Village of Woodstock in Windsor County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)

The White Cupboard Inn

Historical Marker

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, May 9, 2019

1. Historical Marker Marker

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Inscription. 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. It is at the intersection of Elm Street (Vermont

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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.

Regionally, this marker is in Vermont’s Connecticut River Valley

and in the Green Mountains.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Stone Turnpike Marker (here, next to this marker); The Fitch House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woodstock History Center (about 300 feet away); Teagle's Landing (about 300 feet away); In Memory of the Revolutionary Soldiers (about 300 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away); Middle Bridge (about 500 feet away); Woodstock (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodstock.

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, May 9, 2019

2. Historical Marker Marker

full view from porch

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, May 9, 2019

3. Historical Marker Marker

marker as seen from the gate

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, May 9, 2019

4. Historical Marker Marker

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

<i>The White Cupboard Tea House And Central Street</i> image. Click for full size.

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 August 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 847 times since then and 36 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.