We’re celebrating our 70th anniversary at The Vermont Country Store this year. These days, it’s remarkable for any business to have stayed around so long. But when I look out from the front porch at the store in Weston, up and down Main Street and all around the green, most of the businesses and landmarks have been around at least as long as we have, and many a good deal longer. They’ve stood the test of time and are still thriving.
We decided to celebrate our longevity and our special community by holding a huge town-wide party we called the Weston Birthday Bash. My family, our friends, and people from far and wide enjoyed our old-fashioned parade with homemade floats, decorated bicycles, tractors, and elected officials. Later on, we closed down the streets to enjoy cake and ice cream, games, and live music from the bandstand. The weather was perfect and our smiles were endless. It’s was one of those days we’ll look back on and say, “Remember when.…”
Years ago, you’d see similar celebrations in small towns across the country, but today they are increasingly rare. We’re lucky to come from a place like Weston where our sense of community is alive and well, and is being passed down through the ages. I hope you’ll make it for a visit to our store, so you can experience it for yourself. We’ll be glad to see you, and we’ll do our best to make it feel like your home, too.
Eliot Orton, for the Orton Family
Proprietors of The Vermont Country Store
Here are more photos of the Birthday Bash fun…

Our storekeepers had their share of fun on our parade float, tossing penny candies when they weren’t playing checkers.
I have painted water color pictures of a Vermont Country Store, the Covered Bridge and Water Mill.
If you want a photo of them, please let me know.
Hello Jo Ann, I came across your message that is on The Vermont Country Store site. You had mentioned that your birth date is 6/2/46. My birth date is 6/3/46, what a coincidence. I had to respond, and to acknowledge the dates. Have a healthy and safe decade. Take care.
I was surfing and came across this cite. The catalog is awesome with interesting items. I came across your comment and noticed that your exactly one day older then me… I had to respond to say what a coincidence and hello. Take care, Jo Ann
I am 85 yrs young and live far far away from your store. However, I do love your catalogs and the items available within. Thank you and keep them coming.
Thank you for your integrity, exceptional service, and phenomenal selection! I am a lifer with Vermont Country Store. 🙂 Happy Anniversary and many more!!
nice things never found in other catalogs .
I turned 70 this year also. Last winter I purchased six or seven sets of Lanz sheets from you. My mother aged 95. said to me, meaning no disrespect…:you better give some of those sheets away to your kids, you know those Lanz sheets last 30 years, they’ll outlive you”
Thanks Mom!!!!!
Love you guys.
Thank you for service ; I am in my 50s and have decided to change my style to a little more modest and practical ; I have found your products very tasteful ,so far I am happy with all my purchases and received a lot compliments even in a big city like New York ; maybe all I can ask for now ; could you get more solid color in the women fashion?
I am so glad you have stood “the test of time” with 70 years to prove it. Your catalogue has great offerings both current and nostalgic ones! Over the years, (I am 87 years young) I have visited both your Weston and Rockingham stores whenever I was in Vermont. Now I am dependent on the Internet to shop from your catalogues which are a delight to receive!
I’m also celebrating my 70th as of June 2! 1946 WAS a very good year!!! Love your store. My family roots (Worthen/Chase/Hewes) are in Vermont. I hope your success continues a very long time.
My birthday is June 24, 1953
Thank you for this TREASURE!
Love your catalogs,letters in them and emails.Vermont is very special to us because our son
graduated from Norwich Universitiy,in Northfield.KIt is too bad we live on Cape Cod,so far from you!
God Bless you and Our Country!
Thank you for this TREASURE!!!!!!!!!
Love getting your catalogs and emails.I look forward to reading your amazing letters.God Bless
you and OUR COUNTRY.
We live on Cape Cod,but our son is a proud graduate from Norwich University.Vermont is very
special to us.
Dear Vermont Country Store! I just love love LOVE your store! I often click on your “Happy Little Website” even if I’m not particularly needing to purchase, all because I love your store. If I could move to Vermont, I would wish to live in Weston… then I could visit anytime I wanted to. Wouldn’t THAT be awesome? Let me know if you ever decide to move your lovely “Mercantile” to Jasper Texas! ; )
Thank you for keeping America’s values in these trying times; I feel such peace and happiness looking at the photos! Staying true to top quality items and prices too is wonderful! Wishing you all continued success and blessings!
Dear Mr. Orton (Lyman),
I don’t know what day in June your birthday is, but mine was yesterday, the 26th. And I turned 75, so I think we were born in the same year — 1941. Looks like you had quite the celebration!
Peace ~
Karen Smalley