USA > Vermont > Chittenden County > Jericho > The history of Jericho, Vermont > Part 27
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"Much wonder has been excited, because the snow crystals exhibit such a bewildering diversity and beauty. They form with- in a very thin gaseous solvent, the air, and this allows the mole- cules of water an unexampled freedom of motion and adjust- ment while arranging themselves in crystal form. The fact
PROF. BENTLEY'S SNOW BEAUTIES.
321
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
doubtless largely explains why the crystals of snow far exceed other crystals in complexity and symmetry. Snow crystals, like all crystals of water, develop under the hexagonal system and invariably divide into six. Nothing absolutely certain is known as to why they grow thus, except as it is assumed that the num- ber and arrangement of the attractive and repellent poles possess- ed by the molecules of water, impose this habit of growth upon them. This dividing into six is necessarily discussed and best explained in somewhat technical sounding terms. We may assume each water particle or molecule possesses two opposite pri- mary poles, positive and negative, corresponding in direction with the main tabular axis of the crystals, and in addition three of six equidistant secondary poles arranged around what may be called the equatorial diameter of the molecules. Water, being a dia- magnetic substance, and susceptible to polar repulsion, presumably has a tendency to arrange itself thus, in a position between and at right angles to the primary electro-magnetic poles. This align- ment of the lines of growth, opposite to the lines of greater mag- netic force, would compel the crystals of snow to grow mainly outward in the directions of their equatorial diameters and sec- ondary poles. This theory would perhaps best explain why the crystals grow upon thin tabular or in the hollow columnar form, and increase so little in the direction of their main axes, that is, in the direction in which, it is assumed their main positive and negative poles lie.
"Each of the six parts or segments of the crystals, while in process of growth, increases simultaneously outward, yet each one usually grows independently and by itself. So each of the six parts may, for all practical purposes, be considered as being a separate crystal by itself, and the whole as being an aggregate of growing crystals. And the law under which they form not only gives them a general hexagonal plan of growth, but in addition gives them two specific secondary habits of growth under the same plan.
"We may best distinguish these as the outward or ray habit, and the concentric or layer habits of growth respectively. The ray habit causes growth to occur always outward and away from the nucleus. This tends to produce open branching forms. Crystals that grow rapidly, or within relatively warm low clouds,
322
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
usually build upon this plan. In the case of the concentric or layer habit, growth tends to arrange itself in massive form, around the nucleus. This tends to produce the close, solid flakes. Slowly growing crystals, as the columnar, form solid tabular hexagons, and all such as crystallize in a very cold atmosphere, or at great altitudes, usually grow according to this latter habit. Snow producing clouds, if single, are perhaps as a rule of some depth, or if double, or multiple, vary one with another in tem- perature. The growth, habits and conditions under which the crystals form therefore are commonly unstable, with a mul- tiplicity of diverse conditions, tending to hasten or to retard their rates of development, and momentarily, at least, to change or modify their forms. This state of things may cause them to grow after solid plans at one moment and altitude, after branching plans at another, after composite plans at yet others, and tends to cause them to become increasingly complex in outline and structure as growth progresses.
"In those especial cases where the crystals form and grow wholly within a single relatively thin and uniform cloud, as with- in low detached clouds, for instance, they are likely to follow from start to finish after one single, uniform plan, and all be very much like each other. The frail branching snow crystals, falling during snow flurries, are oftentimes of this character. In some cases, the crystals will form composite fashion, after but two specific plans. A solid, mosaic centerpiece portion will form within a cold upper air stratum and, falling earthward, acquire branching additions at some lower, warmer level. Composite crys- tals of this character perhaps exceed all others in beauty of design, combining into one, as they do, the two most beautiful types of snow.
"It is all most marvelous and mysterious, these changing habits of growth, and this momentary shifting about of the points of maximum development. Growth ofttimes occurs in alter- nate order, first at the corners of the hexagon, and then at the sides. In some cases, this pendulum-like swing of outgrowth may continue from beginning to end.
"But perhaps the most wonderful fact of all is the marvelous- ly symmetrical way in which all this is accomplished. If a set of spangles or branches, or tiny hexagons or other adornments, form
323
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
and grow at certain points upon any one of the six, or alternate, rays, or segments, similar or identical ones are almost sure to form at the same places and moments on all of the others, so that the balance of form is always kept unimpaired.
