Farewell to Waterford's Friend, Robert Heath Goss

Waterford Historical Society board member Lynn Troy provides a rolled-up panoramic photo of the construction of the Comerford Dam to genealogist Bob Goss (center), who offered to have the photo professionally enhanced to show more details. At right is another WHS board member at the time, Charles McMahon. Photo taken at the Davies Memorial Library by Helen C. Pike.

 The Waterford Historical Society lost a good friend and researcher last month with the death of genealogist Bob (Robert Heath) Goss on March 20, 2017. Bob's retirement choices led him into genealogy and into preserving the records of cemeteries across Vermont. In particular, he took the records compiled for Waterford's cemeteries years ago by Eugenia (Genie) Powers, and updated them, adding more details and descriptions. His awareness of the town's past added to our discussions of place names like "Copenhagen" (near today's Waterford Springs), as well as changes that came from reshaping the Connecticut River with two major dams.

About three years ago, Bob Goss discovered that Waterford resident Lynn Troy had a stunning panoramic photograph of the construction of the Comerford Dam, which changed so much in Waterford during 1930-1931.  Lynn recalls, “Bob had the panorama picture of the Comerford Dam (which I had received from a friend and [in the photo here] am giving him rolled up) touched up by a professional photographer.  He then returned the much improved finished picture to me and I had it framed.  The final product is a gift to WHS from both of us.  It is in the library now waiting for a discussion with [library director] Jen as to where to hang it.” Lynn adds, “He was a delight to work with and I enjoyed knowing him for the brief time I did.”

Bob was born in Barnet, Vermont, in 1934. His parents were Dean Abbott Goss (1901-1957) and Della Maud (Heath) Goss. His mother's family does not appear to be connected to today's Waterford Heaths. However, his father's family goes back for generations to the years when Waterford was settled by nonindigenous people: Levi Goss, one of the first to settle here, was Bob's great-great-great-grandfather; subsequent generations were Locke, Francis, Charles, and Bob's father, Dean.

Almost any search of Waterford's cemetery records will turn up Bob's work for generations to come. His attentive documenting of our history and his clear joy in preserving it ensure that we will remember both his work, and his generous spirit.

Comerford Dam: Another Early Postcard View

Hard to tell whether the photo was gently enhanced to emphasize the European "Romantic" appearance of the Comerford dam in this postcard, probably printed in the 1930s.

The Last CVL Long Log Drive, 100 Years Ago: Celebration in Barnet, Vermont, August 1

One more wonderful image from the 1929-1931 construction of Comerford Dam surfaced recently. This dam was the first on the Connecticut River to be built WITHOUT a sluice gate for logs -- thus marking the physical end to the log drives on the river.

But the practical end happened in 1915, when the Connecticut Valley Lumber Company held its final long log drive. And the emotional end ... well, that's a story of George Van Dyke. You can here it on Saturday August 1 in Barnet, Vermont, at the grand 100-year celebration, held at Maplemont Farm, just south of Barnet Village on Route 5.

Here's the schedule -- hope to see you there!

8am- 10am : Barnet Preservation group lumberjack breakfast at the Barnet Congregation church

10:00- Festival start time Aden Marcotte opens with his log drive song
Tables: Helen Pike, Paul Keenan, Green Mountain books, Barnet Historical Society (also selling pies), Barnet Library booksale, Waterford Historical Society, St.Johnsbury History & Heritage Center with Tools, Blacksmith Craig Marcotte, Canaan Historical Society

10:30 1st Lumberjack Demo 
10:30 Beth Kanell tells stories of George Van Dyke, “lumber king of McIndoes” 
11:00 Helen Pike reads from Ruth Park
12:00 Aden Marcotte performs log drive song #2
12:00 Barnet trailblazers providing lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, cole slaw (?)and baked beans.
12:15 : Grinner Schoppe Tribute by Schoppe descendants
12:30: Bayley Hazen Boys begin with Gary Moore reading from Robert Pike’s books
12:45: 2nd Lumberjack demos
1:00 Beth Kanell tells stories of George Van Dyke, “lumber king of McIndoes”
1:25 Gary Moore reading from Robert Pike's books
1:45: 3rd lumberjack demo
2:00 Gary Moore reading from Robert Pike's books
2: 30 : Bayley Hazen ends
2:30 : Grinner Schoppe tribute #2
3:00 Helen Pike reads Ruth Park,
3:30 Beth Kanell tells stories of George Van Dyke, “lumber king of McIndoes”

