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April 10, 1907 was a somber day for Dr. George Lucian Gates of Morrisville. His close friend, Dr. William Walter Genge, had died early that morning. Forty-four-year-old Genge had been a skilled surgeon, head of the Morrisville Orchestra, and had only been ill with the effects of pneumonia for a few days before he took a shocking turn for the worse. Dr. Gates had been at his deathbed. Heading back home that morning, Gates boarded the train to Hardwick, along with 33 other passengers and crew members. The train was also carrying mail and was due to arrive at its destination at 7:25 a.m. Fifty-four-year-old engineer Frank Miner had taken his place in the locomotive along with the line's fireman, a 53-year-old Swede named Charles Johnson. Seventeen individuals boarded the passenger car, including 21-year-old Harvey Antoin Gravlin and his wife, the former Julia Essie Emerson. Mr. Gravlin, who worked as a moulder at E. & T. Fairbanks & Co., had exchanged vows with his bride only seven months earlier. Thirty-seven-year-old Albert John Gale, who was employed as a finisher at the Jones & Shield Furniture Shop, also took a seat on the passenger car with his wife of four years, the 33-year-old former Emily Corey. Forty-one-year-old Swedish piano salesman Edward Peterson and 41-year-old machine shop employee Justin Lord also climbed on to the passenger car in addition to the train's conductor, Charles Ranney. The combination car carried 15 individuals, with six of them seated in the smoking compartment. These included Fred Carter of St. Johnsbury, J.F. Johnson of Boston and William Silas Bailey of East Hardwick – who was traveling with his 16-year-old son Ralph Wilson Bailey, a student at Hardwick Academy. William was well-known as a high-end horse breeder and race judge. The 50-year-old had once managed his own stock farm and served as president of the Vermont Horse Breeders Association. When not in school, his son Ralph worked as a packer in Fairbanks' scale shop. The crew members sharing the car with them included 26-year-old express agent George Alex Campbell, 46-year-old mail clerk Prentice Wright Carlton, and baggage master Orlando Cogswell. About two miles east of Hardwick, as the train nearly completed the sharp curve at Cape Horn, the rails suddenly spread and the coupling pin between two cars broke. Fireman Johnson felt a strong jolt and turned to see the derailed passenger car rolling down the 25-foot embankment toward the Lamoille River. Halfway down, it turned completely over and then righted itself at the river's edge 30 feet from the track. The combination car plowed forward behind it, dragging the tender with the train's fuel supply down the embankment. As it proceeded down the slope, it temporarily stumbled onto its side before coming to a stop, right side up. The father of William Montague, a section hand who was aboard the train, was across the river with his team of horses and stood helplessly watching the nightmare unfold. In the smoking compartment, Fred Carter had been having a discussion with William Bailey just before the accident. The two men were sitting directly across from each other during the journey, and when the window shattered, the broken glass flew against Carter, causing a deep wound in his scalp that bled profusely. J.F. Johnson had been violently thrown over Bailey when the car began to tip. He escaped, however, with nothing more than slight bruises and cuts, as did Ralph Bailey. As the car tipped, William Bailey was thrown against the lamps, which shattered on impact. Aside from the massive bleeding that occurred from the lacerations on his body, he suffered a concussion and a dislocation of the vertebrae in his spine. The damage to the spine quickly proved fatal. He left his wife, Flora, and three children to mourn the tragic loss and became the railroad's first fatality. Those who were lucky enough to sustain very minor injuries included Victor Young and James Day, 38-year-old granite cutter Henry Rollins, 31-year-old granite loader Bert Russell, and 48-year-old traveling leather goods merchant Henry Prentice Ayer of Boston. A small number, even luckier, walked away completely unhurt, including Mr. H.H. Woodward. In 1973, the state of Vermont bought the railroad and renamed it the Lamoille Valley Railroad. The industry puttered along until 1995 when, at last, it ceased operation after 118 years of service. In 2006, plans were laid for a multi-use, four-season trail to be established over the old railway route. In 2022, the 93-mile long Lamoille Valley Rail Trail was completed – the longest rail trail in all of New England. The trail connects 18 towns, offering snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dogsledding and snowmobiling in the winter; walking, hiking, cycling and horseback riding in the milder months. The trail contains a memorial plaque for three men killed on the railroad during a 1949 accident - 42 years after William Bailey lost his life on the line.

