One of the neat things about the (almost non-) romantic weekend was visiting the Northshire Bookstore, a charming multi-level bookstore that occupies the former Colburn House.
On the concrete pathway leading up to the side entrance is this pretty neat saying:
There is also an interesting 'homage' to Thomas Jefferson outside of the building:
Colburn House started as a farmhouse and eventually became the first tavern in Factory Point (Vermont) run by Martin Mead. I haven't been able to find much on the history of Factory Point. A search brings up various entries such as the Factory Point cemetery, which we visited, and a New York Times article from May 21, 1863:
Murder at Factory Point, Vt.
Published: May 21, 1863
FACTORY POINT, Vt., Wednesday, May 20.
SAMUEL WILSON, a young man, son of GILMAN WILSON, was stabbed through the heart and in other places to-day. His supposed murderer is under arrest. His name is DAVENPORT. They were both residents of Factory Poin[t].
SAMUEL WILSON, a young man, son of GILMAN WILSON, was stabbed through the heart and in other places to-day. His supposed murderer is under arrest. His name is DAVENPORT. They were both residents of Factory Poin[t].
I am sure there is more to the article but I do not have a subscription to view it.
Colburn House has a bit of history. In 1872 Cyrus Roberts rebuilt it as an inn and restaurant, complete with a dance hall on the third floor. It was a popular gathering place for over a century. In December of 1959 a meeting of businessmen and Vermont lawmakers set in motion the plan for what is now Stratton Mountain Ski Resort.
Northshire Books was started in November of 1976 and relocated to Colburn House in 1985.
Northshire Books was started in November of 1976 and relocated to Colburn House in 1985.
When we walked into the bookstore the first thing we saw was a public phone booth. That may not seem like a big deal for some folks, but I can't remember the last time I've seen one in my neck of the woods.
The second thing we saw was an Espresso Book Machine.
I have heard about these new-fangled machines, but have never seen one in action. It was pretty cool.
These are some of the books that the Espresso Book Machine printed:
The Espresso prints Harper Collins titles, self-published titles, and available Google books titles. I can see the advantages, for example allowing bookstores to carry more titles without the need for shelf space.
Is this the future? We'll see. As for me, I am still a hard-cover girl.
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