Comerford Dam Construction Display at Town Meeting

Lynn Troy created a terrific display of postcard-size photos of the construction of the Comerford Dam (circa 1930) to share at Town Meeting today. This construction project changed the town in many ways, including where the river would cover the land. What a great way to show how intriguing our town's history is! Thanks, Lynn, for having the images copied, enlarged, and then preparing them this way. People asked about the possibility of a permanent display of these. Let's watch for a good opportunity.

If you're outside Vermont and reading this, you may not be familiar with Town Meeting -- the custom of setting aside the first Tuesday of March each year for all towns to hold meetings to go elect people to needed positions, discuss the management of library, recycling, school, and sometimes roads (this year, we learned Bridge 7 on Route 18 is going to have a 4-week closure for culvert repair), and most especially, to vote on the budget so the town tax rate can be set.

It's "democracy in action" -- and it's also a joyful gathering of community, with salutes and appreciation to volunteers, credit to firefighters, and a bit of fundraising (for, say, the library and the Scouts).

The Waterford Historical Society and the Davies Memorial Library collaborate in keeping a collection of Town Reports from all the many Town Meetings over the years. They are accessible in the library, on one of the "local interest" shelves. This year's Town Report saluted George Bullock for his 60 years of dedicated service to the town.

It's official: The Waterford, Vermont, Historical Society!

Photo: Adam Aremburg, presenting his 2014 work on the Waterford Nature Trail as an Eagle Scout project. What a great contribution to both the town and the meeting -- thank you, Adam!

There was also an extensive presentation by Lynn Troy and Roberta Smith on the history of the Copenhagen district of Waterford and of Waterford Springs, now located there. 

Lynn will also present a display of Comerford Dam photos at Town Meeting (March 3, 2015).

On Wednesday February 25, 2015, at 7:45 pm, after ample discussion, the by-laws for the Waterford, Vermont, Historical Society were adopted at the meeting of the Waterford History Group at the Davies Memorial Library. We are on our way to being better able to accept historical items and gifts as part of our preservation and appreciation of the town's history!

The first board is as follows:

Matt Lewis, president
Donna Heath, vice-president
Roberta Smith, secretary/treasurer
Helen Chantal Pike, 2-year director
Charlie MacMahon, 2-year director
Lynn Troy, 1-year director
Beth Kanell, 1-year director

We are also seeking a high school student from Waterford for a nonvoting position on the board.

Here are the by-laws; next steps are state nonprofit registry and application for federal status as a 501(c)3 organization.

