Lyman Orton

This year we celebrate two important milestones. Seventy years ago, our grandparents Vrest and Mildred produced a modest, homemade catalog, printed in the garage, assembled at the dining table, and mailed to their Christmas card list. We are now in our third generation of family ownership, serving customers in every state and throughout the world, all while keeping our operations 100% in Vermont.

None of this would have been possible without the hard work, persistence, and brilliance of our father Lyman Orton, who turns 75 this year. Our dad is a natural merchant who helped transform The Vermont Country Store from a small family proprietorship into a nationally beloved enterprise. The vitals of business, product, and service run in his blood; we thrive today with his guidance and encouragement. He reminds us to stay true to our roots, to see the world through the eyes of customers, and to walk in their shoes. Hardly a week goes by without a note from Dad suggesting products and urging improvements. Do we welcome every comment? Not always! Is Dad usually right? Begrudgingly, we admit he is. And so he keeps us humble, as well.

As Father’s Day approaches, we thank our father for an enduring legacy that continues to reflect the values he taught us. Happy Birthday, Dad.

Your Sons Cabot, Gardner, and Eliot
A.K.A. The Boys