Scott Wheeler: Giving a Voice to Vermonters in Montpelier

 It’s hard to believe, but with the publishing of the March 2007 issue of the Northland Journal, this publication will celebrate five years of life. What a ride it has been!

Many people have asked me how the Journal came to life. It was really by a fluke, a visit to my aunt and uncle’s house in Norton, Vermont, about six years ago. I had just closed a chapter of my life as a news reporter. I would never give up my years as a reporter. It was such a good learning experience; however, I knew there was something more out there for me where I could better use my writing and research skills, my knowledge of history, and my love of people.

One day my family decided to go visit my “newlywed” aunt and uncle, Roland and Wilma (Wheeler, Mason) Devost in Norton. Although in their seventies at the time, they were newlyweds, having married each other after outliving their beloved spouses of more than 50 years each. I must admit one reason I like Roland is because he can tell a good story, particularly about the old days.

Relaxing in a chair overlooking Norton Pond, we all chatted about nothing in particular. Being an avid reader of many genres, I instinctively, possibly a bit rudely, reached down into the couple’s magazine rack. The first thing I did was pull out a folksy magazine that is sold around the United States, in which older folks share memories of their youth.

Thumbing through the magazine as we talked, I grew increasingly impressed with the publication. The idea of a publication dedicated to serving as a forum for ordinary people to share memories from their youth—small, but important pieces of history, which are often overlooked in other history publications—became more appealing to me.

If I recall correctly, suddenly, with no warning to the others in the room, holding up the magazine, I made a comment something to the effect of, “I can do this!” Needless to say I had to explain what I was talking about. After explaining my fascination with the magazine, I told them how I thought that I could make a similar publication, but based on regional historical themes from the Northeast Kingdom. The publication would serve as a forum for ordinary people to share their memories and stories of life in the Northeast Kingdom.

To make a long story short, I spoke to many people about my idea. Some people liked the idea of such a journal of life in the Kingdom, while others tried to discourage me from such an impossible, most likely unprofitable, endeavor. If it wasn’t for one of my friends, Gary Kellogg, who at the time was the general manager of Citizens Utilities in Derby, I doubt I would have ever moved ahead with this Journal. He believed in the journal from it’s conception and urged me forward. Gary now lives back in his home state of Arizona, but he is still an important supporter of the Journal. Thank you Gary.

When the journal first hit the newsstand in April 2002, it was called The Kingdom Historical. I chose the name since the journal was dedicated to the history of the Northeast Kingdom. Other then people submitting stories, my wife, Penny, with a bit of help from our three children, wrote, and laid out the entire publication. Printed on newsprint courtesy of the Times Argus in Barre, the publication was rough looking to say the least, but amazingly it quickly gained an audience. Then, beginning with the April 2003 issue, Chris Bray of Common Grounds Communications, began helping us with the layout and editing. He helped us give the journal a new feel and look. With Chris’ departure following the September 2003 issue, my business relationship began with Theresa Perron of Perron Graphics of West Glover, and Jeannine B. Young of The Little House Desktop Publishing, also from West Glover. Theresa does the layout while Jeannine edits and proofs the copy. Our working relationship continues to this day. Added to the cast of players is Bill Alexander of Jericho, formerly of Newport, owner of Alpine Web Media. Bill built and maintains the Journal’s website, a site that has given the Journal, and the Northeast Kingdom, worldwide attention.

As time passed, I decided the name, The Kingdom Historical, just didn’t do justice to the evolving publication. In reality, the journal was transforming from more than just about the history of the region, but about the history and culture of the region. But more important, it served, and continues to serve, as a journal for people to share their memories and stories—thus, the name Vermont’s Northland Journal was born.

Another big change in the publication occurred with the January 2005 issue of the Journal when Blanchard Litho in Lennoxville, Quebec, began printing it—no longer on newsprint, giving it a more polished look without taking away its homey character. Andrew Blanchard continues to help lead the Journal into the future.

There is little doubt the Journal wouldn’t be what it is today without my wife, Penny. She handles all the paperwork and provides a voice of support for me, and sometimes acts as a reality adjuster. Along with her are my children, Curtis, Nick, and Emily, who have helped out in the business in various ways.

Countless people have contributed work to the Journal over the years. Bea Nelson of Derby, who is still a regular writer, had an article in the first issue. Another writer who had a piece in the first issue was Jacques Boisvert of Magog, Quebec. He passed away in 2006. Other long-term contributors are Michael Hahn of Brownington and Harriet Fisher of Lyndonville. Virginia Downs has also been an occasional contributor from almost the beginning, and David Lepitre of Quebec has provided the journal with a genealogy column for a lengthy period of time.

 Of course there is no way that this publication could have survived without its advertisers. We appreciate all of their support. Four of them have been with us from the beginning—Derby Village Store, Hoagie’s, North Country Hospital, and Community National Bank.

I also thank the growing number of readers who read the Journal each month. The countless letters, phone calls, and other comments about how much people like the Journal is very much appreciated. It is what gets us through the tough times. And thanks to people who are willing to share their memories and open up their photo and postcard collections to me. Also thank you to the many historical societies and libraries that I have worked with on collaborative efforts.

It’s amazing to think that five years and about 2,000 pages of history ago, this journal began as a rag-tag looking publication, with a sincere message and a local readership. Today it is an important part of life in the Northeast Kingdom, and a journal that is now delivered to readers in about 40 states and four countries. The one thing that hasn’t changed and never will is that it will continue to serve as a voice of the people to share the memories and stories that make the Northeast Kingdom what it is today.

Finally, a BIG thanks to my aunt and uncle, Roland and Wilma Devost, for the use of what we jokingly call the “thinking chair” that day about six years ago. This Journal probably wouldn’t be here today if we hadn’t stopped to visit them and sit a spell. No offense, but considering how busy my life has been during the last five years juggling my life and the Journal, I don’t think I’ll sit in that chair again anytime soon. I can only handle one brainstorm during a lifetime.

Thank you, everybody, for five great years.

Check out the journal’s website at www.northlandjournal.com