Craftsbury History Quest: Traveling Back in Time for our Social Distancing Times

CREDIT AND THANKS to Susan Dunklee who created this quest!

What do you imagine Craftsbury Common looked like 100 years ago? How about 230 years ago in 1790 when the first European settlers arrived?

Would it surprise you to hear that Craftsbury was once a major trading hub for the region? In 1868 it had 3 churches, 1 academy, 1 woolen factory, 7 stores, 2 grist-mills, 5 saw-mills, 1 hulling-mill, 5 blacksmith-shops, 3 wheelwright-shops, 1 tannery, 1 tin-shop, 5 shoe-shops, 2 harness shops and 3 hotels. If you know where to look, you can find traces of our past.  

Hidden around the Common are 13 signs describing historical points of interest.  The locations of each sign are marked by red circles on this map.  All signs are within walking distance of Craftsbury Common.  Some are close to a road while others are further afield and will require more searching.  The signs will be set up next to orange and white orienteering control flags to make them easier to spot.  They look like the image on the left.  When you find a sign, don’t touch it.  Simply read the information and leave it for others to find.  If you want, you can bring your own pen and note paper so you can keep track of what you have learned.

This quest is designed to be a solo adventure.  It can also be done together with members of your own household.  Reading skills are required. Several signs are on private land and we are grateful to these landowners who generously agreed to share their space.  Please be respectful towards them.   

The History Quest will be left out until the end of the day on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 10.  This is not a race; search for signs at your own pace.  You can try to find all of them at once or spread the quest out over several days.  If you encounter other people during your quest, please respect the 6 ft distancing guidelines and do not congregate at the signs.

After you have completed the quest, we encourage you to use your imagination and your newly gained knowledge and draw a picture of a historical Craftsbury scene or write a story set in historic Craftsbury.  Consider who might be there, what they might be doing, what time period it is and what the landscape and buildings might look like.  Submit your drawing or story to the Craftsbury Public Library to get a prize. You can deliver through our book return slot or email them. The library and Craftsbury Historical Society will create a virtual and physical display of your work.  

Happy history hunting!

CREDIT AND THANKS to Susan Dunklee who created this quest!