History of Bakersfield, Vermont, USA

1824 - Bakersfield
BAKERSFIELD, a post town, in the central part of Franklin county, in lat. 44° 47′ and long. 4° 9', is bounded north by Enosburgh, east by Avery's and Coit's Gore, south by Coit's Gore and Fletcher, and west by Fairfield. It is 30 miles northe east from Burlington, was granted Feb. 27, 1787, and chartered to Luke Knowlton, Jan. 25, 1791, and orignally contained byt 10,000 acres. Additions have since been made, and it now contains about 26,000. The settlement of this town was commenced about the year 1789. In 1791, there were but 13 inhabitants. Population 1820, 945. This township is somewhat broken, but not mountainous. It is timbered principally with hard wood, and the soil is in general warm and productive. It is watered by Black creek, which corsses the southwest corner and several other branches of the Missisque river. The streams are however small and the mill privileges not numerous.
A Gazetteer of the State of Vermont Containing A Brief General View of The State, A Historical and Topographical Description of All the Counties, Towns, Rivers, &c. Together with a Map and Several Other Engraving by Zadock Thompson, 1824 Montpelier, Published by E. P. Walton and the Author E. P. Walton, Printer, 1824

1839 - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, Vermont
Franklin county, lies 30 miles N.E. from Burlington, 38 N.N.W. from Montpelier, and 15 miles E. from St. Albans. Branches of Missisque river pass through it. This town is well timbered with hard wood, the land is warm, but somewhat broken. 4,000 sheep. First settled about 1789. Population 1830, 1,087.
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. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1849 - Bakersfield
Franklin Co. This township is somewhat broken, but not mountainous. It is timbered principally with hard wood, and the soil is in general warm and productive. It is watered by Black Creek, which crosses the south-west comer, and several other branches of the Missisco River. The streams are, however, small, and the mill privileges not numerous.

Boundaries. North by Enosburgh, east by Avery's Gore and Waterville, south by Waterville and Fletcher, and west by Fairfield.

First Settlers. The settlement of this town was commenced in 1789, by Joseph Baker, from whom the town derives its name. He emigrated from Westborough, Mass. Joel Brigham and Abijah Pratt settled in Bakersfield about the same time.

Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 3,000 bushels ; Indian corn, 2,450 bushels ; potatoes, 62,000 bushels; hay, 3,570 tons ; maple sugar, 33,305 pounds ; wool, 10,876 pounds.

Distances. Thirty miles north-east from Burlington, thirty-eight north north-west from Montpelier, and fifteen... Read MORE...

1854 - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, a post-township in Franklin county, Vermont, about 40 miles N. N. W. from Montpelier, intersected by branches of the Missisque river. Population, 1023.
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.

1870 - February 25 - Profits of the Dairy
A farmer in Bakersfield, Vermont, during the past dairy season, has made from fifteen cows 3,000 pounds of butter. He sold it for 45 cents a pound, realizing $1,350. He also raised ten calves, now worth $100, and 1,000 pounds of pork, which he sold for $130; making as the proper income of dairy $1,580, besides supplying the family.
Weekly Oregon Statesman
Salem, Oregon
February 25, 1870

1873 - April 3 - Gen. S. P. Hazeltine, Town Clerk of Bakersfield, Vermont, has held his office for 51 years and has recorded all but two of the deeds handed in for record during that time.

The New Berne Times
New Berne, North Carolina
April 3, 1873

1873 - July 30 - The Troy Press says a great deal of money changed hands at the recent international wresting match at Troy.
John McMahon's father, who resides in Bakersfield, Vermont, waged his farm and three horses against $4,000, put up by eight individuals at Rutland. The champion's father won, but ti was long odds - about six to one.
Vermont Watchman and State Journal
Montpelier, Vermont
July 30, 1873

1876 - One hundred and three persons have united with the Bakersfield Methodist church during the past year.

