Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1907-05-31
Malpole AntInues.

Walpole has an old curiosity shop OF
more than local fame. For a number of
years Walpole has been noted for its sum-
mer visitors. Through them the little
old curiosity shop has gained a wide rep
utation, and with its proprietor, n life
long resident of the town, is now pointed
out as one of the sights Of the village.
Walpole is one of the most historic
places In the state and lies in an his
torlc country. Just across the river the
first blood OF the revolution was shed at
the Westminster court house. and the first
bridge across the Connecticut was con-
structed Here was the first settlement
in this part OF New England. Most Of
the houses are 1875 years or more old, and
many date back even earlier.
About 10 years ago Daniel w. Smith,
then quite an old man, became interested
in family relics and herlooms and began
slowly to gather together a collection Of
antiques. Since that time he has picked
up many valuable and historic articles
from the most improbable places. He
takes the material collected from miles
around to his little red shop, near the
centre OF the town. and there It lies I'M
til under his mastery touch II Is trans
formed from a rusty relic OF the past
into thing Of beauty.
Mr. Smiths shop itself looks its part.
1t is situated we'll back from the road,
and Is as ancient looking as the contents
within. Mr.. Smith himself is a quiet. un-
assuming person. He Is white haired and
old. but his kindly eyes shine forth a well
come to all visitors.
II one is able to strike him In a remi-
niscent mood he will tell interesting tales
Of his most valuable pieces relating to
the deeds and lives OF the first inhabitants
OF the town over 200 years ago.
Many articles were picked up under
peculiar circumstances. and their history
is most entertaining.
This building is his workshop and home.
where he spends all of his time when
not travelling about the country. One OF
the most interesting rooms is filled with
the skeletons OF former glory. which he
has gathered together from every dlrec-
ton. In one corner Is an apparent pile
Of junk iron. but from this will come an
ancient clock Of majestic proportions.
Bits OF broken china almost worth its
weight in gold will be cunningly glued to-
gether. Battered pewter sets will be
hammered into shape again.
In the next room may be seen the OBJ
Jects ready for the finishing touches.
AS soon as he finishes an article Mr.
Smith stores II In the rooms upstairs
Here several rooms are filled with beautl-
full pieces OF furniture. precious china
brought over from the old country many
years ago. pewter plates and platters
cherished by the thrifty Puritan house,
ments used in those days.
The most valuable thing in the shop
Is a clock which Mr.. Smith picked up
several years ago in a farmhouse away
back on the hills. The children had play
ed with the works until they were almost
beyond repair and the case was about to
be consigned to the wood pile. Its ex-
act age is not known. but II is certain
that II was brought to Walpole by one
OF the early pioneers. John Kilburn. about
1850. This clock is especially valuable to
the town. as Mar. Kllburn was prominently
connected with its early history. II was
Mr.. Smiths intention to present IL to the
library OF Walpole.
Mr.. Smith has several high boys. bu-
reaus and desks brought from Holland
and England fully $50 years ago some OF
which are beautifully carved and inlaid
picture embroidery made before the
Revolutionary war is another valuable
relic, as is flint lock pistol captured
from n British officer In the battle Of Ben
nington by one of the ancestors OF
prominent family here. other ancient
firearms. including a sword from the bat
tie OF Bunker Hin. are numerous
In china Mr.. Smith has several rare
pieces OF old Dedham ware which are es-
timated to be at least 1875 years old A
pewter set brought from England about
1850 is another valuable relic Boston
Sunday Herald.