19th Century Homestead in Winter and a Giveaway

One of the historic houses in Plymouth Notch, Dec. 2024. (Aldrich House)

There is an idyllic village, hidden away, in a rural town in Vermont.  This is a place I have seen in the summer but always wondered what it looked like at Christmas-time in winter. 

A few days ago, there had been a snowstorm during a necessary trip.  On my way home, I realized we were only a few miles away from Plymouth Notch, Vermont.  This is the location of a historically preserved village from the 19th century. There are houses, barns, and a country store, as well as a one-room schoolhouse in a scenic location. It is surrounded by hundreds of acres of land. The site is a museum that is currently closed for the season.  However, the streets are open and one can drive or walk around as one likes. Will you walk along with me?

The road to enter the village. 

I parked the car in a safe location and went out into the cold winter air.  I knew my way around since I had already been here a few times.  

Beautiful winter scene as we wander up to the village. 

As we enter the small village, we see a large barn. (It holds a stagecoach and sleigh, among other necessary items.) 

The barn is part of the museum and is closed for the season. 

Across the road we see the old country store. This was owned by the father of Calvin Coolidge during the 1800's. 

The old country store is part of the museum. 

Directly across from the store is the Aldrich house (see the photo at the top of this post).  The family used to operate a tea-room in their home to meet the needs of tourists who came to see the Calvin Coolidge homestead. 

Side view of the Aldrich house, with attached barn and sheds.

The Aldrich house is part of the museum and is closed for the season. Just a short walk down the road will bring us to the Calvin Coolidge homestead. 

Distant view of the side of the Coolidge homestead.

Across the street from the Coolidge home is the village church.  It is beautiful to see in all seasons, but especially surrounded by snow in this charming Vermont village.

Scenery from the street as we get closer to the church. 

The village church remained open for services for many years. It is now a museum and is being carefully preserved and maintained.

Church in Plymouth Notch. 

As I walked around the peaceful village, I was surprised to see the buildings decorated for the Christmas season.  It is clear that the museum staff takes excellent care of the village throughout the entire year.  The snow adds to the charm of this quiet place as we remember days before automobiles. This was when families were more likely to stay home in the winter months. This was a time of thrift and simplicity and a love for old time values. 

If you would like to see some of the rooms inside the homestead, and the other buildings during the summer months, I have several pictures and details of family life in my recent book, "Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life." (You will find this in the field trip section of the book.) 

I had such a restful time walking around this beautiful village. It is one of my favorite places, here in Vermont. I hope you enjoyed visiting with me. Be sure to sign the guest book (by leaving a comment) to let me know you visited. (Your comment will enter you in the giveaway!)

The Giveaway *

I have 2 copies of my book, Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life, to offer in a giveaway. To enter, all you have to do is leave me a comment. Please share something about this post, or about homeschooling, or even about your Christmas plans. Whatever you decide to write in your comment will be a blessing for us all to read. 

* [This contest is now closed. The winners have already been contacted.  The names of the winners will be on the next post. Thank you to all who entered!] 

Thank you for your visits and encouragement over these many years of blogging. I am so grateful and thankful for all of you! I hope you have a peaceful and lovely Christmas! 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

 

My Mother's Example - Housekeeping All Day.  

Beautiful Living - Feminine Grace. 

 Unwanted Advice for the Family - Quieting Myself for the Good of Others.

 

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