Town of Berlin

1 Originating survey not located at this time.

Supplemental Material More Fully describing the Roads

Road B-8 to B-29

Roads B-30 to B-66

Roads B-67 to B-98

Roads B-99 to B119a

Roads B-122 to B-180

Maps

The so-called “ancient road law,” Act 178 of 2006, requires towns to review their road records, locate all existing highways, and have them added to the official town highway map, or watch them become discontinued on July 1, 2015. The goal of the law is to add all town highways and trails to the town highway map, by 2015.^¹

The first critical deadline of this process is February 10, 2010. This is the deadline for the filing of the 2010 Certificate of Highway Mileage. After that date the town may not qualify for changes in the official town highway map, with Class 4 highways and unidentified corridors, without a formal hearing and a professional survey.

There are no unidentified corridors prior to July 1, 2010. This category of highway is created as of that date. An unidentified corridor is a highway that was properly laid out, either by road survey or dedication and acceptance, that does not appear on the town highway map as of that date and are “not otherwise clearly observable by physical evidence of their use as a highway or trail.”^²

There is an advantage in submitting evidence of all highways before February 10, 2010. Making that deadline, and the July 1, 2010 deadline to complete the process of adding the unidentified corridor to the highway map, avoids a more complicated and expensive process later on. Requests to add other, later-filed unidentified corridors to the highway map will require a formal reclassification hearing, and the potential payment of compensation for damages. A formal survey will also then be required, as in all highway reclassification decisions of selectboards.^³

Methodology. Here is the process I used. I assembled all of the records, then photocopied, organized, and plotted them using the simple program called Deedplotter for Windows. I used a 100 rods to the inch scale (although the program insists on substituting “feet” for “rod” in the caption). The official town highway map actually scales to 160 rods per inch, so the working papers show a slightly larger image of the road, but I found with smaller roads I needed the size to seize the pattern and transfer it to the highway map. I went through the surveys and other materials again to ensure that all of the names and monuments were assembled together, and began the laborious process of comparing the drawing to various town maps, including the original lotting plan, the 1858 Wallings map, the 1876 Beers Atlas, the USGS Topo maps, and the various official town highway maps through the years. The present town map was the template on which I will continue to add names and information relating to the existing and other highways.

I stopped at 1962. The changes since that time are another project, but here the target was the early roads, and their status today.

The materials I will leave with the town contain several numbering systems. To avoid confusion, on the last run through I have assigned each road or alteration a distinct number based purely on chronology. Cohos Trail, for instance, is B-1. I earlier numbered other events, such as discontinuances or alterations from open to pent roads, but not in this run. Those appear in the narrative without assigned numbers.

To make this usable, I have added keys to the records, matching town highway number, road name, and the road records relating to them. In many cases, I have no made a firm conclusion about the location of the road. This is appropriate given the lack of precision in many layouts, alterations, or discontinuances. There are obviously some missing records.

Monuments. The Winooski River was called the Onion River by early settlers. The Dog River was known as the South Branch, and the road along it the Branch Road (although the term Branch Road is sometimes used for the Stevens Branch road) or the Dog River Road. Today only that part of the road running from the bottom of the hill on Route 12 around the hill to the Interstate ramp is considered Dog River Road, but the name was originally applied to the entire track of Route 12 to the south as well. Berlin Pond and Pond Brook are monuments in highway history, as are the various town lines. But largely the proof for locating these roads comes from the footprint or the names of the landowners (or petitioners) involved.

The first highway laws. In 1781, the legislature first required highways laid out “by the Compass,” and all highways previously laid out were to be so surveyed within two years, or “shall not be deemed lawful.” Furthermore,

[A]ll Highways that have been laid out within any of the towns of this State, either by the Selectmen, or by a Committee appointed for that Purpose, who have returned a Bill setting forth where such Highway began, and the General Course of such Highway, by such and such Monuments, and through such and such Lands, which are well known by the Inhabitants in the town, and accepted by the Town, and put upon Record in the Town-C1erk’s Office; which Highway hath been cleared out and repaired by the town, and improved as a public Highway for the space of six Months, shall be deemed a lawful Highway. . .^⁴

Up to this point, it is not uncommon to find highway layouts that describe the road running from one settler’s house to another settler’s barn, without any courses or distances. In 1782, the legislature changed that, ordering highways to be “surveyed by Chain and Compass and a Survey thereof made out, entered and recorded in the town Clerk's office of the town where such road lies, ascertaining the Breadth, Course and Distance of such road.” No damages were to be paid for highways laid out over land granted with allowances by the charter, but the land under the highway was to be set over to the owner of the lot in lieu of damages. Three freeholders could petition to have a highway laid out, and if selectmen refused an appeal could be taken to the local Justice of the Peace or a member of the Governor and Council.^⁵ Later the appeal was to the County Court.

The first roads. Before Berlin organized in 1791, there were existing roads running south to north to link up with other roads. One was the Cohos Road (B-1), which ran from the Barre line, along the extension of present-day Jensen Road to Berlin State Highway, across the intersection with Route 62, along Fisher Road, then down Paine Turnpike to the river.

Another was the Brookfield Road (B-2), which ran northerly from the easterly side of Northfield along the hills westerly of Berlin Pond, following the course of the present-day Hill Street Extension, then turning westerly at the Nuisl farm, running down the hill to the Dog River.

Another route ran northerly from Northfield down the Dog River, and met the Brookfield Road near the present Weston’s trailer park, then followed the course of the River Road to the fording place just upriver from the junction with the Dog (B-3).

These roads are shown on the lotting plan prepared by Vermont Surveyor-General James Whitelaw, completed after 1787, when the town was subdivided into lots for the proprietors. There is no record of any formal laying out of these roads.

A fourth road was cut by Jacob Davis, the founder of Montpelier, in 1787, from the Winooski up what is now called Hill Street in Montpelier (but until 1899 part of Berlin), to meet the Cohos Trail at the top of the climb, allowing visitors to Montpelier a short-cut to the river (B-4).^⁶

The first bridge over the Winooski was built after 1788, at the site of ford, just easterly of the confluence of the Dog River. There was a dream of a market road to Burlington, and the lake.^⁷

Town meeting roads. At first the town meeting decided which roads should be created. On October 11, 1791, the town voted to create six new roads. The first began at the Cohos Road at the site of the intersection of present-day Route 62 and the Berlin State Highway (Airport Road) and ran along the lot lines southerly to a cross road running westerly to meet the Brookfield Road, then continued to the Williamstown line. This was East Road (B-5). The airport subsequently required the alteration of this highway, and later the Interstate.

The act of voting to create a highway was not required or sufficient by the early laws of Vermont, but these were important decisions, as they involved the expenditure of tax moneys, the first in the town’s history. The road surveys of these first roads are not within the town records. Let no one question their authenticity.

The second town meeting-created road was the present Paine Turnpike South up the hill to Crosstown Road, which originally crossed the Brookfield Road (Hill Street Extension), continued straight across that road and then joined the present course of Crosstown Road to Rowell Hill Road, to James Sawyer’s, on the South Branch (Dog River). This road is more formally described in a road survey dated November 1794. 1 TMR 31 (B-6). The present road, turning 90° southerly at the intersection and then again westerly, was altered, but the record of the alteration is undated. 1 TMR 31.

The voters next ordered a road from John Taplin’s on the South Branch to the bridge across Onion River, and up the Branch (B-3, above). These roads, including the route of the present day River Road and Route 12, were already established routes. The vote of the town made the town responsible for their maintenance.

Hubbard’s Mill was on what is now called Benjamin Falls. At that October 1791 meeting, the voters approved a road from the Cohos Road to the mill (B-7). The meeting met a week later to approve another new road, connecting East Road with the Brookfield Road. Today this is Comstock and Paine Turnpike, but its easterly end has been rerouted for the airport runway.

On August 19, 1793, the voters turned the responsibility for roads over to the selectmen, to act “as shall then be thought needfull.”

The first surveyed town highways. The records begin in 1794. There are only four surveys before 1800. The first (1794) is described above, the road from the Brookfield Road to the South Branch, over Crosstown Road, and Rowell Hill Road. 1 TMR 31 (B-8).

The second (undated, but likely 1794), called the road to Mr. Stewart’s, but just the first 98 rods of it. 1 TMR 31 (B-9). This is the beginning of Darling Road off Brookfield Road.

The third (1796) extends from the road to the South Branch first listed to the Northfield border, 800 rods, on the route of Chandler Road. 1 TMR 32 (B-10).

The fourth (B-11) (1796) runs from the Brookfield Road, where the first surveyed road began, along the course of the present Crosstown Road and Paine Turnpike, to the Corners, then turns south on the track of the present Scott Hill Road. 1 TMR 32 (B-12). Today, the turn to the South at Berlin Corner goes onto Scott Hill Road, even before it turns easterly to avoid the Interstate, but originally that road ran southerly along the lot lines. The 1796 layout runs 3,168 feet (192 rods) to meet the “road formerly laid out in the South line of the ninth range,” the present Scott Hill Road running westerly from the Barre town line. The airport and the Interstate has caused a change in the alignment of the road.

Simeon Dewey settled on a farm on the Dog River, at the southerly end of Berlin. Selectmen laid out a road that started at his house and ran from the Branch Road westerly and northwesterly along the route of the present West Hill Road, then northerly along the present Chase Road to the Moretown line. Undated, but 1796 likely. 1 TMR 33 (B-13).

In spite of the delegation to the selectmen for road matters in 1793, the town meeting continued to play a role in road creation and discontinuance in subsequent years. In 1795, the town voted to “relinquish a piece of road from John Perley’s southwest corner to the Pond Brook, and further if the Selectmen think best.” There is no parallel Selectmen record of any formal discontinuance, and this is a road whose origin has escaped me this far. There was no statutory authority to discontinue highways until 1813. Prior to that date, the only discontinuance authorized by law was when a highway was altered, allowing the Selectmen to return the former land to its owners. State law immunizes this discontinuance from challenge on grounds of authority. 19 V.S.A. § 717(b).

