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History of Richford, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to Richford, Vermont, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Richford, Vermont, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Richford
Richford is a town in Franklin County, located near the Canadian border. It's a community with a strong French-Canadian heritage and offers a range of outdoor activities.
In the 1920s, Richford was something like the Las Vegas of its day. It offered "booze and broads" smack on the Canadian border - a spot far enough from the long arm of the law that a speakeasy could prosper with little interference. Poker and drunken brawling were routine complaints in both Richford and Abercorn, across the border in Quebec.
But the complaints didn’t deter the operators of the "line houses" that prospered along the border. At the train station in Richford, there was a steady flow of visitors hopping into cabs to catch a ride to Queen Lill’s.
Queen Lill was Lillian Minor Shipley, who was born in Richford in 1866. She married A.G. Shipley, a shadowy character who sold patent medicines and had a reputation as a horse thief and a grave robber...
The proximity to Canada was crucial to Lill’s business, as prohibition was expanding in America. As more and more of New England went dry, places like Lill’s, that had access to Canadian liquor, prospered. And when prohibition became the law of the entire land in 1920, Lill’s business really took off...
If you wanted women with your booze, you went to Queen Lill’s. Lill restored a three-story hotel that literally straddled the border with Canada. When she had trouble with law enforcement stopping regular deliveries of booze, she had a pipe laid that brought liquor underground to her building where she could bottle it for sale... newenglandhistoricalsociety.com
In the 1920s, Richford was something like the Las Vegas of its day. It offered "booze and broads" smack on the Canadian border - a spot far enough from the long arm of the law that a speakeasy could prosper with little interference. Poker and drunken brawling were routine complaints in both Richford and Abercorn, across the border in Quebec.
But the complaints didn’t deter the operators of the "line houses" that prospered along the border. At the train station in Richford, there was a steady flow of visitors hopping into cabs to catch a ride to Queen Lill’s.
Queen Lill was Lillian Minor Shipley, who was born in Richford in 1866. She married A.G. Shipley, a shadowy character who sold patent medicines and had a reputation as a horse thief and a grave robber...
The proximity to Canada was crucial to Lill’s business, as prohibition was expanding in America. As more and more of New England went dry, places like Lill’s, that had access to Canadian liquor, prospered. And when prohibition became the law of the entire land in 1920, Lill’s business really took off...
If you wanted women with your booze, you went to Queen Lill’s. Lill restored a three-story hotel that literally straddled the border with Canada. When she had trouble with law enforcement stopping regular deliveries of booze, she had a pipe laid that brought liquor underground to her building where she could bottle it for sale... newenglandhistoricalsociety.com
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VINTAGE RICHFORD
Richford Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Province St., Richford, Vt.
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Main St., looking north. Richford, Vt.
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Richford, Vt. Richford Elevator and The Pinnacle.
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Bird's Eye View of Richford, Vt.
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Main St.
Richford, Vermont, USA
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The Bridge from River Street
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Richford, Vermont, USA
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 1907, there was a major fire — burned the factory, burned buildings across the street, burned the old wooden fire station that was on the corner.
“When they rebuilt in 1908, H.C. Comings offered to build the town this building — a new fire station — if they would trade lots with him. He rebuilt a building for them for nothing, and he ran steam pipes from the (factory) boiler room to heat it.”
mychamplainvalley.com){kind=small}
Sweat-Comings fire, 1907
“It started out as a small wood-framed building right on this site, where this building is now,” Mercy continued. “In (August of) 1907, there was a major fire — burned the factory, burned buildings across the street, burned the old wooden fire station that was on the corner.
“When they rebuilt in 1908, H.C. Comings offered to build the town this building — a new fire station — if they would trade lots with him. He rebuilt a building for them for nothing, and he ran steam pipes from the (factory) boiler room to heat it.”
mychamplainvalley.com
“It started out as a small wood-framed building right on this site, where this building is now,” Mercy continued. “In (August of) 1907, there was a major fire — burned the factory, burned buildings across the street, burned the old wooden fire station that was on the corner.
