Vermont's 251 Club was suggested first in 1954 in a Vermont Life Magazine article by commentator Arthur Wallace Peach. The 251 Club was introduced to encourage Vermonters to get to know their state. Vermont has 251 towns and the premise of the club is that members visit every one of Vermont's 251 towns and cities.
The 251 Club is still active today. The Club meets twice a year and distributes a newsletter by snail main to club members.
The 251 Club began before the interstate highway system. But even with today's highways, members face challenges. The unorganized Northeast Kingdom Vermont town of Lewis, for example, is tough to find, there are no highways, definitive markers, or people. The town is home to moose, bear, fisher cats, and other Vermont wildlife.
The 251 Club is open to everyone - you do not have to be a Vermont resident to join. The Club operates on the honor system and does not require member to "prove" they have visited every town, but members are encouraged to take photos for documentation and entertainment purposes.
You can join the official Vermont 251 Club for seven dollars a year. The primary benefit of membership is the Wayfarer newsletter. There are also two dinners held each year. For more information call 1-802-229-0253 or e-mail the Club at thevt251club <at> aol.com. The mailing address is: Bill Rockford, 40 Clarendon Ave., Montpelier, VT 05602
To join: Call: 802.229.0253 or e-mail: thevt251club <at> aol.com
Write: Bill Rockford, 40 Clarendon Ave., Montpelier, VT, 05602
- by Richard Rock for Vermont Living Magazine
