Why just the other day Woodstock Early Bird was chatting with Francine Franich from Michigan about her Grandma’s car that she drives and how she likes to take nice care of it. Well, Francine – who first came to Woodstock as a Student Conservation Association ranger at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park – was off visiting her family back in Michigan last weekend. Flew home. Didn’t drive. Left her car in the driveway back by the brook that runs parallel to Billings Farm and the offices of the Woodstock Foundation.
Huh. Irene comes along and well, here we have the car. Flooded over, stuck and not usable. Maybe the Town of Woodstock will tow it away for free this time! (Francine, who doesn’t have a lot of cash, was welcomed to Woodstock this past winter with a car tow from the Mechanic Street overnight parking lot when she parked there during a blizzard).
Anyhoo. We all have stories about our “rides.” Early Birds feel badly for Miss Francine. Sad way for Grandma’s car to go. May she rest in peace. The car.
Another tale:
A certain elegant lady from River Street realized her home was in danger. This woman is an old school “Grande Dame” with antiques and heirlooms and family jewels. Oh yes, the family jewels. As she realized the River was Arisin’ she got in her car, which was promptly lifted up by the current and started to be floated away. Luckily a Vermont family was nearby and helped her to safety. But what about the jewels? Floating away down the Ottauquechee? Who cares about anything else? A young Vermont man rescued the lady’s jewels. But his Mom, also on scene, did not appreciate her son being potentially lost in the flood in a quest for Madame’s jewelry. It all ended well. Son is safe. So are the jewels.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 