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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 present 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.

2019 Tree and Shrub Sale.  For an informative order form for Chester Townscape’s 2019 tree or shrub, click here.  For additional information, contact Lillian Willis at 802-875-1340 or lbwillisct@comcast.net.

​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 frame of the historic building was repaired and renovated, the exterior painted, and a reinforced concrete floor laid.  In September the Town’s horse-drawn hearse was moved into its reincarnated home.  An educational foyer featuring facts about the building, hearse, and funeral customs will be constructed in early 2017 with a projected grand opening of Chester’s unique small museum in late spring.  For information, contact Suzy Forlie at 802-875-3634 or Lillian Willis at 802-875-1340
​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.