"It appears as if the magic that does this might be, in part at least, of an electric nature, and due to the presence of tiny electric charges around their peripheries. Would not the presence at certain points, and the absence at others, of tiny electric charges, shifting momentarily about, as fresh charges collected, and causing momentary realignments in the locations of the sev- eral charges, stimulate growth at certain points and retard it at others? It seems worth while tentatively to advance this theory, as a possible explanation of these perplexing mysteries. But it is a fascinating mystery this, that the crystals assume such a mar- velous diversity of form, though forced by the crystallographic law under which they come into being to assume always the hexagonal form. Six rays or parts, there always are, yet what an amazing variety these parts exhibit among themselves. In- dividual crystals of the open, branching variety, differ one from another, in the shape, size or thickness of their primary rays and these rays in turn, in the number, size or shape, of the secondary branches that they possess. Those of solid tabular form differ as to their layers, or segments, and in the number and arrange- ment of the air tubes and shadings within them. Similarly those of a quasi-open formation vary in individual cases. In their spangles, the tiny hexagons composing them, as well as in the way in which these are combined with each other, or with rays, and arranged around the central nucleus. Yet in innumerable cases the crystals assume, at some one or more stages of growth, identical forms and outlines. It often happens that their nuclei, or ultimate outlines are alike, yet it seems to be rarely the case that any two pass through a long series of such changes of form. Hence the astonishing variety.
"Snow crystals are noted among crystals, because they bridge over and include within themselves so much of the solvent, air, wherein they form. This remarkable habit, in connection with the multitudinous changes of form, gives great richness and com- plexity to their interior designs, and lends endless interest to their study. The air tubes and shadings have a biographical value, for
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324
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
they outline more or less perfectly, transitionary forms. The air tubes are largely formed while the crystals or parts of such, are in process of solidification, as at the moment when branch unites to branch, layer to layer, or segment to segment, and so growth may be traced through its successive stages.
"The snow crystals being, in the truest sense, exquisite works of art in themselves, charmingly adapt themselves to a great variety of uses in the industrial arts, and in various other ways. These uses are steadily broadening, though they and their artistic possibilities have been as yet hardly discovered or realized by artisans in general. Metal workers and wall paper manufacturers are, however, beginning to realize their value, and there should be a great field of usefulness for them in these lines. They also seem well adapted for use in designing patterns for porcelain, china, glassware and many other things. Silk manufacturers are beginning to see their adaptability as patterns. Their value as models in the realm of pure art is also being demonstrated. Their uses as models in schools of art, and craft shops are steadily increasing. Only recently Dr. Denman W. Ross, lec- turer at Harvard on the theory of pure design, has adopted a large number for classroom use. Prof. James Ward Stimson used them to illustrate the 'beauty of nature's art,' in his book, 'The Gate Beautiful.'
"Perhaps their greatest field of usefulness, however, is along other lines as objects for nature study, and for illustrating the forms of water. They should be invaluable to the crys- tallographer, for they show the forms and habits of growth of crystals in a most charming way.
"Certain it is that normal and high schools, universities and museums both here and abroad, are finding them most useful in an educational way. One university alone-Wisconsin-has over one thousand lantern slides of snowflakes.
"Indeed it seems likely that these wonderful bits of pure beauty from the skies will soon come into their own, and re- ceive the full appreciation and study to which their exquisite love- liness and great scientific interest entitle them."
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BENNETT ELM
THE BARBER FARM SUMMER RESORT. BENNETT ELM. "WOODMAN SPARE THAT TREE." THE TRUMAN GALUSHA PLACE.
A JERICHO FLOCK.
325
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
CHAPTER VI.
A RAMBLE ABOUT TOWN.
By C. H. Hayden.
