Both of my sons (now 13 and 16) began their soccer careers while in kindergarten by participating in the Norshaft Youth Soccer program, a member of the Southwestern Vermont Youth Soccer League.  The Norshaft team is for students from North Bennington and Shaftsbury.  Other towns participating in the league include Arlington, Bennington, Londonderry, Manchester, Cambridge NY, Greenwich NY and  Hoosick Falls, NY.  In addition to allowing elementary school children the opportunity to learn the game of soccer, the league provides adults the chance to volunteer by coaching, lending administrative support or sometimes just running the snack bar!

Once out of elementary school, the Mount Anthony Union Middle School provides fall soccer for both boys and girls in grades 7 and 8 for students attending from the towns of Pownal, Bennington, North Bennington and Shaftsbury.  Mount Anthony Union High School fields Freshmen, JV and Varsity boys and girls teams.  One of the highlights of the soccer year at MAUHS is the John James Tournament.  It is the longest running two-day soccer tournament in the country.  The 2010 tournament, scheduled for September 16 and 18, will be the 42nd annual.  The tournament is named in memory of John James who was the school’s first soccer coach and was a technical education teacher at MAU.

In spite of winter weather, the Bennington area does provide the determined soccer player with a means to play virtually year round.  For the “die hard” soccer player there are several indoor soccer facilities just over the border in the Half Moon and Latham NY areas and beginning in March, indoor soccer is available at the Riley Rink in Manchester.  These facilities offer soccer programs not only for students but for adults as well.  In fact, my husband is a member of an over 40 men’s soccer team in Half Moon and makes the weekly trek almost without fail!

If you are looking for spring soccer, the Monument Soccer Club of Bennington fields teams for boys and girls for ages from U-8 up to U-19.  The Monument Soccer Club is a member of the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL), a group with 62 member teams, which offers players the opportunity to participate in highly competitive leagues and tournaments.  Also a member of the CDYSL, the Bershire Ajax Soccer Club makes its home on the soccer fields at Williams College in nearby Williamstown, MA.  Helmed by Coach Mike Russo, coach to the Williams College Men’s Soccer team, this is a Premier soccer club for the serious soccer student player with participation in several regional soccer tournaments including the Nordic Cup Soccer Tournament hosted by the Nordic Soccer Club of Burlington, Vermont.  This tournament is open to highly qualified teams in the Premier girls and boys categories of U-11 to U-19.

The Vermont Soccer League’s Olympic Development Program is now offering training in Manchester and Rutland.  The ODP affords players the privilege to pursue Regional and National recognition as youth soccer players.

So you can see, if you are a fan of the Beautiful Game, opportunities abound to play or watch in the Bennington area! And if you do decide to take in a match, you’ll probably see me there!

The list is long (and in no particular order):  The Village Nook, Peter’s Ice Cream Shop, The Sweet Shop, The Dinette, The Maple Sugar Bowl, Century Ice Cream Shop and The Chef Sandwich Shop.  This doesn’t even include full fledged restaurants such as The Paradise, Richards or the Vermont Restaurant.

Almost all of these quick eateries had two things in common:  a counter and a soda fountain.  They also opened earlier than the rest of the Main Street stores and closed later so that the people who worked on Main Street could stop by on their way to or from work.

To jog your memories for those of you from Bennington, here is where they were located:

The Village Nook was where today’s Madison Brewery is located at 428 Main Street and Peter’s Ice Cream Shop was located were Allegro’s Restaurant stands today at 520 Main Street.  In between these two shops was the Chef Sandwich Shop approximately where Tofel’s Jewelers is now located.  Across the street between Hoisington Realty and Shaffe’s Men’s Shop is where The Sweet Shop was and on North Street The Dinette was were A Kind Place is now located.  A bit further down North Street The Maple Sugar Bowl was where Beltone Hearing Aids is.  Finally, the Century Ice Cream Shop was where Greenberg’s parking lot is now situated.

The kids from BennHi would usually stop at the Nook ,Peter’s or The Sweet Shop because they were on their way home from school.  Some of these shops, like Peter’s, made their own ice cream while others had the well known brand of Sealtest Ice Cream.

I worked at the local music and photography store, Noveck’s, after school every day and on Saturdays.  Working in the music store had definite advantages because most of the attractive high school girls would come in at least once a week to buy the latest Elvis Presley or Ricky Nelson record.

On Friday, the stores would stay open until 9:00 in the evening.  Friday is also when Mr. Noveck paid his employees and after getting paid I would go out to one of these eateries for supper.  One time I went to Peter’s Ice Cream Shop because I loved their sandwiches.  I ordered a Western.  Then I ordered a tuna salad.  Then I ordered a grilled ham and cheese.  (Teenage boys can eat a lot).  After I finished the third sandwich John Geannelis, the proprietor, said “You order a fourth sandwich, and the fifth one is on me!”  Teenage boys also love a challenge.  I had a ham salad and then an egg and olive – compliments of John, of course.

