This Land is Your Land

Watching Pete Seeger yesterday lead the mobs at the Lincoln Memorial in 'This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land,' I couldn't help but think of all the little places in this vast continent and beyond that are part of this entity called the 'United States of America.' How united we are remains to be seen but for the time being, we call ourselves that.

Maybe, too, No. 44 will come to Vermont unlike 43 who made it a point not to visit this fair state, the only state in the union he did not see... not that I am disappointed. But if Obama comes here, oh my. After all, Vermont was the first state to send in its returns with a resounding victory (I can't remember — 70% or thereabouts — second only to Hawai'i).

As a way of marking the night before the inauguration (only 14 hours left!!!) here are some photos of the small hamlet where Calvin Coolidge grew up and to where he returned even as president.


Coolidge would stay in this house when he'd come back; it is also where he grew up.


Inside the church is a pew with a flag to indicate the President's pew. The interior is all wood and panelled like Gothic vaults. The exterior is typical of many Vermont churches. It is non-denominational (Christian) though could easily pass for a Congregational church.


Beyond the little tea house and 1930s cottages lie the mountains that form the Notch wherein Plymouth is located.


I've always loved this barn that is also part of the historical site. Inside are all manner of farm implements, a summer and winter hearse, mail truck (pulled by horse) — the compartment has a little stove inside.


Up the road some, you'll find sights like this — new snow that clings to the trees and a grey winter sky.



As Coolidge wrote, 'Vermont is a state I love.'