Some readers will remember The Message, a weekly newspaper published by the Johnsons. Joan Johnson had a weekly column, “Riding with JJ.” Joan would travel around the area, visiting different businesses and looking for a subject to write about.
Saturday morning I left Chester heading west on Route 11. It was a beautiful morning for a drive. I honked as I passed Alton Folsom. A few miles further I did the same at Roger Adams.
I took Route 121 off the 11 and headed to Windham. As I approached the top of the mountain, a bear crossed the road in front of me. It wasn’t a big bear, probably less than 200 pounds, but I’m always happy when I see one. I think this is going to be a good day.
My destination was the Windham Cemetery next to the Windham Town Hall. I have been here several times in the past. This morning I wanted to visit Charles Gould and Harry Chapman. There was a young man there cleaning gravestones.
We started talking. No introductions were necessary. I was impressed by his knowledge. He knew about each person buried, where they lived and where they came from. When I asked him if his information was written down, he tapped the side of his head with his finger, indicating that it was above. I can understand that.
From here I drove to Londonderry to visit the Londonderry Village Market. A flyer appears in the Vermont Journal almost every week. I really like this store. It is very clean, the aisles are wide and well stocked. The produce is fresh and there is a huge selection, and the cheese and wine selection has something for almost every taste.
Nate Hartford is the manager of the meat department. Nate is the son of my classmate Herbie Hartford. Some of you will remember Nate from Lisai’s. Another butcher often visits with Nate, Danny and me. A while ago he told us about a beaver pond in Peru.
Tom is often on the floor there. I don’t know what his job description is, but he is very friendly and attentive. We were talking about life once a while ago. I mentioned that I buy antiques when he said, “You’re Ron Patch!”
I can’t think of a comparable store in our area except for Rutland or Claremont.
Next I drove to Weston, a few miles north on Route 100. I parked in front of the Playhouse and walked out onto the Green. The Patch family began their Vermont journey in Weston in the 1800s.
There was no one in the gazebo, so I made myself comfortable. Weston’s gazebo is octagonal and has a very interesting roof design. I sat there for quite a while, remembering the stories Dad used to tell me when I was a boy. There are many old maple trees there that provide plenty of shade.
From here I went to the Mill Museum. As usual Dave Peters was there with his brother and another man whose name I have now forgotten. I went in barefoot as usual. The three men were chatting. I didn’t see an extra chair so I sat down on the old wooden steps and joined in the conversation.
I told them I had a friend (Miss) and I wanted her to see the grist mill in operation. Dave is the miller. “Bring her by on Saturday or Sunday through Columbus Day,” Dave says.
Most readers know that I like old sayings. When you go to the mill, Dave will explain the “rule of thumb” and “stay at the grindstone,” expressions we still use today.
On my way out of Weston, I turned onto Weston-Andover Road. Almost immediately there was an old cemetery on the right. I stopped and paid my respects to my Patch ancestors.
Well, that was my adaptation of “Riding with JJ”
This week’s old saying is a short story. It was 50 years ago when I helped a girl my age move into her first apartment. I think we all remember our first apartment or our first car. She called me that night and was excited about her move, but had one question: “Does the shower curtain go in the tub or over it?”
