It was 60 years ago this year when U.S. Senator George Aiken uttered the phrase – “The Northeast Kingdom”

Although Aiken is credited with popularizing the slogan, it is believed the phrase was the brainchild of at least two local men, Wallace Gilpin of Newport and W. Arthur Simpson of Lyndonville. However it was the use of the phrase by the beloved Vermont governor turned United States senator in 1949 at the Darling Inn on Depot Street in Lyndonville that introduced it to the rest of the state, and in time, to every corner of the United States and beyond.

The event, which is hosted by Vermont’s Northland Journal, will take place at the Goodrich Memorial Library on Main Street in Newport on Saturday, November 14 at 2 p.m. Special guests will include descendents of Senator Aiken. Hopes are that members of the Gilpin and Simpson families will also attend. This event is free and open to the public.

People with questions can contact Scott Wheeler at (802) 334-5920 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the Goodrich at (802-334-7902).