Moments Project – The Union Block
The Union Block Brattleboro Vermont.
This brick building is the ‘Union Block’. There is a large bronze plaque bearing the name ‘Amedeo de Angelis’ with the United States Seal.
The construction of the building was begun and completed in 1864 during the Civil War. It is theorized the name ‘Union Block’ came from the patriotic feelings of the owners.
Cyrus Wyman and Seth Herrick were among the founders of Brattleboro. Wyman supported women’s rights, prohibition, ran for Vermont Governor. Seth Herrick, a West Brattleboro farm boy, worked on Main Street. He became deputy sheriff, town tax collector, served in the State Legislature, and on the town selectboard.
15-year-old Amedeo de Angelis emigrated to Brattleboro in 1902. He worked in a shoe repair business located in the basement of this building. DeAngelis bought the Union Block. He operated his shoe repair shop in the basement. In 1946 the shoe repair business was turned over to his sons, Anthony and John.
