You’ll discover Brookside, Vermont’s haunting ghost town, at a site settled in 1777 by the influential Strong family. The village thrived around water-powered mills until 1901 when its post office closed, marking the community’s decline. Historic structures, including an 1835 Baptist Church and 1789 Greek Revival farmhouse, still stand amid forest reclamation. While severe structural decay threatens these remnants today, Brookside’s rich military and agricultural heritage holds countless untold stories.
Key Takeaways
- Brookside was an early Vermont settlement that declined after its post office closed in 1901, leading to its eventual ghost town status.
- The town’s initial prosperity centered around water-powered industries like lumber and grain milling before economic opportunities diminished.
- Notable historic structures include an 1835 Baptist Church, 1881 brick schoolhouse, and Greek Revival farmhouse from 1789.
- The site currently faces severe structural decay with collapsed buildings, scattered foundations, and damage from weather and vandalism.
- Population decline began after 1820, accelerated through the 1900s, and led to forest reclamation of the abandoned village.
The Legacy of the Strong Family Dynasty
As one of Vermont’s most influential pioneer families, the Strong dynasty left an indelible mark on Addison County’s development after their arrival in 1765.
You’ll find their historical impact woven throughout Vermont’s military, legal, and economic fabric, starting with patriarch John Strong’s service as a Brigadier General and his capture during the Revolutionary War.
The Strong family’s influence expanded through John’s sons: Samuel became a General during the War of 1812, while Moses established himself as a prominent judge and landowner.
In 1789, during the Strongs’ era of influence, Historic Brookside farmhouse was constructed, adding to the region’s architectural heritage.
Their architectural legacy lives on through the “Stronghold,” a Georgian-Federal style residence in Vergennes that remained in family hands for nearly two centuries.
Through their diverse ventures in iron forging, manufacturing, and extensive land ownership, the Strongs helped shape Vermont’s transformation from frontier territory to statehood.
The farm’s enduring legacy continues today with its Belted Galloway beef operation, maintaining its agricultural traditions.
From Thriving Settlement to Abandoned Village
You’ll find Brookside’s transformation from thriving settlement to ghost town traced through key markers like the establishment of its post office in 1890 and its subsequent closure by 1901.
The community’s growth had initially flourished around the water-powered industries of lumber and grain milling, with multiple businesses and homes springing up near Brooks Creek by the 1880s. Today, one of the area’s most notable landmarks is a historic Greek Revival farmhouse that dates back to 1789. A shingle mill built by David Squier in 1888 contributed to the village’s brief industrial prosperity.
Yet by the early 20th century, the once-bustling village had emptied as residents moved away, leaving behind their mills and homes in search of better economic opportunities.
Early Settlement Challenges
Despite its eventual fate, Brookside’s initial settlement in 1777 faced formidable challenges that tested the resolve of its pioneering families. You’d have found the untamed Grassy Brook valley presenting typical settlement hardships: rocky soil, dense forests, and harsh New England winters that restricted early agriculture. Similar to Waterbury’s early days, the settlers faced the daunting task of transforming an Algonquin tribal area into farmable land.
Without political rights until 1794, settlers lacked formal organization for communal decisions and resource allocation. The absence of churches, schools, and established infrastructure meant you’d rely on informal gathering in private homes for social services. The early Town Meetings in 1795 marked the beginning of organized governance.
Economic activities remained limited to basic operations like sawmills, grist mills, and subsistence farming. Transportation difficulties restricted trade opportunities, while boundary changes and delayed official recognition in 1823 complicated land ownership and governance.
These challenges shaped Brookside’s struggling development through its early decades.
Population Decline Timeline
While Brookside initially flourished with the construction of essential infrastructure in the late 1800s, its transformation into a ghost town followed a clear pattern of decline.
The village’s population sustainability hinged on its thriving mills, but you’ll recognize several key turning points that led to its abandonment. The decline was accelerated when iron ore smelting operations in nearby Bennington shuttered, affecting local employment. Much like the year without summer in 1816 that devastated Vermont communities, Brookside faced environmental and economic challenges that proved insurmountable.
