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History of Richford, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to Richford, Vermont, USA
Visit Richford, Vermont, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.
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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
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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 Elevator in Flames, 1908
Number of Lives lost, 17){kind=small}
The Richford (Vt.) Elevator in Flames, 1908
Number of Lives lost, 17
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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Richford High and Graded School
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Richford High School, 1915
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Central Vermont Railroad Station
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Richford, Vt. Flood
Nov. 4th, 1927
Richford, Vermont, USA
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Richford, Vt. flood
Nov. 4th, 1927
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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Federal Building
Richford, Vermont, USA
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The New American House
Discover Richford: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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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.
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
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.
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
1800 - Population of Richford, Vermont - 13
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1810 - Population of Richford, Vermont - 440
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1820 - Population of Richford, Vermont - 440
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1830 - Population of Richford, Vermont - 704
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
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.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. Alphabetically arranged. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
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.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. Alphabetically arranged. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
1840 - Population of Richford, Vermont - 914
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1849 Richford
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... The settlement was commenced in 1797; the town was organized in 1799.
A gazetteer of Vermont, containing descriptions of all the counties, towns, and districts in the state; and of all its principal mountains, rivers, waterfalls, harbors, islands, and curious places. To which are added, statistical accounts of its agriculture, commerce and manufactures; with ... other useful information
by John Hayward
Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason
1849
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... The settlement was commenced in 1797; the town was organized in 1799.
A gazetteer of Vermont, containing descriptions of all the counties, towns, and districts in the state; and of all its principal mountains, rivers, waterfalls, harbors, islands, and curious places. To which are added, statistical accounts of its agriculture, commerce and manufactures; with ... other useful information
by John Hayward
Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason
1849
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.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Richford, a post-township in Franklin co., Vermont, on the E. side of Missisque river, 50 miles N. by W. from Montpelier. Pop., 1074.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
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.
The New York Times
New York, New York
June 22, 1892
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.
The New York Times
New York, New York
June 22, 1892
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.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
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.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
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.
St. Albans Daily Messenger
St. Albans, Vermont
March 28, 1900
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.
St. Albans Daily Messenger
St. Albans, Vermont
March 28, 1900
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.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 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.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
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, ... Read MORE...
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, ... Read MORE...
2023 - 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...
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...
Our Richford Gift Ideas
Discover Your Roots: Richford Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Richford, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were born or died in Richford.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Alvin Thomas ARMS (1815, Richford, Vermont, USA - 5 December 1871, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA)Francois Regis CASAVANT (March 10, 1824, Verchères, Québec, Canada (Saint-François-Xavier-de-Vercheres) - January 23, 1906, Richford, Vermont, USA)James A. BARNETT (1824, Richford, Vermont, USA - February 29,1904, Forestport, New York, USA)
Sarah Ann SMITH (August 1846, Richford, Vermont, USA - 1932, )David Charles BROE (6 March 1849, Saint Armand, Frelighsburg, Missisquoi, Quebec, Canada - 28 October 1921, Richford, Vermont, USA)Mary Ellen GRAY (12 March 1852, , Scotland (United Kingdom) - 20 October 1926, Richford, Vermont, USA)
Emily Adelaide BICKFORD (July 1853, Sheldon, Vermont, USA (Sheldon Springs) - 8 January 1914, Richford, Vermont, USA)Malvina Louisa JACOBS (3 February 1854, Brome, Quebec, Canada - 5 February 1927, Richford, Vermont, USA)
Andrew DEAETT (16 November 1860, Richford, Vermont, USA - 17 July 1934, Middleborough, Massachusetts, USA (Middleboro))Ancestors Who Were Married in Richford, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Richford.View Them Now
David Charles BROE (6 March 1849 - 28 October 1921) and Malvina Louisa JACOBS (3 February 1854 - 5 February 1927) married 19 August 1868Horace D BLAISDELL (February 1842 - 1926) and Sarah Ann SMITH (August 1846 - 1932) married 14 September 1869Ernest-J MCCLARTY (28 July 1879 - 4 July 1922) and Zelda Candis BULLOCK (30 December 1885 - 13 August 1964) married 16 September 1903James HUSSEY (June 10, 1876 - November 27, 1935) and Ethel BROE (May 1889 - January 11, 1972) married 31 October 1904Genealogy Resources for Richford
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