BY-LAWS: Waterford, Vermont, Historical Society

 Article 1.      Name.
This society shall be called the “Waterford, Vermont, Historical Society.”
Article 2.      Purpose.
The object of this society shall be to discover and preserve whatever relates to the history of the Town of Waterford and surrounding communities, for the use, education, and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Article 3.      Board of Directors and Officers.
The officers of the society shall be president, vice-president, and secretary/treasurer, who shall be elected for the term of one year; and four directors.  One of these seven people should also be a member of the Board of Directors of the Davies Memorial Library whenever possible. There may also be one nonvoting student officer of the board, of high school age and living in the town of Waterford. In the year of organization, the directors shall be elected: two for a term of one year, and two a term of two years; in addition, the three officers shall be board members for three years. All officers and directors shall have the right of re-election.
Article 4.      Board of Directors
The officers and directors shall constitute the Board of Directors.
Article 5.      Membership and Dues
Any person interested in the history of the Town of Waterford and surrounding communities may become a member of the Society by paying a membership fee of $5.00 per year.
Article 6.      Property
All donations of property are to be under the direction of the officers and the directors.  If the society ceased to exist, all properties would revert to donors or his/her heirs or wherever specified by donor at time of donation. 
Article 7.       Annual Meeting
The annual meeting shall be held in the month of February at such a place and date as the Board of Directors shall designate.  Special meetings may be called by the president or upon written request of five members in good standing.  All meetings shall be called by notice in the Davies Memorial Library newsletter, not later than 7 days before the meeting, setting forth the time and place and the business to be transacted; if this is not possible, the Board shall determine an equivalent method of notice.  Five members, four of whom shall be members of the Board of Directors, shall constitute a quorum.
Article 8.      Elections A nominating committee shall be appointed by the president in October to present at least one name for each office to be filled.  Candidates may be nominated from the floor.  A candidate for elections shall be an active member. The election of officers shall be held at the annual meeting.  The majority of votes cast are required for election.  The Board of Directors shall have the power to fill any vacancies that arise during the calendar year.
Article 9.    Duties of Officers
President – the president shall have executive supervision over the activities of the society within the scope provided by those bylaws.  She or he shall preside at all meetings and shall appoint the members of committees and delegates not otherwise provided for.  The president will also be an ex-officio member of any committee of this organization.
Vice-president – the vice-president shall assume the duties of the president in the event of absence, incapacity, or resignation of the president.  The vice-president will assist the chairman in his/her duties.
Secretary–Treasurer– the secretary-treasurer shall be responsible for the safe keeping of society funds and for maintaining adequate financial records.  Monies shall be paid out by numbered checks signed by the secretary-treasurer, who is authorized, along with the president, to write checks to pay bills. The secretary-treasurer will received dues and will render an annual report at the annual meeting. The secretary-treasurer will also receive any records of monthly history interest-group meetings and will maintain a record of the actions of the Board of Directors.
Board of Directors – the Board of Directors shall have the power to conduct all affairs of the society.  The Board of Directors shall decide questions of policy that for any reason cannot be acted upon at a meeting of the society and perform such other functions as designated in the bylaws or otherwise assigned to it.  At any meeting of the Board of Directors, four members shall constitute a quorum.
Article 10.            Monthly Meeting
The monthly meeting shall be held on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated, from February through October of each year.
Article 11.            Amendments
These bylaws may be amended at any regular or adjourned meeting by a two-thirds vote of those voting, provided that notice was given at a previous meeting.  Or they may be amended at a special meeting called for that purpose with 7 days of notice and two-thirds vote.

Adopted by voice vote, all affirmative, on February 25, 2015, at the Davies Memorial Library, Waterford, Vermont.

Fifteen Mile Falls and Waterford's Dams: A Fragile but Essential Document

The meeting of the Waterford History group at the Davies Memorial Library on Wed. Aug. 27 (6:30 pm) will focus on how to store and organize the historically interesting items that people bring to the library or keep at home. An example of what we might consider, with our guests Garret Nelson (library director, Lyndon State College) and Marjorie Strong (librarian, Vermont Historical Society) is this four-page document printed on a single sheet of very fragile paper, dating to the years when Comerford Dam was being built. It includes the now-rare map of the "construction camp" and many of the details bring fresh perspective -- like the stables!

The scans shown here were made on a flat-bed scanner, with enormous care, as the document is "tender" at the fold and can't take much handling. How can we best preserve and protect it as information, and as the fragile item it has become?

Hope you'll join the discussion!

Fifteen-Mile Falls Turns to Hydro Power: Two Promotional Documents

The New England Power Association, like many Waterford, Vermont, residents, took great pride in the completion of Comerford Dam, which began generating power in 1930. Here are two promotional documents that the company provided.

1930

1931

Fifteen-Mile Falls and Comerford Dam: Then and Now

The Waterford History group met Matt Lewis at the TransCanada garage parking lot on the Comerford Dam Road (the Barnet end of Lower Waterford Road) this morning to learn about uses of the area during the construction of the famous Connecticut River dam, starting in 1928 and set into action (by President Hoover, via remote switch) in September 1930.