“When they rebuilt in 1908, H.C. Comings offered to build the town this building — a new fire station — if they would trade lots with him. He rebuilt a building for them for nothing, and he ran steam pipes from the (factory) boiler room to heat it.”
mychamplainvalley.com
Richford, Vermont, USA
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 Elevator in Flames, 1908
Number of Lives lost, 17){kind=small}
The Richford (Vt.) Elevator in Flames, 1908
Number of Lives lost, 17
Number of Lives lost, 17
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Mitchell's Block
Richford, Vermont, USA
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The Fatal Richford Elevator. Exploded Oct. 7, 1908.
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Main St., Richford, Vt., 1909
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Catholic Church
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Main St. Looking South
Richford, Vermont, USA
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River View, Richford, Vt.
Richford, Vermont, USA
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R.R. Bridge
Richford, Vermont, USA
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South Main St. and Catholic Church
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Town Hall
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Mill Pond and Falls
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Richford High and Graded School
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Star Waist Co.
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Richford High School, 1915
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Main Street and R.C. Church
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Central Vermont Railroad Station
Richford, Vermont, USA
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River Street
Richford, Vermont, USA
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The New American House
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Lewis Logging Camp
Richford, Vermont, USA
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D. M. Janes, The Home of Good Shoes, Men's Furnishings, Drugs and Patent Medicines
5 and 10 Cent Goods
5 and 10 Cent Goods
Richford, Vermont, USA
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The Richford Country Club
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Sweat Comings Buildings, Main St., Richford, Vt.
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Richford, Vt. Flood
Nov. 4th, 1927
Nov. 4th, 1927
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Richford, Vt. flood
Nov. 4th, 1927
Nov. 4th, 1927
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Taylor's Drug Store, Nov. 4, 1927 flood
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Main St. Bridge
Richford, Vermont, USA
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School House and Dam
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Suspension Bridge
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Park Theatre, Richford, Vt.
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Webster Co., Richford, Vt.
Richford, Vermont, USA
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St. Ann's Episcopal Church
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Scene near Richford, Vt.
International Bridge at East Richford
International Bridge at East Richford
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Federal Building
Richford, Vermont, USA
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U.S. Customs Office
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Post Office and Federal Building
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to RICHFORD
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LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Richford: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Richford through the years.
Richford was chartered on August 21, 1780 by the Vermont Legislature.
Richford was one of several towns (others being Berkshire, Enosburgh, Montgomery, Wyllis (now Jay) and Westfield) granted by the fledgling Republic of Vermont as a means of raising money to support her troops (the Continental Congress had refused to help). At £8 each, the proprietors of the new town, mostly Connecticut residents, provided £480 towards the Revolution (over $27 Million in today's dollars).
Neither in England nor in New England is there another Richford after which this Vermont town could have been named. It is thus presumed to be a "made" name, probably intended to convey an image of fertile lands which would be attractive to prospective buyers and settlers (early settlers, struggling to survive, often called it "Poorford"). There are, however, two other Richfords in the US, in New York and Wisconsin. By strange coincidence (there is no discernible connection), Richford, New York is adjacent to a town named Berkshire, as is this Vermont town.
Neither in England nor in New England is there another Richford after which this Vermont town could have been named. It is thus presumed to be a "made" name, probably intended to convey an image of fertile lands which would be attractive to prospective buyers and settlers (early settlers, struggling to survive, often called it "Poorford"). There are, however, two other Richfords in the US, in New York and Wisconsin. By strange coincidence (there is no discernible connection), Richford, New York is adjacent to a town named Berkshire, as is this Vermont town.
1800 - Population of Richford, Vermont - 13
1810 - Population of Richford, Vermont - 440
1820 - Population of Richford, Vermont - 440
1830 - Population of Richford, Vermont - 704
1839 - Richford
Richford, Vermont
Franklin county. This is a mountainous township at the N.E. corner of the county, on the line of Canada, and watered by Missisque river and its branches. It lies 50 miles N. by W. from Montpelier and 24 N.E. from St. Albans. There is some good land along the river; and the upland, though rough, affords good grazing. Population, 1830, 704. First settled, about 1790.
