Village of Woodstock in Windsor County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
Historical Marker
The White Cupboard Inn
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, May 9, 2019
1. Historical Marker Marker
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Inscription.
Historical Marker. The White Cupboard Inn. A famous local hostelry. The White Cupboard Inn flourished in this 1794 house from 1925 through the 1960’s. At the instigation of three middle-aged guests, plans were developed in the front dining room in January of 1934 by the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Royce, for the construction of the first rope ski tow in the United States.
Within a few weeks the tow was successfully carrying skiers to the top of farmer Clinton Gilbert’s hill pasture just to the north of the village. Almost overnight the first ski area and a burgeoning multi-million dollar industry were born. Utilizing a model “T” engine to power the tow, skiers could complete many down hill runs without the physical exertion formerly required to climb the hill and make just a few runs a day.
A famous local hostelry. The White Cupboard Inn
flourished in this 1794 house from 1925 through the
1960’s. At the instigation of three middle-aged guests,
plans were developed in the front dining room in January
of 1934 by the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Royce, for
the construction of the first rope ski tow in the United
States.
Within a few weeks the tow was successfully carrying
skiers to the top of farmer Clinton Gilbert’s hill pasture
just to the north of the village. Almost overnight the first
ski area and a burgeoning multi-million dollar industry
were born. Utilizing a model “T” engine to power
the tow, skiers could complete many down hill runs
without the physical exertion formerly required to climb
the hill and make just a few runs a day.
Erected by The Woodstock Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Sports.
Location. 43° 37.51′ N, 72° 31.12′ W. Marker is in Woodstock, Vermont, in Windsor County. It is in Village of Woodstock. Marker is at the intersection of Elm Street (Vermont Route 12) and Central Street (U.S. 4), on the left when traveling north on Elm Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6 Elm Street, Woodstock VT 05091, United States of America. Touch for directions.
old sign displayed on the porch, next to the marker
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, May 9, 2019
5. Historical Marker Marker
the front door of the Inn
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, May 9, 2019
6. Historical Marker Marker
artwork on the marker
hand-colored postcard published by Albertype, May 20, 2019
7. The White Cupboard Tea House And Central Street
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 388 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 17, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 7. submitted on May 20, 2019. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
