Some 13,000 years ago, during the Ice Age, Quechee, like the majority of our continent, was covered by a glacier. As the glacier receded from the ocean waters, the melting waters slowly and steadily cut away the bedrock ridge that has become Vermont's most spectacular natural wonder, the Quechee Gorge.
In 1875, the Woodstock Railroad Company built a bridge (an engineering feat of its day) to span the Quechee Gorge. For over 50 years, the train traveled back and forth between White River Junction and Woodstock, Vermont carrying visitors and local folk, grain, bags of wool, bolts of fabric, lumber, tools, grain -- commodities for the Upper Valley and far beyond.
Progress brought the automobile, resulting in the train's final run in 1933. The rail bed was converted to highway use and, today, is Vermont's only direct east/west roadway.
Quechee, An Historic Mill Town:
Quechee was settled in the 1760's when homesteaders were deeded acres for the erection of mills along the Ottauquechee River. The mills became the heartbeat of this community, providing everything from lumber to cider for the settlers. To accommodate growing traffic, a bridge was built over the Ottauquechee River at the current site of the Quechee covered bridge.
During the 1800s, the mills thrived, gaining particular attention for fabric. J.C. Parker and Co. (the property now occupied by Simon Pearce Glass) developed a fabric, "shoddy", made of new wool and reworked soft rags, thereby gaining a reputation for producing some of the country's finest white baby flannel. Another woolen mill, Dewey and Company, was establishing its reputation providing fabric for making baseball uniforms for the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. Over 64 buildings sprang up around this company, creating the village of Dewey's Mills just downstream from Quechee Village.
Vermont's Premier Balloon Festival and Crafts Fair
The highways, byways, hills and valleys of this small Vermont village, home of Quechee Gorge, Vermont's answer to the Grand Canyon, will fill with over 20 hot air balloons. The Festival's sponsor, the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of the event, roll out a special red carpet on annually
The success of this Festival is attributed to the Chamber's constant emphasis on producing a family-oriented event with something for everyone. The Father's Day Weekend date has become THE weekend for weddings, reunions, engagements, birthday and anniversary celebrations.
It has become more than just a small gathering on the Village Green with a few balloons to a region-wide activity. Visitors fill lodging and dining facilities in a 40-mile radius; there is a waiting list for balloonists wishing to attend; entertainment groups vie for inclusion.
From the moment the gates open to the last balloon flight, Festival goers are entertained with music, song, smiles and laughter. During the weekend, you will hear R&B, Jump Swing and seventies hits, jazz, guitarists, songsters, vocalists, clowns, mimes, jugglers, puppeteers, unicycling, vaudeville acts, and dance.
A major ingredient with true Vermont flavor is the craft show. Over fifty craft vendors will be in residence during the Festival with displays of jewelry, woodworking, stained glass, paintings and photography, quilters, specialty foods, clothing, ceramics, dried flowers and herbs and much more. The unique character of these crafters brings visitors who come every year to shop for Christmas gifts, home and office.
Following the old adage, "If the kids are happy, Mom and Dad are happy," with a myriad of inflatable amusements, everyone should have a FUNtastic time. Face painting, kite flying, children's games, and special entertainment venues-all make this a real Family Festival. There is always lots of great Festival food including everything from fried dough to fresh fruit drinks, barbecues, country breakfasts, hot apple-cinnamon buns, ice cream, and cotton candy.We have also added a Beer and Wine Garden featuring both Vermont Beers and Wines.