A conversation with a gathering of friends recently, included discussion about the original location of Railroad Street. Unknown to some of the group was that today’s Mill Street was a portion of yesteryear’s Railroad Street. “The triumphant arrival, in November of 1850, of the first train from Boston over the newly-completed Connecticut & Passumpsic Rivers Railroad was a most important step in the growth of E. & T. Fairbanks Co.” (CDJ=Clair Dunne Johnson’s book, the first volume, I See By The Paper). Prior to the advent of the railroads entry into St. Johnsbury the commercial district of the village was on Main Street. Edward T. Fairbanks informs us in his 1912 history of St. Johnsbury, “The first dwelling house on Railroad street was built March 1850, by Amos Morrill. At that date there had been neither road nor building east of Main street except the little farm house lower down where the first pitch had been made in Nov. 1786.” The H.F. Walling map of 1858 depicts the southerly terminus of Railroad Street at about 1,000 feet southerly of Eastern Avenue. In fact, at that period in history, Pearl Street ran much further south than Railroad Street. Then it traversed northerly to the point, where today, a traveler would turn right onto Mill Street, then turn left at Concord Avenue to continue northerly onto our current Railroad Street. “Getting the railroad as far north as St. Johnsbury was only a first step in fulfilling the transportation needs of E. & T. Fairbanks Co. The push went on, to get the line completed all the way to Montreal, to the north, and with that feat accomplished, St. Johnsbury eventually became the half-way point between Montreal and Boston, a point which was often mentioned in publicity.” (CDJ) The C. & P.R. RR.’s Sheet No. 62 of Valuation Section No. 43 informs us that various portions of property, in the area of Mill Street, were conveyed from 1856 to 1858 to allow extension of the railroad to Montreal. https://www.stjhistory.org/post/st-johnsbury-history-heritage-center-railroad-street

When you’re investing in a truck, you’re not just buying horsepower—you’re buying confidence. And right now, Ram is setting a new standard for peace of mind with one of the strongest warranties in the industry. What’s the Big Deal? Ram now offers a 10-year / 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty on select new trucks. That’s not just competitive—it’s category-leading. This coverage typically includes: Engine Transmission Drivetrain components In other words, the most expensive and critical parts of your truck are protected for the long haul. 👉 Learn more about Ram’s warranty coverage here: https://www.ramtrucks.com/owners/warranty.html Why This Matters for Vermont Drivers Here in the Northeast Kingdom, your truck isn’t just for commuting—it’s a workhorse. Whether you’re: Hauling firewood Plowing through winter storms Towing equipment Navigating mud season backroads You need reliability you can count on. That’s where Ram’s extended warranty stands out. It’s built for real-world use, not just highway miles. Confidence That Lasts a Decade A 10-year warranty changes the ownership experience in a big way: 1. Long-Term Protection You’re covered well beyond the typical ownership window. Many drivers trade vehicles every 5–7 years—this warranty goes far beyond that. 2. Lower Cost of Ownership Major repairs can get expensive fast. This coverage helps eliminate surprise costs on critical components. Built on Ram Tough Performance Ram trucks—like the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500—are already known for: Best-in-class ride quality Advanced technology Serious towing capability Now, they’re backed by a warranty that matches their reputation. The Bottom Line Ram isn’t just building trucks—they’re standing behind them in a way that gives customers real confidence. If you’re considering a new truck, this is the kind of coverage that makes the decision easier. Come See What Ram Can Do At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we’re proud to offer a full lineup of Ram trucks ready for work, play, and everything in between. Stop in and see us just past the railroad tracks on Memorial Drive, and experience firsthand why more drivers are making the switch to Ram. Where Vermont comes to drive.