In 1799, the Paine Turnpike Company (from Brookfield to Onion River) was chartered.^⁸ It cost $10,000 to build, and one commentator stated that “its commencement was looked upon with astonishment.”^⁹ The right-of-way was 60 feet width, the traveled way 18 feet in width.^¹⁰ The route ran along the established public highways of the towns of Berlin, Williamstown, Northfield and Brookfield, with a right-of-way of not less than sixty feet and a traveled portion of eighteen feet. Paine erected three turnpike gates for the collection of tolls, which amounted to five cents for every man with a horse, and on up to thirty-one cents, three mills for a four-wheeled pleasure carriage drawn by two horses.^¹¹ N.B. Not assigned a number.

November 10, 1800 is a day Berlin Selectmen took a host of road actions. They altered the road from Matthew McAllister’s to the bridge. 1 TRM 34 (B-14). Part of what is today Muzzy Road (T.H. 49) was created the same day, in length about half as long as what is shown on the highway map, running from the Branch Road. 1 TRM 46 (B-15). The road to Hubbard’s mills was extended to the Montpelier line, on the route of Paine Turnpike North. 1 TRM 35 (B-16).

Another 2/3 of a mile of Darling Road was added in 1800, continuing the 1794 start of it on the east side of the hill. 1 TMR 35 (B-17). Described as the road leading to Ephraim Smith’s.

The Branch Road was altered in 1800, beginning at Enoch Smith’s house lot and running southwesterly to a point of rocks. 1 TMR 32 (B-18). Enoch lived on the Branch Road, southerly of the present railroad overpass.

Crosstown Road from the junction with the present Rowell Hill down the hill to the bottom of the hill was also laid out that November. 1 TMR 35 (B-19). Next a road was laid beginning at the junction of the Branch Road and the present day Chandler Road, crossing the Dog River, then meeting the new Crosstown Road (actually called the “Cross Road”) and continuing on the east side of the river to the southeast corner of Joel Warren’s land (about .9 of a mile). 1 TMR 36 (B-20). Called “Johnston’s Road.”

In October of 1801, Selectmen completed the road along the easterly side of the Dog River, laid out in 1800, to the Moretown border. 1 TMR 37 (B-21).

A road was run from the Turnpike Road to Major Benjamin’s log house in 1813. 1 TMR 33 (B-22). Note: In 1835 (B-72), the Selectmen altered Major Benjamin’s road. Also in 1813 a road was laid from Joseph Bidwell’s road due north 71 rods, then due west 80 rods, ending at the west line of Barre, four rods north of Lot 1 in the 2^nd and 3^rd ranges. 1 TMR 37 (B-23). May be Vine Street extending easterly to Barre.

In 1805, the selectmen ran a road from Ephraim Smith’s house northerly to meet the road running along the Onion River, making it part of present day Crosier Road on the south, Widow Moses Road and Bartlett Road on the north (T.H. 9 and T.H. 10). 1 TMR 33 (B-24). N.B. Much of this road and its extensions were discontinued.^¹² That same year the Selectmen ran a road from the Onion River Bridge to the old road. 1 TMR 34 (B-25). The old road must be the River Road. This is now part of Montpelier.

There are no road records for the next seven years, but in 1812 the Winooski Turnpike was run pursuant to an act of the legislature, along the southerly side of the river from the Moretown line to the west end of the bridge where the road crosses the same from Middlesex. This road is now Junction Road. 1 TMR 38 (B-26) (T.H. 7). It is four rods wide. The site of the bridge would then be where Three Mile Bridge crosses the Winooski.

In 1812, the town voted to discontinue three highways, including the road from Stephen Parsons to the Stevens Branch (?), the road from Joel Warren’s to the Branch Road (Dog River) near Jonathan Cady’s (B-20?), and the road from widow McAllister’s to where Jonathan Miller lately lived (B-14?). The town also directed the Selectmen to reopen the road from Jacob Cummins to Onion River (?).

A new road was run in 1812 from the westerly corner of Bosworth’s shop to the road near the bridge. 1 TMR 38 (B-27) (T.H. 44). This is what is known as Bosworth Road. It ran 775’, but was cut off by the Interstate ramp (Vt. 62). At the same time a road was run from the northerly side of Bosworth’s mill to the road leading to the meeting house. This is today’s Shed Road, at least until it turns to the town office. 1 TMR 38 (B-28). A small 12 rod long road then was laid from the road near Bosworth’s shop to the west corner of the mill. 1 TMR 38 (B-29).

Five roads were laid out on June 22, 1813. There was the road from Calvin Cady’s westerly to the Branch Road, running about 0.265 miles. This might be T.H. 17, maybe. Three rods wide. 1 TMR 39 (B-30). The road from G. Harwell’s house, running southerly through lands of John Hillins, S. Titcomb, and ending at the road near R. Morganridge’s house was also created, in length 1.73 miles. 1 TMR 39 (B-31). A road 41 rods in length was laid running from the east side of Paine’s Turnpike on the south side of Lemuel Stickney’s barnyard easterly to Isaac Stickey’s house. 1 TMR 39 (B-32). The road from the Branch Road 30 rods south of Ezra Churchill’s house, through lands of Abner Fowler, ran westerly and then northerly, ending at the west line of Claude Perry’s land. 1 TMR 40 (B-33). No idea: could it be a recreation of B-24 (Crosier/Widow Moses?)

The same day Selectmen laid out a road beginning on the northeast corner of Clark Parson’s land, running easterly, then northerly to the road by A. Fowler’s. 1 TMR 40 (B-34). Parson’s name is mentioned in B-31. Note: part later discontinued (see III: 159).

In 1814, the town voted to discontinue the road from “Timothy Baxter’s to the Coos Road near Aaron Strong’s.” Nye, 53.

A road was laid to run from Samuel Hubbard’s to Aaron Strong’s on June 7, 1814, beginning in the old road nearly opposite the Hubbard sawmill, running southerly to the road leading from Strong’s to Stephen Parson’s. 1 TMR 40 (B-35). This may be T.H. 43, which once connected the Brookfield Road to the village between Grearsons’ and Willards’, running along the easterly side of Pond Brook. The Interstate forced a realignment. On the same day the board laid out a 35 rod-long road beginning near the west end of the bridge over Pond Brook east of Jer. Culver’s running northerly to the Paine Turnpike. 1 TMR 40 (B-36).

In November of 1815, Selectmen laid out a bridle road from Daniel Taylor, Jr. to Simeon Wills, beginning at the road near the west side of Taylor’s house, running southerly to the west end of Wills’ house a distance of 279 rods or 0.87 miles. 1 TMR 41 (B-37).

It was July 7, 1817 when a road from the Stevens’ Branch northerly to the Onion River was first laid, three rods wide, a distance of 0.9 miles (289 rods). 1 TMR 41 (B-38). Started at a point 10 rods north of Capt. Jonathan Dyer’s house. May be an early Route 302?

The following year, on March 30, 1818, a road was established running from the east line of Lot 3 in the 15^th range easterly to the Turnpike Road a distance of 136 rods (0.425 miles). 1 TMR 90 (B-39). This is T.H. 65, Belknap Road, which then was not prevented from continuing to East road by the Interstate.

The Branch Road was altered in September of 1818, beginning four rods south of the line between the 16^th and 17^th ranges, running northerly 242 rods (0.7 miles), to the old road near Ezra Chandler’s, the old road then discontinued and set over to the landowners in lieu of damages. 1 TMR 90 (B-40).

In 1818, the town voted to discontinue the road from Daniel Thompson’s to the Onion River. Nye, 53. This is part of Montpelier today, and is located on land of Cody Chevrolet.

In 1819, voters approved discontinuing the road leading from Jeremiah Bradford’s to Jonathan Shepard’s house on Onion River. Nye, 54.

The road running from the schoolhouse near Russell Strong to Mrs. Green’s was laid out on October 18, 1819. 1 TMR 91 (B-41). It began on the bank of the river where the bridge formerly stood and ran northerly a distance of 174 rods in length. Note: discontinued in 1837 (see below).

In 1820, voters instructed the Selectmen not to grant Richard Bayley, Jr.’s request for a new road and bridge near Jonas Goodnow’s property. Nye, 54.

Elijah Paine was in financial trouble by 1820 and the legislature returned the Turnpike to the towns, including Berlin, as public highways.^¹³

A road from Joel Coburn’s was run in September of 1820, 133 rods in length, crossing the brook at the north line of Coburn’s lot and then southeasterly to the northwest corner of Winter’s lot. 1 TMR 91 (B-42). Coburn is mentioned in B-49 and B-53.

On September 9, 1820, Selectmen laid out a road beginning 1 rod south of Jeremiah Bradford’s line, then heading southeasterly 68 rods to the road leading to Montpelier. 1 TMR 92 (B-43). Bradford is mentioned in B-62 and B-66.

The first of the roads laid out by the County Court was established by order dated September 18, 1820, following the filing of a petition by landowners displeased with the town’s refusal to lay out the road. 1 TMR 92 (B-44). It ran from the west side of the road north of Jonas Goodnow’s new house northwesterly across the Onion River to the road on the north side of the river. This is believed to be part of T.H. 25. Goodnow, also spelled Goodenow and Goodenough, appears in B-54, B-82, and B-106. Note town refusal to grant this road earlier in 1820 (supra).

The road from Major Jones to the Moretown line was laid out in December of 1820. This is the Jones Brook Road, T.H. 10, in length 1.276 miles (compare 1.09 miles on town highway map). Begins at the Moretown line near Alden Clark’s and runs to the south side of the Turnpike Road. 1 TMR 94 (B-45).

The following year, on March 3, 1821, the road by A. Sawyer’s was laid out, beginning on the east side of the road about 20 rods from L. Gurley’s house, 54 rods southwesterly, then easterly 26 rods to the road leading to Barre. 1 TMR 94 (B-46). Gurley lived on T.H. 26 (Vine Street).

