Table of Contents
In order to gain a background understanding of Barton for the Visual Analysis, its history, demography, natural resources, and built environment were examined. The present-day character of Barton is rich with past tradition; its cultural and physical history contributed to this richness and should be taken into account when trying to create a whole picture of a place. The changes in population, economic level, housing statistics, and occupation are factors which can affect a town. The natural resources and physical environment are a significant determinant in the identity and character of Barton and the shape of the village. The built-environment which includes buildings, roads, utilities, village green, etc. are a reflection of the people who live there, their values, and concerns. Any design analysis must look at the existing infrastructure and physical settings plus the aspirations of a community.
Barton Village, in the town of Barton, is located in Orleans County about 27 miles north of St. Johnsbury and 16 miles south of the City of Newport. It is a low to moderate income community, with 53% of its population below 80% of the county's median household income and a steadily growing elderly population. It is located on Crystal Lake which is the main tourist attraction in the area and used to provide power to the industries of Barton as well as a method of transportation.
Barton was a very different place at the turn of the century. It was a vibrant, growing community. There was a successful commercial sector, a rapidly expanding industrial sector, and such particular buildings as a hospital, an opera house, and a railroad depot. The center of the industrial sector was at the falls and outlet to Crystal Lake. This is where the "Brick Kingdom" was built and still exists although somewhat as a ruin. The river was their source of power. The opportunities seemed endless as the population and economic possibilities grew. A combination of events brought those days of growth and prosperity in Barton to an end. These events included the Depression, changes in manufacturing techniques, and a decline in use of water power. The result was that in a period of roughly 30 years, Barton lost its industrial strength and its associated economic base.
Today Barton is a village of aging buildings predominantly built between 1880 and 1930. There is a small commercial sector, primarily housed in older buildings, that supports the local needs and accommodates summer tourism. Some of the more famous buildings, such as the Opera House have been destroyed by fire, but many yet survive and are key to the scale and attractiveness of the village.
Fortunately the village has not lost its concerned citizenry. The local townspeople are actively involved in bringing back some of Barton's lost glory. In recent years these citizens have received various grants to try to reestablish a sense of community pride. Projects include a proposal to dredge the canal that connects Crystal Lake to the commercial sector in Barton, allowing boats to come into town just as they did at the turn of the century. This was once a popular gathering area with a boathouse, close proximity to the beach, the train depot, and lakefront hotel. Other popular gathering places were the bandstand in the village green, the movie theater in the 1920's and the opera house. The patterns have now shifted to gathering at the post office, the grocery store, the library, and the bank.
Glancing at Barton's history, Barton could easily be mistaken for a boomtown gone bust, but upon deeper investigation it is clear that Barton has many resources that are being underutilized. One of the prime attractions for tourists--the lake--could be developed further as an income resource. The Brick Kingdom, an historic and community asset, with certain investment and preservation, would greatly enhance tourism and provide access to the heritage of the area.
Comments to: crs@uvm.edu Reviewed on 3/28/97