“Tell Tale”*
Vital Communities is celebrating the 30th year of their Upper Valley Quests. Questing is a fun way to discover hidden gems and new places in the region, get outside, and have adventures with friends and family. One of those quests is on the Mascoma RIver Greenway, originally written by Frank Gould. You can check out the MRG Quest Here
Even if you have traveled many times on the MRG, this quest might make you aware of something new, such as the “Tell Tale” pictured above. Valley Quest has helped people of all ages slow down, look closely, and build meaningful connections across the Upper Valley—to the land, to local history, and to one another.
*Prior to the modern era of air and pneumatic brakes, a brakeman was required to scale the tops of freight cars, while the train was in motion, and manually set each car’s braking system. This practice was extremely dangerous, making the position of brakeman one of the most dangerous within the industry. The purpose of the tell-tale was to warn the man, who was concentrating on the job at hand, that an impending obstacle, such as a bridge or tunnel, was imminent down the line. (If he were facing in the opposite direction from the danger, the rods hitting him on the back or the head would give an instant warning to duck or scramble down the end ladder.)
(Sat., May 30, at the Lebanon Library from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM. Join Vital Communities for an opportunity to learn more about Valley Quest, meet other Questers, make your own stamp, and participate in one of two Guided Quests located in Lebanon. )
The Mascoma River Greenway 