In June of that year, Selectmen laid out a road running from the Turnpike opposite to the Cross Road from E. Hubbard’s northwesterly passing Daniel Sprout’s meadow a distance of 149 rods to the Brookfield Road. This is T.H. 63, Mirror Lake Road. 1 TMR 95 (B-47).

Selectmen laid out six roads on June 23, 1823, starting with a road from the Branch Road on the town line near the house of Samuel E. Fisk westerly 70 rods on the town line to the southeast corner of Abel Dutton’s land. 1 TMR 95 (B-48). At the same meeting the board ran a road from Elia Rich’s house northeasterly 42 rods to Joel Coburn’s house. 1 TMR 95 (B-49). Joel Coburn is one of the sources for B-42 and B-53. The road from Mr. Crane’s barn northeasterly 78 rods to the road leading to the Branch arrived the same day. 1 TMR 96 (B-50). Similarly, the road from David Rich’s house southerly to the bridge was laid out at the same time, length 110 rods. 1 TMR 96 (B-51). So with the road that began at the west end of the bridge over the great book near Constant B. Rich’s running westerly to William Buzzell’s, 52 rods in length. 1 TMR 96 (B-52). Finally, the Selectmen ran a 75 rod road from the east corner of Joel Coburn’s house to the Northfield line. 1 TMR 96 (B-53).

On September 23, 1824, a road was run from the Barre line northwesterly along the bank of the river to the road leading to the bridge, also described as a road from Barre to Jonas Goodnow’s. This is Route 2, and T.H. 24 (Gun Club Road). 1 TMR 97 (B-54). Two months later, on December 2, the Selectboard laid out a road to Theodore Strong’s, beginning at the foot of the hill east of the bridge across the brook on the road leading to Elisha Reynolds’ land, on Chester Smith’s land, running southwesterly, then northerly to Strong’s land. 1 TMR 97 (B-55).

A road was run across Pond Brook in 1826, beginning in the center of the road at the west end of Jonathan Bosworth’s shop, 8 rods northeasterly to the road on the north side of the mill. 1 TMR 97 (B-56). The same year the Selectmen created Shurliff’s Road, beginning on the north line of J. Wade’s land on the east side of the road that leads from Z. to L. Gurley’s, 68 rods heading southeasterly, then southerly. 1 TMR 98 (B-57). Gurley is mentioned in B-46, above, as living on Vine Street. The same year the records show Jesse Ross’s road, beginning at the road on the south line of his land and running northerly in an arch to the Moretown line. 1 TMR 98 (B-58). This must be a part, or variant, of T.H. 10, Jones Brook Road. Map shows 1.09 miles; survey shows 169 rods (0.52 miles). There was a road from William Grant’s to Widow Wright’s, beginning at the bars between Grant and Thomas, then easterly on the lot line, running 99 rods southeasterly to the road near Wright. 1 TMR 98 (B-59). There are Grants noted in B-41, B-112, and B-113.

Jonathan Holt’s road was laid out on May 5, 1828. It was a bridle path, a pent road, that began on the bank of the Onion River near J. Holt’s house, then ran southerly 182 rods to Edmund Langdon’s dooryard. 1 TMR 98 (B-60). This may be the Northfield Road in Montpelier at the Main Street bridge. Daniel Pierce Thompson writes that the Red Arch Bridge was first erected in 1826. There had been previous bridges at the site. Thompson, 121. At the same time, the board laid out Nicholas Brown’s road, beginning on the road on the east line of Strong’s land, then northerly past the north end of the causeway near Brown’s house, arching northeasterly and then southeasterly to the road. 1 TMR 98 (B-61). This road was discontinued on April 16, 1840 (note in margin). Strong, see B-35, B-41, and possibly B-55. Samuel Jacobs’ road was also laid out in 1826, beginning at Jacobs’ house, then northeasterly to the bars near John Sillaway’s house, then southeasterly to the road from Levi Colby to Jeremiah Bradford’s. 1 TRM 99 (B-62). N.B. Bradford (B-41, B-43, B-66).

Although surveyed May 3, 1827, Batchelder’s road was only accepted by the town in 1828. It started at the Branch Road near Major Benjamin on the south side of the bridge across Pond Brook, headed northwesterly 163 rods and ended at the Turnpike Road on the south line of Lemuel Stickney’s land. 1 TMR 99 (B-63).

On May 5, 1828, Berlin Selectmen laid out the road from James Currier’s north line, at the East Road, in a straight line 344 rods to the Barre line. 1 TMR 99 (B-64). This is T.H. 4 (Airport Road and Scott Hill Road).

The following year, on May 11, 1829, a road was run from the Northfield line to Richard Andrews. 1 TMR 99 (B-65). The road began in the south line of the highway laid out from Keyes Mill, northeasterly in an arch across the brook to a point two rods east of Richard Andrews’ house. Andrews lived on the present Chandler Road.

A road was set on February 10, 1830 which ran from a point three rods east of the dwelling house of Jeremiah Bradford northerly 261 rods to the center of the old road opposite the house of Isaac Colby. 1 TMR 100 (B-66). Bradford, see B-62 for references. The following day, the Selectmen altered and laid out a new location for E. Reynolds’ road, beginning at the bridge near Reynolds’ house, then northwesterly to the road just surveyed (B-66). 1 TMR 100 (B-67). The old road was set over to Reynolds in lieu of damages.

On August 20, 1830, County Commissioners ruled on the petition of John L. Buck and another of Elijah Smith, Jr. and others, altering the old road and laying out a new route between James Braman’s house, southerly and passing Richard Andrews’ pasture, to the south line of the town and Cox Brook in Northfield, and concluding it was not discontinued as a town road. The Court’s order recited the metes and bounds of the road. 1 TRM 101-112 (B-67). This appears to be an alteration of Chandler Road (T.H. 53), although the orientation of the southerly end juts southwesterly to the Northfield line.

The road from the Barre line to Cyrus Bailey’s was run on May 14, 1831. It started at the line, ran westerly to the top of the hill east of the brook, to the road at the gate about 20 rods south of Cyrus Bailey’s house. 1 TMR 113 (B-69). This may be Route 302’s beginnings, although the hill isn’t right.

Surveyed in November of 1831 and recorded in May of 1832, was a road laid out by the board running on the east side of the Dog River from a point about 40 rods south of the bridge against Russell Strong’s land, then northeasterly, passing the east side of the road leading from the bridge to Philetus Strong’s house, along the south line of S.P. Braman, then crossing the Dog River where it intersects the old road near Osman Dewey’s house. 1 TMR 113 (B-70). Length: 293 rods (0.915 miles). This is Chandler Road again. The description does not describe it as an alteration. Compare with B-10, B-40, B-65, and B-67.

On December 13, 1833, the Selectmen created a road to Osman Dewey’s, beginning on the county road that leads from Montpelier to Northfield about two rods south of where a small brook empties into the Dog River, then southerly to the old mill road that went down to the mill south of Leonard Ellis. 1 TMR 114 (B-71). The old road on Ellis’ land is given up. This reroutes the alteration of Chandler Road made in B-70 by eliminating the jag.

That same day the board laid out Joseph LeClair’s road, which ran southwesterly 72 rods from G.W. Hadlocks’ now dwelling house on the west line of land now owned by Jonathan Ayer. 1 TMR 114 (B-72). There is a “LaClare” shown on the 1858 map at the turn in Chase Road near the Moretown line and a slight jag at the top of the hill that matches this description. May be an alteration of B-13. But see B-86, B-89, B-94, B-107, B-133, and B-146. Jonathan Ayer resided on Crosstown Road near the top of Erhardt Hill on the 1858 map. N.B. Ayres Road is in Riverton, the cross street.

N.B. In 1 TMR 117, there is a note that on June 19, 1834, the Selectmen altered the Road laid out by E. Smith and N. Rich 30 September 1835 by making it a pent road.

A Court Committee laid out Curtis B. Brown’s road on November 27, 1834. 1 TRM 115 (B-73). It began one rod south of a small brook between Joseph Norton and George Hadlock’s dwelling house in the center of the road leading from Hadlock to Josiah Butterfield, moved easterly in a waving motion to Zenas Dewey’s land. Length: 463 rods (1.48 miles). This is Chase Road and the now-discontinued link to Muzzy Road. Must be an alteration. Hadlock at B-72.

Seth Braman’s road was laid out 10 rods in length running from the east end of the bridge over the Dog River southerly to the corner of Fisk’s land in 1834. 1 TMR 117 (B-74). There are Bramans on the Branch Road at the location of the present Chase Road. That road was not laid out in 1858.

The road to Nathaniel Fisk’s was altered on June 6, 1834 from the bridge southerly to the old road south of a second bridge, 58 rods in length. 1 TMR 117 (B-75).

On July 4, 1835, Selectmen altered the road on Major Benjamin’s land, beginning on the west side of the Branch Road 20 rods north of Pond Brook bridge on the easterly side of Branch Road, northwesterly 38 rods to the old road at the bend below the brickyard. 1 TMR 200 (B-76). See B-22, B-63. Josiah Benjamin lived at the bottom of the hill, on the present Route 302, near the present Cody Chevrolet, State Maintenance Buildings, and Friendly’s. This use of “Branch Road” makes the description hard to follow, as its previous use has been to denote the Dog River Road. It here refers to Stevens Branch. This is a relocation of Hospital Hill Road.

The records show that on February 6, 1836, Selectmen discontinued the highway from near the house of Joseph W. Thompson to Daniel Thompson’s house across Stevens Branch, the cause being not wanted by the public good. 1 TMR 200.

The Selectmen altered the road from Nathaniel Fisk’s on June 13, 1836. beginning six rods south of the brook near Fisk’s house, moving southeasterly 83 rods to the north/south road near Daniel Chandler’s house. 1 TMR 201 (B-77). Daniel Chandler lived on the present Chandler Road. The laid out road traveled northerly of his house and is not shown on the 1858 map of Berlin.

