Only Bevan Quinn from Guilford correctly named the October issue’s road trip towns – Vernon, Marlboro, Wardsboro, Weston, Bridgewater, Rochester, Warren, Stowe, Elmore, Montpelier*, Waitsfield, Charlotte – and, in the proper order. Goed wurk!
* Once upon a time, a U.S. President visited Montpelier. While he was in the State House, the chairman of the committee of arrangements read the following:
To the President of the United States.
Sir: The citizens of Montpelier and its vicinity have directed their committee to present you their respectful salutations, and bid you a cordial welcome.
The infancy of our settlements places our progress in the arts and sciences something behind most of our sister states; but we shall not be denied some claim in a share of that ardent love of liberty, and the rights of man, that attachment to the honor and interest of our country, which now so distinguish the American character; while the fields of Hubbardton, the heights of Walloomsack, and the plains of Plattsburgh, are admitted to witness in our favor.
Many of those we now represent, ventured their lives in the Revolutionary contest, and permit us, sir, to say, the value of this opportunity is greatly enhanced by the consideration, that we now tender our respects to one who shared in all the hardships and dangers of that eventful period, which gave liberty and independence to our country; nor are we unmindful that from that period until now, every public act of your life evinces an unalterable attachment to the principles for which you then contended. With such pledges, we feel an unlimited confidence, that should your measures fulfil your intentions, your administration under the guidance of Divine Providence, will be as prosperous and happy as its commencement is tranquil and promising; and that the honor, the rights and interests of the nation will pass from your hands unimpaired.
(To this address, the President made an affectionate and appropriate reply, which was received with three times three animated cheers by the citizens.)
Ahh, for those halcyon days of tranquility and promise! Anyway, who was the President?
Think you know the answer? Email it to dgunn@vlct.org. My answer – brimming with prosperity and happiness – will appear in the deliberately desirable December issue.