Four months to solve a mystery debated for over 100 years, write and publish a book. Could I do it? Then I missed my flight! How could I make it to the bicentennial in time? Amazing coincidences? Or, was someone helping me?

This is how and why I wrote my book Run Chamberlain, Run- Solving the 200-year-Old Mystery of Runaway Pond. It is much more than a story about a flood. It is an incredible interaction between six generations of the Chamberlain/Phillips family to correct a mistake and defend the truth.

 

Our family history, as I remember it at age 12

When I was twelve-years-old, I was fascinated by family stories that my mother told me. Ironically, all of these stories were from my father’s side of the family. My Grandfather Harry Chamberlain told them to my Grandmother Annie. Mother became a captive audience to my grandmother for an hour or two each month after our family dinner. My mother then repeated these stories to me. Third hand tales of events that happened over a hundred years ago, what could go wrong?

This is how I remember Chamberlain family history from when I was twelve.

Our family descended from John Chamberlain who fought a duel with the Indian Chief Paugus.  John got off the first shot by priming his rifle with a thump on the ground. The chief’s bullet grazed John’s hair. The duel would decide the victor of the battle at Lovewell’s Pond. After this heroic event he became known as Paugus John Chamberlain.

Paugus John had a son or grandson, also named John, who married an Indian named Winona. They named their son Spencer Chamberlain.

Spencer lived in Glover, Vermont and married Millie French. Her mother was against the marriage because Spencer was half Indian. No record can be found of the marriage since the court house burned down and marriage records were destroyed. Spencer’s mother-in-law undoubtedly set the fire.

One day Spencer hiked  with a group of men to a lake near town to provide more water to run the mill. The water broke loose and the whole lake began rumbling down the valley taking out trees and anything in its path. Spencer Chamberlain was a champion wrestler and runner as fleet as a deer. The men realized the miller’s wife was working in the mill in the valley below. She was in the direct path of the roaring water. They quickly summoned the young athlete, “Run Chamberlain, Run!”

Spencer ran with all the might and strength he had. He got ahead of the flood rushed into the mill and pulled the miller’s wife out of the mill and up the hill.  The flood washed the mill away. The miller’s wife and Chamberlain were caught up to their waste in water.

Were these family stories true?

When I was twelve year’s old these stories of family heroes were magical and mythical, almost sacred. But were they true? Did they actually happen?

The story of Runaway Pond was 144 years ago when I was twelve. Certainly, I thought, no one will ever know if the incredible run of Spencer Chamberlain ever really happened.

When I was much older, (in about the year 2001), our family received some exciting information. My cousin Bruce Chamberlain learned that each year the town of Glover, Vermont had a race that celebrated the run of Spencer Chamberlain. Also, there was a poem that told the whole story of the Runaway Pond.

One verse of the poem seemed most remarkable:

Chamberlain’s the man for that long chase,
A half-blood of the Indian race!
With Chamberlain’s name the hills resound:
“Run Chamberlain, Run!” He gives a bound.

Wow! The story was really true!

Family invitation to the Runaway Pond bicentennial celebration

In 2008, I bought the book “Runaway Pond: The Complete Story” by Wayne H. Alexander from the Glover Historical Society. Joan Alexander, secretary of the GHS, included a small sample of the quicksand collected from Long Pond with my book order.

Joan was always very helpful with my questions, and in a later email she invited me and the Chamberlain family to come to the Runaway Pond Bicentennial celebration, a three day event planned for June 2010.

In July 2009, there was a Chamberlain family reunion in Salt Lake City, Utah, for my Aunt Lois Chamberlain Roos’s 90th birthday. During this event, Bruce Chamberlain told the story of Runaway Pond. Many younger members had not heard about Spencer Chamberlain. Everyone was intrigued to hear that there was a Chamberlain Run race each year in Vermont.

I extended the invitation to attend and began coordinating the effort.

Bruce and I had sold the Chamberlain family on a legendary super hero who was about to be honored in a bicentennial celebration. So much so, that about twenty excited family members planned to make the 2000 mile journey to attend the three day event. These included four generations of Chamberlains ranging in age from six months to ninety-four years.

Sumberg’s blog “Runaway Ponders”

Meanwhile back in Glover, Vermont, Jack Sumberg bagan to raise questions about the historical events of 1810 in his blog named “Runaway Ponders”. His post of January 7, 2010 began:

“Writing to the local paper about the events at Runaway Pond on June 6, 1810 is an old custom in Orleans County and since 2010 brings us the bicentennial of that famous day I would like to open the floodgates once again…. There are smoldering questions still to be answered, and maybe a few yet to be asked.”

Some of those smoldering questions came in 1860 after Rev. Pliny H. White gave the address, at the fifty year anniversary. When he mentioned the story of the heroic runner, he said that the man who ran ahead of the flood was– “Solomon F. Dorr.”

Sumberg’s blog expounded on White’s interpretation of the heroic runner:

“I would note that Rev. White did not call Spencer Chamberlain the hero. In fact, the one mention of him in the speech is for conduct not exactly ‘heroic’.”

After the 50th Anniversary speech by White, the people of Orleans County suddenly realized there were some huge contradictions among them. What happened on that day?

