Obscure Vermont 
An Introduction.
“My real self wanders elsewhere, far away, wanders on and on invisibly and has nothing to do with my life.”
― Hermann Hesse
This is the part where I explain or validate what I do, and why. But to be honest, I’m having trouble coming up with an angle on this. Admittedly, I’ve always found talking about myself to be pretty frustrating. But, I’ll give this a shot. Whenever someone asks me why I do what I do, I could never give any sort of psychoanalytic response besides the obvious; I just am. I guess it’s somewhere in my framework.
From a young age I have always been a curious person. As time progressed, and I grew older, not much really changed. I’ve always felt unfulfilled and uninvolved in society, and have never felt like I understood the world around me. That’s where exploring entered my life at the age of 11. Instead of settling for the pre-packaged, sterilized adventures and meaningless spectacles of velvet ropes, gift shops and video games, I strived to create authentic experiences by making discoveries that allowed me to participate in the inner workings of the world around me, and nourished a sense of wonder, appreciation and reverence for the fantastic and obscure places around me, and their complexities.
Today I devote much of my time and all of my passion into chasing those feelings through exploring and photographing that world, and it’s a rush.
I started my blog Obscure Vermont in 2012 as a way to document the venerable weirdness of my home state, which is a place I grew to love. And to my fervor, Vermont had plenty of curio to go around.
As someone who has always felt like an outcast, this practice has proven to be very therapeutic to me. Not only do my strange travels help me to better understand the greater world around me, but it has given my life a much more focused purpose. Through this continued practice and perseverance, I taught myself to become a writer and photographer, and to grow as a human being.
As it would turn out, other people really seemed to like what I was doing, and that really meant the world to me. however, Obscure Vermont was never a business venture for me, and at its core it remains what it was when I first created it – An obsessive hobby.
I was diagnosed with Aspergers, a form of autism, when I was 8, and though it’s provided me with some difficulties in life, my differences also turned out to be the gifts that set me apart. This blog is partially the constantly morphing product of an obsessive Aspergian mind.
Even though I live in Vermont, I’m not limiting myself to staying within the state’s borders, and sometimes find myself exploring across New England, New York and Quebec.
Armchair Archaeology:
The photographs and information on this blog is for entertainment purposes only, with the intention of celebrating and respecting the locations, relics and people featured here.
If you decide to adventure for yourself, please remember that many of these abandoned places are private property, and are patrolled by police, security guards, or the owners themselves. It is possible that you may be ticketed, arrested or even shot at should you decide to trespass.
Since the buildings are not maintained, their dangerous conditions also harbor health problems related to asbestos, lead, contaminated water, and mold.
Remember, you are responsible for your own actions, not myself or this blog. Explore at your own risk.
Getting Involved:
I apologize in advance – I tend to be intensely internet-anti-social for one reason or another. But, I do enjoy meeting new people and learning new things. If you’d like to chat, then please feel free via the blog’s Facebook page (which is the only thing updated less regularly than this blog), or leave a comment. Especially if you’re a fellow explorer or into weird stuff!
If you live in the Rutland area, I write a semi annual column in the Rutland Reader
If you have a smartphone, I am also a contributor to the app Field Trip. If you’re interested, give it a download and get legal travel suggestions to some of Vermont’s more weird locales.
Press
I was very complimented to be interviewed by Stuck in Vermont and Seven Days! You can check out my interview with them below:
Film maker Jaclyn Triebel also made a documentary about me and urban exploration in 2013. You can watch her great documentary here.
Photography:
I use photography as a key component of my blog. I try to use my photos to further tell and add depth to the story that I am writing about – using my lens as another representation of how I see my world. All photos have been taken by myself unless noted otherwise.
Myself:
A self described local weird worker, writer, photographer and adventurer, My name is Chad Abramovich. I’m a 27 year old Aspergian and a native Vermonter. I drink too much coffee, have some background in graphic design, and love activities such as Geocaching, home brewing, and cartography. I’m cynical, socially awkward, have been struggling with depression and anxiety most of my life, and the most uncoordinated person I know.
