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Northeast Kingdom Celebrities and Unsung Heroes

Every small town across America has them. Not necessarily the mayor, local business leader or other "celebrity by default". This focuses on the people who give an area that special personality and feel. Whether good or bad, famous or infamous, these are the people we remember. Their no-nonsense, take life as it comes attitude inspires us all and creates fond memories. Or, in some cases, humorous or other types of memories!

So here they are...the best of the best!

The Ethan Allen Awards (awarded for courage, humor and just plain "not afraid to speak your mind" common sense) Maurice Pouliot - formerly of Adrien's BP
Arguably, the best service station in Newport, VT. Honest, down to earth and absolutely no-nonsense! Maurice is a moody guy. He's also terrific! Years ago, as kids, we used to hang out in his gas station on a cold winter day. Usually begging for STP stickers or finding some other way to drive him nuts. Adrien's BP is probably the cleanest service station you'll ever see in your life. Probably cleaner than most restaurants!
When I became a teenager and bought a car, Maurice was the man to get the job done when the car had problems. Don't mess with this guy though. He'll treat you right if you keep your appointments...but miss one and your "ass is grass!" The soup Nazi on Seinfeld has nothing over Maurice. Once, I saw him rip into a customer for getting his work done and then driving across the street to buy his gas just to save a few cents.
When he's in the best of moods, the jokes flow like water. Years ago, he had a calendar on the wall that was a big mystery among all of the neighborhood kids. There was a girl in a bikini having car trouble. On the side of the road there was a guy (who looked just like Maurice) standing next to his repair truck. Somebody had scribbled the name "Maurice" above the photo and we honestly thought it was him. We used to ask him once in awhile. His response..."you kids get the hell out of here, I've got work to do."
In these days of politically correct extremes, we could use a few more guys like this. Note: Maurice recently sold the station and retired. Congrats!

The Everyman Award (representing the best in all of us) Herbie Johnson
I met Herbie back in 1981 when we were working for the State Highway Department in Derby. When I noticed his obituary on a newspaper website in early October 2002, it brought back some fond memories.
Herbie was a clown. He made us laugh and each work day went by a lot faster. Denny Comeau used to love picking on him but Herbie was always there with a comeback.
A few years later, I was working for UPS while Herbie worked for Top of the Hills Motel in Newport. When my truck pulled in, he was always right there to help me unload the packages. Always a joke or something to make you laugh. If you were having the crappiest day imaginable, you could always count on Herbie to change your mood in a hurry. Wherever you are now Herbie, I'm sure you're making it a better place!

Clint Eastwood (cool under any condition) Honors
Bob Provost, Hazel Turner - Provost's Store
Bob and his wife owned the store and Hazel was their clerk. It was always fun to visit Provost's because they had everything. Books and magazines galore. One side consisted of snacks and sundries while the other side was a gift shop of sorts. Bob was kind of cool and didn't say much...at least to us kids. His peripheral vision wasn't that great but the rumor was that he could spot a shoplifter with laser accuracy. Not a guy to mess with!
Hazel Turner worked mostly nights. She was as cool as Bob and although she fit the typical, picture postcard grandma role, she was a force to be reckoned with. She never said much and I think I saw her smile once or twice. Really nice lady but in that cool, Eastwood way. If the local high school boys were looking to "hock" (shoplift) a bottle of Boones Farm wine, they knew better than try while Hazel was working behind the counter!

Should Have Been Elected Governor Earl Taylor - Salesman
One of the most well known and best liked people in Orleans County. Earl was an appliance salesman for many years. First, with Citizen Utilities and later Quality Appliance.
It's really a pity that people like Earl aren't elected to public office. If they were, the USA would be a whole lot better off and more respected than it is now. Earl was always the type to help someone out and take the little guy's side. Probably the only "sales person" you could trust. That's saying a lot. Earl and his wife passed away a few years ago. He was a member of the "251 Club" and loved driving around Vermont. For a little guy, he had a big heart.

The Man Who Would Be King (...er, Mayor) Eddie Bickford
Proving that anyone can live the American dream and become whatever they want in life, Eddie's determination must be applauded. An unemployed and sometimes homeless person, Eddie managed to eek out a living by picking up bottles and redeeming them for cash. At one point, he had apparently caught on to the multi-level marketing scheme. His plan was to have others pick up the bottles, he would return them and extract a small percentage for his work.
Undoubtedly spurred on by the spirit of entrepeneurism, he decided to run for mayor. It was quite a site to see him greeting visitors outside the voting station in Newport. Although he lost his bid, it wasn't long before he had his eye on much bigger aspirations....Burlington, Vermont!
Truly a celebrity in the making. WCAX-TV featured him in at least one news cast as the "homeless man tossing his hat in the ring for the Burlington mayoral bid". Although he ran and lost at least a couple more times, you've got to give him his due. One can only wonder what Burlington would be like had he won. One thing's for sure. You'd have been hard pressed to find a bottle or can littering Church St.