Just in case some of you don't see the local papers, we have a pretty big weekend coming up here at Joe's Pond. On Saturday morning, the special short-term special cancellation stamp will be unveiled at the West Danville Post Office. The stamp commemorates Joe's Pond Association's beginnings 90 years ago. Well, almost. The first meeting was actually held in 1921 with about 44 present. Dues were set at $1.00 and the first record of dues collected was in 1922. The property where the pavilion and tennis courts are now was purchased by selling "shares" at $25. There was a small store still on the property, and that was sold for $450.

The Association had regular meetings throughout the summers, with clam bakes, picnics, corn roasts and sugar parties (maple, of course), and collected dues from each camp. 1931 introduced the first "newsletter." In 1932 there was no annual meeting and in 1933, dues were waived due to hard times.

By 1935 there were 33 camps on the pond and there was some discussion that perhaps the Association should disband, but it was voted to continue "for protective purposes" of the pond, and to promote social relationships among the cottagers. I think it may have been about this time that there was some grumbling that all the activity was taking place on the east side of the pond and perhaps the campers on the west shore should have their own association. Of course, that didn't happen and everyone worked and socialized together, as they do now.

Another suggestion that didn't work was when, in 1943, it was suggested it would lend some dignity to the place if people began referring to it as Joe's Lake. I also remember reading somewhere that someone once petitioned the Vermont Legislature to have Joe's Pond renamed Lake St. Joseph, but that didn't fly, either.

Garey Larrabee, our postmaster came up with the idea for the special cancellation and on Saturday he will begin using it. Garey said there is a limited time it can be used. You can have an envelope with the canceled stamp for the price of a regular stamp, or you can bring in your own envelope and just buy a regular stamp to put on and have Garey use the special cancellation stamp on it. Whether you send it to someone or keep it as a souvenir is up to you.

Garey and Jane are having light refreshments at the post office on Saturday, so stop in before you come to the JPA meeting or plan on stopping after the meeting. Remember, though, Kids' Day is directly after the JPA meeting, so you may want to stay around for that. There will be refreshments available then, too. After that you can go home and take a nap, but be sure you're at a good vantage point to see the fireworks at dusk - weather permitting, of course - on Saturday night, and get your luminaries (or luminaria, if you prefer) out on your shoreline as soon as it gets dark. Those are available at the store/post office, too.

Sunday there are special church services in Peacham and an early service (8:30 a.m.) at Cabot; and parades. Cabot's parade starts at 11 o'clock - I'm not sure about North Danville or any others. Lots of things to enjoy over the weekend, so get out and have fun, but be careful, especially on the roads, around fireworks, and in the water. Stay safe.