There's a new picnic house at the summit of a mountain.
We'll go to Rochester for that story.

The Picnic House on Rochester Mountain was dedicated on this day in 1879.

The Picnic House measured 35 by 45 feet, and was located at the summit of Mount Cushman. The Picnic House had 360 degree views, and could be reached by a carriage road.

229 carriages loaded with almost 1,000 people arrived for the dedication. People danced to The Randolph Cornet Band and to the Rochester Quintette, who performed with an organ accompaniment.

The Picnic House and the surrounding area was dedicated as a public recreational center, which many believe was Vermont's first public recreation park.

Image courtesy Rochester, Vermont, published by the Town Of Rochester.

September Archives | September 17