Long before highways and interstates, St. Johnsbury became one of the most important transportation hubs in all of northern New England — and it all started with the railroad. In the mid-1800s, St. Johnsbury wasn’t just another Vermont town. It was a critical junction point connecting rail lines from across the region — linking Vermont to Maine, New Hampshire, and beyond. The Rise of a Railroad Town By the late 1800s, St. Johnsbury was home to major rail operations, including the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Railroad. This wasn’t a small operation. At its peak: Multiple rail lines intersected right in town Freight and passengers moved through daily Rail yards and repair shops provided steady jobs The town became a hub of commerce and industry The railroad didn’t just pass through St. Johnsbury — it built it. Why It Mattered Because of the railroad, St. Johnsbury became: A key shipping point for goods across New England A center for manufacturing and trade A place where businesses could grow and thrive Farm products, lumber, and manufactured goods all moved through these tracks, helping shape the local economy for generations. The Human Side of the Tracks The railroad also shaped everyday life. Workers, families, and travelers all passed through St. Johnsbury. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses grew around the steady flow of people. You can still feel pieces of that history today — especially when you think about how often people reference being located “just past the railroad tracks.” That’s not just a direction — it’s a reminder of what built this town. From Railroads to Roads While rail traffic eventually declined with the rise of automobiles and highways, the impact of that era never disappeared. In many ways, the transition from rail to road is what led to the modern St. Johnsbury we know today — a place still centered around movement, connection, and community. Still a Place That Keeps Things Moving At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we’re proud to carry on that tradition in a modern way. From trains to trucks, this town has always been about keeping people moving — and that hasn’t changed. Stop in and see us on Memorial Drive — just past the railroad tracks. St. Johnsbury CDJR Where Vermont comes to drive.

As winter starts to loosen its grip, the Northeast Kingdom begins to come alive again. Spring in and around St. Johnsbury isn’t just about better weather—it’s about getting back out, seeing familiar faces, and enjoying everything our community has to offer. Here are a few things to keep on your radar as we head into the next few weeks: 🌱 Local Markets & Early Spring Pop-Ups As the season shifts, local vendors start popping up again with early spring goods, baked items, and handmade products. Keep an eye out for: Pop-up markets in downtown St. Johnsbury Early-season farm stands opening back up Local makers showcasing crafts and goods It’s a great way to support local and shake off the winter cabin fever. 🎶 Live Music & Local Entertainment As roads clear and nights get a little easier to get out, local spots start bringing music back. Look for: Acoustic sets at local restaurants and pubs Small venue performances around the NEK Community gatherings with live entertainment Nothing beats a low-key Vermont night with good music and good people. 🏔️ Burke Mountain Spring Activities Up at Burke, the transition from winter to spring brings a mix of both worlds. You can still catch: Late-season skiing and riding (weather permitting) Scenic drives and early hiking opportunities Events and gatherings as the mountain shifts seasons It’s one of the best places to take in the change of seasons. 🚗 Scenic Drives Are Back Not an “event” in the traditional sense—but around here, it might as well be. Spring is when people start getting back out on the road: Drives through Lyndon, Danville, and Peacham Routes along the Connecticut River Exploring backroads you avoided all winter It’s a reminder of why we live here. ☀️ Community Season is Here Again This time of year always feels like a reset. People are out more. Events start filling the calendar. And the Northeast Kingdom gets back to what it does best—community. Stop In While You’re Out and About If you’re out enjoying everything the area has to offer, swing by and see us at St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on Memorial Drive—just past the railroad tracks. Whether you’re getting your vehicle ready for the season or just stopping in to say hello, we’re always here.

