Gilbert's Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Gilbert's Hill
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1362 Barnard Rd., Woodstock, Vermont |
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| Area | 112 acres (45 ha) |
| Built | c. 1854; 1934 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival; ski area |
| NRHP reference No. | 100003524 |
| Added to NRHP | March 18, 2019 |
Gilbert's Hill, also known as the Appel Farm, is a very old farm in Woodstock, Vermont. It's also famous for being an early ski area. This special place is known for having the first ever rope tow in the northeastern United States. A rope tow is a simple machine that pulls skiers up a hill.
Gilbert's Hill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. This means it's an important historical site. Even though it's owned by a private family, people can still visit it. This is because it's protected to keep its history and nature safe.
What is Gilbert's Hill Like?
Gilbert's Hill is located in the countryside, about two miles from the center of Woodstock. It sits on the north side of Barnard Road. The property is about 112 acres, which is like 112 football fields! Much of this land is open grassy fields, with some wooded areas too.
There are several old farm buildings on the property. The oldest building is the farmhouse, which was built around 1854. It has a classic look with features from the Greek Revival and Gothic Revival styles. There are also two barns and a milk house, all from the 1800s. You can also find a small ski hut at the bottom of the hill. This hut was built around 1936.
The History of Gilbert's Hill
The land at Gilbert's Hill was first used as a farm in the 1840s. The McKenzie family started farming there. The old farm buildings you see today are some of the best-preserved from that time.
Over the years, the farm had a few different owners. In 1929, Clinton and Persis Gilbert bought the property. They mostly used it as a dairy farm, raising cows for milk.
From Farm to Ski Slope
Around the time the Gilberts bought the farm, Woodstock was becoming a popular place for winter sports. The owners of the Woodstock Inn had a great idea. They wanted to build a rope tow to help skiers get up the hill faster.
In 1934, they got permission from the Gilberts to put a rope tow on their hillside. This rope tow was powered by the engine of a Ford Model T truck! This invention was a big deal. It meant skiers could go up the hill quickly and enjoy many more downhill runs than before. Gilbert's Hill was used as a ski area until 1965. Today, there's a special marker near the site to remember its history.
