Early settlers knew that water power was a vital element in creating business and industry so important to their farms and towns. Shelburne Falls on the LaPlatte River promised plenty of water power and soon mills were built along the river banks and Shelburne Falls became the first settlement, the commercial and economic center of the area that grew to become the town of Shelburne.
On Monday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m., the Shelburne Historical Society will host a lecture at the Shelburne Town Offices in Rooms 1 and 2. The speaker is Architectural Historian and Preservationist Brian Knight, who for the past year has been researching the early history of the Shelburne Falls neighborhood in preparation of a nomination of the district to the National Register of Historic Places, and will share his findings about the commercial heart of the agricultural life of 19th century Shelburne.
This event is an opportunity for everyone who is curious about the early days of the Shelburne Falls District to learn about the people who came here, the mills and their role in the economy of the town, and the many businesses that were established in the Falls neighborhood.
The lecture is free, but donations are very welcome. Light refreshments included!