Now, it might surprise you that I really had only a rough idea of where I
was going, as I left Bolton. Having spent the first 18 years of my life in Vermont, I
hadn't explored much past Richmond in this direction, other than a few road trips with my parents, on some errand or another. These trips usually had me in the back seat, distracting myself with some toy or book, though, so I really hadn't paid much attention to the towns along the way. So, as I wound down Route 2, I was pleasantly surprised when I passed a bend in the road and saw the sign for Waturbury.
Before I go on, let me just say that my knowledge of the town, up to this point, had been pretty sparse. I knew that Ben & Jerry's ice cream had a factory there, and throughout my childhood I'd heard rumors that there was an insane asylum in Waterbury (a term which had probably not been used in years).
So, I really had no idea what to expect as I drove past the entrance to Route 100, and under the train tracks, into this historic, Vermont town.
I passed a few well-maintained, old houses and came to a traffic light at the top of a small incline. Because of its elevation, and its relation to the train tracks, I suspected that the stone buildings at this intersection probably functioned as some sort of freight depot in the past, but now housed a few shops, a radio station, and the Waterbury Senior Center. Down this hill, past the light, a number of large buildings and private homes lined the road, indicating that there was definitely more to see.But, before I drifted too far into town, I wanted to find out where the library was, so I popped into an antique store at the corner and asked for directions. The man who worked there pointed me back the way I'd come, directing me toward a brick red, painted house not too far past the intersection that I was at.
Backtracking, I came to the Waterbury Public Library, which I'd seen on the way into town. It had a historic marker out front and had once been the home of Dr. Henry Janes; a Civil War doctor, who donated his house to the library, in 1915.
Inside, I spoke to a very friendly woman, who I guessed to be the librarian, and was able to explore a bit. Local art hung on the walls, and library had beautiful woodwork and ornate, iron shelf ends, giving the space a very inviting feel. She told me a bit about the community, and gave me literature on some of the programs that they offered. As with many public libraries, computers were a big draw, and they struggle with space issues (especially in a converted farm house).
Sadly, I had to be on my way, and didn't have time to see the Historical Society's museum, on the second floor of the library, but hope to stop back another time to see it. I'd have to wait until next time to see the Ben & Jerry's factory and other sites. Instead, I popped outside for my photo shoot in front of the building and headed on my way.Links:
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