Author spotlights tiny village in Vermont

“The people of Baltimore are a bunch of characters,” says Steven Aikenhead. He's written a book about the tiny town bordering North Springfield. The book is $5 with proceeds going to a Baltimore charity.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20121130/NEWS02/711309919

Author spotlights tiny village in Vermont By Christian Avard Staff Writer | November 30,2012 BALTIMORE — When people think of Baltimore, many think of the city in Maryland. But there really is a town in Vermont named Baltimore and a local author is now sharing its story. It’s a tiny village in the Green Mountains where notable people live and notable events occur, according to the collection of stories, “There Really is a Baltimore ... Vermont!” Written by Steven Aikenhead, the book was published last week, just before Thanksgiving. Baltimore is a town of 244 people, according to the 2010 census, and less than 5 square miles in size. It has a town office, a Select Board and is located next to Cavendish and Springfield in Windsor County. According to Aikenhead, Baltimore residents approached him and asked if he were interested in writing a book. Aikenhead thought it was a great idea. “The people of Baltimore are a bunch of characters,” Aikenhead said. “I love stories and I love history. It’s not just me but other people are really grateful when their stories and lives are in print. They take a lot of pride in that.” Aikenhead, a resident of Weathersfield, is also the author of “The Weathersfield Tales.” Aikenhead said his new book is the first book to be completed on Baltimore’s history. The late Annie Pollard of Baltimore began a book on the village’s history in the 1950s but died before it was finished. Aikenhead picked up the pieces, researched additional material, and wrote this book in half a year. The compilation of stories offers a look at the small village that has its own character and history. Some of the more irreverent stories of Baltimore’s past include a bull used as an elevator, pigs that stage an escape from their pen and raccoons that raid some bee hives, steal honey and return the hives intact. Other famous Baltimore stories include a young man dressed up as the raiding Pig Lady on Halloween, a famous bootlegger that got stuck in the mud and the cancellation of the 1896 election because the town had no ballots that year. “Baltimore became famous for the town that didn’t vote,” Aikenhead said with a laugh. “Somebody dropped the ball that election.” The book is 108 pages and it includes several photos from the recent and distant past. Another volume of “There Really is a Baltimore ... Vermont!” will be published at the end of next year, December 2013, Aikenhead said. Copies are available at Baltimore Town Office, Black River Used Books, Springfield Library, Springfield Food Co-op, Ascutney Town Office, Red Barn Café and Misty Valley Books. The book is $5 and proceeds will be donated to a Baltimore charity. For more information to contribute stories to the second volume contact Aikenhead at 263-5439 or steve@vermontel.net.