The construction project required its own rail spur from East Barnet to the dam, and two thousand people or more -- of whom about 1700 lived at the construction site during those years -- took part in building the dam. For a few months, it was actually the largest power-generating dam in the United States (until the Hoover Dam went online). Our meeting and walk, planned and supported by Matt with plenty of maps, blueprint copies, and 1930s documents, reviewed where the "camp" of workers had stood.

Thanks to Matt's planning, we also were able to visit and enter the last standing cabin from those days (now a storage shed and home to many bats). Matt pointed out where the concrete works had been, as well as the original site of the high-voltage service segment of the dam that is now located across the river in New Hampshire. He also noted for us the old road toward the now-water-covered Waterford hamlet of Copenhagen; group members who live in the Waterford Springs part of town were already somewhat familiar with this route. Craig B. shared a photo of the Copenhagen district schoolhouse; Dr. C. E. Harris's history of town also says there was a sawmill in Copenhagen.

Other topics during and after the hike included when the planning for the dams that would cover Fifteen-Mile Falls began. Here is a snippet from Electrical World, October 21, 1909 (p. 1009):

LITTLETON, N. H.—Carl A. Ross, promoter of the power project at Fifteen-Mile Falls, on the Connecticut River, is reported to have sold his interests to Massachusetts capitalists, who are already making plans for the development of three large power plants, by which it is estimated that about 5000 hp would be generated. It is understood that work will commence on the plant next spring. Carl A. Ross will have charge of the project.

Plans for upcoming Waterford History meetings: August, guest speakers Garret Nelson (Lyndon State College library director) and Marjorie Strong (Vermont Historical Society librarian). September, pulling together our archives; there are also plans for a display of pre-archaeology materials at the library at the end of September.  October, geology of the region, with possible guest geologist. November-January, winter break. February, consolidating information about Copenhagen.

Comerford Dam Construction Photo, Showing Railroad

At the May meeting of the Waterford History group, we made summer plans, including a hike along the old rail bed from East Barnet to Comerford Dam. This rail spur was used to get materials to the dam site, especially the massive lengths of iron needed before the concrete could rise around them. I believe workers sometime rode the train, too. You can see the rails in this photo postcard; notice the numbering, which probably indicates the photographer offered a series of related cards.

Comerford Dam Construction, Waterford, Vermont, and Adjacent Towns, Circa 1930

Yes, we've talked about Comerford Dam before in the Waterford History group -- but who can resist wanting to know more about this amazing structure and the complicated project that built it? We'll talk more about these photos in the 2014 meetings of our group, and look at a possible new project: mapping and walking the existing trails and old roads that reveal the dam's construction process.

Meanwhile, on the agenda for Wed. Oct. 23 and for our November meeting: Waterford's own farm-to-table project (for an event next summer!); a report from Girl Scout Laura Benoit on her Waterford cemeteries Silver Award project; and more!

Comerford Dam, A Different VIew!

All the stories of Waterford, past and present, have within them the presence of the Connecticut River along one border of the town, and with that, the changes that the two major power dams along this stretch of the river brought to the town. "Upper Waterford" is under the water behind Moore Dam; Comerford Dam, the earlier of the pair, was built in 1930-1931 with the promise of Moore Dam to follow, but the later, larger dam didn't actually arrive until 1954. Thus, older Waterford residents have memories of Moore Dam's construction and the changes it brought. Younger folks focus on the swimming access to the lake, as well as boating and fishing there.

An angle rarely seen is shown by this postcard. It dates back to the days of "amateur radio" or "ham radio," when anyone who studied for and passed the test could have a radio station in their home. Users -- called "hams" -- who contacted each other over the air waves sometimes exchanged postcards marked with their radio call signs (special combinations of numbers and letters assigned when the station was first authorized) and a note about the on-air connection. This one, from the collection of Waterford resident Dave Kanell, shows Comerford Dam -- at the time, the only dam on the Fifteen Mile Falls of the Connecticut River.

Online research easily located Alex Tremblay, the local station operator and a nearby resident.