Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Monday, January 3, 2011

Montpelier, Vt - Many may not know that the acclaimed artist Norman Rockwell shared a long history with Vermont and Vermont agriculture. In 1939, Norman and his wife and children moved to Arlington, Vermont where he enjoyed the company of his rural neighbors – many of whom became his best models and most honest critics.

Rockwell also forged a friendship with Colonel Henry Fairfax Ayres. Colonel Ayres was a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and served in WWI and WWII. He retired to Vermont in 1937 and was appointed the Chairman of the Vermont Sugar Makers Association. Colonel Fairfax brought science to the sugarbush – inventing the “Thermodrometer.” This device was revolutionary to maple sugaring.

The partnership between Rockwell and Ayres resulted in a mural that Ayres commissioned from Norman Rockwell and dedicated to the Department of Agriculture. The mural hung in the lobby of the department for years until repairs to the building were needed. It was then moved to the Rockwell Museum in Rutland for safe keeping.

After many years, the mural has found its way home to the Agency of Agriculture. “The mural is lovely and an authentic representation of sugaring in Vermont – our signature product,” said Secretary Roger Allbee. “We are so pleased to be able to display this special mural here at the agency. I want to especially thank the Rockwell Museum for taking such good care of this treasure. I would also like to thank Mark Patane and Diane Zamos, as well as artist Paul Gruhler who was instrumental in transporting the mural safely, Bruce Martell and Don and Betty Lockhart and of course Colonel Henry Fairfax Ayres for his generous donation.

“After many years, the mural has found its way home to the Agency of Agriculture,” continued Allbee. “It reminds us that times and techniques may change, but Vermont maple syrup is still the best there is.”

Excerpted from Vermont Life magazine in the spring of 1947:

“As one of Vermont’s favorite poets, John Godfrey Saxe wrote:
Men, women, maple sugar and horses;
The first are strong, the latter fleet;
The second and third exceedingly sweet.
And all are uncommonly hard to beat."