One of my favorite things to do here on the blog is to tell stories, especially stories about people. Today's story is about several people, and the building that connected their lives.
From what local historians can tell, the Galway barn was built by Reuben Wait who started farming in Galway in the 1780's or 1790's. Phyllis Keeler, Town Historian since 1969 (over 50 years), sat down with Clint Harp and read from Galway historical records that Reuben Wait came by boat to Galway in 1774 with 10 Scotch families hoping to start 3 churches. He lived on Mechanic Street, ran a farm and built churns, kegs, barrels and tubs. Clint also sat down with Eva Hoffman, age 104, the current owner of the barn. The farm has been in her family for generations. Here's Eva (middle), Clint (l), Luke (r) and Eva's family.
Eva was happy to know her family's barn would get a second chance at life but sadly she did not live to see the project completed in its new location. Before I continue, let me just take a moment to commend the dedication of anyone, especially Phyllis Keeler - now 86 years old - for being a town historian for over 50 years. I don't know for sure, but I'm betting she might hold the record for the longest time served in any official town capacity. Even if she doesn't hold that record, she deserves an award for that level of dedication.
John and I headed out on Sunday morning towards Vermont in hopes that we might get lucky enough to find the Reuben Wait barn. Considering we didn't think to re-watch the episode which we'd seen some time ago, or do some online research, I'd say we were pretty lucky to find it without much effort. And considering how beautiful she is, she was pretty easy to spot.
Aside from the miraculous transformation of a 200 year old barn into the beautiful structure above, the story is something I find pretty remarkable - a story about people whose lives, past, present and future, are now connected thanks to one show. To be able to hear Eva Hoffman relive and share stories of playing in the old barn as a child, to listen to Phyllis Keeler enthusiastically share Galway's history and read about Reuben Wait, to seeing how one man's enthusiasm for saving old structures can give a building with so much history new life...I find pretty darn fascinating. There's something sort of magical, a bit of a Godwink, that Reuben's barn will once again be involved in barrel making. It's connections of human beings whose lives and histories intersect in subtle and sometimes unknown ways that remind me what an amazing and small world we live in. While we don't hear about connections like these everyday, they do exist, and they will continue to come to light thanks to the work of Luke Larson, Clint Harp and the whole crew of Restoration Road!
Restoration Road can be seen on the Magnolia Network which has taken over the DIY Network on cable (Channel 161 on Spectrum) or on Discovery + for only $4.99 a month or $6.99 commercial free. It can also be seen on Amazon Prime Video. Clint Harp is not only a talented carpenter, he has that boy next door charm and easy smile that makes him the perfect host and storyteller of his own tv show.
Luke Larson appeared in another episode of Restoration Road in the first episode of Season 2. In that episode Luke and his team convert an old corn crib into a gorgeous cabin on their property where guests can spend time completely off the grid soaking up everything beautiful about Vermont. Luke's passion for old buildings and old-style carpentry is only upstaged by his humble demeanor and boyish grin. He and Clint make the perfect team to share projects to help preserve the historic past.
Middletown Springs, founded in 1784, is a charming little Vermont village, just over 23 square miles large, home to about 750 residents. It is located just east of Poultney and north of Wells resembling exactly what you picture when you imagine a Vermont village.
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| Overlooking Middletown Springs |
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| Middletown Springs Community Church |
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