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 By Bette Reynolds Let's begin at the Holstein Friesian building at the bottom of Main Street and turn down Route 142; immediately on your left you will notice the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center. Their motto is "Engaging Imaginations for 25 Years." The current exhibit at the museum is Verdant Eyes through November 2, 1997. It features the relationship between humans and the natural environment. The museum is located in a converted railroad station built circa 1915. The director and curator Mara A. Williams is from New York and says "Brattleboro is like a mini New York City or Boston. This is an exciting, artistic place to reside. The 60s hippies that fled the cities and who chose to dwell in the Brattleboro area developed their crafts into a myriad of businesses. A growing ethnic community combined with the School for International Training on Black Mountain all help to create a Dickensonian atmosphere."
Last but not least, we drive a short distance up Main Street north and travel on Putney Road as the locals call it or Route 5 North. We cross what used to be named the North Bridge, an old iron suspension bridge which was replaced by an open, modern expansion called the Vermont Veterans Memorial Bridge and we turn left to visit Richard Langlois at his 9,500 square foot upscale, general merchandise outlet; Le Tagge Sale. Richard and his wife Margo (also accomplished dancers) have reopened to the public a building with a deep emotional meaning for locals . . . formerly known when it opened in the spring of 1956 as the Rollerdrome. This along with the old dairy bar next door was the favorite hangout of the 50s. Richard informed me that the Rollerdrome operators, the Nicholas George family, still own the building. Victoria, the matriarch of the George family was quoted by Richard as saying "my interest is in perpetuating the nostalgic part of the building." Believe me when you enter the room Richard has indeed accomplished this very well. The unobstructed open space and ten foot ceiling makes one immediately think of a dance floor or a room for a banquet. The lighting is not fluorescent, but original neon fixtures with cool blue, green, purple, bright yellow and pink hues. Probably the most striking reminder of bygone days is the giant reflecting ball turning in the middle of the ceiling. Richard sticks a few CD's into the recorder and "The Great Pretender" by the Platters plays. I feel I am now back in the mid 50s and envision men and women and boys and girls of all ages gracefully gliding around the rink on roller skates. Richard explains about the entrance to the rink, "this was called the cattle chute,' there was a gate where the patron was inspected before admittance with a paid ticket. The person's appearance had to be respectable - no uncombed hair or inappropriate clothing.
Richard describes his wares as 25¢ magazines to five thousand dollar dining room sets and other period antiques. Reflecting lights in the ceiling highlight the displays of lovely crystal and silver on sale. Looking for Elvis '78 records? How about some Brattleboro Jelly Company jars, or old cameras? He can even get vintage collectible film and flash cubes for cameras over thirty years old. "If you need it, we have it - but we may not find it that day!" Richard and Margo will also mail to customers who have requested pieces that were not on hand. All items are absolutely guaranteed. Enjoy your visit to Brattleboro - whether to see breathtaking foliage or to enjoy magic winter days and nights - we look forward to seeing you! |
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Back on Brattleboro's busy Main Street, our next stop is Randi Crouse's Twice Upon a Time, a full service consignment shop complete with collectibles, sporting goods, antiques, furniture and clothing for the entire family. When I converse with Randi she is bursting with enthusiasm and possesses boundless energy. We discuss the history of her location on Main Street. Daniel Webster once stayed overnight in the original pillared wood framed hotel named the American House on July 5, 1840 on his way to speak in Stratton, Vermont. The American House was torn down in 1906, to be replaced by a brick structure. E.J. Fenton's department store moved in and stayed for ten years, closing in 1916 when another department store moved in, Goodnow, Pearson and Hunt, lasting until 1958. Subsequent businesses came and went until 1992 when Randi Crouse moved her business here. Randi has a deep appreciation of the historical significance of the Main Street building. After extensive renovations the tin ceilings remain, the capitals which are painted gold at the top, the cast iron Corinthian columns and the beautiful mezzanine constitute the 10,000 square feet of space. Randi told me she "worked with Pamela Cersosimo who used to own the building for four years to formulate (Randi's) dream of transforming the storage space into a magical trip down the nostalgia road. There's a personal story behind each piece of jewelry or stick of furniture. Whenever they (the customer) find that certain something - they relive their childhood." Randi describes her assorted clothing collection as "funky, casual, corporate and elegant." She also has a special theme in the store each month; perhaps featuring a wedding, or other events. Randi comments on Brattleboro as a destination for travelers, "Brattleboro is where business men and women along with artists work hand in hand - remembering that art is in all different forms and all cultures participate." Randi reminds everyone to join the Gallery Walk, on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 7 pm. The Gallery Walk consists of fifteen retail establishments and galleries showing off their wares within two blocks of each other. There will be music and light refreshments. This is an enjoyable, fun way to take in the art and meet the people.
After leaving our gracious hostess, we climb the hill and cross the street to visit Greg Worden, owner of the Vermont Artisan Designs at 106 Main Street, and his wife Suzy Worden's business next door, the Kitchen Sync. Both Greg and Suzy have worked together to bring the former J.E. Mann department store building into a showplace "for 350 craftspeople within a 50 mile radius of Brattleboro." Greg explains "I display local artisan's wares and this is one of the oldest american retail craft stores in New England." The contemporary craft gallery showcases diverse items such as handmade wedding rings, pottery, wood and glass; he even rents tuxedos! Next door and you'll find all kinds of cookware, gadgets and gifts at the Kitchen Sync. Suzy Worden and her staff will also provide lots of helpful advice in addition to free gift wrapping. Greg encourages everyone to experience Brattleboro; "it has the charm of a small town, but the bustle of a larger town, while still retaining a sense of community that is reflected in the business people's attitudes toward visitors, locals, and friends."
Just up the street we stop at Main Street Gallery and chat with Donna Symons in her business A Candle In The Night (located in the Main Street Gallery). She and I track back the history of the location 100 years. The town hall was built here in 1863, adding an extension in 1896. Later the civic auditorium, library, police station and town offices each were housed here for a time. In 1893 the Post Office moved in and stayed until 1917. Into the twentieth century the site was used as a theater and cinema. Unfortunately, in 1953, the historic town hall was demolished and in its place the W.T. Grant department store was erected. Grant's store was removed and the current structure was raised in 1978. Many services, shops, a sound design studio (where several celebrities have recorded albums) and the former Autumn Winds restaurant have all made their home here. Donna commented that "Brattleboro has always had a thriving downtown. Brattleboro never experienced the blight of the 1960s when urban shopping malls took over many other areas of the country. Our Main Street is lined with turn of the century buildings and eclectic shops. I have had many customers comment that Brattleboro is a friendly place to shop. Brattleboro is the heartbeat of Windham County and the Gateway to Vermont."
In 1959 the roof of the Rollerdrome caught fire after closing hours. Hot embers fell down upon the rink's birdseye, curly and flame maple floor, charring some of the boards. The Nicholas family quickly repaired the damage. They repositioned the damaged boards so that the undamaged surface was on top. They left a few boards with the charred side up to always remind themselves to shut off lights, heating, etc. that may cause a fire after they had closed the business at night. There are several well lighted EXIT signs and fire doors and ultra commercial wiring, heavy duty. This was very unusual in the 1950s to be so safety conscious." Richard has bought up some of the original artifacts from the Rollerdrome such as bar stools, soda fountains and skates.