Franklin county. This is a mountainous township at the N.E. corner of the county, on the line of Canada, and watered by Missisque river and its branches. It lies 50 miles N. by W. from Montpelier and 24 N.E. from St. Albans. There is some good land along the river; and the upland, though rough, affords good grazing. Population, 1830, 704. First settled, about 1790.
1840 - Population of Richford, Vermont - 914
1849 Richford
FRANKLIN Co. This is a mountainous township at the north-east corner of the county, and the line of Canada, and watered by Missisco River and its branches. There is some good land along the river; and the upland, though rough, affords good grazing.
Boundaries. North by Sutton, Canada, east by Jay, south by Montgomery, and west by Berkshire.
First Settlers. The settlement was commenced in 1797; the town was organized in 1799.
Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 2,238 bushels; Indian corn, 2,112 bushels; potatoes, 39,706 bushels; hay, 2,236 tons; maple sugar, 19,505 pounds; wool, 5,168 pounds.
Distances. Fifty miles north by west from Montpelier, and twenty-four northeast from St. Albans.
Boundaries. North by Sutton, Canada, east by Jay, south by Montgomery, and west by Berkshire.
First Settlers. The settlement was commenced in 1797; the town was organized in 1799.
Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 2,238 bushels; Indian corn, 2,112 bushels; potatoes, 39,706 bushels; hay, 2,236 tons; maple sugar, 19,505 pounds; wool, 5,168 pounds.
Distances. Fifty miles north by west from Montpelier, and twenty-four northeast from St. Albans.
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1854 - Richford
Richford, a post-township in Franklin co., Vermont, on the E. side of Missisque river, 50 miles N. by W. from Montpelier. Pop., 1074.
1892 - Disastrous Flood in Vermont.
RICHFORD, Vt., June 21. - The most disastrous flood since 1869 has visited this section. The booms in the Mississquoi River broke early this morning and thousands of logs belonging to the Richford Lumber Company, Baker, Brainerd & Co., and C. P. Stevens & Co., went down the stream, entailing a loss which can hardly be estimated.
Aside from the loss to the mill companies, a large number of men are thrown out of work, and the loss will be a serious one to the town. Another boom has broken further up the river and two miles of logs are coming down. It is feared that the iron bridge and several buildings will be carried away.
Aside from the loss to the mill companies, a large number of men are thrown out of work, and the loss will be a serious one to the town. Another boom has broken further up the river and two miles of logs are coming down. It is feared that the iron bridge and several buildings will be carried away.
1895 - Richford
Richford, a post-village in Richford township, Franklin co., Vt., on Missisquoi River, and on the Southeastern Railway of Canada, at its junction with the Eastern division of the Central Vermont Railroad, 28 miles E.N.E. of St. Albans. It has a graded school, 2 churches, a savings bank, &c. Pop. in 1890, 1162; of the township, 2196.
1900 - FIRE AT RICHFORD.
David Grant's House Nearly Destroyed This Forenoon.
(Special to the Messenger.)
Richford, March 28 - David Grant's house north of the elevator caught fire at 9:40 o'clock this forenoon and was nearly destroyed. Will Wright and Frank Puffer gave the alarm and both hose companies responded. The nearest hydrant was over 50 rods away, but good work was done.
The main part of the house was gutted and the ell part badly damaged. The goods were saved in a damaged condition.
The buildings and goods were insured for $1500 in the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The loss will be from $500 to $800.
Grant is in Franklin working for the Franklin County Creamery Association. He bought the house last fall.
(Special to the Messenger.)
Richford, March 28 - David Grant's house north of the elevator caught fire at 9:40 o'clock this forenoon and was nearly destroyed. Will Wright and Frank Puffer gave the alarm and both hose companies responded. The nearest hydrant was over 50 rods away, but good work was done.
