History of the Jericho Historical Society

In 1969, the Lucky Shamrock 4-H club obtained a grant from the Reader’s Digest Foundation for the purposes of addressing local history and heritage needs of the community of Jericho. Their first task was to gather material relating to Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley, the ingenious farmer who became the first person to photograph a snowflake or ice crystal.  In 1971, the Jericho Selectboard approved the formation of the Jericho Historical Society (JHS).

Float with Old Red Mill replica on Gary Irish’s 1931 Ford Truck Memorial Day 1984

In the same year the Lucky Shamrock 4-H Club began to raise public awareness of the fate of the Chittenden Mills flour mill ( now referred to as the Old Red Mill). The JHS was then officially formed with Blair Williams as President.

Blair Williams, 1st President of JHS, carrying photo of Snowflake Bentley

In December, 1971, the JHS accepted a $1000.00 option for the purchase of the mill and its water rights as well as the right of first refusal for the accompanying miller’s house and garage.  Much fundraising ensued on the part of the JHS.  In 1973, the Jericho Select Board agreed to purchase the mill, dam site, water right, and four acres of land for $42,000.00. The town agreed to lease the mill to the JHS for $1.00 per year for the next 25 years. The JHS also purchased a craft shop which was in the front of the mill. This craft shop (Old Red Mill Craft Shop) still operates and is a major source of income for the JHS to preserve the mill and operate the Snowflake Bentley exhibit

Circus Fundraiser Organized by Blair Williams

Major renovation occurred in 1974, the town transferred ownership of the mill to the JHS.

Old Red Mill

The JHS continues in its work to provide education about the history of Jericho, to preserve the Old Red Mill, and to maintain and expand the Snowflake Bentley exhibit.