The reader, guided somewhat by the illustrations which are produced in this chapter, is invited to go with me in a jaunt through town for the purpose of considering matters, some of which otherwise might possibly be left out. In point of time sup- pose we start after the snows of winter have disappeared, as the adder tongues are just piercing through the leafy mat of the woods, and as the sweet scented arbutus first smiles upon the eager searcher, when the gentle zephyrs sway the yet leafless boughs and the songs of returning birds seem to inspire us with new hopes. The accompanying cut represents the summer resort built up under the management of the late Edgar L. Barber and family. This property is delightfully situated on an elevation overlooking the picturesque valley of the Winooski River and the homes of the Chittendens, Martin, Noah, and Thomas. Not far away stood the first settlers' log fort and near by the trail fol- lowed by the Indians. Probably the Roods were the first owners of this land. Summer visitors and tourists have come to this famous resort in great numbers in recent years, as its popularity seems to be increasing. The caring for summer boarders rep- resents an industry, which might be greatly developed in our town, since fresh air, pure water, and scenic beauty have combined to make Jericho a delightful retreat for tired nerves. Going north- ward we pass by a flock of sheep. In days gone by, raising of sheep was much more of an industry than at the present time, as the number in the entire town is at present reported to be only 162. Formerly the wool was spun into yarn by the thrifty house- wife, and woven into cloth to the delight and comfort of the children. In those early days there were in town two woolen mills, one at Jericho Corners, Bissonette's tin shop, and the other on Lee River, near Harrison Wilder's, each a large build- ing doing an extensive business. The bell in the former is now in the Graded School building, Underhill, Vt. And now we are going by a herd of cattle "feeding their way home." The in- 22
326
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
habitants of our town own at the present time 1,924 milch cows, according to the report of the State Commissioner of Agricul- ture.
The yearly income from a cow varies from $60.00 to $127.00, $75.00 being possibly a fair average, which means a grand total for the town of $144,300.00 received for milk, cream, and butter. Closely associated is the income derived from fattening calves and swine amounting approximately to $35,000.00. Formerly but- ter was made at home by the farmers' wives and sold to the merchants, varying greatly in price and quality, cheap in the flush of the season, high in the winter. Now butter is manufactured by creameries, Government inspected, and is uniformly good. Nor do prices fluctuate as of old, since the cold storage facilities enable our people to hold butter in prime condition for several months. No cheese is made in town at the present time, although 25 years ago more cheese was manufactured than butter. The number of registered cattle is rapidly increasing and throughout town may be found as fine specimens of thoroughbreds as the country produces, valued as high as $250.00 per cow-Holsteins, Jerseys, Guernseys, and Ayrshires are the favorites. At Jericho Center is located the Borden Condensed Milk Co.'s plant, where milk and cream are received from the farmers. The prices paid the farmer per hundred for milk during 1914 is said to have ranged from $1.15 to $1.85 per hundred. The Cooperative Creamery, Riverside, owned by farmers, received during 1914, 546,414 lbs. cream, 202,785 lbs. of milk, from which was manu- factured 167,058 1bs. butter and for which they paid the patrons $48,885.85 besides the cost of manufacture, which was $4,319.92. Dairying is Jericho's principal industrial calling.
Next in our journey through town we find ourselves under the gracious shade of a gigantic elm in full leafage. It is the Bennett Elm. Numberless elms about town adorn our highways and beautify the fields. These majestic trees seem to say to the boys and girls "Stand erect," while their bending limbs suggest to all, the graces of character and the symmetry of life.
We next find ourselves at Jericho Corners gazing up at the shady and retired street leading to the Galusha place, now owned by Mr. Frank K. Howe.
BARNEY HOTEL.
MARTIN BARNEY.
MRS. BARNEY.
327
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Turning we see ruins about us that remind us of three dis- astrous fires where five stores and a hotel used to stand. The accompanying cut carries us back fifty years to the famous hostelry managed by Mr. Martin C. Barney. Our oldest citizens say that this picture is a perfect reproduction of Jericho's famous inn. In those times before railroads, people traveled by stage- coach, and the arrival and departure of the same were noteworthy , events, especially in times of war as the mails brought the news. They tell us of the genial and unique ways of Mr. Barney, from all of which we can easily imagine the importance of the hotel business at that time, to the interests of the town. In this con- nection allow me to call the attention of the reader to the Dixon House at Riverside, represented in another cut, which came into prominence later. L. M. Dixon, an ideal hotel man, about 40 years ago built the larger part of this hotel and furnished it throughout in splendid manner for summer boarders. Several hundred visitors in the aggregate came to this resort each season attracted thither by the popularity of the management and the scenic surroundings of the place. Mt. Mansfield was the object of greatest interest perhaps, yet the saddle horse was much sought, while others took carriage drives to the places of greatest interest, like Bolton Notch, Cilley Hill, etc., and fishing in the numerous mountain streams furnished others with much enjoyed sport.
Thousands of dollars annually were taken in by these and other hotels, much of which was distributed about town. The loss of these two hotels by fire, the Dixon House in 1891, and the Barney Hotel in 1904, was serious to the prosperity of Jericho, as well as a matter of universal regret.
Three streams, having their sources in the Green Moun- tains east of us, course their way across our town westward, Brown's River in the north, Lee River through the center, and Mill Brook to the south. Twelve mill sites on these streams have been utilized within the town limits in the memory of the writer. Six are in use now and much power is not now used and awaits development. The cuts on another page represent some of the beauties of these streams and one shows a string of trout caught by a lucky fisherman. These rivers have been stocked from the State Fishery Hatchery from time to time. The trout is well
328
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
protected by law, no sawdust in the streams, with open and closed season for fishing. They can be caught only with the hook, and all less than six inches must be returned to the water.
The cut shows a street shaded by maples, making a beautiful driveway, in which Jericho abounds. Few towns can boast of better gravel roads or more delightful drives, and much credit is due the citizens for setting out and caring for the shade trees so characteristic of Jericho.
The pictures on another page will recall to the minds of many the schoolhouses of District No. 3. In a way these are rep- resentative of the changes about town respecting schoolhouses. Elsewhere in this volume Mr. Barney says, "When there were children enough in the vicinity of the Brown settlement to need a school, they put up at first a good log schoolhouse, and, as quite a number of the people were members of the Church they called it Church-Street Schoolhouse." This was called District 2 as Jericho Center had been organized for a short time and had been designated at District No. 1. This illustrates fairly well how the public school system in our town began. A brief resumé of the public school, one of the most permanent institutions of the town, will be made here, and should convince the reader that the schools of Jericho have never been neglected. At the beginning, these public schools must have been very near the hearts of the people; for by them they were built and supported, furnished and su- pervised. There must have been a generous rivalry also between the different communities in the effort to maintain the best school. At that time compulsory attendance was not necessary-to go to school was a privilege. Respecting text-books and methods we know little of what were used, but that pupils were taught good behavior, the first principles of good citizenship, we have no doubt. The stars and stripes did not float over the school- house then, as they do at the present time, but the pupils must have received valuable lessons in patriotism and loyalty. And for their day we can not doubt the efficiency of the first public schools. We are told that the number of schools increased to 16 and that as the population increased many schoolhouses became over crowded, and that they were cold in the winter and otherwise uncomfortable. The number of scholars and the scope of studies pursued greatly overworked the teachers. Into some crept listless-
DIXON HOUSE. MR. AND MRS. L. M. DIXON.
THE OLD AND NEW DISTRICT SCHOOL HOUSE, JERICHO CORNERS.
329
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
ness and inattention, and discipline often became a serious ques- tion. Then laws were enacted making school attendance compul- sory and authorizing teachers and officers of the district to en- force obedience. First the town and then the state assumed the supervision of the public schools, until now the present state supervision is considered most efficient. As respects super- vision there came into vogue the office of town superintendent of education in about 1854, which officers were elected annually for about 50 years. These are superseded now by union superin- tendents. In Jericho this office has been filled by capable men and women who have each year reported to the town as the printed reports indicate. A file of these reports can be seen in the town clerk's office, which affords a good history of the public schools of our town. The first report was by Rufus Smith in 1856. Mr. Smith licensed teachers and made visitation as at pres- ent. The expenditure for 1858 was $806. For comparison the reader will find a true copy of the tabulated statistics for 1885 and 1886-twelve months-appended.
(A page from Jericho Town Report.)
District School Statistics for the Year of 1885 and 1886.
W : NO: : No. of Dist. 3
Summer Term.
5: No. Weeks.
Whole No.
Pupils.
Wages.
Board.
Wages and
Board.
: No. Weeks.
Whole No.
Wages.
Board.
Wages and
Board.
No. Weeks.
Whole No.
of Pupils.
Wages.
Board.
Wages and Board.
Weeks in
Totals of
Wages and
Board.
1
Mary E. Church.
26
$35 00 $20 00 $55 00 Mary E. Church.
Adelle Robinson.
12 37
84
Adelle Robinson.
12 48
96
30
216
..
( Hattie J. Shanley. 10 35
60 00
30 00 90
Hattie J. Shanley.
12 33*
72
36
108
Hattie J. Shanley.