- Construction of mills (1868-1888) established Brookside as a promising rural community
- Post office closure in 1901 marked the beginning of significant population loss
- Rural migration to urban centers throughout the early-mid 1900s left buildings abandoned
- Natural reclamation by forest growth overtook the village by late 20th century
Today, while some properties have attracted preservation interest, Brookside stands as a reflection of the broader pattern of rural Vermont settlements that couldn’t maintain their economic foundations through changing times.
Architectural Heritage and Village Layout
As one of Vermont’s best-preserved ghost towns, Brookside showcases a quintessential New England village layout anchored by a central green and main street.
The architectural significance of its historic structures reflects both religious and civic life, with the 1835 Baptist Church and 1881 brick schoolhouse framing the village core alongside a traditional east-west oriented cemetery.
You’ll find the village’s architectural heritage most prominently displayed in the Wilcox-Cutts house, which blends Greek Revival elements with earlier farmhouse design. A line of stately cedar trees from 1867 adds natural beauty to the cemetery’s entrance road.
The property’s outbuildings, including a converted buttery, carriage shed, and stable, demonstrate the village aesthetics through their red clapboard siding and limestone foundations.
This collection of structures, along with other historic buildings lining the main street, preserves the authentic spatial organization and functional relationships of a prosperous 19th-century Vermont farming community.
Life in Early Brookside Community
From its inception in the 1770s, Brookside emerged as an essential contributor to Vermont’s agricultural dominance, establishing itself through specialized livestock breeding and diverse farming operations.
You’d find families dedicating themselves to innovative farming techniques, including Merino sheep raising and Morgan horse breeding.
Life in early Brookside centered around:
Early Brookside life revolved around community-driven farming, shared gatherings, expansive homesteads and faith-based education that united settlers in purpose.
- Large-scale family farming with shared labor and expertise
- Social gatherings that strengthened community bonds and interdependence
- Expansive Greek Revival homes housing extended families and farmhands
- Religious and educational activities that united the settlement
The community’s adaptability showed in their management of challenging terrain and seasonal demands.
Through cooperative efforts and sustainable practices, Brookside’s residents maintained a self-sufficient lifestyle, even as population patterns shifted with the opening of new frontiers.
Like many Vermont settlements, Brookside saw its peak population around 1820 population peak, followed by a gradual decline as residents sought opportunities elsewhere.
Military Connections and Historic Significance
Beyond its agricultural foundations, Brookside played a remarkable role in Vermont’s military legacy throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The estate’s military heritage intertwined with its agricultural significance through the breeding of Morgan horses for cavalry use and maintaining food production essential to military supply chains.
You’ll find evidence of Vermont’s integrated social-military fabric in Brookside’s preserved structures, which supported local militias and community defense.
The property’s contributions gained deeper meaning during the Spanish-American War and World War I, when Vermont troops demonstrated exceptional service despite initial challenges.
Brookside’s 236-acre expanse, with its Greek Revival architecture and working farmland, represents a living embodiment of how Vermont’s historic estates strengthened America’s military preparedness while advancing agricultural innovation.
Present-Day Conditions and Preservation Challenges
When you explore Brookside today, you’ll notice the site’s severe structural decay, evidenced by collapsed buildings, scattered foundations, and encroaching vegetation that threatens the remaining architectural elements.
The absence of dedicated preservation funding has accelerated the deterioration, with weather damage and vandalism continuing unchecked due to limited protection measures.
While local history enthusiasts have expressed interest in restoration initiatives, the combination of private property restrictions, safety hazards, and logistical challenges has prevented organized community efforts to save this historic site.
Structural Decay Assessment
The extensive structural deterioration of Brookside’s remaining buildings presents a stark picture of advanced decay across multiple architectural elements.
You’ll find widespread structural vulnerabilities affecting every component, from foundations to rooftops, as Vermont’s harsh climate accelerates the decay progression.
The most critical issues you’ll encounter include:
- Foundation settling and extensive cracking from prolonged exposure to freeze-thaw cycles
- Compromised roof trusses showing severe sagging and partial collapse
- Advanced wood rot and insect infestation, particularly in moisture-prone lower levels
- Deteriorating masonry with failing mortar joints and unstable stone foundations
These conditions make most structures unsafe for entry, while remote location and hazardous materials further complicate preservation efforts.
Limited documentation and incomplete structural assessments challenge our understanding of the full extent of deterioration.
