Precision Valley is the birthplace of precision manufactured interchangeable parts. In the 1860's the US government gave out contracts for the 1861 and 1863 Springfield rifles of the Civil War. These were 58 caliber single shot long guns! They were manufactured in the armories of Springfield, Vermont. The concept of precision manufactured interchangeable parts was refined here by the likes of Henry Leland and others. Later he ran Cadillac and founded Lincoln.
Springfield, Vermont is now the home of the new Precision Valley Corvette Museum. The owner has combined his enthusiasm for Corvettes and will open a functioning stainless diner from the 50's for an additional attraction. This is a nice new attraction in an area now known for its scenery, ski resorts and historic sites. The first video shows the outside.
Inside the front lobby to the left is a new Red C5 being raffled, with the winner to be drawn on July 4, 2003. Directly past the lobby are a 78 Pace car and a C4 ZR-1. The second video shows this area.
To the right is the gift shop with loads of Corvette paraphernalia from books, to models to apparel. Matt Alldredge, the museum owner told me he had contacted the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green on several occasions, but they have never responded to his communications. He stated perhaps they felt threatened. He mentioned that the owner of the museum in upstate New York had experienced the same treatment, i.e. denial of their existence. Oh well, this neat place only has 8 Corvettes on display.
To left in a separate alcove is a Red 55. Although the odometer shows only 969 miles, the museum manager told me that 8,000 miles should be added. Other than the upper radiator hose the engine compartment was clean and stock. He told me that it was basically un-restored, but the interior looked too new to be original. Nevertheless it is an impressive early V8, and if I can swing it, will add one to my garage.
In the main rear hallway are a new Z06, a 70 small block and a 64 Silver/Silver AC automatic coupe. Also on display is the rolling chassis and finished body of a Green C3 70 variety. Throughout the building are numerous gas pumps, sun machine and similar auto paraphernalia, memorabilia and parts. These can be seen in the third video.
The October 12, 2002 weekend of my visit John Fitch, Dave McLellan and Jerry Burton were in attendance. If you look carefully they are in the third video. Although the weather was drizzly and attendance was sparse, you could not find a more intimate affable event to meet these gentlemen. There was even a quartet playing out back under a tent.
Next July 4, 2003 the local Fire Dept will use the proceeds of the 2003 Corvette raffle to put on the largest fireworks display in Vermont at the local airport. Lots of Northeast Corvette Clubs are planning on attendance.
Geoffrey Coenen
PS following are Vermont Side Trips
30's Ford Oil Truck and 40's Flxible Bus
1785 Eureka One Room School House and 13 Star Flag, Springfield
American Precision Museum Front, Side, Windsor
Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge longest in USA
Green Mountain Inn, Front, Porch, Stowe
Granite Quarries, Graniteville
Smugglers Notch, Mt. Mansfield
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