Appletree Point Historical Society: October 2013

27.10.13

ANNUAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 29, 2013

History Walk and Talk in Ethan Allen Park

Friday, Nov. 29, 10 to 11:30 AM

Ethan Allen Tower

Gary De Carolis will discuss the various early settlers of the park grounds, formerly a strategic look-out for the Algonquin Nation, plus some interesting tid-bits on the flora and fauna of the grounds. We will climb the Ethan Allen Tower, discuss its creation and see what we can see!!!! From this vantage point, we can see all of the original Appletree Point tract, extending from the Arms Grant to the Winooski River, Intervale to Lake Champlain. Also we will walk the old carriage (and first people's) paths between the tower and the Pinnacle.

Please come and enjoy a morning of exercise for both body and mind. A great way to walk off some that that turkey [mashed potatoes, biscuits, and pie] !!! Dress warm. The tour will take place snow or shine! Appropriate for all ages.

Gary De Carolis and APHS President Tim Prim, and Vice President Sue Prim

*BUSINESS meeting and refreshments after the walk, at Lea and Chuck's home, 22 Appletree Point Lane.

It was a beautiful day for a winter hike. We learned that the trolley was extended out to the park and the city celebrated with local, state, and national officials in attendance.

The substance of Gary's talk will be available in the next publication of the history of the Appletree Point area, now known as Burlington's North End.

We learned much that we did not know. For example, the purchase and philanthropic endeavor to present Ethan Allen Park as a gift to the people of Burlington was a very big project. A private citizen donated the land and groomed the carriage paths. There was significant public investment, too. The city trolley line was extended to the park, connecting the urban core to their nature park. Today the commemorative sign is tattered and faded, and there is no signage telling people how to get up to the tower. Well maintained stony paths, and a pebbled carriage road, ascend Table Rock, upon which the tower was built. Throughout history, the tower and pinnacle sites were significant look outs for game and visitors.

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

27.10.13

ANNUAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 29, 2013

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