The main part of the house was gutted and the ell part badly damaged. The goods were saved in a damaged condition.
The buildings and goods were insured for $1500 in the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The loss will be from $500 to $800.
Grant is in Franklin working for the Franklin County Creamery Association. He bought the house last fall.
1906
Richford, a banking post-village in Richford township (town), Franklin co., Vt., on the Missisquoi River and on the Canadian Pacific and the Central Vermont Rs., 28 miles EXE. of St. Albans. It has manufactures of furniture and lumber. Pop. in 1900, 1513 ; of the town, 2421.
1908 - GRAIN DUST ACTS LIKE GUNPOWDER. EXPLOSION IN AN ELEVATOR KILLS THIRTEEN. TWO WOMEN ARE VICTIMS.
THEY WERE PASSING THE PLACE - OTHERS DEAD WERE WORKMEN - FIRE THAT FOLLOWS SPREADS, AND A NUMBER OF FREIGHT CARS ARE DESTROYED - SHOCK ROCKS ENTIRE VILLAGE - TRAINS ON THE CANADIAN PACIFIC ROAD ARE BLOCKED BY THE DISASTER.
Richford, Vt., Oct. 8. - An explosion of dust and gases in a large grain elevator jointly owned by the Canadian Pacific and the Boston and Maine railroads in this village caused the death of at least thirteen persons. It is possible that the death roll may be increased when a search of the ruins can be made.
The explosion blew off the entire roof of the big building, scattering timbers in all directions, and almost instantly flames burst out over the whole structure. Twenty-one men were employed in the building.
MRS. JOHN JELIFORE, who was walking with a companion along the Canadian Pacific railroad track close to the elevator, was burned to death, and an unknown woman who was with her was burned so seriously that she died later.
So quickly did the flames, ...
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Richford, Vt., Oct. 8. - An explosion of dust and gases in a large grain elevator jointly owned by the Canadian Pacific and the Boston and Maine railroads in this village caused the death of at least thirteen persons. It is possible that the death roll may be increased when a search of the ruins can be made.
The explosion blew off the entire roof of the big building, scattering timbers in all directions, and almost instantly flames burst out over the whole structure. Twenty-one men were employed in the building.
MRS. JOHN JELIFORE, who was walking with a companion along the Canadian Pacific railroad track close to the elevator, was burned to death, and an unknown woman who was with her was burned so seriously that she died later.
So quickly did the flames, ...
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Richford:
Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail: This is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The Rail Trail is a scenic route for walking, hiking, biking, or snowmobiling. You can enjoy the beautiful Vermont countryside and get a taste of the local landscape.
Hazen's Notch Association: This nature center is dedicated to promoting conservation and environmental education. They offer guided hikes and programs throughout the year. It's an excellent place to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
The Abbey: If you're looking for a good meal, check out The Abbey, a cozy local restaurant offering a variety of delicious dishes. It's a great place to try some Vermont specialties.
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge: Just a short drive from Richford, this refuge is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. You can explore the wetlands, walk along the trails, and enjoy the serene environment.
Vermont Covered Bridges: Vermont is known for its picturesque covered bridges, and Richford has its ...
Read more
Hazen's Notch Association: This nature center is dedicated to promoting conservation and environmental education. They offer guided hikes and programs throughout the year. It's an excellent place to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
The Abbey: If you're looking for a good meal, check out The Abbey, a cozy local restaurant offering a variety of delicious dishes. It's a great place to try some Vermont specialties.
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge: Just a short drive from Richford, this refuge is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. You can explore the wetlands, walk along the trails, and enjoy the serene environment.
Vermont Covered Bridges: Vermont is known for its picturesque covered bridges, and Richford has its ...
GENEALOGY IN RICHFORD
Discover YOUR Roots: Richford Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Richford, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about 19 ancestors who were born or died in Richford.
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Updated: 1/9/2025 5:49:52 PM
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