GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT WEST WINDSOR, VERMONT

Although the legal name of the town is West Windsor, it has been known for over 200 years as Brownsville. The area was settled in the mid-1700’s, as the West Parish of Windsor, Vermont. In 1848, by an act of legislature, West Windsor and Windsor became separate towns. At that time, this area was principally agrarian, with a great deal of raising sheep. The hill portions of the town (Sheddsville area) were settled first. The area that is now the center of town was not developed until waterpower was harnessed and mills sprung up by the Mill Brook. The town is small in size, only 15,000 acres. By comparison, most Vermont towns are 25-30,000 acres.

After the Civil War and with the advent of rail service to Boston, Brownsville became a dairy center. About 150 farms produced milk, which was delivered by farmers to the creamery in the center of town, taken to Windsor by wagon, and shipped in refrigerated cars to Boston by rail. It was a very prosperous town at that time. Now, after 100 years, the dairy business is non-existent. Many of the old farms are horse farms, and many of the old fields are maintained for large dairy farms in other communities.

In 2002 there are 739 registered voters in town. The population fluctuates since many houses are second or recreation homes.

SCHOOLS

Originally, the town had seven small grammar schools, which were located in various neighborhoods throughout the town. After World War II, there was a feeling that the schools should be consolidated into one location, although the funds to do this were not voted by the town. Those that were interested contributed their time and money, drafting plans for a central school. In 1950 a gentleman who had grown up in town gave the necessary funds to the town for the school, hence the name, Albert Bridge School. Since that time, the school has had additions, and now teaches kindergarten through sixth grade. There are about 80 children at the school. Seventh grade and beyond are tuitioned out to the students’ choice of nearby schools, including Woodstock, Windsor, vocational schools, and so on. About 75 students are tuitioned out to other schools.

ASCUTNEY MOUNTAIN RESORT AND SKI AREA

In 1947 a group of local outdoorsmen leased land on Mt. Ascutney, cleared an area for two open slopes, put in three rope tows, built a small warming hut and started the ski area. Through a succession of owners, the area now has five chairlifts, snowmaking, 56 trails, a full service hotel, three styles of condominiums, and a health club with indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, racquetball, and nautilus machines and equipment. It is a grand amenity in town where facilities are available to those who wish to use them. The Resort sponsors many special events throughout the year.

OUR OFFICE

This old red building was moved here about 1850 and was operated as a post office and general store with a succession of owners until 1975, when it became an antique shop, and in 1985 it became the office of Bullard Real Estate Inc. There is a rental apartment above the office. The land across the street belongs with the building. There was a blacksmith shop there years ago and in the 1960’s when Route 44 was widened, the land, which was then low, was filled. In addition to looking nice, as we maintain the appearance, it serves as a parking area for town functions such as parades and Bean Suppers.

AREA ATTRACTIONS AND POINTS OF INTEREST
(A partial listing only)

• South Woodstock (8 miles): Green Mountain Horse Association has events from mid-May through autumn for horse lovers. Trail rides and carriage rides run through all of the old gravel roads in Brownsville. Also, Kedron Valley Stables has horses for rent. 
• Woodstock (12 miles): Billings Farm & Museum; Vermont Institute of Natural Science and Raptor Center; Suicide Six (downhill skiing); Woodstock Inn; 18-hole golf course and cross-country skiing at Woodstock Country Club. 
• Windsor (6 miles): Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge; American Precision Museum; Vermont State Craft Center; Constitution House; Ascutney State Park; Windsor Country Club (9-hole golf). 
• Cornish, NH (8 miles): Saint Gaudens National Historic Site; canoe rentals along the Connecticut River. 
• Plainfield, NH (12 miles): Riverview Farms (pick your own berries and vegetables.
• Springfield (14 miles): Wellwood Orchard (pick your own or just buy most fruits and vegetables; Crown Point Country Club (18-hole golf). 
• Weathersfield (7 miles): Wilgus State Park; Stoughton Pond.

ALSO WITHIN ONE HOUR: Skiing at Okemo, Killington, Pico, Bromley, Stratton; Mt. Sunapee (NH) skiing, state beach, boat rentals and rides; Quechee Gorge; Weston Playhouse and New London Playhouse (summer theaters); Hopkins Center and Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH; Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich; lakes at Tyson.