To the Editor:

Historic markers populate our roadsides giving tidbits of happenings from years’ past. These markers stand as tributes and history lessons. The town of Berne was home to a cheese factory and a carding and fulling mill as well as an ax factory — all bits of information that can be spotted on those blue and yellow signs.

Several of Berne's mini history plaques have recently received makeovers. You can see, as you drive about town, markers that pop out at you in a brand-new light. Of course, if you are driving, you may want to keep your eyes on the road as your passenger screams: "Look! There's one! Pull over so we can read the whole thing!" It's just that exciting!

So how did this feat of newly restored signage occur? By the sweat, determination, and perseverance of one man. A volunteer, a retiree, a person of experience when it comes to giving those posts of history their new sheen. We, at the Berne Historical Society, had been talking about the project for a couple of years. But talk is just talk. Thanks to our mystery painter, we got set, camera, action.

At the Berne Historical Society's annual meeting on Monday, Sept. 26, starting at 7 p.m. at the Berne Library, we will be talking about our town's historic markers. On this night, the identity of our sign-saving hero will be revealed. Thank you and be on the lookout for more historic markers popping out at you soon.

Sandra L. Kisselback

Berne Historical Society