Independence Day Retreat

The village store (museum) in Plymouth Notch. 

There is a quiet village in a rural town in Vermont.  Every time I visit this historic place, I feel such a sense of peace and rest. To get there, one must travel down long country roads, past a few covered bridges, and beside stunning mountain views. This special place is called Plymouth Notch. 

I visited this beautiful spot this morning, on my way home from a journey. They are setting up for the 4th of July events.  I walked around the village and into some of the buildings.  There was heavy rain falling, making the scenery look extra lovely. I was grateful for an umbrella.

Schedule of events, posted on the door of the visitor's center.

There is a large dining tent that has been set up near the entrance of the visitor's center.  Catering trucks are parked nearby. 

Parking area at the visitor's center.

There are students walking around, dressed in their best suits and dresses. These are debaters who are getting ready to do their best speaking for a national tournament which is hosted here each year.  Some of the students are practicing inside some of the museum buildings.  We were told, at the visitor's center, that we were welcome to sit in and listen.

A view of the church.

As we walked towards the church, I could see a light in the doorway.  I knew it would be open to visitors. 

Inside the church museum. 

I sat in the back and listened as one of the students was in the front, giving a speech. I was impressed by his poise and skill as a speaker. I believe he was practicing to prepare for the coming debate, which will happen tomorrow afternoon. All the students we saw looked dignified and respectful in their dress-clothes. They were kind and welcoming.

 I was so grateful to have the opportunity to actually sit inside this historic church. I saw hymnals and thought of those in the past who had worshipped here as they listened to ministers preach old-time sermons. 

The one-room schoolhouse.

Just a few steps up the hill brings us to the one-room schoolhouse. There was a light on inside, much to my surprise. The building was open, and we were welcome to enter.  More students were in there getting ready for their debates. It was peaceful to see the old building and the surrounding countryside.

The Independence Day events, which are scheduled for tomorrow, are extra special for the museum since President Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4.

 Some of the Coolidge family will be at the museum to read portions of his speeches. An orchestra will play patriotic songs. The National Guard will lay a wreath (sent by the White House) at the nearby cemetery. The somber events will bring a sense of gratefulness for our country and for those who have worked so hard to serve.  

I was not able to stay for the events but was so happy to see all the activity amidst the beauty of the countryside.

Flowering bushes, in the rain, by the visitor's center.

This place will always be a special retreat for the many visitors who travel here. It is an idyllic village with a great history of old-fashioned families who worked hard to raise their children with incredible dedication and faith in our dear Lord. May we find inspiration in their example. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

P.S. - For more information about Plymouth Notch, with lots of pictures, please see the field trip section of my book, "Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life."

From the Archives -

Peaceful living From the Old Days - Sunday Driver. 

The example of my Parents - Minding my own Housekeeping Business.

Living on a Small Income - Standard of Living. 

 

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Help For Homeschooling:

Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life: Encouragement for Christian Homeschooling by Mrs. White

Paperback, 112 pages

As you read this book, I hope you get a sense that, no matter what is going on in the world, every home can be a homeschool.