Founder's Day brings dignitaries old, new

BENNINGTON -- The 250th anniversary of the first settlers' arrival in Bennington was marked with a daylong slate of activities in Old Bennington on Saturday.

The Bennington Historical Society organized the "Founder's Day" celebrations, which included educational programs, reenactments, and appearances by two governors. If you guessed Peter Shumlin and Jim Douglas -- you're only half right.

The day's activities began in the morning at the Old First Church with an opening ceremony featuring historical society volunteers and Bennington Select Board Chairman Joe Krawczyk.

"This is where it all began some 250 years ago," said Krawczyk. "I often wondered growing up in Bennington what it was like back then. I also wonder what it will look like in just a few years from now ... One of the things I hope we all do as a community of Bennington ... is to appreciate the historical significance of this town."

Saturday's activities drew a mixture of Bennington locals and out-of-staters, according to Ken Walling, chairman of the Founder's Day committee. "We had good turnout, a lot of activity, and people enjoyed themselves," he said.

Early in the day, Walling gave presentations at the Old First Church with an overview of Bennington's early history from 1761 onward. In the adjacent cemetery, Anne Bugbee lead tours with featured grave sites including five past Vermont governors; early settlers James Breakenridge, Jedediah Dewey, and Bridget Harwood; and C. C. Jones, who died on the Titanic.

During an afternoon ceremony at the Battle Monument, Rep. Mary Morrissey presented a house resolution proclaiming June 18, 2011, to be Founder's Day in Bennington. Joining her at the podium were Reps. Timothy Corcoran, Brian Campion, and Anne Mook, and Sens. Bob Hartwell and Richard Sears. Rep. Alice Miller was also in attendance.

Following, Walling introduced the two guest governors present on the monument green. Walling welcomed Shumlin and -- "brought out of retirement after 250 years" -- Benning Wentworth. Wentworth spoke first offering a few words of advice to the sitting Governor.

"Acquire land, gratis if you can, and then sell it for a good price," advised Wentworth. "Treat your friends and family well -- but not too well so as to lose favor with the public." Wentworth said that he had been told Shumlin to be "a man of great acumen and perspicacity.

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