Life in Franklin County

JSC student film captures Vermont's rich history

The new student film Life in Franklin County presents and preserves the stories of Vermonters who recall life many years ago.

Life in Franklin County will be screened Monday, May 7, at 7 p.m., at Johnson State College, in Bentley Hall, Room 207.

It is the second documentary produced by students at Johnson State College for Senator Bill Doyle who teaches a Vermont History and Government course at the college.

The first documentary in 2005 — Life in Lamoille County— received wide acclaim. It had accounts of a hardscrabble life for rural Vermonters in the first half of the 20th century.

Life in Franklin County follows the same format with students interviewing local historians, librarians, town clerks and long-time residents, with 250 photos of life in the county. Topics covered include Abenaki first-settlers, the Scotch-Irish community, farming and logging, rail transportation, border smuggling, communication, family outings, one-room schoolhouses, icehouses, and women’s lifestyle and work.

Doyle noted the release of Life in Franklin County coincides this year with the 300th birthday of Benjamin Franklin, for which the county is named.

Both documentaries were made in association with editor/producer Vince Franke of Peregrine Productions. Senator Doyle’s next film project will be on Montpelier.

Funding for Life in Franklin County included grants from the President’s office at Johnson State College, Vermont Humanities Council, City of St. Albans, Rotary Club of St. Albans, and private donations.