St Albans Daily Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
July 21, 1876

1878 - April 13 - A Bostonian named Peter B. Bingham, having bequeathed $30,000 to his native Town of Bakersfield, Vermont, for the purpose of founding a high school,
his surviving relatives, instead of attacking the will, as is now customary, have added $8,000 for the building.
The Iola Register
Iola, Kansas
April 13, 1878

1895 - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, a post-town of Franklin co., Vt., in Bakersfield township, about 15 miles E. of St. Albans. It has 3 churches, an academy, and a manufactory of sash and blinds. Pop. 1403.
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

1902 - THE BRIGHAM MILLIONS. Recent Suit of Herbert F. Brigham, of Bakersfield.
Boston, Mass., July 8. - Once more the millions left by a Brigham of Bakersfield, will be fought for in Massachusetts, and the recent action, of Col. Herbert F. Brigham, of Bakersfield, Vt., in asking the United States court to determine his rights in the vast estate left by his uncle to build a hospital in Boston, means that one of the greatest legal battles of the century is on, says a Bakersfield, Vt., despatch in The Journal.

Colonel Brigham is a financier, lawyer, political celebrity, and, - Vermonters say, a royal good fellow. He will lead the forces seeking to show the invalidity of the will of Peter Bent Brigham, who died 25 years ago last May, leaving a million and a half of money, as the basis of a fund which he designated should be used a quarter of a century later to build and endow a hospital bearing his name.

Since Peter Bent Brigham died the fortune he left has been carefully managed, and to-day it represents a fund of more than $4,338,000, and it is for the... Read MORE...

1903 - William Tillotson has sold his store and goods to his son, BUrton, who will take possession October 1.
Burton Tillotson has been the genial clerk for the past four years at the variety store. William Tillotson will move to his farm.
St Albans Daily Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
August 19, 1903

1905 - GETS NEW TELEPHONE LINE. Franklin County Company Will Developed Bakersfield Territory.
The Franklin County Telephone Co. has purchased the telephone line from W. O. Start, of Bakersfield, which Mr. Start, as special licensee of the New England Telephone Co., held for a five-year contract, and will at once proceed to develop the territory. The Franklin County company will establish an up-to-date exchange at East Fairfield with night service and will handle Bakersfield business through that exchange, running farmers' lines from that exchange through the towns of Bakersfield and East Fairfield.

It is expected that at least seventy-five new subscribers will be obtained in addition to the fifteen already using the line. Already thirty-six new subscribers have been secured in the town of Bakersfield and it is confidently expected that at least as many more will be secured in East Fairfield.
St Albans Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
July 27, 1905

1910 - BAKERSFIELD. Mrs. Matilda Doane, Oldest Woman in Town, Very Active.
Mrs. Matlida Doane is visiting Willis Ross and George Giddings in East Bakersfield. It is a matter of great satisfaction to Mrs. Doane to be able to get around among her former friends again. She recently passed her 94th birthday anniversary which was celebrated by her friends sending her a shower of 248 post cards. These cards came from friends in six different states, from Maine to California, and also from Washington, D.C. Mrs. Doane has been a life long resident of Bakersfield coming here at an early age and settling in the east part of the town. Her husband, Oromell Doane, and also her son, Wesley, died while serving in the Civil War. She has made her home since that time with her son, John Doane. She is now thought to be the oldest resident of the town. Her health is very bood though her hearing is slightly impaired and she has the use of all her faculties.
St Albans Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
May 12, 1910

1916
Bakersfield, a post-village of Franklin co., Vt., in Bakersfield township (town), about 15 miles E. of St. Albans. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1158 ; of the village, about 200.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

If you're looking for things to do in and around Bakersfield, Vermont, here are some suggestions:
Outdoor Exploration: Vermont is known for its stunning natural landscapes, and Bakersfield is no exception. You can explore the town's scenic countryside, take leisurely walks, or go for a hike in the surrounding hills. The fall foliage is particularly beautiful.

Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, you can try your luck in one of the nearby rivers or streams. Vermont offers some excellent opportunities for anglers, and you might catch trout, bass, or other native fish species.

Snowmobiling and Skiing: In the winter, Vermont becomes a playground for snow sports enthusiasts. Although Bakersfield doesn't have its own ski resorts, there are plenty within a reasonable driving distance. Smugglers' Notch and Jay Peak are popular options for skiing and snowboarding.

Maple Syrup: Vermont is famous for its maple syrup. You can visit local maple farms to learn about the syrup-making process and even sample some freshly made syrup. In late winter, many farms host maple sugaring... Read MORE...