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Chester Townscape

Chester Townscape (formerly known as Chester Beautification Committee) is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to enlisting public and private resources to enhance the natural, historic, and architectural features of the town and to further Chester’s environmental and cultural vitality. Chester Townscape is a committee of Chester Community Alliance, Inc. [CCA], a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Donations to Chester Townscape and Chester Community Alliance, Inc., are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law. Contributions may be mailed to CCA at PO Box 561, Chester, VT 05143, with Chester Townscape in the memo line.

Chester Townscape’s projects include seasonal displays (daffodils in the Village Green area for springtime color, flower pots and boxes in summer, corn husks and mums and pumpkins for fall, Christmas greens that enliven the winter months), tree care at the Village Green, restoration of the Hearse House and Public Tomb at the entrance to Brookside Cemetery in the heart of the town, and a walking tour map of the central village that presents historic and architectural features for the enjoyment and education of area residents, businesses, and visitors.

The newest Chester Townscape project in partnership with the Town of Chester – with both entities sharing financial and physical support – involved new landscaping in front of the Information Booth situated on Main Street between the Academy Building (aka Chester Historical Society) and the Hearse House Museum.   A new, level brick walkway was installed with a variety of new perennial plantings on either side of the walk to provide an enhanced welcome to the center of town for visitors and residents.   Plantings were completed on Saturday May 4, 2019, and complement the new bench, which was given by the Town.   

​Volunteer and professional help for these projects is always encouraged and appreciated.  Please let us know how you’d like to get involved.  For information, please contact  Tory Spater at 802-875-2952, Lillian Willis at 802-875-1340, or Lynn Russell at 802-875-2707.
Please push play or click through the pictures above to view some of the projects initiated by Chester Townscape to make Chester a more beautiful and appealing place to live, shop, and visit.
​Historic Chester Village Walking Tour
“Take a Walk along Main Street in Historic Chester Village,” edited by Nancy Chute and designed by Lew Watters, features line drawings and descriptions of historic architecture in Chester’s central village, as well as tidbits of local history.  The brochure is generously printed by NewsBank and distributed, free of charge, at many locations – including shops, restaurants, and inns, as well as at the Chester Town Hall and Information Center.  For additional copies, please visit the Fullerton Inn or contact Nancy Chute at 802-875-8971.
Hearse House Renovation and Museum
​The complete renovation of the Hearse House, and nearby cast-iron green fence, took place in summer 2016.  The structure of the historic building was repaired, righted, and renovated; the exterior painted; and a reinforced concrete floor laid.  In September 2016 the Town’s horse-drawn hearse was moved into its reincarnated home.  An educational foyer featuring facts about the building, hearse, and funeral customs was constructed, and the unique, seasonal museum was opened to the public on October 28, 2017.   The museum is open for self-guided tours Memorial Day through Columbus Day.  For additional information, contact Lillian Willis at 802-875-1340 or lbwillisct@comcast.net.
​Public Plantings
Four times a year – spring, summer, fall, and winter – Chester Townscape enhances Chester’s landscape in prominent public locations with flowers and other natural decorations.  CT volunteers water those plants all summer long and would love help from others for that daily job that brings so much beauty to the town and joy to all who drive or walk by.   If you would like to help or would like to be emailed the form to order a planter or to contribute to the public plantings this coming spring, please contact Tory Spater at 802-875-2952 or Lynn Russell at 802-875-2707.