Essex Calendars for 2015

Cover of the Essex Calendar 2015 (Created by Shirley Laforest) — Cover of the Essex Calendar 2015 (Created by Shirley LaForest)

Essex Town Historian Shirley LaForest has produced and printed Essex Calendars for many years. Have you seen the 2015 calendar yet?

I spoke with Shirley to find out more about these calendars and to learn how she chooses the photos that she includes. She told me that both sides of her family have been in the area since 1812/13 which provided her with a foundation of history and connections here. Throughout the years individuals have given or shared many photos with her. Shirley says that she is very fortunate to have such a large collection of Essex photos which gives her plenty of options for her calendars. She already has the images for the 2016 calendar selected!

Essex NY 2015 Calendar

The 2015 calendar is filled with a variety of Essex photos—some dating way back to the early part of the last century and others more recent but still nostalgic. Some of the photos feature various Essex landscapes or landmarks, some are street scenes in Essex, but perhaps the most interesting are the photos featuring people.

The September photograph shows a class standing in front of the Essex High School c. 1946. While I do not know any of these former students today, I do know many of the family names. It’s intriguing to see the resemblance across generations. Other months include old photos of the Fourth of July Essex parade, Essex County Fair, Vermont of Burlington steam ferry, and more!

Which photo will be your favorite?

You can purchase the calendar at Essex Town Hall or the pharmacy in Willsboro, NY. The calendar costs $10.00, and all proceeds will be used to “preserve and publicize the history of the Town of Essex, New York” as is written on the calendar’s last page.

Boquet Octagonal Schoolhouse Calendar

Boquet Schoolhouse drawing by Nicolas Moussallem (Credit: ECHO Pamphlet)

I was surprised to learn that this year Shirley had created two calendars for 2015! The second is a Commemorative Calendar featuring the Boquet Octagonal Schoolhouse.

The Octagonal stone schoolhouse was built in 1826 by Benjamin Gilbert to serve the community that was developing around Rouse’s Mills on the Boquet River. The small, one room school, contains many original features. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. (“Fundraiser to Save Boquet Schoolhouse“)

The calendar includes photos of the schoolhouse and of past teachers and students. The cover of this calendar features artwork from Sid Couchey.

All proceeds from the sale of this Commemorative Calendar will go toward the fundraiser currently being held to restore and repair the roof of the old schoolhouse. Learn more about the “Fundraiser to Save Boquet Schoolhouse.” You can purchase the Octagonal Schoolhouse Calendar at Essex Town Hall for $15.00.

Enjoy useful, interesting calendars celebrating local heritage and support great causes at the same time!

Fundraiser to Save Boquet Schoolhouse (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Harmon Noble Schoolhouse (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Remembering North Country artist, illustrator Sid Couchey (northcountrypublicradio.org)
Old Brick Schoolhouse (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

About Katie Shepard

Passionate about reading and writing stories, Katie Shepard enjoys discovering more about her home while writing and editing for Essex on Lake Champlain. Katie graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2011 where she studied English literature, philosophy, and Asian studies. Her first book Essex, New York Architecture: A Doodler's Field Guide was published in 2015. Connect with her on Facebook or at Linked.in. Or email her at katie [@] essexeditions [dot] com.