20 - Week of September 12, 2011 - Manchester Newspapers' Poultney's 250th Birthday Special Edition
Celebrating 250 years Poultney once was home to active Jewish community Then, open fields and clean fence lines covered our hills, brushy fields and over grown fence lines were the sign of a poor farmer. “Homely as a hedge row fence” was not only applied to the unfortunate maidens. To these isolated farms, the peddler, whether on foot or wagon, brought merchandise to those who could not easily get to town to shop. They also brought news of the area to those who lived lives
Organized in 1870 by the Jewish families in the area, Poultney’s community was composed of merchants, tailors and pack peddlers from Poultney, Granville, Middle Granville and Fair Haven. As more and more people arrived from Eastern Europe, some were advised to seek their fortunes in the country. At that time the area had many small isolated farms in the back country, which is now overgrown with bush and trees.
A Knitter’s Paradise
remote from the beaten path. Here there was a ready market and the Jews were encouraged to come here because Mr. Mannes, who occupied the store at 84 Main Street in the West Village, was in the position to supply them with the merchandise for their packs from his store. He, of course, could order from metropolitan areas via the new rail road to replenish his supply. There were five or six Jewish families
here during the War Between the States but the community was not formed until 1870 with State incorporation in 1875. Solomon Cane came into possession of the Pine Tree House* which was used as a meeting place because of its unique position to the points of the compass. A second floor room on the east end was used for services. The peddlers would arrive for Sabbath
See JEWISH, pg. 21
TTH H POULTNEY! 0 5 2 Y P HAP
The area’s largest selection of fine yarns, patterns, accessories, and knitting inspirations. Beautiful Roving Available for Beginning & Experienced Spinners
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Andy, Caroline and the Staff of • Daily Breakfast & Lunch Specials
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• Fresh Baked Goods • Great Food in Our Relaxed Dining Room • Seating Available for Your Small Group, Party or Special Occasion • We Serve Breakfast ALL DAY!
Mon - Fri 6 am - 2 pm • Saturday 6 am - 1 pm • Sunday 6 am - noon Theresa O. Turner - Proprietor 25 Main Street, Poultney, VT • 802-287-2213
HAPPY 250 , POULTNEY! TH
from Jim & Ruby, Innkeepers
Restaurant & Ice Cream
wish a Very Happy 250th to our great community of Poultney! Daily Specials
Lunch and Dinner Entrees - Eat-In or Take-Out
Homemade Soups ~ Salads ~ Sandwiches Fine Wines & Beers
Open Monday-Saturday 11am - 8pm • Closed Sunday
802-287-5858
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! from the
Poultney Downtown Revitalization Committee On behalf of the Poultney Downtown Revitalization Committee, it is with great pleasure that we wish a Happy Birthday to our wonderful town! We live in an incredible community, and we are honored to be a part of it! With so much going on in our Downtown, including shops, services, organizations, residents, students, and more, it is with great pride that we step back and applaud those who make life in Poultney so enjoyable.
Thank you, Happy Birthday, and many more!