Watching the Killington community grow

Building our Killington Dream dream lodge, Part 11

We began to build our ski lodge in 1958, the same year the Killington Access Road was built and the mountain opened for its first ski season. Preston Smith who began it all lived at the end of Roaring Brook Road, about a mile past the land Dad bought under 6 feet of snow.

When we arrived, we forded Roaring Brook like pioneers in the olden days. But soon after, a bridge was built. (I preferred the more exciting old fashioned way.)

A few years later a brand new firehouse was constructed beside the bridge. I remember the first Fireman’s Picnic on the Fourth of July, 1964. It was held on the firehouse driveway. We gathered together at picnic tables with pot luck dishes that we shared. Our firemen grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. The celebration was lively and fun. We took a tour of the two story interior and had a chance to catch up with friends. Many of us were building a house. There was much to compare and discuss. We were happy and proud to be part of Killington’s growing community. That was the start of the annual tradition of Killington’s famous Fourth of July cookout to help fund our volunteer fire department. Nearly all of us have been helped in some way by our wonderful firemen and women, often in times of our greatest need.

Courtesy KPAA
A view of Killington Peak  from April 28, which was the last day K-1 was open for the season. 

Walter Gropler, our next-door neighbor, arrived before we did from Connecticut. When he moved full time to Killington, he took photos of skiers up on the mountain. He was also an excellent nature photographer. He and Dad often helped each other solve their construction problems and woes. I loved when Walter joined us for supper. He was as sensitive and kind as could be and was like an uncle to me.

The Wises and Findeisens, other early arrivals, were building their houses and real estate business. I recall visiting with them at a house on the Telefon Trail when they had a 2-year-old.

Across Roaring Brook were Jean and Barry Lete with their daughter Jordan and the next house up was the Ayer’s Clan. A few years later Jane and Charlie Hanley and their family arrived. They built their authentic large log cabin up the road on the “Bear Highway.” Over the years, other neighbors became friends as our Killington community grew.

Mom wrote articles for “The Mountain Times” about building our ski house and local goings-on. Our saga was more entertaining in writing than how living it felt at times. She shared her stories with friends in New Jersey who couldn’t believe what she put up with. I enjoy continuing the tradition Mom started of sharing our Killington experience with you.

Thank you readers for your comments—our former Sarasota neighbor Dick Robbins wrote he learned more about me in my recent column than in all the years living down the street). Mary Ann Glynn (Ann Wallen’s niece) wrote she and her brother attended the Priors’ camp. My niece Jennifer Dye Visscher recalled staying in our lodge at different stages of its construction. Ellen Johnson, a spry 85-year-old, sent a hand written letter about her inspiring life journey. She feels we think alike. Thank you, my readers, for sharing your thoughts. What is your favorite Killington memory? I would love to know.

Marguerite Jill Dye is an artist and writer who divides her time between Killington and Bradenton, Florida. Jilldyestudio@aol.com.