Mud season in Vermont gets a bad reputation — messy roads, dirty trucks, and that constant feeling like winter just won’t let go. But if you’ve lived here long enough, you know something outsiders don’t… Mud season might actually be one of the most “Vermont” times of the year. It Means Winter Didn’t Win Mud season is the transition. It’s proof we made it through another long winter in the Northeast Kingdom. The snowbanks shrink. The sun starts sticking around a little longer. And for the first time in months, you don’t need to warm your truck up for 15 minutes before heading out. The Roads Tell a Story If you drive anywhere outside of town — especially the back roads around St. Johnsbury, Danville, or Burke — you’ll see it firsthand. Ruts, soft shoulders, and the occasional “you probably shouldn’t go this way” stretch. That’s not a problem here — that’s just part of life. And honestly, it’s where vehicles like Jeeps and trucks really earn their keep. It’s Maple Season This is the real hidden gem of mud season. Steam rolling out of sugarhouses. The smell of boiling sap in the air. Local producers working around the clock. It’s one of the most authentic Vermont experiences there is — and it only happens right now. You Start Seeing People Again After a long winter, people start getting out more. You see it at: Local gas stations Coffee shops Hardware stores Even just driving down the road Mud season has a way of bringing the community back out. It’s a Different Kind of Driving Season This time of year reminds you why vehicle choice matters in Vermont. It’s not about speed or flash — it’s about capability, reliability, and confidence when the road isn’t perfect. And let’s be honest… roads aren’t always perfect around here. Final Thought Mud season isn’t pretty — but it’s real. It’s a reminder of where we live, what we deal with, and why Vermonters take pride in getting through it year after year. And if your vehicle can handle mud season in the Northeast Kingdom… It can handle just about anything.

St. Patrick’s Day in Vermont isn’t about big city parades or packed streets—it’s about something better. It’s about community, tradition, and finding a little extra joy at the tail end of a long winter. Here in the Northeast Kingdom, March can still feel like winter hasn’t quite let go. Mud season is knocking, the snowbanks are hanging on, and we’re all ready for a change of pace. That’s what makes St. Patrick’s Day such a welcome break—it brings a spark of energy right when we need it most. You’ll see it everywhere. Local restaurants serving up corned beef and cabbage. Maple producers gearing up for sugaring season. Folks throwing on something green, whether it’s a flannel, a hoodie, or a well-worn hat that’s seen a few Vermont winters. It’s simple, it’s real, and it’s exactly what makes this place special. In towns like St. Johnsbury, it’s less about big events and more about small moments—grabbing a meal with friends, stopping by your favorite local spot, or just enjoying the longer daylight and the promise of spring around the corner. And let’s be honest—if there’s one thing Vermonters know, it’s how to make their own luck. Whether it’s getting your truck unstuck in mud season, finding that perfect back road drive, or just making it through another winter, there’s a certain pride that comes with living here. At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we see that every day. It’s in the customers who come in with stories, the families getting ready for spring adventures, and the community that continues to support local businesses year after year. So today, whether you’re celebrating with a hearty meal, a cold drink, or just enjoying the fresh Vermont air—take a moment to appreciate where you are and the people around you. Because around here, that’s what St. Patrick’s Day is really about. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at St. Johnsbury CDJR! 🍀

Just a short drive from St. Johnsbury sits one of the Northeast Kingdom’s most iconic landmarks — Burke Mountain. While today it’s known for skiing, biking, and incredible views, its history goes back much further than most people realize. Early Days in the NEK Long before ski lifts and mountain bikes, Burke Mountain was used primarily for timber harvesting and farming. In the 1800s, the surrounding hills were filled with logging operations that helped build the local economy of the Northeast Kingdom. Farmers and loggers used the mountain trails to move timber and supplies between towns like Burke, Lyndon, and St. Johnsbury. The Birth of Skiing at Burke In the 1930s, skiing began gaining popularity across Vermont. Local enthusiasts recognized that Burke Mountain had the perfect terrain and snowfall for the growing sport. By the 1950s, Burke had officially developed into a ski area, drawing visitors from across New England. Over time it grew into one of Vermont’s most beloved mountains — known for challenging terrain, deep snow, and incredible views of the White Mountains. A Training Ground for Champions Burke Mountain became internationally recognized thanks to Burke Mountain Academy, a world-renowned ski racing school that trains elite athletes. One of its most famous graduates is Olympic legend Mikaela Shiffrin, who spent years training on the slopes of Burke before becoming one of the most decorated ski racers in history. Still a Northeast Kingdom Treasure Today, Burke Mountain continues to be a four-season destination for the Northeast Kingdom. From skiing in winter to mountain biking on the famous Kingdom Trails in summer, it remains a huge part of the region’s identity. For those of us living in and around St. Johnsbury, it’s more than just a mountain — it’s a reminder of the outdoor spirit that defines the NEK.

