Vermonters: Oral Histories from Down Country to the Northeast Kingdom [Paperback]

Ron Strickland (Author), Chris Bohjalian (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 1998

Ron Strickland has caught the essential Yankee voice in these rich reminiscences.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Strickland (Going the Distance: The Pacific Northwest Trail interviewed 39 Vermonters who talk about themselves and the way things used to be (and in some parts of the state still are). Agnes Deering, postmistress and poet of Guildhall, always has something to say to her customers ("They pay my salary, don't they?"), and her ode to dandelions is included here. Wilma Farman of Lyndonville once taught in a one-room schoolhouse and thinks children are better off learning in one room. William Godfrey, an auctioneer from Ely whose auction style people could understand, is considered by the author to be "the ideal portrait of a Vermonter." Other subjects are loggers, storytellers, a doctor, a basketmaker and the governor. The photographs are warm and funny. Perhaps the only flaw is that Strickland is a "flatlander" (someone from out of state). But who else except an outsider would dare think he could write about proud, independent Vermonters?
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Although conjuring up the traditional Vermont, this oral history also reminds us that it is on the way out, as many contributors are either newcomers at odds with the typical Vermonter or oldtimers lamenting the passage of old ways. Strickland, author of River Pigs and Cayuses: oral histories from the Pacific Northwest , reveals change through his 38 subjects (there is a Socialist mayor in Burlington and a foreign-born woman governor), compassion for animals, and the independence of Vermonters. From adventurers to violinmakers, the author provides an introduction, then lets the people speak for themselves. Unfortunately, many of the more interesting subjects lack photos. A glossary explains folksy terms. Regional in interest. Roger W. Fromm, Bloomsburg Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib. Terkel, Studs. Chicago.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: UPNE (July 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874518679
• ISBN-13: 978-0874518672
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,500,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ron Strickland (1943 - ) is the founder of the 1200-mile Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. In 1996 he first proposed creation of the transcontinental Sea-To-Sea Route. He is the author of eight books including the autobiographical Pathfinder: Blazing a new Wilderness Trail in Modern America (Oregon State University Press, 2011.) He is currently writing (1) a guide to the North Country National Scenic Trail and (2) a Pacific Northwest adventure novel.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sparkling Oral Histories of Old Time Vermonters, October 3, 2004

By 

Linda Greenman (Mercer Island, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vermonters: Oral Histories from Down Country to the Northeast Kingdom (Paperback)

Strickland captures the very marrow of these early New Englanders, who epitomize the American characteristics of ingenuity, self reliance, and "luck, pluck, & drive" that build today's strong nation. These earthy oral histories reveal the drives of men and women who were responsible for propelling America forward. Like Huck Finn, these characters are genuine. The book fills the reader with pride in America and it inspires new energy---to finish our work well done.

It's an inspiring book to enjoy for one self or to buy for a friend. VERMONTERS is universally appealing to Americans living in any state. I highly recommend this wholesome and cheerful book about the undaunted American spirit.