An Award Winning Book

Has anyone read "The Entrepreneurs and the Workers of the Soot: A History of the Foundry in Springfield, Vermont" by Alan and Donna Jean Fusonie? We would love to hear your feedback. 

THE ENTREPRENEURS AND THE

WORKERS OF THE SOOT

A HISTORY OF

THE FOUNDRY

 IN SPRINGFIELD, VERMONT

 By Alan E. Fusonie and Donna Jean Fusonie

          This well researched and documented book provides a picture of the development of the foundry businesses in Springfield, Vermont, and its eventual long-term relationship to the local machine tool industries.

The authors also focus on the untold story of the forgotten Foundry workers in Springfield, Vermont.  There were generations of them, spanning one hundred and fifty years, and they performed some of the dirtiest yet important metal work in the industrial development of the town.  From the early use of water power on the Black River to the significant employment of immigrants during the first half of the twentieth century, the story of the Foundry business is set within the events of the time.  Springfield eventually became the leading industrial town in the state of Vermont with national and international connections.

Copyright © 2013 by Alan E. Fusonie

First Edition, First Printing, July 2013

In November 2013, this book received the "Award of Excellence for Publications" from the League of Local Historical Societies & Museums. The book is now in the process of being nominated for a national book award, "Publications Category - Leadership in History Awards for the American Association for State and Local History."

Copies of the award winning book may be purchased for $29.95 each at Black River Books and the Edgar May Health and Recreation Center in Springfield, Vt and at Misty Valley Books in Chester, Vt., Springfield Library, Vermont Historical Society or direct from Springfield Art and Historical Society c/o Ken Stringham kstringham@vermontel.net. 802-885-5265.

SAHS Authors Forge New Book!

Forget swag; for many in 1880s Springfield, Vermont, it was all about the snath. Snaths, or scythe handles, and the fittings that joined those handles to the cutting head were one of the many products produced at the Springfield foundry, the subject of a new book published by the Springfield Art and Historical Society.

"A History of the Foundry in Springfield, Vermont" by longtime SAHS board members Alain E. Fusonie and Donna Jean Fusonie combines historical research, period photos, catalogue reproductions and Vermont gumption into a story like exploration of those the authors call "The Entrepreneurs and the Workers of the Soot."

This well researched and documented book provides a picture of the development of the foundry businesses in Springfield, Vermont, and there eventual long-term relationship to the local machine tool industries. On sale now at the Miller Art Center; available soon for online purchase. For more information, including bulk retail pricing, call board member Ken Stringham at 802-885-5265.

Stop by our booth at the Vermont Apple Festival this Saturday. Meet Alain E. Fusonie, author of "A History of the Foundry in Springfield, Vermont" and purchase a signed copy!

The Springfield Art and Historical Society will be open for one more day, Saturday October 12th from 11:00am to 3:00pm. This will be the LAST opportunity to view our 2013 historical exhibit, "Returning Fire! - The 150th Anniversary of Springfield, Vermont in the Civil War." After Saturday we will be closed for the season. Our annual membership potluck dinner and meeting TBA soon.

"250 Years of Fashion" – A Vintage Fashion Show -- NEW EVENT DATE!

Springfield Art and Historical Society at the Miller Art Center Presents,

"250 Years of Fashion" - A Vintage Fashion Show

Due to Hurricane Irene this event has been rescheduled for October 9^th!
 

Our vintage fashion show will now be held October 9, 2011 at 2:00pm at the Miller Art Center 9 Elm Hill in Springfield, Vt.  It was intended to be part of this summer’s 250^th anniversary celebration events, but Mother Nature had other ideas!

This event promises to be both fun and educational; people of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. Featuring original, vintage, and reproduction clothing from the SAHS collections as well as a private collection, the fashion show will highlight men's, women's, and children's fashions of the last 250 years. All of the clothing will be modeled by our student interns. Additional textiles and accessories will also be on display during the show.

Refreshments will be served following the show. Proceeds from this event will benefit the care and conservation of our textile collection.

Antique and vintage clothing on display during the SAHS exhibit, “250 Years to Shine! – A History of Springfield, Vermont.” Summer 2011

Antique and vintage clothing on display during the SAHS exhibit, “250 Years to Shine! – A History of Springfield, Vermont.” Summer 2011

One of our student interns wearing a vintage hat.

Bunni Putnam will have a book signing for her book, Images of America; Springfield following the fashion show.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students/seniors, and $10 for SAHS members.

Tickets will be available at the door but seating is limited. We recommend that you please call or email to reserve your tickets.

Museum Hours: Thursday-Friday 11:00am-4:00pm and Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm

9 Elm Hill, Springfield, Vermont ■ (802)-885-2415 info@millerartcenter.com

Find us on Facebook - Springfield Art and Historical Society at the Miller Art Center

UPDATE - For more images please see our post - Photos from Our Vintage Fashion Show