I really prefer to be behind the lens as opposed to in front of it. But here’s a self portrait of your blogger. October 2014, outside the Cold Spring House.
Disclaimer: Unless stated otherwise, all photographs in this blog are my personal property and copyright Obscure Vermont/myself.
Donate? If you enjoy what I’m doing here and would like to see more material like this, perhaps consider making a donation?
Obscure Vermont 
http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gl=allgs&gsfn=Olice%20B&gsln=Skinner&gss=seo&ghc=20
Chad,
On this page (if it works), down a ways is a listing for an Alice B. Skinner. She was born about 1826 and, in the 1880 census, was listed as residing in Barton, VT. Is that near where the memorial is?
Haven’t read much yet, but have enjoyed your blog so far!!
– Jim Cheney
Thanks Jim! The memorial is in Barton, I tried Googling her name but couldn’t find much on her – thanks for the link and I’m glad you are enjoying the blog so far.
I would love to see something about the raised tomb located in New Haven, Vermont. My understanding is the gentleman was afraid of being buried alive and thus had a special tomb built in case he was in fact buried alive.
I know a little about that grave actually. You’re correct, he was so scared of being alive that he instructed a special grave made for him, with a window that would allow him to look out should he ever wake up in his tomb, and for grave keepers to look down on him – just in case. He was also buried with a bell in his hand, just in case. As far as I know, no one has ever heard the bell ring haha. I’ve seen the grave before, briefly. Sadly the window has so much condensation on it that it’s impossible to view through it, but it’s a great story none the less. If I ever go back, I’ll get some better pictures of it and perhaps write a small entry on it.
The condensation is a shame and the original glass I think has been replaced. I would love to know what he was buried with besides the bell. To see it in the middle of the cemetery is just wild. There is also rumor that he asked to be left in his bed after his death for a period of time to make sure he was actually dead. My understanding is that it was during a time when a respiratory disease was going around and all the body systems slowed down so much that people were being pronounced dead. In a book my sister read a woman was buried alive and it was a child that kept hearing the noises because the cemetery was next to the school yard. By the time someone believed the child and dug up the newly dug grave they found the womans fingers worn down and bloody and the top of the casket full of scratches as she tried to get out……so they say.
Hi Chad,
Came across your blog, very interesting posts. Have you ever checked out any of Vermont’s stone chambers? They are supposed to be Celtic in nature. I have been interested in finding them for a while, but I understand they are on private property. After looking through your blog, I thought they would be right up your alley.
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
I have heard of these stone chambers, and have long wanted to visit one, but sadly my schedule hasn’t allowed that yet. I heard of one located sort of nearby where I live, and if I can do a little research on it, I’ll attempt to visit it. Thanks for the suggestion!
I know where 3 of the Vermont Stone Chambers are and I have been to one. I dont like to openly announce where they are because they are old and I dont want to aid in their destruction. I’d be willing to shate some gps coords w you though. I’m interested in this old v shaped house in your home town. Maybe we could trade some information?
Hi Niki, thanks for commenting.
You can send me a direct message if you’d like on my blog’s Facebook page? I’d be happy to exchange some information with you.
Chad,
Thought you might like to see my post today: railroads, Vermont history, and discoveries under one’s nose. http://richholschuh.wordpress.com/2013/02/06/depot-discoveries-part-one/
I greatly enjoy your blog and look forward to more of your adventures into obscurity. Happy trails!
I’m 16 and I love your website.It’s so cool!
Best regards from Italy
Joe 🙂
Thanks Joe! Glad you’re enjoying it
Thanks Joe! I didn’t even know my blog had any visitors overseas. Very cool!
Very interesting blog. Not sure if you’ve uncovered this information already, but Pirate Pete (we always called him Pirate Dude, so glad someone else thinks he’s pirate-ish) is actually Peter Paul, one half of The Barbarian Brothers. They were Conan wannabes back in the late 80’s – early 90’s — check out a film call The Barbarians, it’s a cult classic. There are all kinds of Youtube videos of Peter and his twin brother David – Japanese television appearances, interviews, etc. Pirate Pete is definitely allowed on the VTC campus — he’s in the gym…a lot. Never talks, never makes eye contact. Thanks for including information about him here – he is definitely a great addition to the community.
