In 1928, members of the Burlington Section set out to build a new shelter near Joiner Brook in Bolton to replace the deteriorating Dunsmore Lodge. What they constructed was probably the best and most inviting camp built on the freshly minted Long Trail System – Bolton Lodge.
The lodge was designed after the cottages of Wales and Ireland, four feet of cobble stone at the base, white stucco above, and a four-sided roof with round corners. Red and black shingles, trimmed irregularly, give the effect of a thatched roof.
For decades, this lodge welcomed countless hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to the forests and trails of Bolton Valley. (Read more about its history here.) Eighty-nine years later, Bolton Lodge is still standing and soon, because of some hard work and generous support, will reopen for overnight use.
Before we can get there though, we need help raising the final amount to complete this project.
A couple weeks ago I was out visiting the construction crew as they were hard at work tethered to the top of Bolton Lodge roof to cover it in new sheathing. Originally, they thought they could just remove the old asphalt shingles and reuse the original wood sheathing, but we weren’t that lucky… such is the way with restoring almost 90-year-old structures in the backcountry of Vermont.
To ensure we complete the historic restoration, we need to raise $10,000. Specifically, this support will help us install a new wood floor, restore the historic wood bunk beds, and finally build a wood shed to supply the modern wood stove on cold winter nights and a modern moldering privy to meet the needs of four season guests to the cabin.
We are excited and proud to restore this historic structure and bring it back into the Long Trail system and hope that you can help us complete the restoration by donating today!
I HAVE spent Many a Nite in BOLTON LODGE
From 1955 t0 1976. IT is one of the FINAST that the GMC Owns !! IT is most certainly worth the time, effort and money to keep it up and maintained !! GOOD JOB – LTC !!