Preservation Funding Needs
Despite significant preservation opportunities through state and federal programs, securing adequate funding for Brookside’s restoration presents complex challenges that you’ll need to navigate carefully.
Primary funding sources like Vermont’s Department of Economic Development offer up to $200,000 per parcel, but you’ll face strict matching requirements and pre-qualification assessments.
Your preservation strategies must account for the rising costs of materials and construction while working within programs primarily designed for brownfield remediation rather than historic preservation.
You’ll need to coordinate multiple funding streams, including Environmental Conservation grants and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation allocations, while meeting specific eligibility criteria for each.
Technical studies and environmental assessments must be completed before you can access many funding opportunities, adding both time and cost considerations.
Community Restoration Initiatives
Standing as a tribute to Vermont’s rural heritage, Brookside’s present-day conditions reflect both preservation challenges and community determination.
Through dedicated community involvement and volunteer efforts, local residents work alongside owners Adam Townley-Wren and Amber Naramore to protect this historic site against weathering, vandalism, and vegetation overgrowth.
Key restoration activities include:
- Regular clean-up days focusing on structural maintenance
- Heritage tours led by preservation volunteers
- Youth engagement through educational workshops
- Social media-coordinated preservation events
Despite limited access to modern infrastructure and harsh Vermont weather conditions, the community’s commitment remains strong.
Local historians collaborate to document oral histories while preservationists organize hands-on activities.
These grassroots initiatives prove essential in maintaining Brookside’s cultural significance while maneuvering through the complexities of historic site conservation.
Exploring Vermont’s Most Mysterious Ghost Town
Nestled two miles south of Orwell along State Highway 22A, Brookside presents an intriguing contradiction to Vermont’s typical ghost town narrative. Unlike abandoned settlements, this historic farmstead stands proudly inhabited, featuring its original 1789 structure and an impressive 1843 Greek Revival addition that resembles a temple amid pastoral fields.
You’ll find a well-preserved 267-acre estate complete with 19th-century outbuildings, including a tenant house, chicken house, carriage shed, stable, and granary.
The property’s architectural significance shines through its largely unaltered Greek Revival elements and original farm layout. Recently purchased by a couple from Hawaii, Brookside continues to balance its historic character with modern living, offering occasional tours that showcase Vermont’s rural heritage while maintaining its status as a private residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Reported Paranormal Activities or Ghost Sightings in Brookside?
You won’t find documented ghost encounters or spectral sightings here. Historical records and local sources don’t mention any paranormal activity, focusing instead on the property’s agricultural heritage and architectural significance.
What Caused the Final Remaining Residents to Leave Brookside?
Like autumn leaves drifting away, you’d find the last residents departed due to a perfect storm of economic decline, aging infrastructure, and isolation. Natural disasters and diminished opportunities pushed them towards greener pastures.
Can Visitors Legally Access and Explore the Brookside Site Today?
You’ll find legal access to the site uncertain due to ongoing trail disputes and visitor regulations. Check with local authorities about current permissions before exploring these historic grounds.
Were Any Valuable Artifacts or Documents Recovered From Abandoned Brookside Buildings?
Like silent echoes of the past, you won’t find records of valuable artifacts or preserved documents recovered there – weathering and decay have likely destroyed any significant historical materials left behind.
Did Any Other Prominent Families Besides the Strongs Live in Brookside?
You’ll find other families of historical significance lived there, including the Deweys who built early structures and ran an inn, and the Grangers who later managed Morgan horse breeding operations.
References
- https://www.sevendaysvt.com/arts-culture/stuck-in-vermont-a-tour-of-historic-brookside-in-orwell-with-owners-adam-townley-wren-and-amber-naramore-38153746
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWJp20rKWNE
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jjfg8hO4D2s
- https://preservationinpink.wordpress.com/2018/11/02/brookside-cemetery-chester/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eduSrugUHtk
- https://vermonthistory.org/documents/findaid/strong.pdf
- https://theoldhouselife.com/2020/12/24/what-a-beauty-brookside-circa-1843-on-236-acres-in-vermont-749000/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Strong_(Vermont_politician)
- https://99wfmk.com/brookside-michigan/
- https://vermontcountry.com/2023/10/26/the-haunting-of-glastenbury-mountain/
