Among John Gibson's favorite photographs in his collection are his prints of George Houghton photographs.

George Houghton was the only professional photographer from Vermont that covered the Civil War. A native of Putney, he spent most of his professional life in Brattleboro. (more to come).

Vermont soldiers in camp - 4th Vermont Infantry 1862

Tentmates Lieut Wm C. Tracy at left, sitting in front of tree. 4th Vermont Infantry 1862

Edward E. Phelps, M.D. Surgeon 4th Vermont Infantry 1862

Camp scene 1862

4th Vermont; C. B. Stoughton, E. H. Stoughton, H. N. Worthern

Vermont artist and sculptor Larkin Goldsmith Mead, Jr. was associated with Houghton during part of the Civil War.

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Recording

by Gray Grandy

He didn’t knock off any rebels,
But he was there
Watching
Recording
Through the lens of his camera.
Out of a traveling tent
A petite structure
Of white canvas
That carried his life.

George Houghton traveled with the men,
Smelling the smoke
Tasting the food
But did not know of battle
He knew of a camera
A large, clunky product
Slow to work
The photos he brought back were stories
Thousands of words
On fragile glass plates he saw
Many years ago

Through the lens of his camera.

© 2006 Guilford Central School, used with permission.