Joseph Battell
Encyclopedia
Joseph Battell was a publisher and philanthropist from Middlebury, Vermont. Battell is credited with preserving Vermont forest land including the land for Camel's Hump State Park. Battell edited a newspaper and authored several books, including the "American Morgan Horse Registry". He donated his horse farm to the federal Morgan horse
breeding program, and is credited by some as saving the breed. In addition, he served at the Vermont Legislature, and as a trustee for Middlebury College
.
He was also the author of one of the more peculiar books ever written, Ellen--or the Whisperings of an Old Pine, a dialogue between a sixteen year-old girl, Ellen, and a wise old white pine
tree. Among the matters they discuss is a refutation of the wave theory of sound propagation. It is illustrated with many photographs of Vermont scenery, including several of Ellen. (Gardner
, 1957) . Her mountain, Mt. Ellen, a 4000-footer near Sugarbush
ski area, can be found here.
are also named for Battell as recognition for the land he bequeathed to the college.
Battell purchased many thousands of acres in the vicinity of Middlebury, adjacent to Bread Loaf Mountain, and had an existing building added to and cottages built for guests of his. On his death the property was bequeathed to Middlebury College, which, since 1926, has held the Bread Loaf Writers' Conferences at this location each August.
Morgan horse
The Morgan is one of the earliest horse breeds developed in the United States. Tracing back to the stallion Figure, later named Justin Morgan after his best-known owner, the breed excels in many disciplines, and is known for its versatility....
breeding program, and is credited by some as saving the breed. In addition, he served at the Vermont Legislature, and as a trustee for Middlebury College
Middlebury College
Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college located in Middlebury, Vermont, USA. Founded in 1800, it is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States. Drawing 2,400 undergraduates from all 50 United States and over 70 countries, Middlebury offers 44 majors in the arts,...
.
He was also the author of one of the more peculiar books ever written, Ellen--or the Whisperings of an Old Pine, a dialogue between a sixteen year-old girl, Ellen, and a wise old white pine
Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus, commonly known as the eastern white pine, is a large pine native to eastern North America, occurring from Newfoundland west to Minnesota and southeastern Manitoba, and south along the Appalachian Mountains to the northern edge of Georgia.It is occasionally known as simply white pine,...
tree. Among the matters they discuss is a refutation of the wave theory of sound propagation. It is illustrated with many photographs of Vermont scenery, including several of Ellen. (Gardner
Martin Gardner
Martin Gardner was an American mathematics and science writer specializing in recreational mathematics, but with interests encompassing micromagic, stage magic, literature , philosophy, scientific skepticism, and religion...
, 1957) . Her mountain, Mt. Ellen, a 4000-footer near Sugarbush
Sugarbush Resort
Sugarbush Resort is a ski resort located in the Mad River Valley in Warren, Vermont. It is one of the largest ski resorts in New England. The resort encompasses more than 4000 acres total, 578 acres skiable, 53 miles of trails, and 16 ski lifts...
ski area, can be found here.
Philanthropy
Three dormitories at Middlebury CollegeMiddlebury College
Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college located in Middlebury, Vermont, USA. Founded in 1800, it is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States. Drawing 2,400 undergraduates from all 50 United States and over 70 countries, Middlebury offers 44 majors in the arts,...
are also named for Battell as recognition for the land he bequeathed to the college.
Battell purchased many thousands of acres in the vicinity of Middlebury, adjacent to Bread Loaf Mountain, and had an existing building added to and cottages built for guests of his. On his death the property was bequeathed to Middlebury College, which, since 1926, has held the Bread Loaf Writers' Conferences at this location each August.