On June 27, 1836, the road to Williamstown by Jesse House’s farm was set. It ran northeasterly a distance of 442 rods (1.38 miles). 1 TMR 201 (B-78). This appears to be East Road (B-5, B-39). Perhaps an alteration?

The County ordered the creation of a road from the Onion River southerly, then southeasterly to Jonas Goodenow’s mill, and then on to the Barre line on February 20, 1837. 1 TRM 202 (B-79). Begins near the bridge between Fred Marsh and Jonas Goodenow, crossing the river on the east bank through a part of Berlin and Barre, to unite at the farm of John Putnam with the present road. Alteration of present road Route 2 from Plainfield to Montpelier. One mile, 75 rods in Berlin.

In 1838, Selectmen discontinued the road from the schoolhouse to where it intersects the road on the east side of the Branch, “which was surveyed May 7, 1838.” 1 TMR 91 (B-40).

On March 18, 1839, Selectmen ran a road from Samuel Pratt’s to the northwest corner of George C. Moore’ land. 1 TRM 204 (B-80). It started at a Pratt’s woodshed, then ran northeasterly 257 rods (0.8 miles) passing the east bank of Pond Brook to the road near Widow Sherman’s house.

April 22, 1839, the County Court ordered alterations to the Dog River Road, starting at the old road near Shepard’s house, southerly crossing the river near Lealand then along the old road past S.D. Braman’s and E. D. Harvey’s land, and Daniel Chandler’s land, turning at the end to the Northfield border. Another Chandler Road alteration. 1 TMR 205 (B-81). Length: 2.93 miles.

The Court Committee ordered another alteration on May 9, 1840. 1 TMR 210 (B-82). This started at Meetinghouse Common (top of Turner Hill where Crosstown meets Hill Street Extension), took the traveler 21 rods southerly on the Brookfield Road (now Crosstown), then made a hard right linking up with the bars near Joseph Warren’s woodshed.

A road from Joseph LeClair’s to Arnold Darling’s was laid out on March 16, 1841. 1 TMR 212 (B-83) This road began on the road south of LeClair’s land two rods east of the house and ran to the old road from Calvin Warner’s to Moretown eight rods east of Darling’s house, 319 rods (0.99 miles) in length. A.J. Darling lived at the first turn on Darling Road, at its southerly end. This road, if it left from that point, would have led to Crosstown Road.

Landowners petitioned the selectmen to lay out an alteration of the new road from Pond Brook to Joel Warren’s on December 1, 1841. 1 TMR 213 (B-84). Selectmen agreed. It ran from Warren’s house southeasterly past Truman Taylor’s line, the second stone bridge across the road, the line between Pratt and Hiram Taylors’ and J. and J.Z. Perley’s house to Pond Brook road, a total of 341 rods (1.06 miles). The old road was discontinued from Warren’s to the pound in Berlin. See B-20, B-87.

A second petition was honored, dated one week earlier. This was a road that began on the road east of the Dog River 17 rods south of Jonathan Lane’s woodshed at a pass through a ledge sufficient for a road, ran southeasterly 150 rods past the south end of Daniel Snow’s woodshed to Snow’s gate, east of his house. 1 TMR 215 (B-85). A pent road.

It was February 26, 1842 when Berlin Selectmen honored another petition by laying out a pent road over the present Chase Road from Route 12 to its intersection with the “hill road leading to William Parkman’s,” the main road from the Branch to West Hill Road. Oramel Braman lived at the junction with the Branch Road. The road was 0.48 miles in length (154 rods). 1 TMR 216 (B-86).

The following year, on June 3, 1843, Selectmen laid out a 96-rod long road, altering an existing road, beginning on Chester Nye’s land at the foot of the steepest hill in the center of the old road, northeasterly to the center of the old road at the top of the hill. 1 TMR 217 (B-87). This is described as a road to John Darling’s. C.B. Nye lived on the former Paine Turnpike, just northerly of the present Mirror Lake Road. Perhaps this is T.H. 65. The old road was set over to Nye.

The Selectmen were petitioned, and persuaded, to lay out a road from the main road between Montpelier and Barre northerly 14 rods to the center of J.T. Miller’s dwelling house, on March 7, 1844. 1 TMR 218 (B-88). This road, two rods wide, is possibly T.H. 29 (Midway Avenue), by length only, as the town highway map lists it as 0.09 miles. Fourteen rods is 0.44 miles.

The road on the brook from Calvin Warren to Dog River Road was altered on June 7, 1845. It ran 92 rods, traveling westerly, from the road leading from Dog River near Zenas Dewey’s house to Calvin Warren’s house and ending at the now-traveled road, two rods wide. 2 TMR 6 (B-89). Zenas lived on the Branch Road (Route 12). Warren likely lived at the end of the present Muzzy Road.

A week later, Selectmen altered the road from John Ayer to Hale’s house. The distance was 70 rods. The road began on the old road near Hale’s house, ran northeasterly to the road from from Ayer’s to Samuel Wright’s farm, and was two rods wide. The old road was discontinued from the south side of Hale’s house until it strikes the cross road leading from J. Ayer’s to Mr. Smith’s to Moretown. 2 TMR 7 (B-90). A J. Ayer lived on today’s Crosstown Road. The June 15, 1845 alteration is Rowell Hill Road. See B-8.

A road near Samuel Butterfield’s was established on September 5, 1845. 2 TMR 8 (B-91). The road, two rods wide, began at the Moretown line at the gate below Samuel Butterfield’s house, ran 72 rods (0.225 miles) to Joseph LeClair’s house. This begins on Chase Road after it turns northerly at the top of the hill and runs straight ahead to the Moretown line. This is Legal Trail 2 on the town highway map.

Orson Clark and others petitioned the selectmen to lay out a road for the accommodation of Josiah Butterfield on September 9, 1846. 2 TMR 9 (B-92). It began at a small bridge at the main road leading from Simeon R. Hales southerly to Samuel Wright’s, and traveled 32 rods in a westerly direction to the Moretown line.

On April 4, 1846, Selectmen “discontinued” (but actually converted to a pent road) the road from John H. Kimball to L.L. Davis. 2 TMR 10. Daniel Snow was among the petitioners. The road remained in place.

L.L. Davis lived on one end of the September 5, 1846 highway that ran from his woodshed, two rods wide, and ran 391 rods (1.22 miles) easterly, then northerly and southeasterly to the Dog River Road four to six rods east of the Lane Bridge. 2 TMR 11 (B-93). The Lane Bridge must be the Dog River bridge in Riverton, then called Lanesville. Neither shape nor link shows what road this is.

It was June 22, 1846 when the Selectmen laid out a road from the Arch Bridge to Mrs. Bulkey’s house, running southerly 128 rods (0.4 miles). This is Northfield Street, now in Montpelier. 2 TMR 20 (B-94).

Harvey Johnston, Cyrus Johnston, and others petitioned to discontinue that part of the road leading east from the North line of the farm sold by A. Brown to J. P. Miller, near the house, the northwest corner of the house now occupied by Fred Stebbins, and Selectmen agreed on June 2, 1847.

On April 24, 1857, petitioners triggered the Selectmen’s laying out of a road running from the Barre Road to the Wade place, beginning in the center of the causeway across a small brook on the south side of the road leading from Asa Dodge’s to Barre flat on Hills’ land, then north and easterly 66 rods to the center of the now traveled road leading from river road to Gurley’s house. 2 TMR 31 (B-95). Gurley lived on Vine Street. Find Wade.

Answering another petition, Selectmen laid out a road from near to H. House’s, continuing the road which runs east from the meeting house at the head of the pond from the place where said road intersects with the road on the top of the hill, so as to have the road continue through or near the line of H. Covell and Halsey House, until it comes to the road between the dwellings of said Covell and House. 2 TMR 32 (B-96). The 1858 Walling’s map shows a parallel set of roads in an area now completely taken out by I-89. extending the present T.H. 65 (Belknap Road).

A.L. Baldwin, Joseph Chandler, and Russell Strong petitioned the town to discontinue a certain piece of road commencing at Daniel Chandler’s old dwelling place running north and intersecting with the road that runs from the Dog River by Mrs. Darling’s house. 2 TMR 35. Selectmen granted the discontinuance on March 3, 1848. Daniel lived on Chandler Road, according to the 1858 map, likely Daniel Chandler, Jr. Unclear what is happening here.

Selectmen laid out another road from the Moretown line running 36 rods. 2 TMR 39 (B-97). Begins at the Moretown line easterly from the southeast corner of J. Butterfield’s house, two rods wide, running to the west side of the road leading from John Ayres to S. Wright’s house. This too looks like the extension of Chase Road, but this would make at least three surveys for the same road. See B-91, B-92. Butterfield is at B-73, B-91, and B-92. John Ayres is at B-72. B-90 not the same.

A pent road near L.C. Fowler’s was laid out on June 24, 1848. 2 TMR 40 (B-98). It started on the west side of the road leading from Joseph Chandler’s to A. Cressy’s house, two rods westerly of Cressy’s house, ran northerly and easterly to the range of the north side of L.C. Fowler’s dwelling house. It was 51 rods in length. There was a Jacob Fowler on the River Road near Route 12 (T.H. 51) and there were Chandlers at the south end of Chandler Road. But this starts on the westerly side of the road and runs northerly.

Note: These are the years where the railroad is being constructed through Berlin along the Dog River. Consequently, some roads were likely altered to accommodate the track.

On May 11, 1849, the Selectmen signed an agreement, after being petitioned, to lay out a road if petitioners would build it (with the town paying the petitioners’ attorney’s fees) and for the land crossed. Petitioners were Hiram Taylor, Rowland Taylor, and Abel K. Warren. 2 TMR 49 (B-99). Town paid for the cattle pass six feet high and six feet wide across the road to the spring. The road had to be ready by the first day of sleighing. It started on the east line of lot __ (not given in the description) in __ division 32 rods southerly of the northeast corner of said lot, and being in the center of the road leading from Oliver Dewey’s to Samuel Pratt’s, southeasterly paying Hiram Taylor’s garden fence and A.K. Warren’s easterly line to the center of the road from Warren’s to the Four Corners in Berlin, a distance of 111 rods (0.35 miles). A.K. Warren lived at the end of what is now Crosstown Road (T.H. 40). Oliver Dewey lived on today’s Hill Street Extension. This seems to be a road cutting off the Hill Street Extension to Crosstown Road just above the turn onto the Paine Turnpike. It would have been cut off by the Interstate.

