HISTORY
3000 BC: Small groups of Native Americans camp in the Intervale to exploit seasonally available resources.
1000-1500 AD: Native settlements in the Intervale grow larger as agriculture provides a more reliable food source.
1450: A charred corncob is the earliest evidence of Abenaki farming at the Intervale.
1609: Samuel de Champlain sees extensive corn fields at the mouths of the major rivers on the east side of the lake. Intervale land was likely under cultivation at that time.
1772: Ethan, Ira, Herman and Zimri Allen form the Onion River Land Company to sell Intervale land.
1787: Ethan Allen builds a homestead in the Intervale.
1861: Central Vermont Railroad lays track in the Intervale.
1900s: Calkins, Arns and LaCasse families operate dairy farms in the Intervale.
1944: A municipal dump opens in the Intervale.
195Os: The McKenzie family operate a pig farm in the Intervale.
1977: The first segment of Route 127 is built through the Intervale.
1983: Will Raap founds Gardener’s Supply Company.
1986: Intervale clean-up includes removing a 350-car illegal junk yard and 980 tires.
1988: Intervale Compost Products starts as a community leaf and yard waste recycling project.
1989: Intervale Community Farm is the first Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Vermont.
1990: The Intervale Center launches a farm incubator program.
2001: Intervale Conservation Nursery is created.
2002: Healthy City youth farm is created.
2004-05: Farms, ventures, new ecological technologies, recreational, and educational opportunities grow in the Intervale.
2005: Paul and Rita Calkins donate 53 acres, fullsite restoration at Intervale Compost Products, and historic restoration of Calkins Farmstead corncrib and farmhouse are completed.
2006: Intervale Center receives funding from a charitable remainder trust established by Tony Perry. The center also partnered with the Vermont Community Foundation to establish an endowment fund, offering new opportunities for planned giving by supporters.
2007: Intervale farmers grew more than one million pounds of food. Healthy City selected as one of only 10 recipients nationwide of the 2007 Harry Chapin Self-Reliance Award, which honors organizations that provide education and other supports necessary to fight domestic hunger and end poverty.
You can learn more about the history of the Intervale from our DVD "The Old Intervale & The New Intervale" available for purchase for $20.
For more information contact Aziza at (802) 660-0440 x106