| 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.
Historic image courtesy Vermont
Historical Society from “Rochester, Vermont,” published
by the Town Of Rochester
|
The Picnic House in Rochester sat
atop Cushman Ridge. It is believed to be
Vermont's
first recreation park designed for public use.
|
