In the years after statehood there were many efforts to build roads (turnpikes as they were called then) to expand commerce.  One such turnpike was built connecting the towns of Sunderland, Stratton and Wardsboro.  Today that road is known as the Kelley Stand Road.  Members of the Kelley family were instrumental in getting that road funded, in developing a logging business along the road, and building a large boarding house which became known as the Kelley Stand Hotel.  This presentation introduces the members of the Kelley family and their lasting claim to the road that bears their name.  It also discusses the hotel and the thriving community around it in the years after the Kelleys left.  One member of the Kelley family, John William Kelley, wrote poems after his many years of logging.  A ledger book containing those poems was discovered recently in a nearby barn.  A few of those poems will be shared with the audience. 

Join Avis Hayden on October 20th to hear more about this fascinating bit of local history!