On March 12, 1849, Selectmen converted the road from Richard Bailey’s to the road leading from Gourdon Gurley to Jonas Goodenow’s from an open to a bridle road, for which they would provide no maintenance, after being petitioned to do so. 2 TRM 55. Two rods wide. This is what is now Legal Trail 8, between the two Class 3 parts of T.H. 25.

A petition to alter the road running onto West Hill, starting at the top of the hill opposite of Asariah Grant’s house and running up the brook that the Saw Mill stand on and then to the road running onto the West Hill in the most feasible place. Selectmen could come to no agreement with the landowners and concluded not to lay the road.

On August 5, 1849, Selectmen responded to a petition and laid out a road from LeClair’s to West Hill Road. 2 TMR 57 (B-100). It started at the center of the road from Lemuel Farrar’s to Hardy Norton’s, near George Hadlock’s house, then ran southerly to the road leading to Joel LeClair’s. Residents of Moretown joined the petition. Joseph LeClair, William Hadlock, and Samuel Wright all received damages. May be the first reported money damages granted in Berlin for roads, other than B-99. LeClair lived at the head of the easterly portion of Chase Road. Samuel Wright lived on the northerly portion of the same road. This road was laid out in 1796 (B-13).

Petitioners persuaded the Selectmen to create a pent road running from Eustace Mahliot’s to the Dog River Road. 2 TMR 63 (B-101). Laid November 6, 1849, it began in the center of the road leading from Jonathan Shepherd’s farm to Langdon Scovell’s, about 11 rods from the north line of Campbell B. Martin’s land, and runs to the top of the bank on the west side of Dog River. Two rods wide, 18 rods long. No idea.

On the same day, the board laid out a 46 rod long road running from Cummin’s house to the turnpike. 2 TMR 64 (B-102). The Selectmen claimed the town owned the right of way; landowners don’t argue. Schuyler Phelps and Joel Langdon were owners of land on the north side, and Horatio Bullock on the south. It began at the northeast corner of Horatio Bullock’s land and in range with the east line of his land upon Kimball Cummin’s land, then near Cummin’s dwelling house [up to this point road is laid two rods wide, then to the end, one rod and nine links]; then to the east side of the road leading from Montpelier to Berlin Center.

On March 16, 1850, the road near Chandler’s mill was altered. It started in the now traveled road from Z. Dewey to Leonard Ellis’s dwelling house, and also the new road from Dewey’s to Joshua Lane’s, southerly to the northerly end of the slide on Leonard Ellis’s land, 23 rods in length. 2 TRM 58 (B-103). Three rods wide except where it runs into the bank for seven rods, at which length it is three and a half. Ellis lived on the present Darling Road just southerly of the intersection with the Branch Road (Route 12).

On May 6, 1850, Selectmen were petitioned to lay out a road to run from the bridge across Dog River to James Scoville’s house. The petitioners wanted either a road to reach the Paine Turnpike near the house of Nahum Rice, or to have a bridge built across Onion River at some suitable place, so John L. Langdon and Willard Holt can be accommodated to the road to Montpelier Village. Arbitrators were brought in to settle the dispute with Willard Holt. Holt owed $20. For land for road bridge. The road as laid began on the road leading from Harvey Allen’s to Cyrus Johnston’s, just one rod and 15 links from the south abutment of the bridge across Dog River near James Scoville’s, then ran northeasterly to the southwest corner of Saville’s dwelling house. 2 TMR 67 (B-104). Total length: 31 rods.

Next, on December 7, 1850, came a petitioned road from Azariah Grant’s westerly to the West Hill Road. 2 TMR 70 (B-105). Beginning in the center of the road leading from Leonard Ellis to the Falls Village in Northfield four links southerly of Walter B. Mill’s land, it ran northwesterly to the now traveled road leading to West Hill, a distance of 55 rods.

Granting the petition of John Kimball for a pent or bridle road from Willis Grant’s house to the road near George Stewart’s house through Joshua Lane’s, and their lands, the Selectmen laid out a road beginning in the road leading from the Dog River Road to D.E. Snow’s house, to west line of land owned by John H. Kimball, to the road leading from John H. Kimball’s to G. M. Stewart’s on Dog River, on May 2, 1851. 2 TMR 76 (B-106). Unspecified width. The road ran southerly a distance of 174 rods (0.54 miles). Suspect this is Darling Road, as R.H. Stewart lived on the easterly end near the Brookfield Road and Kimball lived about midway on the road.

On October 28, 1851, Selectmen laid out a pent road, called the Martin Davis Road. 2 TMR 82 (B-107). The road began in the road leading from Col. Johnston’s to Montpelier Village, southerly of the south corner of Jonathan Woodbury’s dwelling house, then passed northerly of his house to the south end of the bridge crossing Dog River, to the south line of John Woodbury’s land. One rod wide. Winslow Stewart waives claims for damages. 160 rods. Col. Johnson lived on the Dog River Road (Route 12) just southerly of the railroad overpass. But I don’t know where this half mile long road that traveled southeasterly began or ended. Might it be Lord Road?

The road to A. Stebbins was laid out on February 17, 1852. 2 TMR 84 (B-108). It started at Stebbins’ dwelling house, then ran to the range of the south side of Mary O’Brien’s house and to the road leading to Anson Stebbins. It was a pent road, two rods wide. There is an “A. Stibbings” on the Dog River Road (Route 12) just northerly of Chase Brook. The road ran 125 rods (0.39 miles) northwesterly, then southwesterly to the road that formerly linked Muzzy Road and Chase Road where Mary O’Brien lived.

A road near Norman Sawyer’s was created on that same day. 2 TMR 85 (B-109). It began in the center of the road leading from James Hobart’s to the Dog River Road, westerly of the side of Sawyer’s barn, then ran to the center of the road leading from Glenn Warren’s to the Dog River Road. Two rods wide. It ran northeasterly a distance of 64 rods. It started at the present Crosstown Road and Rowell Hill Road and northerly to another road. No idea.

The road on Jonathan Shepherd’s farm was also altered on February 17, 1852. 2 TMR 85 (B-109). The alteration began on the northwesterly side of Dog River from the center of the bridge crossing the river, then striking the center of the now traveled road leading to Elisha Mays. No metes and bounds in record. Shepherd’s farm was at the intersection of the Dog and Winooski Rivers. Presently in Montpelier.

Selectmen discontinued the road near C.C. Bullock’s on November 5, 1852. 2 TMR 85. So much of the old Turnpike Road as lay between the intersection of the new road near the bridge across Pond Brook and the intersection of the two roads near H. A. Bullocks was thrown up. No metes and bounds description in record.

The road near C.C. Bullock’s was altered on November 8, 1852. 2 TMR 89 (B-110). It began at the now traveled road leading from Berlin Center to Montpelier Village on the center of the bridge crossing the Brook below the sawmill near C.F. House dwelling house, then ran northeasterly to a point in the road leading from F. Hovey’s to Montpelier Village about 8 rods south of C.C. Bullock’s dam. Three rods wide. The road ran northeasterly a distance of 91 rods. Bullock lived at the intersection of the Brookfield Road and the present Fisher Road. C.F. House lived next to the present Regional Library, according to the Wallings map.

The road near C. B. Martin’s house was laid out on February 9, 1852. 2 TMR 89 (B-111). It ran from the center of the road leading from Jonathan Shepherd’s farm on Dog River to Northfield on the center of the causeway south of C.B. Martin’s dwelling house, then south easterly to the road leading from Harvey Allen’s to Langdon Scovill’s. Three rods wide. See B-109. The road was 54 rods in length and ran southeasterly. It is likely an alteration of the River Road (Junction Road).

Selectmen laid out a pent road near Daniel Belknap’s on February 9, 1853. 2 TMR 90 (B-112). This road started at the center of the gate upon the westerly line of Rollins’ land, being the end of an open road laid out by I. Colton’s dwelling house, to Belknap’s southerly line to the road leading from Belknap’s dwelling house to Alvin Crain’s. One rod wide. Mrs. Belknap is shown on the Wallings map as residing on the easterly side of East Road just northerly of the Williamstown border. This road’s shape resembles a fish hook, starting with a curve and then straightening out in a northerly direction, ending at Belknap’s.

The road near William Mitchell’s was created on the same day. 2 TMR 91 (B-113). The survey started in the center of the now traveled road leading from Harvey Allen’s to Langdon Scovill’s, just westerly from the northwest corner of William Mitchell’s north shed, then to Jonathan Shepherd’s south line. Three rods wide. Damage paid in the form of setting over the old road (it is discontinued) to Mitchell as award, and the board discontinued so much of the two roads leading from C.B. Martin’s to the road leading from Montpelier to Northfield as lay between said Northfield Road and the foregoing newly surveyed road, when the new road is built and ready for public travel. This road is 222 rods (0.69 miles) in length and runs southerly in a curvaceous fashion. This may be Route 12, moving to allow the railroad easement. Scovills lived on the Dog River Road and Mitchell lived up the road toward Montpelier from Scovill.

Petitioners requested, and the Selectboard responded, and ultimately County Road Commissioners laid out a road near W.W. Weeks on October 10, 1853. 2 TMR 96-98 (B-114). This road ran from near Charles Mead’s house on the road, then 134 rods to the road leading from H. Allen’s to Northfield intersecting 4.5 rods southerly of the southeast corner of W.W. Weeks’ dooryard fence. No width shown. This could be Glinnis Road (T.H. 60). Wallings does not include those names, however.

A petition for discontinuance of the Valley Road between H. Taylor, Geo. S. Pratt, and others triggered a counterpetition—a remonstrance—which led the Selectmen to deny the initial petition. 2 TMR 99. The record shows that Selectmen are of opinion that the Public do not require the Road and they discontinue the same. The board took five months to deliberate on it.

