History of Braintree, Vermont, USA

1839 - Braintree
Braintree, Vermont
Orange county. This is a good farming town, and produces considerable butter, cheese, beef and pork. It lies just 21 miles S. from Montpelier and 14 W. by S. from Chelsea. Population, 1830, 1209. Branches of White river pass through the town.
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 - Braintree
Orange Co. This town is watered by the third branch of White River, and Ayers' and Mill Brook, its tributaries. They are all sufficient for mills. Ayers' Brook rises in Roxbury and Brookfield, waters the north-east part of the town, and after receiving Mill Brook from the west, unites with the third branch of White River, just below the west village in Randolph. Between Ayers' Brook and the third branch, is a large swell of land, and when Mr. Ebenezer Waters was surveying the township he said to those with him, 'We will sit down here and dine with our hats on and call it Quaker Hill,' and it has ever since been known by that name. Between the third branch and the head of White River, is a considerable mountain, which renders that part of the township incapable of settlement. According to tradition, Avers' Brook derives its name from a person by the name of Ayers, who, having run away from New England, became a guide to the French and Indians in their expeditions against the English,... Read MORE...

1882 - The Small Pox in Braintree
Ross Ford, on of the Braintree small pox victims, died Friday night. His wife and two children are sick with the disease. The selectmen have ordered the compulsory vaccination of the town's people. There are no new cases in that town, and there are and have been no cases in Randolph or any other town in that part of the state except Braintree. There is very little danger of its spreading from Braintree.
St Albans Daily Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
March 18, 1882

1903 - BRAKEMAN KILLED BY TRAIN. Alphonse Gemme Struck by Boston Express at Braintree.
Alphonse Gemme, a Central Vermont brakeman residing in this city, was struck by the Boston express, which is known as train No. 2, at Braintree yesterday afternoon, and instantly killed. His body was carried in the trucks of one of the rear cars as far as Bethel when it was discovered. The body was brought to this city on the 11:40 o'clock train this morning, and the funeral will be held at Holy Angels church Friday morning at 9 o'clock.

Alphonse Gemme was 19 years old, and the only child of Mrs. Emma Gemme. He had been employed as a brakeman on the Central Vermont since last July, and was in the recent accident at South Royalton when fireman Colby was killed. It is reported that Gemme was flagging a train about one mile south of Braintree when he was struck by the train and killed. He was a brigh young aman, and a general favorite among his associates.
St Albans Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
January 28, 1903

1908 - THE BRAINTREE SALOON
The saloon in Braintree was opened last wek, and it is really marvelous how many people from this town, says the Randolph Herald, have been able to find business to take them in that direction ever since. A few were surprised and indignant to learn that they were enrolled on the blacklist of 20 names from Randolph with which the saloon keeper has been provided, but the greater number came back with cloves in their mouths and apparently more or less happy. Saturday night the advantage of location next to a license town was more fully appreciated. According to reports, parching thirst was a prevailing epidemic and caused a general rush to the fountain of alcoholic delight with the results that later some of our citizens on the strength of their breaths would never have been credited to a dry town.

As an effort to regulate the liquor traffic, the black list would serve to better purpose possibly if the saloon keeper were allowed to sell ony to those whose names it bears, ont ehe... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Braintree:
Explore the Green Mountains:
Braintree is surrounded by the stunning Green Mountains, making it an ideal destination for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts. There are numerous trails and scenic routes that offer breathtaking views. Be sure to check out the nearby Braintree Mountain Forest for a serene hiking experience.

Braintree Hill Observatory:
Stargazers will appreciate the Braintree Hill Observatory, located atop Braintree Hill. It's a great place to observe the night sky, especially during clear evenings. The lack of light pollution in this area provides an excellent opportunity for stargazing.

Fishing and Water Sports:
With many lakes and rivers in the region, Braintree is a haven for fishing and water sports. Try your hand at fly fishing in the nearby rivers, or head to Lake Dunmore for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.

Braintree Wildlife Management Area:
This area offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. If you're into photography,... Read MORE...