Touring The Eastern End Of Sheldon, Vermont
This tour of Sheldon begins iat the intersection of Vermont Routes 78 & 105 and proceeds along the north side of the Missisquoi River to the Enosburg Falls town line. The map below clearly shows 105 traversing North Sheldon, South Franklin and into Enosburg. An alternative route along thte south side of the Missisquoi River proceeds from Shelon village past the Kane Road through East Sheldon and into Enosburg at Duffy Hill Road. That portion of Sheldon history may be explored on our East Sheldon page.
In 1964 Phillip Bergerson built “Country Motel” at the intersection of Rte. 105 & 78.
During the 1960s travel and tourism sponsored economic development to accommodate tourists. Littered along rural highways abandoned motels and diners testify to this era. This one survived by being turned into apartments.
Contunue east on Vermont Rte. 105 and turn into the Casino Road. Nothing remains of the once active and highly popular “Sheldon Fair” ground. This significant era in our history warrants a page of its own and is included within our displays at the Shedon Historical Museum
Dairyland – The Abbey
Proceed east and soon you arrive at the “Abbey” restaurant purchased from Homer Fairbanks by David and Sherry Underwood when “Dairyland” continued as a local hot spot. The Underwood family transformed the business into a highly reputable family restaurant and banquet hall.
An arial view of “Dairyland” with the Missisquoi river in the background and Rte. 105
Homer Fairbanks owned the farm on the north side of the road. As his daughter says he was a “Wheeler and Dealer”. In the early 1950’s on a trip he passed through Jericho, VT and discovered a “Creemee” stand. Upon seeing a business opportunity and a means by which to provide summer employment to his daughter and her high school friends he proceeded to New Hampshire and immediately purchased an ice-cream making machine. Upon returning home he constructed the first “Dairyland” as an ice-cream stand that eventually evolved into a full service restaurant. The current Abbey building incorporated parts of the “Dairyland”.
“Around The Project” published by the Vermont Electric Coop in September 1952 featured an article about Homer and his Dairyland venture. “Around The Project” represents a rare find given to us by Homer’s daughter Jane and is on display at our museum.
On our way to “North Sheldon” on the north side of Rte.105 sits the Philo Marsh House built around 1855. North Sheldon at the intersection of Vermont Rte. 105 & Vermont Rte 120 and the Kane Road developed over time as the halfway point between St Albans and Richford,VT. Click the link above to explore this historic hamlet.