Residents petition to change the road west of Harrison Hayward’s house through I.H. Kimball’s and Harriet Stewart’s land to Harrison Hayward’s house to a pent road. The Selectmen granted the petition. 2 TMR 107. Selectmen told Harriet to keep two gates at her own expense.

The road leading from I. Benjamin to Ira Person’s house was altered on November 15, 1855. 2 TMR 114 (B-114a). This was petitioned. The alteration started near a board fence on the road leading from I. Benjamin’s to E. W. Perrin’s, then ran southwesterly to intersect with the old road near the Brook at the north side of the woods. Damage was paid to Mary Woodbury, life lessee. The road ran southwesterly 70 rods. Benjamin lived on the present Route 302 at the foot of the hill. Mrs. Woodbury lived southeasterly from Benjamin’s.

A road was laid out on November 28, 1855 to Lyman Pollard’s. 2 TMR 120 (B-115). This was a pent road that began two rods from northwest corner of Lyman Pollard’s wood shed, northeasterly, southeasterly, to the public highway a total distance of 223 rods (0.69 miles). William Dewey received damages. William Dewey lived on the farm at the foot of Rowell Hill Road. Beyond that, the footprint does not trigger any location.

Selectmen issued a conditional discontinuance of the road through Joel Shepherd’s land to Cutler lot on May 28, 1856. 2 TMR 117. The board determined that the road leading from the Cutler lot (part of Lot No. 11, in the 2^nd division and 4^th range of lots) to Jed Silloways has become unnecessary as a public road. Ordered discontinued from the south end of the road north and east so far as the northeasterly maple tree near the ledge and Jed Silloway’s pasture bars, “and this discontinuance is on the express condition that if the Town shall be at any future time required to open a Road for the accommodation of actual Settlers that the land of this road shall be free for the Town to open a road upon without charge from the owner or owners whomsoever they may be.” Shepherds accepted the conditions on October 6, 1856. This is T.H. 11 (Bartlett Road).

There was an alteration of the road near I. Benjamin’s on October 3, 1856. 2 TMR 118 (B-116). The change began at the terminus of the road laid in 1855 (B-114), and ran to the road leading from Barre to Montpelier. Two rods wide, 33 rods in length, running northerly. May be a relocation of Benjamin Falls Road.

A week later the Selectmen discontinued the road near I. Benjamin’s. 2 TMR 118. The discontinuance began at the terminus of a road laid out in 1855 near I. Benjamin’s dwelling house and ran to the Stevens Branch Road leading from Montpelier to Barre.

Leonard Ellis, Braman, and Emersons petitioned to have the road from O. Braman’s to the West Hill Road discontinued, by petition dated November 14, 1856. 2 TMR 118. They said “the road is not needed for to accommodate the public.” No action taken by the Selectmen on this.

Selectmen laid out a road near J. LeClair’s on November 11, 1854. 2 TMR 119 (B-117). The road started at an elm tree, no other reference, and ran to the old road 71 rods in a northwesterly direction. It was opened as a pent road for winter travel from November 14 to April 15 yearly. Damages $7.50 for smoothing land and preparing it for winter travel.

The road from Pollard Road to Harvey Johnston, occupied by Ebn’ Martin Hill, was laid out on June 9, 1857. 2 TMR 121 (B-118). This pent road began on the west side of Pollard Road, then ran northwesterly to its end. Gates would be erected between William Dewey and Patrick Murry, then 60 rods to a gate on Murry’s land, and one on the line of Murry and Johnston. The width of the road through lands of Dewey is 20 feet wide, through Patrick Murry two rods. Lawyers’ bills were paid by award of damages. The road ran westerly 89 rods. Dewey lived on the present Route 12 across from the end of the present Rowell Hill Road.

Andrew Cummins’ road was altered February 1, 1858. 2 TMR 122 (B-119). The change began at the bar of Darius Mayham and was 15-20’ in width through nursery of Nahum Rice estate to the division line between Rich Estate and Ebenezer Avery, then to the old road through said Avery’s land.

Selectmen accepted the survey of Michael Lynch Road on May 15, 1858. 2 TMR 122-123 (B-119a). The road started on Cox Brook Road ten feet from Patrick McCarty’s northeast corner, to Lynch’s east line. No damages to Donahue (claimed none). On September 10, 1859, Selectmen opened the former pent road running from Michael Lynch road from Cox Brook to public travel, free of gates and bars. This would be Glinnis Road (T.H. 60).

On December 24, 1858, Selectmen agreed to a petition for a winter road through Jabez Dexter’s. 2 TMR 124 (B-120). The road started 20 rods north of Jabez Dexter’s house, then through Clark Alexander’s land so as to shun the snow drifts or where travel has been heretofore, then to Alexander and Downer’s division line, then 20 or 30 rods to the old road.

Selectmen altered the road from Stewart along the south bank of the Branch to Stewart’s house. 2 TMR 125 (B-121) on February 25, 1859. The alteration began at Stewart’s east line, then ran south of the old road running a westerly course on south bank of Branch intersecting with old road again at R. Stewart’s house. Two rods wide. R.H. Stewart lived at the intersection of the Brookfield Road (T.H. 43) and Darling Road (T.H. 55).

On May 23, 1859, Selectmen laid out Mill Pond Road. 2 TMR 126 (B-122). They were petitioned to open a public highway from the old Winooski Turnpike Road on the south side of the Mill Pond of James R. Langdon to the dwelling house of N.C. Bacon, recently owned by Hubbard Hancock and now the residence of Josiah Lathrop, “believing the public good & convenience requires the said road.” They ordered a new road, to be called the Langdon Mill Pond road, to commence at the old Paine Turnpike where it separates from Onion River, then run from the foot of the hill north of Mrs. Nahum Rice’s on the bank of the river, southeasterly to N.G. Bacon’s west line & George H. Bennett’s east line. 337 ½ rods in all (1.04 miles). Two rods wide, except 2 ½ when it runs along the river, at first. Damages to J. F. Stone, widow Rice, Julius Phelps, Richard Hyde, Luther Cree, George W. Cree, all one cent; George H. Bennett, $10.00. Part pent. Langdon lived on the present Junction Road (Montpelier). Mrs. Rice lived at the bottom of Berlin Street in Montpelier. This must be a part of River Street/Memorial Drive.

Selectmen laid a new road through the land of Julius Phelps, actually converting the winter road laid in May of 1859 (B-120), on October 31, 1859. 2 TMR 131 (B-123).

They laid out a winter road for Dennis Donahue on January 3, 1860. 2 TMR 132 (B-124). It started on the west side of the road leading from Cox Brook road to the house where Donahue now lives about 8 rods north of the bridge, then north and northwesterly in the most feasible place to the east line of Cawley’s land. Open December 1 to April 1 only. Donahue takes $5.00.

They laid a road through Josiah Benjamin’s land on November 11, 1860. 2 TMR 140 (B-125). The trigger was a petition of John Stone and others. The road began on the east side of the survey of the road leading from Montpelier to Barre, northeasterly to center of west end of the bridge that crosses the river to John E. Benjamin’s, then across the bridge to a point 20 feet from the center of the east end of said Bridge which is the terminus of the road. Two rods wide. Benjamin was awarded $160. The road is 40 rods in length, and runs easterly.

On August 28, 1861, Selectmen laid out a road near Abram Ford’s. 2 TMR 141 (B-126). This was a pent road, two rods wide, in Berlin and Moretown, beginning at center of Jones Brook Road near Orion Clark’s north corner of his sawmill in Moretown, then to Berlin line, then to a point near the north corner of Abram Ford’s house. This road ran northerly to the Berlin line off the present Jones Brook Road.

The board altered the road near Pardon Steves and R.S. Humprey’s on December 2, 1861 (B-127). This petitioned road ran from the Dog River road, west through land of R.G. Humphrey and Pardon Stevens and west by John Moses, between the house and barn of Humphrey and Stevens where the new road is now built and where the travel now goes, two rods wide. The old road was discontinued and signed over to Humphrey and Steves. John Moses lived at the corner where the present Crozier Road meets Lennox Road, which are now discontinued town highways, according to the town highway map.

Selectmen established a pent road through Gardner D. Poor’s land on December 1, 1863. 2 TMR 146 (B-128). Two rods wide, 70 rods long, running northwesterly from the old Turnpike road, one rod south of S.K. Bosworth’s south line, then northwest 70 rods to C.F. House’s land. House lived on the present Paine Turnpike near the location of the Regional library. Bosworth had the mill. This road runs southeasterly from House’s house. Could it be Richardson Road (T.H. 20)? Only if north is south.

Selectmen responded to a petition to discontinue the pent road leading from Dog River Road across the river to J.E. Hale’s land east of Thomas B. Fifield’s land on April 12, 1864. 2 TMR 154.

The County Court ordered Berlin Selectmen to accept an alteration of the road along the route of the present Route 2 from East Montpelier and Barre on May 5, 1864. 2 TMR 151, 5/5/1864 (B-130). It ran from the center of the Goodenow bridge at the southerly end on the river route from Montpelier to Plainfield, then proceeded southwesterly in the line of the old road, then southeasterly on land of Jonas Goodenow to the old road, then in the line of the present road 120 rods to the southeast corner of the Mill house, occupied by Mr. Noyes, southeasterly to summit of Mill Ledge hill, bearing toward river from present traveled highway, to line of Barre. In length, 190 rods, running southeasterly. The hill is likely Gun Club Road. Plainfield paid damages, as did Marshfield and Montpelier, to Berlin. And Goodenow too. Berlin was ordered to grade parts of it to 3°. And to finish it by October.

