The Orleans County town of Glover, best known for Bread and Puppet Theater and the Museum of Everyday Life, once made a serious bid to host the Statue of Liberty after France gifted it to the United States in 1885. A dispute over placement and a fundraising shortfall for its pedestal in New York led police to consider other locations, including the Northeast Kingdom.
“It does seem unbelievable. But it is true!” said Joan Alexander of the Glover Historical Society. A local student uncovered the story while researching old news articles; no town records exist documenting the effort. The most documented proposed site is Lone Tree Hill overlooking Lake Parker.
Denise Royer, owner of the Busy Bee Diner, said the statue's presence would have transformed the town. “Can you imagine celebrating the 250th anniversary in Glover with the Statue of Liberty?” she asked. Another potential spot was Perron Hill, where one resident, the late Blanche Perron, said in 1999 she would have welcomed the landmark: “Stick it right in my front yard. I’ll put nice flowers around it.”
Residents remain divided on whether the town missed out. “I think they missed out to be honest with ya,” said Rance Bolduc of Orleans. But Alexander noted, “Many of us wouldn’t want to live here if it was a big urban place.” Randy Williams of the historical society said the statue served its purpose where it is, becoming a symbol for immigrants.
Originally reported by WCAX.
Photo: Anatolii Grytsenko via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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