Those places are all gone now as Main Street, and the world for that matter, has changed.  And I’m still a teenage boy at heart, enjoying John Geannelis’ sandwiches.

First, the magnificent heated 25 yard, 6-lane swimming pool was a center of therapy and social interaction for my husband Jerry, a retired professor.  As the years increased, so did Jerry’s limitation of physical activity and he sorely missed his jogging routine.  I greatly admired that although swimming was the one thing Jerry had always hated  (he never learned how) he made his way to the Richard Sleeman Memorial Pool and bravely signed up for water walking to ease his arthritis and stenosis.  Little did he realize when he began this journey that he would meet people from all walks of life that were interesting to talk to and friendships developed over the years that were very important to him.  I love it that “the ladies group” included an invitation to him to go to Dunkin’ Donuts for coffee afterwards and he accepted!  He also went with another member to a Giants practice game in Albany and bonded with the children and grandchildren of other members who were attending college and wanted academic advice.  He was very proud of his friendship with the athletic guys who were marathoners….and he was often referred to as The Philosopher in the locker room.  Special thanks to Carrie Fabricious for diving in and saving Jerry at least twice that I know of … Jerry loved Carrie!

My grandchildren have attended the summer Day Camp for years at both Stark Street and Gage Street and this is the most phenomenal value for working parents.  My granddaughter Faith still attends and worked last year as a Junior Counsellor and dreams of the day when she becomes  a full time Senior Counsellor that gets paid!

Last but not least my wonderful Office Manager, Vicki Wilson, decided several years ago to really get fit and she started hitting the weight room during her lunch hour.  Wow! She totally changed her build and is more attractive than ever.  To this day, Vicki keeps up this schedule and brings others from the office into her group whenever she can.

More about Willow Park, coming soon!

Slick’s real name was Roland Nesbigle.  He was a card carrying character and loved to talk, alot.  As I got into the big leather and chrome chair Slick immediately, realizing I was new in town or at least to his chair, started telling me of all the famous people he knew.  Every few minutes Slick would leave the room where he was cutting my hair and go into another room in the back.  He was only gone for a moment but when he came back to resume cutting my hair he had very distinctive breath.  I was only 12 years old but I knew booze when I smelled it.

When he finished cutting my hair I paid him and left, feeling that I had been in the presence of a Very Important Person.  I had just met the man who had taught Ted Williams how to hit a baseball and Johnny Weismuller how to swim!

As I got to know Bennington, I discovered other barbershops in the downtown area.  At 520 Main Street, right next to Peter’s Ice Cream Shop, there was Toomey’s Barber Shop, owned and operated by one Bill Toomey.  R.T. Martins Real Estate is presently located at this spot.  Toomey’s had three chairs and many local barbers who would someday go out on their own worked there.  Barbers like Roger Rowe and Andy Mattison.  Roger Rowe took over Slick’s spot on School Street after Slick had gone on to that great barbershop in the sky.  And later, Any Mattison established his own shop on the second floor of what is now Hoisington Realty.

I liked Toomey’s because of the distinctive barber shop smell of witch hazel and Barbasol.  That and the chatter of the customers with the barbers when they were waiting to be served on a busy Saturday morning.

Another popular barber shop was on the other end of town in the Putnam Hotel Block.  It was located at 357 West Main Street and was the shop of Bob Cummings.  Bob’s son (also Bob) is a longtime practicing attorney here in Bennington.  This shop is presently operated by Gary Jones.  Being the Hotel block was important to business because customers could walk from the lobby of the hotel (right past the Western Union desk) to Bob’s shop.  In those days Bob would stay open until 11:00 on a Saturday night to serve his customers.  Bob took over the shop in 1922 when it was in the American Hotel down on North Street.  And Gary Jones, who started working for Bob in 1971, took over ownership of the shop in 1978.  At one time, this shop had five chairs.

Other barber shops in downtown Bennington in the 1950s were Ray Crosier’s at 110 North Street; Pearly Gates at 731 East Main Street (at the corner of Morgan Street); Ernie’s (Rousseau) at 133 North Street and Ketchum’s at 620 Main Street.  Also over Pleasant Street in the Leader Block was the shop of George Foucher.  George (who I have also heard referred to as “Georgie Hogan”) was, as far as I know, the only barber who made house calls.  You could see him walking along the streets of Bennington with his little black bag in one hand and a stool in the other hand.  The stool was necessary because George was quite short.  Also, there was Merrill Pleasant who was located on School Street and Union Street over the years.

And now, you can count the Barber Shops of Bennington on one hand.  Times have changed.

I wish to thank Gary Jones for his input for this article.

 5 Stonehedge Drive, Bennington:  This elegant home is a rare find as featured in Taste of Home magazine.  Offering every convenience and comfort, you will be charmed by the large, bright kitchen, formal dining room, living room with gas fireplace, main level master bedroom and more!  Click here for more information.