Acting on a petition to discontinue the cross road that leads from Hobb’s place to end of new road laid out this day from Hill’s to the old road near Joseph LeClair’s place and to discontinue the road from Reuben Rowley’s house to the same road, the Selectmen on June 3, 1865 laid a new road from the gate on the road leading to Marlin E. Hill’s to the cross road leading from the Hobbs place to West Hill road. 2 TMR 149 (B-130a). The road was to be 30 feet wide and open, 84 rods long running westerly. The board also threw up the part of the old West Hill road leading from Reuben Rowley’s house to the end of the cross road leading from J. LeClair’s house to near the Hobbs’ house. They allowed Hill to fence up the thrown up road as soon as new road opened. LeClair of course lived at the head of Chase Road. Not sure what this is.

The road from the Turnpike to Bosworth’s was altered on November 7, 1865. 2 TMR 153 (B-131). It began at the center of the old turnpike road one rod south of S.H.O. Bosworth’s south line, then on to C.L. House’s land, through land of Gardiner D. Poor. Pent or bridle road, two rods wide. Poor gets $25. He gates it.

The road records include an agreement between Berlin and Jonathan A. Woodbury, dated June 27, 1866. 2 TMR 171. The two towns agreed that the road now traveled running from Smith’s in Williamstown to J.A. Woodbury’s in Berlin, from Williamstown line northerly to Halsey House’s on Eleazer House’s corner shall be discontinued; the remainder to be a pent road from House’s corner to Woodbury’s northwest corner of garden. It would be three rods wide from the corner of Woodbury’s garden to northerly line of James M. Covill.

The alteration of the road between David Hobart’s and A.K. Warren’s was ordered by the County Court on February 25, 1867. 2 TMR 163 (B-132). The change was petitioned by Moses Howard, and started eight rods from David Hobart’s barn, in the center of the traveled road, the northeasterly to the line of A.K. Warren’s land, to the center of the highway aforesaid. Hobart would make the road, Warren to receive $150.

The County Court ordered the establishment of a road from Braman’s across Anson Stebbins’ land to the road leading from Samuel Wright, Jr.’s on June 1, 1870. 2 TMR 168 (B-133). The board ran the road from near the south corner of Oramel Braman’s house, along line of lands on northerly side of O. Braman’s land and Anson Stebbins’ land, to highway leading from Samuel Wright’s, Jr., 180 rods (0.56 miles) in all. This is Chase Road. See B-73 and B-86.

Sarah Blanchard’s highway was altered on June 24, 1871. 2 TMR 169 (B-134). Petitioners’ request was granted. The change began northeasterly from Sarah Blanchard’s barn and ran to the center of river road, three rods wide. Sarah received $37.50, but had to remove the walls and fences before June 24.

The County Court ordered the establishment of the portion of the Barre-Montpelier road running from the bottom of Hospital Hill to Berlin Street on February 26, 1872. 2 TMR 162 (B-135). It ran from Dudley Clancy’s, to the bridge, to Marvin’s barn, then Bacon’s line, Wells & Scribner’s line, Joel Foster, Jr., Benjamin Phelps, Luther Cree, Rev. Stone, Mrs. Rice, to met Berlin Corner Road three rods from river. Three rods wide, 502 rods (1.57 miles) long. Previously travelers had to cross the Dog River and the Winooski to travel to Montpelier.

A road from Wells & Scribner’s house to center of river and Montpelier line was laid out on February 26, 1872. 2 TMR 163 (B-136). Three rods wide. It ran from the northeast line of the west end of Wells & Scribner’s house, called the “Black Place,” on opposite side of the river, and above H.N. Sabin’s place, to the bank of river and on same course to Montpelier line. This is so close to the Pioneer Street bridge it begs to be defined as such.

On June 17, 1874, they resurveyed a portion of River Street. 2 TRM 160 (B-137). The resurvey began at the junction of the road near the Red Arch Bridge, then ran northeasterly to southeasterly, mentioning the Cob factory, southerly to first house owned by Sarah A. Hude, then to corner of second house, then center of school house road, 10” easterly of the easterly corner of the wooden underpinning of another house owned by said Sarah, and touching the easterly corner of the brick house once owned by Judge Bulkeley, which is westerly boundary of River street or road. Land of A. & F Johan Nott and house of Harmon Moxley’s estate was involved.

Scribner’s road from the Northfield road near the tannery to the hill road near Charles Wade’s appears on the next page of the road records without a date. 2 TMR 161 (B-138). It was to be three rods wide and begin on the easterly side of highway leading from Arch Bridge on the hill to Dog River and next to the north course of L.R. Clark’s house, to north corner of School House, to Hill road, passing northeasterly of Daniel Scribner’s house. Presently in Montpelier.

The road to Ransom Willey’s house was laid out, date unknown. 2 TMR 161 (B-139). It began at the highway leading from Dog River to Onion River by Colby’s, at junction of road leading by the Fewer house, to J. L. Ayre’s land, to Ransom Willey’s land. Pent, two rods wide. It ran northeasterly a distance of 83 rods. This is a spur running northerly off the now-discontinued section of Crozier Road.

The road across Pond Brook was altered on August 10, 1878. 2 TMR 189 (B-140). The road is described as recorded in Book __, page 204 (B-80), leading from C.B. Cary’s Blacksmith Shop across the Pond Brook to the dwelling house of Lorenzo Black adding to the width of the same. Beginning at the southeast corner of Black’s Perley lot, adjoining Sarah D. and George W. Pratt’s land, then westerly on the division line between the sale Perley Lot and Pratt’s land, then southerly parallel with the highway 20 rods, then easterly 8 ¾ feet to the highway. Pratts get $6.95. Small writing in record: “Road cut off by the Interstate.”

Scribner Road or Prospect Street was laid out on November 5, 1879. 2 TMR 194 (B-141). This started on the easterly side of the highway leading from the old Arch Bridge over the hill towards Northfield, between A. & F. Johonnot’s, Turney [Tannery?] and the Salvin R. Clark House, southeasterly passing the north corner of the school house, to southwesterly side of Hill Road, on the northerly corner of Julius Perrin wharfing to building lot on the road and the front wharfing from wall to A.H. Martin’s building lot. Ran 48 rods.

Following receipt of a petition, Selectmen laid out a road past Campbell Mrtin’s house to John Moriarity’s on August 20, 1881. 2 TMR 197 (B-142). From the farm of George C. Shepard to and Campbell Martin’s present dwelling house along the present pent road down to Dog River, then across the river where the bridge now is, and by the present traveled track from bridge to or near John Moriarty’s house to the railroad land. Petitioners say public good and convenience of themselves require the road. Three rods wide. Pent road opening; damages for that paid to Campbell Martin of $30.

Selectmen laid out a pent road near Wheelock’s lumber shed on September 5, 1881. 2 TMR 195 (B-143). The road began at the old road in the range of the southerly side of J.S. Wheelock’s lumber shed, southeasterly to the westerly end of the bridge, southwesterly to point in range of house of J.S. Wheelock. Two rods wide. Includes land of M. L. Reed. It ran 48 rods in an easterly direction.

On October 5, 1882, Selectmen laid out a road near Gilman S. Emerson. 2 TMR 201 (B-144). This road was used as a public road but never formally laid out, and by this act its authority is now remedied. It began at the highway on the dividing line of the northerly side between farms of Hiram Ayers and Gilman Emerson, then proceeded southwesterly, then northwesterly past Emerson’s dwelling house until it intersected with public highway laid out from Emerson’s house to Dog River Road. Three rods wide, 25 rods long.

The County Court ordered the creation of road following a lawsuit between the James Scovill Estate and the Town. The order is dated August 27, 1883. 2 TMR 202 (B-145). The Estate was awarded damages from survey of road from Montpelier to Berlin Corner on old Turnpike. The description mentions the northwest part of house owned by Mrs. C.E. Wing. Scovill Estate to build the highway, Mrs. Wing to receive an award of $60 from the town and $40 from Scovill.

A new road was laid from the Methodist Meeting House on the main road to the house of Clara A. Ayers on August 25, 1883. 2 TMR 205 (B-146). This record includes the laying out of a pass or right of way from the main road to the Hood lot of Charles W. Ayers. In West Berlin.

Next is a survey of a road from Lanesville by H.E. Hills to Moretown line to timberland owned by C.W. Ayers, dated February 9, 1884. 2 TMR 205 (B-147). This started one rod west of Hills’ corn barn northeasterly and ran 32 rods to C.W. Ayers’ south line.

A petitioned, pent road was laid out on June 20, 1888 (B-147a). It led from the road from West Berlin to Berlin Corners to Ayers’, where it intersects with a previous survey of the road. 2 TMR 206. Likely, formerly an open road.

Selectmen refused to honor a petition to discontinue the road from Cox Brook Road near Jerry McCarty’s over the land of Mrs. Ann Kelley to buildings formerly on the Lynch place by record dated June 22, 1888. 2 TMR 215. Kelly and McCarty agreed that if it were, he’d keep the road for her use.

Taplin Street and Blackwell Street were laid out on July 25, 1890. 2 TMR 221 (B-148). These are on the road from Montpelier to Barre, on the southerly side of river near Pioneer Mills, near the westerly line of land owned by the Mechanics’ Building and Construction Company, and to the southerly line of land owned by that company. Forty feet wide. Blackwell Street runs from Taplin Street to Barre/Montpelier Road.

A road was laid out on May 16, 1891 to run from the M.E. Church to the new house of W.E. Merrill. 2 TMR 217 (B-149). The Selectmen responded to a petition for the road, which began on the easterly side of M.E. Church, at the southeast corner, then ran 22 rods, parallel with Gilman S. Emerson’s westerly line. One and a half rods on each side of line of width.

Petitioners requested the Selectmen to lay out a road from Samuel Chandler on Dog River Road to the farm now owned by Charles Seymour. The Selectmen obliged on September 4, 1892. 2 TMR 223 (B-150). This ran from the south end of bridge over Dog River to house of Samuel Chandler, southeasterly to Seymour’s. Damages were paid to Chandler, William Hornbrook, Charles Seymour.

