The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1912-02-06
OLD CONSTITUTION HOUSE
Society Seeking to Preserve Historic
Building

Society Seeking to Preserve Historic
Building
The preservation of the "Old Con
stitution House" in the village of
Windsor has for some years appeal
ed to Vermonters interested in the
states history, and last spring an
association was formed by dozen
residents of Windsor, with this OBJ
lect in view.
A committee on membership was
appointed, and this committee has
just issued the following circular let
ter addressed to THE Sons and
Daughters Of Vermont"
From July to July in the year
OF 1777, the convention held in the
town of Windsor that adopted the
first constitution of the state of Yer
mont. The building in which that
convention was held, commonly
known as the Old Constitution
House, still stands in the village OF
Windsor. At that time a tavern, At
has long since been used for other
purposes, for several years past ser
wing as storehouse for stoves and
tinware. In 1894 a few persons in
terested in preserving the memory OF
It's historic character, placed upon
the building bronze tablet with the
following inscription:
The Constitution House
in this building SHIELD July 2-S 1777
the convention which adopted the
Constitution
Of the free and Independent State OF
Vermont
The first in America to prohibit
human Slavery
The question of the rescue OF this
historic structure from its present
use, and its restoration and preser-
walton as an ancient relic has been
a matter Of some discussion and agi-
tation, for several years. among in
dividuals; the legislature OF Vermont
at one time passed a bill appropria-
ting one thousand dollars for that
purpose, but the bill met defeat at
the hands Of the governor; some eff
forts have also been made in the
same direction by one of the patrio-
tic societies in the state; but no wide
ly organized effort has heretofore
been undertaken TO reach all those
who have an interest In preserving
for future generations this ancient
landmark, until the formation of the
Old Constitution House association.
the articles Of association and by
laws OF which accompany this circu-
lar.
This patriotic movement was be
gun by Friends in Council" the
Women's Club OF Windsor, which,
like all womens clubs In Vermont,
has always taken an active and intel
ligent interest in civic improvement.
Through the instigation and encour-
agement OF this club the present or
ganization was formed by few well
known citizens OF Windsor upon ba-
sis. as they believe, so broad as to
command the interest and attention
Of all Vermonters who cherish any
sentiment for her history and insti.
tutions, and the perpetuation OF the
places in which her very notable ear.
ly history was made.
The owners OF the building are pre-
pared with a generous public spirit,
to present the structure to this asso-
citation upon certain suitable restric-
tons and reservations which may be
briefly stated as follows:
The building is to remain forever
as an historic relic, upon a suitable
site in the village of Windsor to be
owned by the association, and the
same Is to be restored aud maintain
ed and devoted to historical, literary
educational and social purposes only.
There shall be tablet placed upon
the building with an inscription stat.
ing that the same is presented by
the present owners thereof.
The deed of gift is to contain a re-
versionary clause in case OF failure
to comply with the conditions of the
gift.
The organizers OF the association
desire membership widely distribu-
ted through the state of Vermont
and among Vermonters residing else
where.
II the plan OF the organization
meets with your approval and you de
sire to cooperate in this organized
effort, please sign the accompanying
application for membership and for
ward with the membership dues In
, the enclosed envelope to Mr. Frank
b. Tracy, treasurer, and the same
will be properly and promptly &C
knowledged.
While the organization OF the asso
citation Is at present incomplete, In
respect OF all officers and trustees
contemplated by the bylaws, the In
corporators expect to have a com
plete organization before the annua
meeting In June next.
Clara McIndoe Perkins,
Alice G. Evarts,
Sherman Eyarts,
Committee on Membership.