1849 – Melodeon Factory established in East Poultney
In the spring of 1849, the firm of Ross & West established a Melodeon Factory in East Poultney. Paul M. Ross and Elijah West chose for their new business a brick building formerly used as a blacksmith’s shop. At first they produced only the casework and bellows, having purchased the reed and keyboard actions from Carhart & Needham of New York. They were so successful that soon orders outpaced production.
The Poultney Historical Society is hosting a “History Buff Trivia Event” and we invite you to join us on January 10, 2026. The contest will start at 12:30pm at the Poultney Pub, doors at noon. Come out and prove your knowledge of Vermont History and Culture. Tables/Teams will be 2-4 participants. Cash award and other […]
Vermont Firsts and Other Claims to Fame Lecture The Poultney Historical Society is pleased to host a lecture with Dick Smith the author of the book “Vermont Firsts and Other Claims to Fame”. This lecture explores various historical “firsts” and notable achievements associated with Vermont. The talk will be held at the Poultney Public Library on Saturday, September 13 at 1pm. Key themes include: Constitutional […]
Come Celebrate the 90th East Poultney Day! The Poultney Historical Society will host its 90th Annual East Poultney Day celebration on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, from 9am to 3pm. · This year’s theme is America’s 250th Celebration of the Revolutionary War in which both Vermont and Poultney played important roles. Our keynote speaker is historian […]
Vermont Movies? Why? And How? The Poultney Historical Society is pleased to host a Vermont Humanities lecture “Vermont Movies? Why? And How” with presenter Jay Craven at the Poultney Public Library on Saturday, May 3 at 1pm. For five decades Jay Craven has written, produced, and directed character-driven films deeply rooted in Vermont and New England, including five films based on the […]
