Charles H. Wheeler, M.D. (1879-1955) gave our town a unique gift—that is still used today. Though born in South Burlington, Vermont, and a 1907 M.D. graduate of the University of Vermont, Dr. Wheeler adopted Williamsburg and the village of Haydenville as his hometown. He came to town in 1908, just after marrying Susan Bostwick Hadley (1883-1972), of Burlington in June. They spent their entire married life in Haydenville, where Dr. Wheeler practiced medicine from his home for more than 40 years. Dr. Wheeler was very active in civic affairs and deeply interested in the history of Williamsburg and Haydenville. He began compiling scrapbooks of news clippings, photographs, sketches, memorabilia, transcriptions, lists, and more—really anything related to town history and current town events and activities and the lives of his neighbors. From major town anniversary celebrations to documentation of the town and those who served during WWII, to local church suppers, to the activities of the schools and clubs and civic organizations—all these were part of Dr. Wheeler’s 15 scrapbooks compiled mostly during the 1940s and 1950s. Preservation copies of all Dr. Wheeler’s scrapbooks are part of the Local History Collection in the Meekins Library. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist. #throwbackthursday; #tbt
Posted to Facebook 9/30/2021