Every spring in Vermont, a familiar sight appears across the hills and forests of the Northeast Kingdom—buckets and tubing hanging from maple trees. Maple sugaring season is one of the most iconic traditions in Vermont, and communities around St. Johnsbury have been producing maple syrup for generations. A Tradition Rooted in Vermont History Long before modern equipment and sugarhouses, Indigenous peoples of the Northeast were the first to discover that sap from maple trees could be boiled down into a sweet syrup. Early settlers in Vermont adopted these techniques and began producing maple sugar and syrup as an important food source during the late winter months. Over time, maple production became a cornerstone of Vermont’s agricultural identity. Today, Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other state in the country, and the forests surrounding St. Johnsbury and the Northeast Kingdom play a major role in that production. Why the Northeast Kingdom Is Perfect for Maple Syrup The climate of the Northeast Kingdom creates the ideal conditions for maple sugaring. The season typically begins in late February or early March when daytime temperatures rise above freezing while nights remain cold. These temperature swings cause sap to flow through the maple trees, allowing producers to collect it. It takes roughly 40 gallons of maple sap to produce just one gallon of pure maple syrup, which is why the process is both labor-intensive and highly valued. Sugarhouses Across the NEK Driving around St. Johnsbury, Lyndon, Danville, and the surrounding towns this time of year, you may notice steam rising from small buildings tucked into the woods. These are sugarhouses, where sap is boiled down for hours until it becomes Vermont’s famous maple syrup. For many families in the Northeast Kingdom, sugaring is more than just a business—it’s a tradition passed down from generation to generation. A Sweet Part of Life in the NEK Maple syrup is more than just a breakfast staple in Vermont. It’s a symbol of the region’s heritage, hard work, and connection to the land. Each bottle represents countless hours spent collecting sap, tending fires, and carefully boiling it down to perfection. Here at St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we’re proud to live and work in a region where traditions like maple sugaring are still alive and thriving. The Northeast Kingdom is a special place, and maple season is one of the many reasons we’re lucky to call it home. So the next time you pour Vermont maple syrup over your pancakes, remember—there’s a good chance it started right here in the forests of the Northeast Kingdom. 🍁 Vermont Maple

The Moore Dam in Waterford, Vermont is a major hydroelectric dam on the Connecticut River that was built in the mid-20th century as part of the region’s push to generate renewable electricity and control river flow in New England. Early Vision for Hydropower By the early 1900s, the Connecticut River had already been used for mills and small dams, but the growing demand for electricity across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts led utilities to look for larger hydroelectric projects. The river’s steep elevation drop through the Upper Connecticut River Valley made it an ideal location for a major power facility. Construction of the Dam Construction began: 1949 Completed: 1956 Built by: New England Power Company Current owner/operator: Great River Hydro The project required massive excavation and the creation of a large reservoir upstream. When the dam was completed, it formed Moore Reservoir, which stretches roughly 15 miles upstream toward Littleton, New Hampshire. Engineering & Power Generation Moore Dam was designed as a concrete gravity dam, meaning its own weight holds back the water. Key features include: Height: about 178 feet Length: roughly 920 feet Generating capacity: approximately 192 megawatts Turbines: four hydroelectric generating units Water from the Connecticut River flows through the turbines, spinning generators that produce electricity for the regional power grid. Role in the Connecticut River System Moore Dam is one of several hydroelectric dams along the Connecticut River. It works together with nearby dams such as: Comerford Dam McIndoes Dam These dams regulate water levels, generate electricity, and help control flooding along the river. Impact on the Local Area The creation of Moore Reservoir changed the landscape of the region: Flooded farmland and riverbanks upstream Created a long lake used for boating, fishing, and recreation Became a scenic part of the Northeast Kingdom and Upper Valley Today the reservoir is known for salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass fishing. Moore Dam Today Today Moore Dam remains one of the largest hydroelectric facilities on the Connecticut River and plays an important role in supplying renewable energy to New England. It is also part of the federally regulated Connecticut River hydro system under licenses from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. ✅ Local NEK connection: Moore Dam is only about 15 minutes from St. Johnsbury, and many residents fish, boat, or snowmobile around the reservoir in Waterford and Littleton. Moore Dam