Directions:  In Bennington from South Street/Route 7 South, turn west onto Elm Street then turn left onto Jefferson Avenue.  Continue up the hill where Jefferson becomes Stonehedge Drive.  Look for Open House sign on the right.

13 Greenview Drive, Bennington:  This great family home is located on a dead end street and features 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, spacious living room with brick hearth and woodstove, large back deck and more!  Click here for more information.

Directions:  From South Street/Route 7 South in Bennington turn west onto Weeks Street then turn onto Jefferson Heights.  Take a left onto Greenview Drive and look for Open House sign.

Just last Sunday we hosted an Open House/Auction Preview and despite the grey and gloomy day here in Bennington, we lit every light in the house, threw open the doors and set an all time record attendance for any open house that we have had in the forty year history of Hoisington Realty.

Sure, there were curious lookers who have always admired this home as well as a few interested buyers, too….it was a wonderful opportunity to renew contacts with old customers and clients and to meet several new people.

We are still finding our that properties in our upper price ranges are challenged and thought we would try this new marketing plan…Stay tuned and please come for the Auction and see a wonderful property located at 210 Elm Street, Bennington, Vermont. This property has already been reduced from $595,000 and is now listed for $395,000.  Click here for additional information about this property.

210 Elm Street, Bennington VT  $395,000; Listing Agent: Kathleen Hoisington

Directions:  From South Street/Route 7 South turn west onto Elm Street; look for Open House sign on the left. 

5 Stonehedge Drive, Bennington VT $299,000; Listing Agent:  Dorothy Halvorsen

Directions:  In Bennington from South Street/Route 7 South turn west onto Elm Street; from Elm turn left onto Jefferson Avenue and continue up the hill where Jefferson becomes Stonehedge Drive.  Look for Open House sign on the right.

1518 Route 7 South, Bennington VT $359,900; Listing Agent: Suzy Yucht

Directions:  In Bennington approximately one mile south of Bennington Four Corners on Route 7 South; look for Open House sign on the east side of the road.

206 Weeks Street, Bennington VT $189,900; Listing Agent:  Kelley McCarthy

Directions:  In Bennington from South Street/Route 7 South, turn west onto Weeks Street; look for Open House sign on right.

 223 Maple Street, Bennington VT $139,000; Listing Agent:  Timothy Corcoran II

 Directions: In Bennington from North Street/Route 7 North turn east onto Gage Street; then turn left onto Maple Street.  Look for Open House sign on the right.

From 2:15 to 4:15 the following properties will be hosting Open Houses:

320 Safford Street, Bennington $149,000; Listing Agent:  Suzy Yucht

Directions:  In Bennington from North Street/Route 7 North turn east onto County Street; turn right onto Safford Street.  Look for Open House sign on the right.

 712 Rocky Lane, Bennington VT $299,000; Listing Agent:  Dorothy Halvorsen

 Directions: From Bennington take East Road north for approximately one mile past Houghton Lane.  Turn left onto Rocky Lane and continue 0.9 mile; look for Open House sign on the left.

7 Woodland Drive, Bennington VT – Colonial in a desirable neighborhood! $289,000

Directions:  In Bennington take West Main Street to Convent Avenue; proceed 0.3 mile to Birch Drive then turn right and follow curve to Woodland Drive.  Look for Open House sign.

1381 Morgan Street, Bennington VT – Spacious One Level Living  $219,000

Directions:  From Route 9 East/East Main Street turn onto Morgan Street then follow Morgan Street Extension for approximately 1.5 miles; look for Open House sign on the right.

212 Autumn Acres, Bennington VT – Neat as a Pin Split Ranch  $199,000

Directions:  In Bennington take East Road north; turn left onto Houghton Lane then right onto Autumn Acres.  Last house on left.

73 Skytop Drive, Bennington VT – Tastefully Renovated Bungalow!  $83,000

Directions: In Bennington take Northside Drive to Harwood Hill/Route 7A.  Travel up hill; look for Open House sign on the right just past Houghton Lane.

1189 Morgan Street, Bennington VT – Charming Home is a MUST SEE  $184,900

Directions: In Bennington take Route 9 East/East Main Street to Morgan Street; continue on Morgan Street for 1.2 miles.  Look for Open House sign on the right.

138 Pine Circle, Bennington VT – Stunningly Beautiful, Best of Kind! $289,000

Directions:  From Route 7 South/South Street turn west onto Crescent Boulevard.  Take second right onto Pine Circle; look for Open House sign on the right.

224 Bradford Street, Bennington VT - Charmingly Renovated In-Town Home $167,900

Directions: From East Main Street turn north onto Bradford Street; look for Open House sign on the left.

521 South Street, Bennington VT – Pride of Ownership Throughout $215,000

Directions: Located on South Street/Route 7 South across from Crescent Boulevard.  Look for Open House sign.

Read our next installment on what is happening at present day Hiland Hall.