Lala Dinsmore

The snowy Sunday night didn’t seem to have kept people away from the annual Philbrook Farm Spaghetti Supper, held usually about this time of year to help raise funds for the Shelburne Recreational Fund. As I looked around me at the people happily eating and talking, it reminded me of how vital this wonderful place has been for well over 100 years. The mellow wood in all the rooms, the antiques in each corner, and of course my old friends Connie Leger and Nancy Philbrook , still ably ...The snowy Sunday night didn’t seem to have kept people away from the annual Philbrook Farm Spaghetti Supper, held usually about this time of year to help raise funds for the Shelburne Recreational Fund. As I looked around me at the people happily eating and talking, it reminded me of how vital this wonderful place has been for well over 100 years. The mellow wood in all the rooms, the antiques in each corner, and of course my old friends Connie Leger and Nancy Philbrook , still ably assisted by Connie’s daughter Anne and son Larry. The “girls” as we have known them, are well into their 80s and still are busy-“way too busy” (most of us say) to be handling such an appreciated and historical inn. Nancy, the cook still holds the spoon and Connie, as hostess, still manages the books with the help of son Larry, and Anne is often the official greeter and serves as general manager, too.

It’s interesting to hear how many people have moved to Shelburne or other places in the North Country after first staying a few nights at the “Farm”. And I can well remember over 50 plus years ago when my late husband and I moved here, it was such a help and a treat to be invited for a meal. As the years have gone by we have had anniversary celebrations, weddings and finally, a meeting place after funerals, in addition to the many meetings, workshops and holiday events enjoyed here. Connie’s lovely annual flower bed is still a part of the summer scene, too. I even remember when the swimming pool was built..what a treat that was for everyone, and of course, the guests, the main reason for it in the first place.