Few vehicles have a story as interesting—or as important—as the Jeep. The brand that many Vermonters rely on today for navigating snow, mud, and back roads actually began as a vehicle built for one of the most significant moments in world history. In 1940, the United States Army realized it needed a lightweight, highly capable reconnaissance vehicle for military use. The Army sent out a request to several American automakers asking them to design a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle that could handle rough terrain, carry equipment, and be easily repaired in the field. Only a few companies answered the challenge, most notably Willys-Overland and Ford. The prototype that emerged from this effort eventually became known as the Willys MB, the original Jeep. Built for the Toughest Conditions The Jeep was designed with several features that were revolutionary at the time: Four-wheel drive for maximum traction High ground clearance to handle rough terrain A lightweight but durable frame Simple mechanical systems that soldiers could repair quickly More than 600,000 military Jeeps were produced during World War II. They were used everywhere—from the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Europe and the jungles of the Pacific. General Dwight D. Eisenhower later said that the Jeep was one of the most important vehicles used by the Allied forces during the war. From Battlefield to Back Roads After the war ended, Willys realized the Jeep’s rugged design could be just as useful for farmers, construction workers, and outdoor enthusiasts. In 1945, the first civilian Jeep—known as the CJ (Civilian Jeep) —was introduced. It didn’t take long for the Jeep to develop a reputation for going places other vehicles simply couldn’t. A Perfect Fit for Vermont Fast forward to today, and the same rugged capability that helped soldiers cross battlefields now helps drivers across Vermont navigate snowstorms, steep hills, muddy roads, and the winding back roads of the Northeast Kingdom. It’s one of the reasons the Jeep brand continues to feel right at home here in places like St. Johnsbury and throughout the NEK. https://www.jeep.com/history.html More than 80 years after the first Jeep rolled off the assembly line, the brand’s mission hasn’t changed much: build vehicles that can go anywhere and handle whatever the road—or trail—throws at them. And around here, that’s exactly what we need.

Living in Vermont, hockey season is part of everyday life. From local rinks to frozen ponds across the Northeast Kingdom, freshly resurfaced ice is something we all appreciate. But have you ever wondered where the machine that smooths the ice—the Zamboni—actually came from? The modern ice resurfacer was invented in 1949 by Frank Zamboni, who owned an ice rink called Paramount Iceland in California. Before his invention, resurfacing the ice was a major task that required a team of workers scraping the ice, shoveling snow, washing it, and smoothing it out. The entire process could take more than an hour between skating sessions. Frank Zamboni set out to solve this problem and built the first machine capable of doing the entire resurfacing process in a single pass. His invention cut the time to around ten minutes and completely transformed how ice rinks operate. Here’s where Jeep history comes into the story. When building the first prototype—known as the Model A—Zamboni used a variety of readily available vehicle parts to make the machine work. Among those components were drivetrain and engine parts from a Willys Jeep, one of the most rugged and reliable vehicles available at the time. Surplus Jeep components from the post–World War II era were widely available and proved to be perfect for powering the early machine. While Jeep didn’t invent the Zamboni, the durability and engineering of the early Jeep powertrain helped make the first working ice resurfacer possible. For those of us here in the Northeast Kingdom—where winter roads, backcountry trails, and snowy conditions are part of daily life—it’s a fitting piece of history. Jeep vehicles have long been built to handle tough environments, whether that’s climbing Vermont back roads or helping power one of the most recognizable machines in the world of hockey. Next time you see the ice being resurfaced before a hockey game or a public skate, there’s a good chance the technology traces back to a machine that once relied on Jeep components to get the job done. And here in Vermont, that’s a piece of winter history we can certainly appreciate. 🏒🚙