Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-10-08
LYNpoSvillr, w., October @. Isl

a western village, indeed, for, 10 the best of
my recollection, its growth is unprecedented in
New England so far away from any large city"
We propose to show that this is true. by
giving brief history Of the " Ville," for the
benefit Of our friends who are costly nestled in
tho very crotch Of the Y Of the Green
Mountains.
Lyndunyillo il in the ancient town of Lyndon.
and separated only by the Passumpsic river
from Lyndon Centre, the original place of bust.
ness Tor the town 1t occupies the eastern side
Vt the stream-a meadow, raised by natural
terraces suitably above the stream, and having
background of hills that as yet have not been
built upon to any great extent. Its soil is very
sandy and light, and will bear a village far
better than it would bear corn. The village Of
Lyndon-a strong mile to the south, hidden
behind the hll-has the bank, aud number
of stores and shops, with two of the four
churches in town.
Lyndonville originated in the necessities Of
the Connecticut & Passumpsic Rivers Railroad
Company, whose shops were burned at st.
Johnsbury in the early part of the year 1866
Not being able to obtain an addition to their
tract Of land sufficient for a yard, now that
their business was increasing. and connection
about to be made with the Grand Trunk road
ia Canada they decided u buy the real estate
now covered by this village, and lay out their
yard to suit themselves Accordingly, certain
Of their employees were dispatched to buy the
three farms then owned by Messrs Stubborn,
Bullock Brothers, and Fletcher, and the pun
chase was made Of four hundred acres, more or
less at the average price OF about thirty dollars
per acre, the sellers not having the remotest
idea Of the speculation about to I've inaugursted
On the ith Of July, 1866, the work of clear
ing away for the site Of the repair shops was
begun, and the plan went forward with all
dispatch A freight depot was Immediately
built, and in 1867 a suitable passenger station
OF brick, with room for all the general offices Of
the company, was completed Tho machinery
in the repair shops began 10 run before the
commencement VI 1867 hotel was erected
at the earliest possible moment, and few
dwelling houses for, on the whole ground,
there were but three dwellings when the pur-
chase was made two Of which remain in sfdfu
qu0), and the workmen were quartered in the
other villages or came from ST. Johushury on
u special train. Streets we're laid out from the
passenger station, running west, TO iniersect
with the main street, running north and south,
parallel with the track also one east Of the
railroad, running parallel with main, and few
cross streets, where they were supposed to be
most needed
A common Of about three acres was set apart
1t once, but ct the present il appears as If
mistake was made in it, location, for until oil
other lots a.c occupied those ON the west Of the
common will not be improved, 50 that instead
NJ being central, it is entirely at one side Of the
village. And grove was reserved for a camp
ground, where suitable buildings are erected,
and frames lor many tents, as well ~ hitching-
rails for two hundred teams. The grounds are
nearly twice as large a. those at North6eld
and better every way. This ground is leased
to the Methodists, as to the requirements Of
camp meeting for term Of years, and is
lively place during its session.
The regulations adopted at first WERE not to
permit the erection Of buildings OF less than
Two stories high, in or near the central portion
Of the village (which rule y now being de-
parted from, IN low unfortunate instances,
by builders who are already doubtful Of their
own wisdom in 80 doingl, but ~ allow the
erection OF cottages elsewhere. as circumstances
should dictate Consequently, East street is q
row Of cottages through its entire length. and
" shadyyille the extension Of Main street
to the north, beyond tie camp ground and
groye-has only one two story dwelling. The
price Of lots varied with the location. Of course,
hut has in no case been less than $50 per
single lot Of about twenty five square rods, and
has reached as high as $500, or nearly 500
per acre.
A reservoir was built on the East bill, and
the water Of certain springs turned into il, for
the supply Of the village. Its capacity ut
present is none too great, for by actual test it
requires not far from "a 600 gallons daily for
the village, while the shops require about the
same amount for all purposes. The water is
furnished to the people at $40 per annum for
a single, and SIS for two faucets.
The repair shops furnish employment 10 an
average Of about IS workmen, while large
majority Of the train bands dwell here, every
train changing locomotives at this station
There are, We believe, in this village, Sc
dwelling houses beside those already named,
nearly all Of which have tencments in the sec
ond story and there are $50 families, besides
the French residents of Shantyville "A
collection Of dozen or 50 of hOves upon the
bill eastward. containing one or two families
apiece,
When the village was surveyed and the
school-house located on the extreme western
side near the river, lot for a church was laid
out by its side but when the church came to
he built, there was scarcely resident who
could he satisfied to have 1t located there.
Consequently lot was set Oh on vacant ground
between the railroad and Main street. which is
quite central, and another street opened to
reach it. The church has now been compile
Ted for a year, and is proving an unusually
c inyenent structure for one OF it, kind 1t is
owned and occupied by the Congregational So
ciety, Rev. p. b. Fisk, acting pastor. it,
ground plan is similar to that Of Bethany
church, but it is built of wood. and has the
yestry 80 arranged as to be used for transept
TO the auditorium in case Of need. 1t was
! fA"NN ~ - W AiAi'Nh0f VI DuHtous u
mont boy, and the auditorium ~ probably one
of the best, If not The best room to speak and
sing In that can be found in New England.
The structure is partially gothic, and is pro-
oounced " odd by the old settlers, and very
unique and tasteful by those who are qualified
oiudge. A neat and convenient parsonage is
built opposite the church which, when the
trimming is put on the gables according to the
plan of the structure, will match the church
exceedingly well.
The general policy OF the company has been
favorable to the village so far. Facilities for
building, ETC., in the Absence Of other machn-
cry, have been furnished at n rate to secure pat
ronage, while at the same time the company
made money by it. There have, however. been
many changes in the management since the
village was begun. which have led to sundry
not-to-be-avoided changes and contractions.
Four superintendents have had charge Of the
road since the village was planted, and in
two instances long vacancies occurred in that
oihce. The present superintendent deems II