Dimensions of Marble

By TERRY BADMAN Herald Correspondent

If you only knew what was buried in your backyard.

The Vermont-based Dimensions of Marble, an organization aiming to bring the state’s marble history to the masses, will preview the first phase of its three-year plan this week at Rutland’s Friday Night Live.

“We want to tell the story of what marble means to our state now and what it means to Vermont in the future,” DOM Executive Director Megan Smith said.

“(Vermont marble) has been used extensively in every major U.S. city,” said Robert Pye, director of the Vermont Marble Museum in Proctor.

Marble from Vermont quarries has been used in the Washington Monument, the U.S. Supreme Court building and in Arlington National Cemetery.

The original blueprints for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier also rest quietly in a cabinet in the museum offices.

Pye said he once picked a random American city, Cleveland, and tried to count how many buildings in it that contained Vermont marble — he stopped counting at 200.

“We need to get the whole pride thing going,” he said, adding that many locals don’t know that marble mined down the street from their houses was used to create some of the world’s most enduring monuments.

This is what the Dimensions of Marble organization aim to change.

Their “Marble Quest” booth will be set up Friday night on Rutland’s Center Street, offering would-be treasure hunters the opportunity to hunt down the city’s local marble historical points of interest.

Guests are invited to take one of the maps provided at the booth, which offers explicit directions through a walking scavenger hunt tour featuring many of Rutland’s marble buildings.

Friday’s “Marble Quest” provides history buffs only a taste of things to come in the following week, with the DOM officially kicking off its first project highlighting local marble history, The Vermont Marble Trail, on July 25 in Rutland.

The Vermont Marble Trail is a statewide driving tour created to highlight the various uses of marble in Vermont, emphasizing the story of its historical, political, economical and cultural impact on the state.

“I hope people will drive the trail and really get a feel for the whole project,” Smith said.

Events take place July 25-27 and include a plethora of marble-themed activities and exhibits in the following towns across the state:

Rutland City

Friday, July 25

The Chaffee Art Center hosts marble carving demonstrations. Friday Night Live on Center Street and Merchants Row highlights the local marble industry at 6 p.m. Activities include a historic photo exhibit, a city marble walk, marble art, food and music by The Marble City Swing. Rutland Historical Society hosts a display and marble machinery visual and entertainment for the whole family.

Bennington

Saturday, July 26

The Bennington Museum hosts an exhibition of works from its collections related to marble. A tourist itinerary to marble sites in Bennington, including Robert Frost’s grave in the cemetery next to the museum, will be shared with visitors to the area.

Center Rutland

Saturday, July 26

The Rutland Railway Association presents Rutland Railroad Day 2008 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Center Rutland Depot. The event will highlight the relationship between marble and Vermont’s railroads. Scenic rides throughout the day will be offered, running from the Center Rutland Depot to the Castleton Depot.

Manchester

Saturday, July 26

Join a guided tour of the Dellwood Cemetery to visit marble headstones of Civil War Heroes from the Manchester Equinox Guards. The tour begins at 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Lincoln Family Home at Hildene Visitor Center. Vermont-based renowned sculptor Richard Erdman will speak about his art and how nature inspires his work. The free presentation is 1 to 3 p.m.

Proctor

Saturday, July 26

An Ethnic Celebration will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Main Street Park. An ethnic potluck will also run from 4 to 8 p.m. on the Proctor Green. Music and entertainment highlight Proctor’s marble heritage and the people who contributed to it. Locals are encouraged to bring a dish showcasing their ethnic heritage for the potluck dinner. Beverages are provided. The event will be held rain or shine.

Brandon

Saturday, July 26

As you drive the Vermont Marble Trail, visit The Solar Summerfest for hands-on interaction with art, music, visual arts, food and more. The farmers’ market will also be in full swing from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 25.

Dorset

Saturday, July 26

The Dorset Historical Society hosts a celebration from noon to 5 p.m. Activities include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, carriage rides through town, marble carving demonstrations, entertainment by the BareFoot Boys, food by Marie’s Sugarhouse on Wheels and more.

West Rutland

Sunday, July 27

The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center will hold an open house with guided tours. The West Rutland Historical Society will serve refreshments.

For more information, visit www.dimensionsofmarble.com.