How far back can you remember? My earliest memories (as told here) involve brother Dave dropping eggs on the floor, and the arrival of my first feather pillow.

As of a few weeks ago, I can piece together a third: My first taste of maple sugar candy.

This memory’s missing piece surfaced in December, as an early gift, when I found this:

Oh, boy! Dad and Mom were planning a getaway to Vermont!

Back in 1961, there were no websites for online reservations. Heck, there weren’t even zip codes back then! But letter-writing worked just fine.

In short order, Dad received a return letter from the innkeeper:

“Hot dog!” I can just hear Dad’s voice cheer out as he read the confirmation.

His getaway with Mom was locked down just as soon as he mailed off that check for $12.

Oldest brother Harry remembers Grandma Cassidy came to stay with us during the week we were at home in Connecticut and our parents were in Vermont.

I can’t help but wonder if they stopped by Pittsfield, Mass., on the way to or from Vermont, as it was not quite a year later that we moved there.

Here are a few photos which are dated “1961” on the back, but don’t include any notes to confirm my guesses.

This just has to be their cute little Vermont cottage, right?

Green Mountain National Forest is located near Rutland, Vermont, so it’s probably safe to assume Mom and Dad visited.

Mom in a skirt, of course!

At the end of the week, Mom and Dad returned, laden with gifts.

Hats! And candy …

Just in case you’re not familiar with the goodness of maple sugar candy, here’s a photo:

The outer layer has a brûlée-esque crunch, while the inside melts in your mouth. I’m not sure anyone’s gift box lasted very long. (I know mine didn’t!)

Please drop in your email address below (I promise not to sell or share – ever!) and we’ll send you a notice with each new story: