USA > Vermont > Washington County > Waterbury > Waterbury, Vermont, chartered June 7, 1763 : bicentennial celebration, 1763-1963, Sunday, June 30th to Saturday, July 6th inclusive > Part 5
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Old Covered Bridge So. Main Street
Waterbury Inn When owned by W. F. & M. D. Davis
THE WATERBURY BICENTENNIAL ASSOCIATION AND THE CITIZENS OF WATERBURY
Proudly present the historical spectacular
"TRAILS TO THRUWAY"
A John B. Rogers Production
July 1 - July 6, 1963 Written and staged by Phillip R. Frable
Special Scenery ... James Sweet Sets and Costumes by The Rogers Company Special Music ... Mrs. Max Bailey
Official Photographer ... Mrs. Bernice Burnham
Narrators: Frank Bailey, Barbara Lunge, Brian Har- wood, Martha Bailey, John Clement, Connie Graves, Craig "Rusty" Parker.
PROGRAM
SYNOPSIS OF SCENES AND EPISODES TIME: Late 18th Century to the present
EPISODE ONE: THE PROLOGUE Scene One: A Salute to Miss Bicentennial Scene Two: The Story-Teller with Greetings
EPISODE TWO: THE LAND OF THE RED MAN Scene One: In the Beginning Scene Two: The Legend of Shadows
EPISODE THREE: EARLY SETTLEMENT Scene One: Surveying and Marking Scene Two: The First Settlers
EPISODE FOUR: A NEW PEOPLE IN A NEW LAND Scene One: Unto This Land Scene Two: The Peddler
EPISODE FIVE: OUR RICH HERITAGE Scene One: Remember the Sabbath Scene Two: The Dawn of Education
EPISODE SIX: THE WORLD COMES TO WATERBURY Scene One: The Roads and Highways Scene Two: The Arrival of the Railroad
EPISODE SEVEN: THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES Scene One: At the Home Front Scene Two: On the Battle Field Scene Three: Home Again
EPISODE EIGHT: THOSE WONDERFUL YEARS Scene One: Winooski Valley Agricultural Fair
EPISODE NINE: LEST WE FORGET Scene One: Paris, 1917 Scene Two: In Memoriam
EPISODE TEN: THE ROARING TWENTIES Scene One: The Nickelodian Scene Two: Fun at the Community House
EPISODE ELEVEN: WHEN WATER CAME TO WATER- BURY Scene One: The Night of November 2nd
Scene Two: The Aftermath
EPISODE TWELVE: THE TREMBLING THIRTIES Scene One: Little River Dam
EPISODE THIRTEEN: WORLD WAR TWO Scene One: Pause to Remember Scene Two: Mount Suribachi
EPISODE FOURTEEN: THE ATOMIC AGE Scene One: The Wonders of a New Era
EPISODE FIFTEEN: A SALUTE TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION
Scene One: The Leaders of Tomorrow Scene Two: To The Future
EPISODE SIXTEEN: AND SO WE LIVE Scene One: The Finale Scene Two: The National Anthem
EPISODE SEVENTEEN: HUGE FIREWORKS DISPLAY
1763
1963
WATERBURY, VERMONT BICENTENNIAL
Waterbury Bice
SCHEDI
SATURDAY, JUNE 29th: 200th ANNIVERSARY QUEENS DAY
All Day: 2:00 P.M.
Viewing of The Historical Window Dis- plays in the downtown Waterbury area. Official opening of the Waterbury Bicen- tennial Celebration. The blowing of the fire and air raid alarms, the ringing of the church bells announce the official open- ing. A salute to the Colors by the American Legion. Ribbon cutting and welcome by visiting dignitaries at the reviewing stand at the Waterbury Inn.
8:00 Waterbury Bicentennial Ball. Music by Bud Truax with dancing from 8:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. in the Waterbury Armory. An- nouncing of the Bicentennial Queen and the members of Her Court of Honor by Lt. Governor Ralph Foote.
SUNDAY, JUNE 30th: RELIGIOUS HERITAGE DAY
Morning: Religious Observance in all Waterbury Churches: Theme "Two Hundred Years of Religious Endeavor in Waterbury." At- tend the church of your choice.
1:00 P.M. Viewing of the Historical Window Dis- plays in the downtown Waterbury area. Promenade of the downtown area by the Brothers of the Brush and the Bicenten- nial Belles in many colorful costumes.
3:00 P.M. Gigantic Bicentennial Historical and Pa- triotic Parade through the streets of Wa- terbury with many floats, bands, horses, marching units and other entries. Review- ing stand at the Waterbury Inn.
5:00 P.M. Old Fashioned 10c a Dip Church Supper at the Methodist Church. Serving from 5:00 P.M. as long as it lasts.
7:30 P.M. Bicentennial Heritage Program at the Ath- letic Field with all churches in the Water- bury area participating. N. Dean Rowe will be the speaker. Special music by the massed choir under the direction of Mrs. Max Bailey.
MONDAY, JULY 1st: SENIOR CITIZENS AND HOME- COMING DAY,
10:00 A.M. Registration of former residents and guests at the Hospitality center in the Wa- terbury Inn.
Morning: Visitation of Historical and modern sights of interest starting from the Hospitality Center.
Afternoon: 2:30 P.M.
Sugar-on-snow Party at the Village Park. Band Concert by the Waterbury High School Band at the Village Park.
3:30 P.M. Pioneer and former residents recognition ceremony at the Village Park.
6:00 P.M. Opening of rides and concessions in the Library lot.
8:30 P.M. Special music by the massed bicentennial choir at the Athletic Field. Greetings and message by the Governor of Vermont, Philip Hoff. Special Greeting by Robert T. Stafford, U. S. Congressman from Ver- mont.
8:50 P.M. Crowning of Miss Bicentennial Queen by Governor Hoff and presentation of the Princesses of the Court of Honor.
9:00 P.M. First performance of the Gigantic Histor- ical Pageant Spectacle "TRAILS TO THRUWAY" with a cast of over 300 local people presented on a huge stage of over 250 feet.
10:45 P.M.
Huge fireworks display, a finale to the His- torical spectacle.
TUESDAY( JULY 2nd: AGRICULTURAL DAY 10:00 A.M. Displays of old and new farm equipment and many distinguished displays of agri- cultural groups at the Village Park.
All Day: Viewing of Historical Window Displays in the downtown area.
1:00 P.M. Registration of Pioneers and Guests at the Hospitality Center.
Afternoon: Opening of rides and concessions.
1:30 P.M. Agricultural Parade of old and new equip- ment, unusual live stock, 4-H Groups and Farm Groups.
8:30 P.M. Introduction of agricultural day digni- taries and remarks at the Athletic Field. Special Music by the Massed Choir at the Athletic Field.
8:50 P.M.
9:00 P.M. Second performance of the Historical Spectacle "TRAILS TO THRUWAY" at the Athletic Field.
10:45 P.M. Gigantic Fireworks Display as a finale to the Spectacle.
WEDNESDAY( JULY 3rd: LADIES' DAY
All Day: Viewing of the Historical Window Dis- plays in the downtown area.
10:00 A.M. Old-fashioned Baking Contest at the fire hall with many entries.
10:00 A.M. Bicentennial Flower Show with displays in the Fire Hall. Visitation of many of the lovely flower gardens in the Village.
11:30 A.M. Judging of the Baking Contest at the Fire Hall.
3:00 P.M. Old-fashioned costume style show at the Fire Hall.
centennial Celebration
HEDILE OF EVENTS
Afternoon: Opening of Rides and Concessions.
8:30 P.M. Presentation of the winners of the Baking Contest at the Athletic Field.
8:45 P.M. Special Music by the Massed Choir at the Athletic Field.
10:45 P.M.
9:00 P.M. Third performance of the Historical Pag- eant Spectacle "TRAILS TO THRUWAY." Huge Fireworks display as a finale to the Spectacle.
THURSDAY, JULY 4th: INDEPENDENCE DAY All Day: Viewing of the Historical Window Dis- plays in the downtown area.
10:00 A.M.
Afternoon: 3:00 P.M.
Registration of guests at the Hospitality Center at the Waterbury Inn. Opening of the rides and concessions. Mammoth Patriotic and Historical Bi- centennial Independence Day parade with floats, bands, marching units featur- ing the Queen's float with Miss Bicenten- nial and the Ladies of her Court of Honor. Reviewing stand located at the Waterbury Inn.
4:30 P.M. Band Concert by Cooks Band at the concessions area.
8:30 P.M. Presentation of dignitaries and band concert by the Cooks Band at the Athletic Field.
9:00 P.M. Fourth performance of the Historical Spectacle "TRAILS TO THRUWAY" at the Athletic Field.
10:45 P.M.
Mammoth display of fireworks as a finale to the Historical Spectacle.
FRIDAY, JULY 5th: YOUTH DAY All Day:
Viewing of the historical window Dis- plays in the downtown area.
10:00 A.M.
Selection of a Junior Queen for girls up to seven years of age. A Queen and two princesses will be chosen at the Fire Station. Central Vermont Railroad display of Old #40 Steam Engine and the latest and most modern engine that they have in operation. This display will be at the Central Vermont Station.
Noon:
Special matinee at the rides and con- cessions.
1:00 P.M. Youth Day Parade with costumes, de- corated bicycles, youth groups and pets and hobbies.
1:30 P.M. Organized games and events with all kinds of events, such as three legged races, balloon races, bicycle races and others. These events will take place at the Athletic Field area ..
Swim show at the pool.
3:00 P.M. 8:30 P.M. Presentation of the winners of the games and events of the afternoon.
8:40 P.M. Music by Massed Choir.
9:00 P.M. Fifth performance of the Historical Spec- tacle "TRAILS TO THRUWAY" at the Athletic field.
10:45 P.M.
Beautiful display of fireworks as a finale to the Historical pageant.
SATURDAY: JULY 6th: BROTHERS OF THE BRUSH AND BICENTENNIAL BELLES DAY
All Day: Viewing of the Historical Window Dis- plays in the downtown area.
All Day: Central Vermont Railroad display of Old #40 Engine and the latest Engine in in operation at the Railroad Station. 10:00 A.M. Registration of guests at the Hospitality Center at the Waterbury Inn.
Noon:
Opening of rides and concessions.
2:00 P.M. Bicentennial Belles Costume Judging with awards given in many categories for dresses in many periods. Judging to be held at the Village Park.
3:00 P.M. Final Bicentennial Kangaroo Kourt Session followed by Time Capsule Cere- mony at the Village Park.
Noon:
Opening rides and concessions.
2:00 P.M. Bicentennial Belles Costume Judging with awards given in many categories for dresses in many periods. Judging to be held at the Village Park.
3:00 P.M.
Final Bicentennial Kangaroo Kourt Session followed by Time Capsule Cere- mony at the Village Park.
8:15 P.M. Judging of the Brothers of the Brush Beards at the Athletic Field.
8:45 P.M. Music by the massed Choir.
10:45 P.M.
9:00 P.M. Final performance of the Historical Spectacle "TRAILS TO THRUWAY". Final fireworks display as a finale to the Spectacle.
PATRONS: Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Adams, Mrs. Bernice Burnham, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Demeritt, Mr. and Mrs. James Dunn, Dr. and Mrs. J. L. P. Forest, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Myers, Miss Joan Myers, Dr. and Mrs. C. B. Orton, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Parker, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Perkins, Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Ryder, Dr. and Mrs. Edwin Steele, Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Stimson, Mrs. Maria A. Trapp.
11:00 A.M. & All Day
CAST FOR "TRAILS TO THRUWAY"
PRINCIPALS: Jeff Bailey, David Harvey, Maureen Kingsbury, Bill Barney, Alson Loukes. TRUMPETERS: Arlene Kidder, Ginny Morse, Virginia Metayer, Marilyn Kidder, Karen Backels. BOY SCOUTS: Phil Higgins, Cedric Tucker II, Charles Ryan, Bernard J. Harriman, Edward E. Morse, William Buckbee, Mike Lovely, William Harri- man, Mark Ryan, Tommy Gibbs, Mike Hunter, David Kelly.
GIRL SCOUTS: Carol Chase, Caroline Tucker, Laurel Morse, Debra Lovely, Mary McLeod, Janice McLeod, Janet Farmer, Charlene Anair.
CUB SCOUTS: David Morse, Robert Luce, James Law- rence, Stephen Luce.
BROWNIE SCOUTS: Jennifer Coffin, Denise Coffin, Pam Lovely, Mary McAdam, Delta Lovely.
INDIANS: Deborah Spooner, Barbara Guptil, Barbara Butterfield, Gloria Baker, Walton Spooner, Paul Thorington, Edward LaRow, Stewart Irish, Jay Sabin, James Rogers, Douglas Izzo, Michael Martin, Brad Sabin, Kevin Breen, Sandra Goff. INDIAN DANCERS: Lydia Harvey, Kathryn Draper, Jane C. Barney, Carol Adams, Nancy Trask, Terri Ann Vest, Laura Jean Martin, Marguerite Metayer, Sharon Longworth, Amanda Bailey. Christine Izor, Vickie Coffin.
PIONEERS: Gary Deal, Alan Duff, Ryan Duffy, Kenneth Mattson, Garth Warren, Alan Dibbell, Steven Marshall, Lee Ann Mattson, Tracy Mattson, Agnes Ripley, Sandy Dibbell, Laura Lee Metayer, Josette Metayer, Carolyn Rexford, Fawn Sweet- zer, Helen Dibbell, Shirley Marshall, Mrs. Leo Metayer, Betty Sayah, Joyce Lowe, Gladys Hart Graves, Charlene Anair, Susanne Santor, Dwaine Marshall, Nelson Dibbell, Raphael Lowe, Donald Davis, Raymond Ripley, Ned Davis, Martin N. Davis.
OLD-FASHIONED: Roxie Callahan, Marilyn Lamson, Pete Lamson, Gerald Harriman, Jr., Raymond Ripley, Richard White, Ray Gaffney, Dwaine Marshall, Bernie Haskins, Norman Nelson, William Ocker, Edward Griffiths, Franklin Colley, Richard Sabin, Pauline Callahan, Joyce Morse, Judith Morse, Judy Harriman, Nancy Lamson, Agnes Ripley, Gloria White, Phyllis Marshall, Emogene Hoadley, Majorie Morse, Carol Whittemore, Shirley Marshall, Annette White, Peter Lamson, Daniel J. Marshall, David Lamson.
CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS: Gordon Deane, George K. Wells, Robert Morse, Steven Marshall, Thomas Spence, Dwight H. Marshall, John F. Barney, Roland Therault, George Martin, Stuart Irish, Daniel Marshall.
GAY 90's: Mrs. Harold Wheeler, Mrs. Charles Adams, Mrs. Cedric Tucker, Mrs. Bernard Stewart, Dianne Stewart, Joyce Welch, Betsy Ayers, Ruth Stewart, Myra Kennedy, Mrs. Kenneth Longe, Mrs. Roland Fordham, Audrey Merchant, Mrs. Stella Kennedy, Mrs. Martha Guthridge, Norma Guthridge, Patti Kennedy, Jean Kelly, Caroline Tucker, Marcia Longe, Patricia Longworth, Karin Guthridge, Lisa Guthridge, Pamela Parker, Alson Loukes, Brian Carpenter, Timmy Jacobs, Bernard Stewart, Sr., David Dionne, Kenneth C. Longe, Charles Adams, Stanley Chase, Jim Chalmers, William Hunter, Brian Lawrence, Bernard Stewart, Jr., Bryce Longe, David R. Gile. CAN CAN DANCERS: Constance Martin, Mary Haskin, Mary Collins, Jane Barney, Nancy Trask, Kathy Draper, Terri Vest.
CHARLESTON DANCERS: Judy Rogers, Barbara Or- field, Amanda Bailey, Evelyn Baker, Linda Hough, Diane Goff, Alice Izor, Sharyo Sevene, Vickie Coffin, Harriet Scott, Virginia Metayer. FLOOD PEOPLE: Earle Allen Hastings, Bill Garrow, John P. Phillips, Jimmy Sweet, Bryce Longe, Larry Nelson, Penny Austin, Janice McLeod, Barbara Ann King, Timmy Jacobs, Charlene Anair, Susanne Santor, Jennifer Coffin, Mada- lene Vest, Mrs. Lucy Wells, Deborah Spooner, Brian Carpenter, Walton Spooner.
TWIST DANCERS: Linda Lee Smith, Ginny Morse, Karen Hoskiewicz, Florence O'Brien, Christine Izor, Katherine Jacobs, Arlene Kidder, Jani Sabin, Karen Backels, Linda Corey, Nancy La-
Motte, Sandra Lamson, Polly Sabin, Jane Barney, Terri Vest, Marguerite Metayer, Carol Chase, Nancy Trask, Kathryn Draper, Liz Magnus, Amanda Bailey, Marilyn Kidder, Vickey Coffin, Barbara Orfield, Virginia Metayer, Brian Car- penter, Timmy Jacobs, David Gile, David Chase, Dwight Marshall.
CHOIR MEMBERS: Brenda Baker, Jean D. Brooks, Doris Cooley, Susan Deal, Mrs. Raymond Dumas, Becky Higgins, Alice James, Jeanine Kelley, Maureen Kingsbury, Joyce Lawrence, Mrs. Burton Luce, Virginia Metayer, Virginia Morse, Barbara Orfield, Joan Pelton, Mrs. Roland Rushford, Jean Scott, Deborah Spooner, Rosina Wallace, Linda Whittemore, Marion Ayers, Colleen M. Breen, Judith L. Bragdon, Jo-Ann Champagne, Helen Eldred, Mrs. Wilfred Kelly, Nancy M. Luce, Catherine Mason, Mary Jane Naylor, Marijean Phillips, Elaine Snow, Judy Sweet, Lena Talbert, Earl Akey, Philip Baker, Brian Car- penter, David Chase, Timmy Jacobs, David Keefe, Wilfred Kelly, Roy Ledoux, Cedric O. Tucker, Mike Woodard, Bing Woodward, Gleason Ayers, Richard Ayers, Bernard Caron, Donald Davis, Donald Eldred, Robert Fraser, Jim Izor, Robert Luce, Charles Parker, Jay Sabin, Russell H. Snow, Arthur Spaulding, Harold Wheeler. ACCOMPANIST: Roy Kelley
Queen's Awards Donated by: Super Duper Market, LeMay's Dry Cleaners, Marie's Beauty Salon, Mary Ellen's Beauty Salon, Peg's Beauty Salon, Flora's Beauty Salon, Irene's Beauty Salon, Jerry's T.V., Conti and Sabin, V. L. Perkins Co., Metayer Construction Co., Quality Market, Burns Mfg. Co., The Iona Mfg. Co., Dowling's Inc. Headquarters Volunteers: Kay Woodward, Barbara Barlow, Rebecca Warren, Sharon Moon, Karen Moon, Verma Littlefield, Bessie Akey, Norma Parker, Loretta Kennedy.
Queen Contestants: Judith Ann Bailey, Brenda Baker, Martha Baker, Mary Elizabeth Cummings, Mrs. Cindy Dolloff, Ann M. Dunphy, Sherry Flatow, Judy A. Gibbs, Sharon M. Gile, Marion W. Howes, Maureen Kingsbury, Susan M. Lumbra, Sidnia Orton, Shirley M. Richardson, Judy Rogers, Rosina Wallace.
Historical Writings: Mrs. Pearl Williams, Mrs. Francis Spaulding, Mrs. Alice Post, Mrs. Ollie Perry, Mrs. Roland DeCelle, Mrs. Theda Nelson, Mrs. Evelyn Keller, Alton G. Wheeler, Lyle S. Woodward. Special Thanks: Warren Chase, Peter Dean, Bob Olsen, St. Johnsbury Trucking Company, A. G. Anderson Company, Valcour Salt Co., Inc.
Thanks to: Mr. and Mrs. George Thayer for the use of the headquarters building.
The Following Telgram Was Received Just Before The Press Deadline From President Kennedy: -
THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON, D. C.
ALTON G. WHEELER, WATERBURY BICENTENNIAL ASSOCIATION, INC., WATERBURY, VERMONT.
ON THE OCCASION OF THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE TOWN OF WATERBURY, I AM DELIGHTED TO SEND MY WARM CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO ITS OFFICIALS AND CITIZENS. YOUR CELEBRATION OF THIS SIGNIFICANT ANNIVERSARY INCLUDING A COMMEMORATIVE PAGEANT IS MOST APPROPRIATE, FOR IT SERVES NOT ONLY TO RECALL WITH PRIDE YOUR PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS BUT ALSO TO RESOLVE THAT THE FUTURE OF WATERBURY SHALL BE MARKED WITH PROGRESS, ECONOMICALLY AND CULTURALLY, FOR ALL ITS PEOPLE. I EXTEND EVERY GOOD WISH FOR A MEMORABLE ANNIVERSARY.
JOHN F. KENNEDY
Thank you - Mr. President
STAFFORD'S
COUNTRY STORE and PHARMACY
headquarters for PRESCRIPTIONS KODAK GIFTS Stowe, Vermont
SHOPPING CENTER
coin operated
LAUNDROMAT and DRY CLEANER
Arlen Smith and Clem Curtis
ST. JOHNSBURY TRUCKING COMPANY, INC.
-
SERVING NEW ENGLAND NEW YORK NEW JERSEY PENNSYLVANIA DELAWARE
WASHINGTON COUNTY AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION
Saluting Waterbury
PARADES OF FORMER YEARS
-
July 4. 1412
Sep. 4. 19H. Waterbury Vt
1
Park Row, date unknown, but before 1900.
Second building from the Inn, known to residents of today as the George Burnham Dry Goods Store, was then the Central House. Inn Burned in 1953 -other buildings in 1940. Building near railroad car was C. V. Water Tank.
GEORGE F. ADAMS & CO., INC. MOSCOW, VERMONT
Users of White Birch and Poplar Logs
Phone Stowe 253-7510
Congratulations, WATERBURY
LAMOILLE COUNTY BANK Established 1889 Hyde Park - Stowe Vermont Member F.D.I.C.
WALKER'S MARKET
H. F. WALKER, PROP.
CHOICE MEATS FINE GROCERIES PURE VERMONT MAPLE SYRUP
VERMONT CHEESE
STOWE. .:- VERMONT
PAINE'S RESTAURANT
On Routes 15 and 100 MORRISVILLE, VERMONT
Good Foods ... Served Right
Steaks and Sea Foods Our Specialty
Family Atmosphere -- Open Year Around
"Paine's Takes Pains to Please" Between Hyde Park and Morrisville
WATERBURY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The first attempt at organized religious services in Waterbury goes back to 1796 when Deacon Asaph Allen and Mr. David Austin settled here and found that there were no regu- lar religious meetings. They soon established regular meetings on the Sabbath. The first general revival in town occurred in 1800 led by the Rev. Jeremiah Bushnell, a missionary from Connecticut who helped organize the Congregational church on July 10, 1801 with sixteen members. In Dec. 1802 the church called its first pastor, Rev. Jonathan Hovey whose pastorate was terminated in 1807. For the next 18 years the church had no pastor, although meetings were regularly held on the Sabbath. Although three churches had been organized, various attempts to build a house of worship failed, until three citizens, Judge Dan Carpenter, Amasa Pride and Roswell Wells, not then church members, formed the Waterbury Meeting House Society, with 38 members representing several denominations and including Judge Ezra Butler, an ordained Baptist minister, then Governor of Vermont. Money was raised by the sale of pews, the land deeded by Mr. Pride for $150, and the church was erected and dedicated in 1824. The First Congregational Society was to have the first right to occupy the meeting house, but if it was not used for Congregational services, it could be used by other groups and it was to be opened for funerals at all times for persons of any denomination. Soon after its dedication the church found a pastor, Rev. Daniel Warren, who remained 13 years. Following him, Rev. John F. Stone and Rev. A. G. Pease served as pastors until 1853. To Rev. C. C. Parker we are indebted for the early history of the town. He was Supt. of schools and helped in every good work in the community. During his pastorate of 14 years the church was raised 3 feet and 11 feet added to the front. During the pastorate of Rev. Jonathan Copeland, the church pur- chased the house on Winooski St. now owned by George West for use as a parsonage. This was sold to Rev. S. H. Wheeler in 1879. It was during Rev. Copeland's pastorate in 1869 that the Woman's Missionary Society was orga- nized which was to last until it was united with the Ladies' Union in 1943.
In 1880 a chapel was added at an expense of nearly $2000 in the first of Rev. S. H. Wheeler's two pastorates, which also saw a growth in membership of 144 new members. The church building was also improved in 1890 by the addition of stained glass windows and in 1892 the refinishing of the hall in the basement. In 1891 the Ladies' Aid Society be- came the Ladies' Union. The present bell, dedicated in 1912 to the memory of Rev. Wheeler's wife, indicates the affection in which this parsonage family was held.
In 1886 Charles M. Sheldon, the author of "In His Steps," came to serve the Waterbury church for two years. In 1889 the Christian Endeavor Society was organized to last for 35 years. A communion set, now in the glass case at the front of the sanctuary, was given in memory of Eliza Carpenter Wells. Rev. A. J. Covell came in 1892 for a three and one-half years pastorate, notable for his work with the young people. Following him, Rev. George Ladd was ordained here and served the church until 1901. The present parsonage was built in 1897 on a lot given by G. W. Randall. The church underwent repairs in 1900-01, a new organ was installed by the Ladies' Union and the choir loft moved from the back to the front of the sanctuary. Centennial and re- dedicatory exercises were held on Dec. 17, 1901 with Rev. F. B. Kellogg as pastor. Mr. Kellogg gave a great deal of time to work with the boys of the community, as did his suc- cessor Rev. W. L. Boicourt, and successful Boy Scout troops were formed. Rev. Boicourt was granted a year's leave of absence in 1917 to work with the Y.M.C.A. in France, during which time Rev. Vern L. Smith, pastor of the Methodist Church and Mrs. Helen Lathrop, parish worker, carried on the work of the two churches. Mr. Boicourt returned for a year. One outstanding event of his Waterbury years was the incorporation of the Waterbury
(continued forward $)
Founded 1931
WATERBURY, VERMONT
WDEV
Radio Vermont
The
Station of
Stature
5000 Watts 550 Kcs.
AFFILIATED WITH YANKEE NETWORK ยทยทยท MUTUAL BROADCASTING SYSTEM
THE
Congregational Church following the bequest of the Mark Canerdy fund. The term of Rev. Edward Hays was ended after two years be- cause of ill health and was followed by another two year pastorate of Rev. John Prince during which time a "Go to Church Band" with Mrs. R. W. Demeritt, supt. was made part of the church work. It was Mr. Prince who organized the Church Cabinet.
Rev. Chauncey A. Adams came in October, 1923 to begin a memorable pastorate that was ended in 1934 when he became Secretary of the Vt. Congregational Conference. Among the activities of this period were the organiza- tion of the Men's Club and the Comrades of the Way. In May, 1925 the annual meeting of the Vt. Congregational Conference was held here and on June 11, 1926 the Church celebrated its 125th anniversary. No one who lived in Water- bury in the disastrous November flood of 1927 will ever forget the hospitality of the White Meeting House whose dining room and kitchen were opened for several weeks for community meals-nor the heart-warming Thanksgiving dinner served there by the good people of Burlington. The congregation of the damaged Methodist church worshipped in the Congre- gational church until their building was re- paired. The Randall Street parsonage was badly damaged by the flood and extensive re- paris were made there in 1928.
From 1934-40 Rev. Raymond and Rev. Lucille Worster served as pastor and associate pastor. In 1940 a gift of $5000 was made by Mrs. Margaret A. H. Spencer in memory of her parents, Sylvester and Sibyl Proctor Henry, Mr. Henry being the carpenter who had built the original church. The money was used to remodel and rebuild the chapel addition to provide more S. S. rooms. The Ladies' Union and the newly formed Woman's Guild beauti- fied the chapel and provided equipment for the S. S. rooms. A new heating plant was in- stalled, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Demeritt, new lights for the auditorium were given by Judge and Mrs. C. B. Adams, and the dining room was remodeled as a gift from Mr. John A. Parker. A service of dedication was held Nov. 21, 1940.
On October 13, 1940 Rev. Edward S. Treat preached his first sermon here, to remain until in 1946, he left to become Associate Minister of the Congregational Conference. Mr. Treat started radio services, promoted visual aids in religious education and conducted religious education classes in the High School, as had Rev. and Mrs. Worster. World War II found the White Meeting House remembering its sons and daughters serving their country, as wit- nessed by the honor roll now encased at the back of the sanctuary. On August 15, 1945 a moving union service of worship and thanks- giving and consecration marked the conclu- sion of the War. From 1945-48 Miss Angeline
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