12 40
72
36
108
34
578
( Emily C. Howe.
10 37
50 00
30 00
80 00 Emily C. Howe.
12 36
60
36
96
Emily C. Howe.
12 28
60
36
96
5 Minnie Tomlinson.
12 12
24
6 Cora B. Hunter.
io i2+
30 00 20 00
50
Cora B. Hunter.
10|15
30
20
50
Cora B. Hunter.
12|13
48
24
72
32
172
Nellie T. Leonard
12 12
36
24
60
24
120
8 Susie A. Stone.
12|io*
24 00
30 00
54
Minnie B. Stevens,
12 10
24
30
54
Lulu Tomlinson.
# 12 11
36
24
60
24
108
10 Sadie H. Byington.
10|13
25 00
20 00 45
Carrie Nichols.
14 17
38 50 21
66 50
24
111 50
13 Mary S. Breen.
Mary S. Breen.
12 15
72
12
84
24
156
$590
187
$524 50
199
$666 00
$1780 50
*Incompleteness of Statistics owing to absence of Register. tIn fractional districts only the scholars residing in town are numbered. #Part of term in Dist. I was taught by Miss Carrie E. Percival and that, in Dist. 9 by Miss Cora C. Chapin.
330
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
$ 211 00
2 Lottie J. Williams.
6 35
24 00
12 00|
36"
Carrie E. Percival.
iż i5*
7 Nellie T. Leonard.
12 16
36 00| 24 00
60
24
108
9 |Hattie A. Wood.
12 8
30 00
18 00
48
12 10+ 214 .
60 00 12 00 72
Fall Term.
Pupils.
Year.
Winter Term.
$42 00 $24 00 $ 66 00 Sarah B. Wheeler. + 12 32
$54 00 $36 00 $ 90 00 34
WAUGH Phat
RED ASTRACHANS.
Sparkling down the hillside, clear and cool and sweet, Singing in the shadow where the branches meet, Laughing, dancing, whirling, in each pebbly nook, What a merry fellow is the mountain brook.
331
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
THE NUMBER OF SCHOLARS
has decreased somewhat and expenses have steadily increased until for 1915 the schools required 70 per cent. of the Grand List, a sum of over $7,000.00.
The length of the school year has changed from scarcely 24 weeks to 34 weeks, while the range of studies taught now prepares the student for college. Thus it will be seen that, while the cost of maintenance of the public schools has greatly increased, the priv- ileges afforded our children are immeasurably greater. We do not like to think of those crude beginnings in school room equipments and text-books so inadequate in substance and methods of im- parting knowledge, for almost any text-book was welcome, in contrast with the sunny schoolrooms of today, the helpful means for aiding the student in acquiring an education, together with the inspiration of vocational school and schools for manual train- ing, etc. At first it will be noticed that the district was the educa- tional unit and center, the town afterward, and then the state. Now because of greater uniformity of text-books, teachers' re- quirements, etc., the nation is becoming more than formerly the unit, so that the schools of Vermont fit its pupils for the pursuit of any laudable calling in any part of this great nation. Jericho under the leadership of its educated men and women has at all times taken a creditable rank as regards its public schools, of which fact its citizens are justly proud.
One feature of the "Deestrict Scheul," as it was sometimes pronounced, was the spelling school. Spelling was conducted orally. The usual practice was for the teacher to call the mem- bers of the class out upon the floor to stand in position with their toes to a crack in the floor. At the close of the lesson the one at the head took his place at the foot of the class, which fact was denominated a headmark, after which they were all num- bered beginning at the head of the class with No. 1. At the next recitation they were called by number and woe to the student who should forget his number. The teacher pronounced the first word to number 1 whereupon the scholar would also pronounce the word, spell, and repeat the word. It was quite usual to give the student three trials, sometimes only two, if not spelled cor- rectly then the next in line could have a chance. If the word
·
1
/
332
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
was spelled correctly, that pupil would move up in line above the one who first missed the word. This method often developed great interest, and produced a generation of very accurate spellers. Then, to vary the procedure, the teacher would occasionally choose two good spellers and allow them to choose alternately the other members of the school. Words would be pronounced to the two sides alternately, if incorrectly spelled it would then go to the other side. When a student misspelled it was the rule that he take his seat. The student remaining on his feet the long- est had spelled down the school, worthy notoriety for those times.
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