The highway near Brown’s mills was altered on October 8, 1894. 2 TMR 227 (2 TMR 227 (B-151). Petitioned to run on the highway from Montpelier to Northfield through Berlin, starting on south end of Dog River bridge, then southwesterly over land of C.E. Chandler to land of H.H. Heaton and Charles Reed’s estate, then to land of M.L. Reed, then to the road leading to Wilber Brown’s Mills, then to road to Northfield, near Central Vermont Railroad track. Petition to change road as trains frighten horses. On November 5, 1895, the same road was altered. 2 TMR 234 (B-152). Petitioners asked and were granted a change so that the new highway began on the southwesterly side of road from Martin G. Reed’s house to Wilber Brown’s Mills at point on road recently laid out from the Dog River Bridge to said Brown’s, then westerly and southwesterly 39 rods on the same curve of the wall and guards build against Wilbur Brown’s mille pond, to center of highway leading towards Northfield. Three rods wide. By this act the Selectman also laid out a pent road leading from estate of Lydia Sawyer, taking land of B.B. Dewey, and another a pent road from Cornelius Chandler’s residence to said new road leading from bridge to Brown’s Mills, beginning at the easterly side of the railroad crossing, to the road to Chandler’s residence. As these roads already existed, but were now being allowed to be pent, they are not given new numbers.

Petitioners persuaded Selectmen to discontinue the road between Dog River Bridge and intersection of road this day surveyed from Martin Reed’s to Brown’s Mills on November 5, 1895. 2 TMR 235 (B-153). The town retained a strip of right-of-way two rods wide crossing the old road leading to Chandler’s residence across the railroad track which is covered by the survey of the two rod pent road to Chandler’s. The board excepted that portion of the old road that lay between the southwesterly side of road leading from Reed’s to Brown’s Mill to a point 8 rods northerly of north side of road to Brown’s Mills. Ten rods in length.

The earliest road mileage certificate located was for 1899. Berlin reported 73 1/8 miles, not including 10 ¾ more in that part of Berlin now part of Montpelier.

David Boles’ road was laid out on May 1, 1899. 2 TMR 234 (B-154). A.C. Shepard petitioned for the road that ran northeasterly off the Barre/Montpelier road between George Dodges and A.C. Shepard’s. Unable to find any record of the same as a public highway, the Selectmen made a survey, two and a half rods wide. This may be Murray Drive (T.H. 29).

The town resurveyed the highway from Shepard to Dodge as shown by a record also dated May 1, 1899. 2 TMR 255 (B-155). A.C. Shepard asked for it. The track of the Electric R.R. was involved. The alteration began at the center of old road at the Barre town line and ran to the center of the old road at George Dodge’s southeasterly line. Three rods wide.

Petitioners prevailed on Selectmen to lay out a road from the Bailey farm to the land of Thomas Corry on November 22, 1900. 3 TMR 237 (B-156). This road ran from the center of traveled road leading off the East Montpelier road to the Richard Bailey farm on the original Richard Goodenough farm, from a culvert, southwesterly to land of Corry, over land of S.C. Lawrence. Acreage of road calculated for purposes of damages.

Comparing the mileage certificates for 1901 and 1902, the town reported a reduction of 5/8 of a mile, the increase of a quarter mile in 1904. 3 TMR 239.

A road near George H. Elmore’s house on the Barre Road was laid out on June 23, 1904. 3 TRM 242 (B-157). It ran from the Barre/Montpelier road from the southeast corner of Elmore’s land, then 550 feet to the northeasterly corner of lot number 14 per plan of building lots of S.A. Moody, northeasterly. Forty foot wide right-of-way. Fifty-three rods long, running northeasterly.

Road mileage for 1905 was up to 74 miles, after 2/3 of a mile was added to the certificate. 3 TMR 243.

Selectmen ordered the discontinuance of Burk Hill road on January 28, 1902. 3 TMR 245. The discontinuance began at the junction of Burk Hill Road with the road that passes north by C.N. Stewart’s, a distance of 1,650’ from the junction. The same day the road passing C.N. Stewart’s was thrown up from the junction with the new road, continuing 1,500’ along the center line of said old road.

On September 29, 1904, Selectmen refused to discontinue the road leading from C.A. Celley’s to Cole’s land. 3 TRM 248. Petition plus remonstrance equaled no action.

Selectmen approved the petitioned request to lay out a road from W.E. Merrill to old Snow Road, extending Turner Street, on October 10, 1905. 3 TMR 250 (B-158). But the petitioners will need to build it.

A road to Dana Colby’s was laid out on May 7, 1907. 3 TMR 256 (B-159). This was petitioned. A plan appears in the record; George Street and Loris Malnati received damages.

The board denied a petition to lay out a road to the Emerson Hill Farm on September 5, 1908. 3 TMR 251. The petition asked for relief, as, “All the obstructions at the present time is both difficult and dangerous for people. Especially ladies driving horse teams.

Road mileage increased to 74 1/32 miles in 1908, which reflects the length of this road. Road mileage increased to 74 1/3 miles in 1909, although the records do not show the addition of any new roads.

Petitioners demanding “our rights as taxpayers . . . of a free right-of-way according to the laws” were denied when they asked Selectmen to lay out a road by Frechette, Harness, Crozier & Stuart on February 10, 1910. 3 TMR 265.

Selectmen resurveyed the road leading to the house of Lydia Sawyer on June 15, 1910. 3 TMR 270. The resurveyed road started on the southerly corner of Sawyer Estate, then northwesterly along the southern line, across the railroad right-of-way, to the road leading southerly from the Dog River Bridge past Brown’s Mills. Plan on p. 269. Indicates “old highway not thrown up.”

A petition for a road from the Barre/Montpelier Road across Clark Shepard’s land to land owned and occupied by G.W. Cleveland was denied after a remonstrance was filed against it. Selectmen refused to act on December 14, 1910. 3 TMR 270.

On April 23, 1913, Selectmen signed an agreement with I.H. Buck. 3 TMR 283. The parties agreed that the Davis Bros. firm had a right to cross Buck’s land lying between the Old South Branch road and the railroad at the place agreed upon. This agreement was to remain in place until owners of Davis Bros. properly “demand a highway.” It was a pent road, and Buck would get five dollars a year if he maintained it. Town relinquishes “all claims said town has to highways or rights-of-way on the farm of the said Buck that are not now used by the Town.”

In the same vein, Selectmen granted a petition for alteration of road over Celley’s pasture. 3 TMR 285 (B-160). The change began near the top of the hill at a point where the old survey was supposed to have been abandoned and ran in the traveled track as now used, northeasterly into Celley’s pasture, around a ledge in the traveled track, then northwesterly, to the old survey. Five dollars to Celley. So much of old survey not used for travel is discontinued.

But a petition to run a road from J.F. Winslow to Pratt landing was denied on August 25, 1914. 3 TMR 287.

The old road leading from Braman Corner to West Hill up “Mill Hill” was discontinued on January 9, 1915. 3 TMR 289. This was B-133.

On July 19, 1930, Selectmen agreed to a relocation of Route 12, but in the process declared that to their knowledge such highway as now located has been publicly occupied and traveled for about 30 years.

Part of S.A. Highway No. 4 was discontinued on September 15, 1945, from the administration building at the airport, in an easterly direction, to allow the relocation of the runway.

The cross road running from Muzzy Road to Chase Road was discontinued on September 21, 1945. 3 TMR 311.

Road mileage for 1916 was 74 miles; for 1945, 75.279 miles, of which 53.31 miles are town roads; for 1951, a total of 68.143 miles, of which 43.70 are town roads.

The north/south airport road was altered on June 10, 1955 . 3 TMR 314 (B-161). Plans are in the town office.

The legislature converted S.A. highway No. 4 from Route 302 to the airport a state highway on April 15, 1959.

Road mileage for 1961 showed that the extension of Highland Avenue along Circle Avenue added 0.09 miles to the total. The mileage for 1962 showed 65.669 miles in all, 40.92 miles of town roads.

On June 19, 1962, five roads were converted into trails, including (1) one half of T.H. 53, starting ½ mile westerly of junction of town road 53 and town road 54, extending in a generally westerly direction to the western terminus of T.H. 53; (2) all of T.H. 51, approximately 1.5 miles in a northerly and northeasterly direction from State Aid Road 2; (3) all of T.H. 49, approximately 1.05 miles from S.A.R. 1; (4) all of T.H. 48, 0.72 miles from S.A.R. 1; and (5) all of T.H. 46, 0.45 miles from T.H. 30 at the Moretown/Berlin town line.

Road discontinuances, layouts, reclassifications, or alterations after this date are not part of this study.

1 “Adding Ancient Roads to the General Highway Map,” August 12, 2009, Vermont Agency of Transportation, Mapping Unit. http://www.aot.state.vt.us/Planning/Documents/Mapping/Publications/AncientRoadPracticum.pdf.

3 It may be useful to distinguish here between the two types of surveys considered here. A modern survey is a picture of a road or parcel of land. It contains basic information on its sources, and opinions of the surveyor. When Vermont first started, surveyors of towns merely reported their metes and bounds, often including monuments like bar posts, barn corners, trees, or other highways. Rarely is there any drawing involved.

4 “An Act to Settle and Establish All Highways that are Laid Out in this State,” Laws of Vermont 1785-1791, XII State Papers of Vermont XII, ed. John A. Williams (Montpelier: Secretary of State, 1965), 11-12.

8 “An act granting the right of making a turnpike road from Brookfield to Onion River to Elijah Paine, his heirs, and assigns,” (October 28, 1799), XVI State Papers of Vermont 364-367. Two years later, Elijah Paine was give liberty to construct his turnpike through unimproved lands in towns with allowance lands provided for by the original charter of the towns. Wood, 252-253.

11 “An Act Granting the Right of Making a Turnpike Road from Brookfield to Onion River to Elijah Paine, His Heirs and Assigns,” Laws of Vermont 1796-1799, XVI State Papers 364-367 (ed. John A. Williams (Montpelier: Secretary of State, 1968)).

13 Paul Hodge of the Agency of Transportation has compiled copies of all turnpike and toll road charters.