THE “JUNCTION”

A History of Sheldon Junction Vermont

The Junction 1857

Drive with me along Vermont 105 east past Sheldon Springs.  When you arrive at the 40 mile per hour sign you have arrived in present day Sheldon Jct.  Immediately prior to the Fenian sign is the Bergeron Road to the historically significant Bergeron Farm. Almost immediately to your left you see a sign about the “Fenian” raid.  Although a significant historical event, this raid related little to Sheldon and more to the Fenians and the Irish.  Drive a bit farther and Main Street goes to your right with the Brouillette farm on each side of the road.  Have you ever seen the puzzle depicting their barn. No signage pronounces the importance of this Sheldon family in our history.  After the bridge you arrive in what was downtown Sheldon Jct. and see Bourdeau Brothers with several impressive grain and mineral towers.  Although the plot of land speaks of many historical events and businesses, this enterprise followed the previous feed company in the 1970s.  Route 105 immediately intersections with route 78, then the Casino Road and the Sheldon Heights Road.  As you pass by the nearly new “A Better Mini Storage” and “Grizzly Graphics” you leave Sheldon Jct. proper and ask the question “What History”?

 

 

 

As that question continues to elude you read on as we consider:

  • Three covered bridges over the Missisquoi
  • Several attempts to cross the river that failed
  • The mighty Missisquoi as a force shaping history
  • The change in roads and highways affecting development
  • Two high impact railroad and with two passenger stations
  • Almost a third railroad serving Canada via Franklin. Where is the old roadbed?
  • Several renditions of a “feed store” from early in the history to now.
  • More than one creamery including H P Hood stood here.
  • Several hotels servicing travelers and locals
  • No cemetery existed here but there was a post office and a gas station
  • More than one general store served the community over time
  • The Franklin County Agricultural and Mechanical Society’s annual “Sheldon Fair” swelled the population from a handful of residents to many hundred visitors.
  • Nearby “Springs” lead to the development of several hotels with daily buggy rides to the Springs, Sheldon Village, and the famous nearby Missisquoi Springs resort.
  • Entertainment occurred at the hotels as well as at the Sheldon Junction Casino where couples still living today danced the night away..
  • Not to fail to mention the people involved

More may develop as we continue to research Sheldon Junction history.  As we develop this part of our web and post information to our Facebook page feel free to drop by and leave a comment.