Middletown Springs

Middletown came about when citizens in the far reaches of the surrounding towns of Ira, Poultney, Wells and Tinmouth grew tired of negotiating difficult terrain to attend meetings and worship services in their respective communities. Its name was indeed appropriate, considering that it was located right in the center of the four original settlements in a valley enveloped by high ridge-lines. By 1791, Middletown had become a seat of commerce boasting four grist mills, three saw mills, three distilleries, clothiers, mechanics' shops, taverns and stores, as well as the many farms that dotted its fertile landscape. The town thrived until 1811 when heavy rains caused the Poultney River to wash out all but one of the mills. Industry waned until about 50 years later when Albert W. Gray began to manufacture revolutionary farm machinery of his own invention. AW Gray and Sons expanded as the demand for its innovative designs grew, with products shipped by rail out of nearby Poultney to places across the country as well as Europe and South America. With that expansion came the re-discovery of several freshwater springs in 1868, ushering in a new prosperity for Middletown – and the addition of ‘Springs’ to the town’s name in 1884. This was the era when mineral springs and spas were the fashion, and the Grays began to bottle and sell the waters, which were believed to have medicinal qualities by the native people who first inhabited the area. The Grays helped to finance construction of the Montvert Hotel in 1870 to attract high-society visitors seeking a cure for their ailments. The luxurious resort offered accommodations for 350 guests, with state-of-the-art conveniences like gas lighting and running water. It employed many local people and brought new business to the town, but was ultimately unprofitable and closed its doors around 1900. The building was too cumbrous to serve any other purpose, and was demolished a few years later.

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Middletown Spring Community Church
Saint Anne’s Catholic Church