Appletree Point Historical Society: August 2011

24.8.11

ORAL HISTORIES OF THE RIVER'S END - ANNUAL MEETING SEPT 25, 2011

Friends, we have amazing news! Rolfe was contacted by the Great Great Great Grand Son of Felix and Martha Powell, Lou Schultze. He lives in Oregon, and he found Rolfe through our website. He has set the record straight about Felix Sr and Jr. Lou is a "Genealogical Detective." Maybe he'll write the chapter on Felix Powell for our history, and present it Annual Meeting next year!

Now, this year! Christine Auer Hebert will be transforming upstairs at the Heineberg Club into a 50's dance hall. The Annual Meeting will be Sunday 3-3:30. Sing-Along and dancing will be led by Christine on piano from 3:30-4:00, when magically the dance floor will become a story-telling circle -- "Oral Histories of the River's End." led by Charlie Auer and Tim Prim. Everyone is encouraged to tell us what they have heard or remember. Spread the word! Bring people who love to sing, or have a story to tell.

Wondering what to wear? Photo, left. Prize for most authentic. Free creemee coupons for everyone who comes in period costume! 50/50 raffle to benefit the Auer Boathouse piano fund.

We'll have the quiz and updated history for members, with new chapters on the Abenaki settlements from Fred Wiseman, transcribed interviews with Keithie Sprague and Julia Smith Northrup, and an architectural study of the historic Eastman homes (now the only authentic work of master architect Louis Sheldon Newton that remains on the Point).

Come for the meeting, stay for the fun -- or skip the meeting and come straight to the sing-along, swing-along, and stay story-telling.

Refreshments -- someone tell us what they served at dances in the 50s? Rum/Coke? Well, we'll have the coke.

50/50 Raffle to benefit the Auer Boathouse Piano Fund.

Decorations are originals that Christine had in storage from the dances at the boathouse.

Fourth of July Quiz

Felix Powell's memorial tablet erected by the DAR in June 1923.

Felix Powel land transfer to James Murdock, 1778

Know all men by these presents that I Felix Powel of Manchester in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont gentleman for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred & ninety pounds lawful money by me recieved have given granted bargined & sold & do by these presents give grant bargin sell convey & conﬁrm unto James Murdock of Saybrook in the County of Newlondon & State of Connecticut one full share or right of land lying in the town of Burlington on Onion River in the State of Vermont which right was granted by gov Wintworth to Samuel Averill as may on the back of the charter of said town appears the pitch is made on a place Comonly called Appletree Point where there about ﬁve acres of land under improvement with a log house upon it & as I have the priviledge granted to me by the propriator of Burlington to lay out the whole right upon that place I do warrant the priviledge to said Murdock the above said granted premises to have and to hold to him the said James Murdock with all the prividileges there to belonging to him and his heirs & assignees to his and their propper beneﬁt & behoof against all claims from or by one or any way from the original grantee by virtue of any act or acts already done or suffered whatsoever in witness where of I have here unto set my hand & seal this 19th of August 1778 signed sealed and delivered in presents of Soloman Soper, Lydia Soper.

Felix Powel

Benington County. Manchester. October 20th 1778 personally appeared Felix Powel signer and sealer of the above instrument and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed before me

Martin Powel Justice of Peace

FELIX POWELL FIRST SETTLER 1773

Felix Powell, a revolutionary war soldier was the first settler in Burlington coming from Dorset in 1773. He cleared land and built a log house on Apple Tree Point. October 22, 1774 he purchased from Samuel Averill of Litchfield, Conn. for thirty pounds a tract of land which consisted, in addition to the village lots, of 103 acre lots occupying the whole of Apple Tree Point and extending nearly to the Winooski River. August 9, 1778 he sold the land to John Murdock of Saybrook, Conn. This deed is the first one recorded that recognized the
authority of Vermont. Tablet erected on Appletree Point by the City of Burlington June 1923.

MEMO: APR. 30, 2010

Overview: The Woodbury-Wick House, constructed c. 1830 and originally the farmhouse associated with over 300 acres of farmland, is listed on the Vermont State Register of Historic Resources. The house now sits on a 1.21 acre parcel, and has been altered from its original appearance, albeit with the assistance of notable Vermont architect Louis B. Newton. Deferred maintenance, vacancy, and owner neglect have resulted in the current state of deterioration and failure. The property has recently changed hands, and the new owner proposes renovations that will revive the structure and reintroduce residency into this former farmhouse and grant estate.

Mary O’Neil, Associate Planner, City of Burlington

Settlement of Burlington

The beautiful city now know as Burlington was, in the earliest days of colonization, part of New France. The king of France, in order to encourage settlement in the wilds of America, granted large tracts of land, or seigniories, to loyal servants. In July 1734 this region was granted to the Sieur de La Perriere, a Captain in the French military. By 1759, this area, along with all the French claims in North America became part of the British empire following the French defeat in the French and Indian War. With peace came increased settlement. On June 7, 1763 Burlington received its charter from the crown.

Felix Powell, First Euro-American Settler in Burlington, Appletree Point, 1773

The first settler in Burlington was Felix Powell in the year 1773. On 22 day of October Mr Powell bought of Samuel Averill a tract of land n Burlington. This land in addition to the village lots consisted of 103 acre lots occupying the whole of Appletree Point, and running nearly to Onion River. Mr. Powell subsequently cleared a portion of the land on the point, and erected a log house. He sold this right August 19, 1778 to James Murdock. source

Another source says that Felix Powell transferred the deed to 154 acres in payment of a debt on March 25, 1777, when he went into the American Army. source

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Appletree Point Historical Society

History of Appletree Point, Burlington's North End

24.8.11

ORAL HISTORIES OF THE RIVER'S END - ANNUAL MEETING SEPT 25, 2011

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