Town-based militias were a New England tradition harking back to the Massachusetts Bay Colony days. In Vermont they came to be known as Floodwood militias or companies. In the 1840's the State formalized town militias. In Clarendon's case the local militia unit became the Clarendon Guards on Sept. 10, 1842 and continued for another 9 years after that. Those formalizations were well received by Floodwood companies in that it included some degree of State financial support for arms and uniforms vs it being the responsibility of each man to equip himself.
The term Floodwood seems innocuous now but in the early decades of the 1800's it carried a not entirely positive connotation, In an article "Military Matters of Bellows Falls and Rockingham " on the VT Genealogy site which was based on The Connecticut River Valley in Southern Vermont and New Hampshire: historical sketches, Rutland, Vt.: Tuttle Co., Marble City Press, 1929, we have the following description:
The militia of the state previous to this system had been known as the "Flood Wood Militia" because each member of the various companies was compelled to furnish his own clothing, arms,and equipment, many of the members of companies, being poor in this world's goods, could not afford a uniform, and often could not procure a gun of any kind. The arms-bearing citizens of the state, however, had been required to turn out for militia duty at least one day in the year, and the great variety of dress worn, as well as the imitations of guns used, made them a somewhat motley and non-military appearing body of soldiers. Often, there were men in the ranks who trained with only sticks, pitch-forks, hoes, or any other handy implement in the place of guns, and from this originated the title "Flood Wood."
That negative connotation carried into other areas. In the July 26, 1861 Burlington Weekly Sentinel, an article complaining about mail service included:
The trouble is not with any one office - it is so all over the country. Nearly all are new to the business, and such confusion of letter and papers, such blunders, dilatoriness, and "seventeen ways for Sunday" has not been seen since the old Floodwood companies appeared at May Trainings.
Proponents for temperance regularly railed against the Floodwood militias over what they saw as rampant drinking in conjunction with militia activities. Muster Days (usually in June) were often big celebrations in communities and so there probably is some truth to the charge.
No matter what the temperance proponents or the more elitist types that looked askance at poorly clothed and equipped Floodwood militias thought, numerous articles can be found of the men themselves looking back with pride and fondness at their Floodwood militia days.
William Wallace Tower (1830 - 1908) of Clarendon (see the William Wallace Tower, Boy Soldier, Stonecutter, Friend of Dumb Animals entry in the People collection) was said to have been the youngest person to serve in the Floodwood militia, his service beginning at age 11 as drummer boy.
Whereas the minimum requirement for town militias was a day's service, typically Muster Day in June, some militias did more than the minimum. The cover photo is an ad in the Jan. 24, 1843 Rutland Weekly Herald mandating a meeting of the Clarendon Guards in the dead of winter. It notes the meeting will be held at the armory in Clarendon Springs. Where specifically was the armory? Below is a notice from the May 16, 1843 Rutland Weekly Herald announcing that year's muster scheduled for June 6th. Though not stated, the Captain was Stephen Fowler (1789 - 1847). He was succeeded by Daniel Wing (1797 - 1874) and then Cyril Carpenter (1812 - 1890). The Clerk, John F. Learned (1780 - 1859), lived in Chippenhook. His house can be seen in the Robinson House entry in the Homes collection.
In the Oct. 19, 1843 Rutland County Herald, there was an article entitled "Brigade Review" about a 3 day encampment that had been held about a mile west of Castleton. Of the Clarendon Guards it said that:
...they will be remembered for their handsome appearance both as to numbers and uniform under their gentlemanly commander, Captain Fowler, of whom the company ought to feel proud. This company was the largest on the ground, composed of fine fellows, ready for a joke at night, and hard duty in the day time. It was a company worth looking at, and it is designed that it will never diminish in numbers or zeal.
From a June 29, 1843 Rutland Weekly Herald article we learn that local militias sometimes participated in public celebrations outside of Muster Day:
We understand that owing to a disappointment, not anticipated by the committee, in not being favored with the attendance of the Clarendon Guards, Pittsford Rifle and the Forestdale Volunteers, there will be no military celebration at Wallingford on the Fourth.
By time of the Civil War, the local militias had given way to State organized and run military units. In the May 24, 1848 Rutland Weekly Herald announcement seen at the bottom, we can see the increased formalization of the local militia unit as part of the State military operations. It also references the local headquarters in Clarendon Springs. Where was that?