Hurricane Irene Update: Billings Farm & Museum and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
August 31, 2011
Dear Friends,
Our town of Woodstock is located at the junction of a major river (the Ottauquechee) and two significant streams. Consequently, on Sunday, Hurricane Irene's torrential rain caused major flooding and erosion, damaging many roadways, bridges, and streambeds, as well as homes and businesses. Woodstock's village center and many historic buildings, thankfully, remain intact.
Billings Farm also is exceptionally fortunate: our barns and buildings were not flooded and the livestock and museum exhibits remained dry and safe. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP fared similarly: the Billings-Rockefeller Mansion and additional buildings were largely unscathed, but the carriage roads were damaged.
The cropland along the Ottauquechee, however, bore the brunt of the storm's fury and was heavily damaged. Although barely visible from the center of the farm complex, 25 acres of corn and 30 acres of alfalfa were destroyed and the fields heavily eroded and/or washed away. The walking path – usually at peak this time of year – will be closed indefinitely.
There is good news, however. We've enjoyed sunny, dry weather since the storm, somewhat easing the challenge of damage assessment and clean up. Neighbors are joining efforts and pooling resources: the clean up is underway! We credit the Central Vermont Public Service Company for an extraordinary effort restoring electrical service to our area. Woodstock police, fire, and emergency personnel have been equally valiant and their support has been critical.
In mid-July, Billings Farm hosted Woodstock's 250th Anniversary Picnic – certainly a highpoint of the year. Just six weeks later, we're focusing on the aftermath of what many are characterizing as the storm of the century. Both, we believe, attest to the indomitable spirit of Vermonters.
In the days to come, the leaves will be changing and Woodstock – and all of Vermont – will be turning out the welcome mat for our foliage guests. The Billings Farm & Museum and the National Park are looking forward to a very full schedule of autumn events and programs and want to assure you that we will resume our regular operating hours and programs beginning this Friday, September 2nd.
On behalf of everyone at the Billings Farm and National Park, we are grateful for your kind words of concern and support. Although serious, the damage here is physical and in time, the cropland and carriage roads will be restored. Of far greater concern are our fellow Vermonters, across our village and across the state, who are suffering enormous losses, and remain in our thoughts and prayers.
David Donath
President, Woodstock Foundation