Great blog I really enjoy reading your stories! Have you ever thought about writing about the ghost of Fairfield Pond aka Crystal lake in the town of Fairfield.
Thanks Kimberly! I actually was not planning on talking about Fairfield Pond, because the story has already been published in a few books before, including by Mr. Joe Citro himself. However, you said something about a ghost on Fairfield Pond? Is there another ghost story about the pond besides the murder that you know? If so, I’d love to hear it!
I don’t remember the entire story my grandpa who has passed away used to tell us kids about it. Its said that on the night of October 16th there is a ghostly figure of a women in white that roams around the pond. I’m trying to “pin” my dad down for more details as he knows the story better but he’s been very busy with work. I’ll try to get more info to you when he has a little time if you’d like.
Hi Chad,
I came across your blog in my search for an author about Spiritualism history in Vermont, but your explorations and stories seem like they would make a great Strange or Curious Vermont book.
Have you considered publishing? Check out http://www.HistoryPress.net and email me at katie.orlando@historypress.net if you’re interested in the idea.
Katie Orlando
CHAD!!!!!! I have been creeping this website for over a week!!!! and I just realized you are the creator?!! I am going to sudbury tonight. Hyde Manor!! 🙂 This is great! I love this site! It has everything I love!! NOW I MUST GO EXPLORE!!
Thanks Kate! Yes, this is currently my obsession – a lot of blood and sweat went into these archives. I’m glad you are enjoying whatever it is I seem to be creating haha. What’s down in Sudbury for you? (apart from Hyde Manor of course)
We are considering buying a place (some unusual land) in Vermont close to Montreal, and in the course ofour research stumbled on your blog. It is wonderful, your stories are delightful, the pictures are amazing, and they bring back the spirit of years gone by. Thanks for this wonderful site. You seem to have vast knowledge of Vermont’s endearing wierdness. Would like to communicate with you about our search and get your advice on where to look. Please drp me an email. Thanks in advance.
Paul
Hello!
Thanks for your blog!
I think it’s super!
Best regards from Italy
Chad – Looking for an email for you. Would like to share a copy of a pic of my Grandfather, golfer Eddie Loos, on the course at Hyde Manor. Not sure of the date, but could be early 1900s. It looks to be very early in his career. Mary Loos mloos24@gmail.com
Hi Mary,
Sorry for the delayed reply – I’ve been traveling a lot and haven’t had much time on the computer. I’d love to see your picture if you care to email it to me. chad.abramovich@gmail.com is how you can reach me, if you’d like. Thanks!
Howdy Chad
My name is Mark Chaffee and i live in Albany, VT. We have a haunted house, You may have heard of it, the Hayden House.
How ever that is not what I’m on about. In the town of Wheelock, VT there is a road by the name of Piperville. The old F.W. Beers maps of the town shows a road with houses every little way along it.
What might you know about this stretch of road in the Kingdom?
Happy travels.
MDC
Hi Mark! Thanks for commenting. I do know the Hayden House! I’m pondering about writing about it actually, and taking a trip up to take a few photos. But this road in Wheelock is news to me! I’ll have to do some digging. Can you tell me anything about it? I may be on to another research topic!
I was told by a co-worker once that shortly after WWII people started to move away.
Like I said the F W Beers map of Wheelock will help you find it.
I’ve been going to look myself in the spring when the lilacs are in blossom because most houses have the bush in the yard. The houses may be gone, but, the Lilacs may still be there.
MDC
I’m going to make a note of this and maybe put it on my Spring list of places to check out. I’ve been wanting to plan a trip back up to the kingdom for a while now. Maybe even bring a metal detector or something. Thanks for mentioning this! I have no idea what my schedule will look like later in the year, but if I’m in the area, maybe you’d like to meet in person and we could investigate?