Vermonters take great pride in preserving our past, both in our way of life and in our historic buildings. Looking back over 40 years at the town of Brattleboro we can see how some things have changed, and how others have stayed the same. Let's take a look at the way things were in Brattleboro Vermont, 1975.
Aerial View from Retreat Tower.
Built in 1834 as the Vermont Asylum for the Insane, the Brattleboro Retreat hasn't changed much. But the view shows a few changes with some places gone, and new buildings popping up.
Railroad Station.
The Union Station in Brattleboro before the intersection was reconfigured and before the Marlboro College building was built next door.
Lawton Hall of the Brattleboro Retreat.
Lawton Hall is still as stunning today as it was when it was first built. Lawton Hall houses a gymnasium, theater, offices, the world's first hospital swimming pool (no longer in use), and the Mulberry Bush Day Care. The four-faced lit clock tower is meant to offer a sense of passing time to sleepless patients.
Flat Street.
Looking down on Flat Street from Elliot Street toward the Ford dealership. At one point it was called Preston's, but here it is Nichols Ford.
Deacon Holbrook House.
After retirement from active business in 1825, Deacon John Holbrook built his late Federal style house on twenty acres of land, across from the Common, now the corner of Linden and Chapin Streets. We're happy that the fine workmanship is just as attractive today as when the building was built.
Putney Road.
Looking north along Putney Road. Notice the old gas station still standing in the distance.
Brooks House.
This stately building was newly renovated in 1975, but Vermonters largely prefer Green Mountain Coffee these days.
Sam's Army Navy Store and The Good Life natural foods store on Main Street hill, looking south.
Many of the businesses have changed including Sam's, which is Sam's Outdoor Outfitters.
Experiment in International Living.
Sandanona on the Bliss Farm, which in 1962 was purchased by the Experiment in International Living, now known as World Learning.
Elks Lodge.
Formerly the Estey Mansion, this 1900's estate on Putney Road makes a fine meeting house for the Elk's lodge.
Estey Buildings.
The Estey Organ Company buildings on Birge Street, as seen from on high.
Zephyr Store.
Also on Main Street hill, this is the historic Van Doorn building. In the 1970s it housed the Zephyr Frame Shop and the Village Studio, a photography studio. The building next door is now gone.
The Holstein-Friesian Association building.
The Holstein-Friesian Association building was erected in 1917.
Bridge Street.
Bridge Street with the Railroad Diner on the left and the bridge to Hinsdale, New Hampshire straight ahead.
The Creamery Bridge.
The Creamery Bridge in its original location. It was closed to traffic in 2010.
How about a look even further back in time? Check out this rare footage of Vermont in the 1950's like you've never seen before.
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