master, William Hanson; Senior Warden, Theodore Pilon; Junior Warden, Conrad Stewart; Treasurer, Charles Lathrop; Secretary, Barent Vrooman; Senior Deacon, James Densman; Junior Deacon, Kenneth Wheeling; Senior Steward, Arthur Prime; Junior Steward, David Perry; Chaplain, Rodney Bryant; Marshall, Warner Pierce; Tyler, Burton Bicknell.
Written by Charles A. Hanson.
Mount Abe Snow Sports
James Cyr and Robert Welch were instrumental in getting the Mount Abe Snow Sports, Inc., started in the fall of 1972. The group's goals are to provide trails and laws for the safe enjoyment of snowmobiling. This has been a joint effort of landowners and snow- mobilers alike. The group also has social and fund-raising activities and has donated to the local rescue squad. The Mount Abe Snow Sports is a member of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers which in turn is associated with the national organiza- tion. Current local officers are: Presi- dent, Roger Stowe; Vice President, Conrad Stewart; and Secretary- Treasurer, Eleanor Adams. There are approximately forty active members.
Information from Eleanor Adams.
Onawa Rebekah Lodge
A charter was granted Onawa Rebekah Lodge No. 43 on October 30, 1900. Charter members were: R. F. Hatch, Mrs. Frances Hatch, F. T. Briggs, Mrs. Mable Briggs, Carrie E. Patterson, Bertha E. Stewart, P. J. Bristol, Mrs. P. J. Bristol, N. D. Bissonett, and E. N. Dike. Mrs. Hatch was unanimously elected Noble Grand. Any female eighteen years of age of good moral character was eligible to become a member. Members were
devoted to visiting and caring for the sick and teachings were based on the Holy Bible. Also, many donations were made to charitable organizations.
The Degree of Chivalry was con- ferred on several members as a result of their work and commitment to their Lodge and to their community. A number of members received appoint- ments to the Rebekah Assembly of the State of Vermont to serve in various offices. Mrs. Erma Grant was elected State President of the Rebekah Assembly and served from May 1969 to May 1970.
From May 5, 1951, through April 1961, there was a Tri Theta Rho Girls Club affiliated with the Onawa Rebekah Lodge. Its purposes included teaching unselfishness and patriotism, encouraging mental and physical development, and teaching that obe- dience to the law is necessary to the preservation of government and to the protection of home and country.
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