This family ski tow was built by James Jennings and his father Bill in the 1963 when James was in high school. It was originally 400 feet in length, and was lengthened to 1000 feet in 1964. It had a vertical of approximately 200'. As you can see from the historic view on the right, the area consisted of one wide open slope, with the rope tow up the middle. The Jennings' would also rent out half of their home for skiers in the winter. The area was used primarily by the family and from local kids who lived in town. There was no charge to use the tow, but skiers did contribute gasoline to run the engine.

James told us that the lift is still in place, with the drive engine, an old GMC panel truck, located at the top of the hill. The tow has not been used for many years.

"My parents....Mary and Bill Jennings purchased the farm in 1958.  We were from Connecticut and my father wanted to buy a small camp to stay overnight while visiting Vermont to ski.  My sister Betty and I were bought up on skiing.  We ended up buying an abandoned farm instead!

 
My father was always a "tinker".  In 1963 we built the first tow.  It was a 400 ft. tow powered by a 1939 Dodge pickup previously owned by the Vermont Department of Forestry and Parks.  The tow poles came from Locust trees we cut down on the farm.  Known also as "Ironwood" it is resistant to rot.....the reason the most recent photos show the poles still standing.....45 years later! "

Left - a view of the original rope tow in 1963 - it was later lengthened.