I stepped into the past last weekend on a visit to the Vermont Country Store in Weston, Vermont. This store was established in 1946 by the Orton Family. Who says a family cannot run a business together? Here is one success story that is sure to change that myth. Vrest Orton was the son of a Vermont shopkeeper but had a passion for writing. He moved to New York City to become a successful writer. Eventually, he returned to Vermont in the early 1930's to start his own printing company, The Countryman's Press, in Weston.
He never wanted to be a businessman but life has its twists and Vrest fell in love with MIldred Wilcox, a graduate student of the Rutland Business School. I would have very much liked to have met this loving and powerfully directed couple because they knew by combining their skills they could create a legacy for their family. Vrest brought his unique style of words and design to both the store and the catalog and Mildred added the organization and focus.
What made their business grow and grow however was their huge hearts and dedication to maintain a warm and friendly environment with quality products. Mildred even began serving lunches to her customers, being a fine cook of natural and wholegrain foods. Today the family still runs the store and catalog business while continuing the excellent service. If you think a product (they carry everything from A to Z) went extinct, just check out The Vermont Country Store and they will be sure to have it. You will be 100% satisfied. Guaranteed!
What I found most appealing in the store was the perfume department ( every scent had a story behind it) and the Scale Museum. Below I will give a two minute tour.
Enjoy,
Jude
How can I rest?
How can I be content
when there is still
that odor in the world? by Louise Gluck
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| JoAnne knew every perfume and its story. |
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| Princess Diana's favorite perfume was the Bluebell - sweet fresh and filled with the scent of English Bluebell flowers. |
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Highland Lilac - Who ever knew there was a Lilac Capital of the World - Well there is and it is in Rochester, New York. This perfume is the winner of National Awards and Gold Medals, It is also considered a national treasure being the favorite of five first ladies. The romantic fragrance of lilac permeates the White House.
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| Evening in Paris - What more can be said about this scent except that it was first created in 1928 and is still enjoyed today in 2013. Why its longevity? Take a peek at its ingredients that read like a full orchestra. The top notes are fruity fresh, featured with bergamot, apricot and peach, green notes and violet. The floral heart is composed of rose Damascena, jasmine, heliotrope, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley and orris. The base includes amber, musk, sandalwood and vanilla. |
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| Fred Hayman knew what he was doing when he designed Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and he knew what he was doing when he designed this fragrance. Haunting is the word that comes to mind after I sprayed a tester on my wrist. 273 by Fred Hayman is a romantic and feminine fragrance, blending jasmine, gardenia and ylang-ylang finished with a touch of vanilla. |
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| ma griffe - Somewhere over the Rainbow. Launched in 1946, a Judy Garland favorite. |
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| Only two words can describe this lovely scent, Audrey Hepburn. |
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| Wind song stays on your mind. |
Enjoy the museum. I must say though the scales were far more impressive in person.
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