Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m.—PLYMOUTH NOTCH—The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site hosts the fourth annual Plymouth Notch Antique Apple Fest on Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate the harvest season by paying homage to the apple. Visit the heirloom apple orchard, sample vintage apple varieties and test peeling apples skills with an antique kitchen implement.
The day begins at 10 a.m. with the inaugural Coolidge 5K race – a professionally timed, mixed terrain course of road and grass. Walkers are welcome to participate in the one-mile “I Do Not Choose to Run,” honoring Coolidge’s famous statement that he would not seek re-election for president in 1928. To register, visit coolidgefoundation.org.
At 1:30 p.m., Anne Collins, author of the acclaimed “Vintage Pies,” will recount stories of old recipes, sharing samples of her favorites. A resident of Cornwall, Collins has degrees in engineering, but her true love is pie, and she has been collecting recipes and baking pies since childhood.
A variety of activities are scheduled throughout the day including wagon rides, sheep shearing, cheese sampling and self-guided tours at the Plymouth Cheese Factory. Homestyle cooking will be offered throughout the day by the Wilder House Café. Learn about antique water pump logs from members of the Northfield Historical Society.
Discover the fascinating and historic world of medicinal plants with Northern Naturals and Gardens. View the work of Vermont artisans and enjoy old-time music by fiddler Adam Boyce. Kids can participate in period games on the Aldrich House lawn and visit the one-room schoolhouse for an apple treasure hunt and hands-on history activities sponsored by the Coolidge Foundation.
The Antique Apple Fest is a great opportunity to explore Plymouth Notch, considered one of the best-preserved presidential sites in the country. Twelve buildings are open to tour. At the Coolidge Museum & Education Center, view the temporary exhibit, “Presidential Holiday: The Coolidge Summer Retreats, 1924-1928,” which examines the idyllic settings and historic events associated with President Coolidge’s five summer White House locations. Also investigate the nationally award-winning permanent exhibition, “More Than Two Words: The Life and Legacy of Calvin Coolidge.”
The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is operated by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, which is part of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. The site is open daily through Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., located at 3780 VT-100A, Plymouth Notch. For further information, call 802-672-3773 or visit historicsites.vermont.gov.