Everyone had heard the story over and over again from the witnesses of that day, their parents and grandparents. Each of these stories were from a different perspective.

In one old timers opinion, the whole story of a heroic runner was a “humbug”. Sumberg’s blog points out that synonyms from the dictionary are “a hoax”, “a fraud”, “a sham”.

More poetry than truth?

Sumberg gives the poem written by Harry Alonzo Phillip’s much of the credit for capturing the hearts and minds of Glover. The Bread and Puppet Theater presents a puppet show each year which follows along the lines of the poem.

Harry Alonzo Phillips is the great-grand son of Spencer Chamberlain, and the third generation to defend the Spencer Chamberlain version of the story. The alternate version of the story is told by the Willson and Dorr families.

Sumberg surmises that the Phillip’s poem may be the predominant reason that Glover favored Chamberlain rather than Dorr:

Can we conclude that that it was the power of poetry that ultimately caused the Chamberlain-Phillips version of the story to predominate in the public mind? If the Willson-Dorrs had fathered, or mothered, poets would the battle for the hearts and minds of Glover still rage today? Could a new film or TV docu-drama succeed in overthrowing the triumphant story?

Overthrow the triumphant story?

What if Sumberg should succeed in overthrowing the Spencer Chamberlain story? Or, what if he persuades the town that there was no runner at all? In either case, Spencer Chamberlain would be considered a fraud and the story of his heroic run considered a hoax!

One can only imagine what our reception in Glover might be.

As strangers to the town of Glover, we were not sure how literal was “the battle for the hearts and minds”, nor how much “rage” it might stir. My young niece, when learning of the controversy inquired, “Are they going to shoot us?”

Runaway Pond: The Complete Story

I had read Runaway Pond: The Complete Story (second edition) by Wayne H. Alexander, which is a compilation of all the information about Runaway Pond collected since the event. In the preface Alexander wrote:

“We have tried in this book to keep the material as close to its original state as possible with all its period misspellings, capitalizations and inconsistencies. We hope that in a particular twist of grammar or awkward turn of phrase, some scholar may find a new window on some of the historical problems created by the pond that ran away.”

In this compilation there are massive contradictions between the many reports and there are many questions to answer. However, Alexander’s collection of material was exactly what was needed. I don’t consider myself a scholar, but his preface seemed to be an invitation to look for that new window.

Sumberg was also searching. He said he had been plowing through the old accounts of Runaway Pond for the last year or so. “I had hoped to unearth some ancient nugget”, Sumberg wrote, “that when brought forth into the clear air of the 21st century, it might spontaneously burst into flame and illuminate some dust-bunnied corner of humanity’s Gloverian history.” He called this his impossible dream.

Questions began to flow into my mind, “Can I find Alexander’s new window?”  “Would I be able to find answers to the many questions and write a book?”  It was the middle of January 2010. I had four months.

Time to write

Our house needed some painting and it was time to plant the garden. Also, I had volunteered for some time commitments at church. I really didn’t have time for another major project. Then something happened that changed everything.

One day as I was riding my bicycle home from town, the wheel struck the curb. I stuck my foot out to prevent a fall and broke a bone in my foot. The doctor gave me an orthopedic boot to wear and a pair of crutches. He told me to keep off my foot and to keep it elevated.

Anyway, I couldn’t paint, garden or participate in certain volunteer projects. Doctors orders! Almost the only thing I could do is sit in front of my computer with my leg elevated and write.

Sometimes I felt like there was an ancestor or someone who really wanted me to write that book, and was trying to “help” me.

Editing, printing and publishing

Everything seemed to go incredibly smooth. My sister Deanna Grant was editor and gave technical  support. My aunt Louise Chamberlain proof read my manuscript. Joan Alexander in Glover also read it. She made sure I didn’t say something too stupid, since I was writing about a place where I had never been.

I had previously published a book with American Book Publishing in Salt Lake City and was familiar with the quality of their printing company. I wanted to them also to print my new book.

When I called the owner he said, “Sorry, we don’t print books for authors, only for publishing companies.”

I told him that I own Mount Olympus Publishing Company registered in Yolo County, California. He was quite surprised, but said, “OK then, we can print it for you.”

After winning a dispute with American Book Publishing, they returned to me all rights to my first book. In 2005, I paid Yolo County $10 to set up Mount Olympus Publishing Company in case there was a need for a second printing. There never was a need, but in 2010 when I was ready to publish Run Chamberlain, Run!, I owned my own publishing company.

The Cover

The cover is a masterpiece by artist Seth Hippen. It depicts Spencer Chamberlain in action as he bounds through the air just ahead of the flood. Seth created this from the description of Spencer and the story of the flood, and also a photo of Spencer’s son Alonzo Chamberlain.

Seth, a cousin on my mother’s side, accepted an affordable offer. This book would not have a professional cover without his help. At that time he was looking for work as an animation artist. He soon landed a job at Blue Sky and then Disney. Seth worked on Epic and other movies including Encanto which is to be released at Thanksgiving 2021.

Defending the Legacy

Jeanette Chamberlain Phillips, (daughter), Alonzo Chamberlain Phillips (grandson) and Harry Alonzo Phillips (great-grand son), defended the heroic run of Spencer Chamberlain beginning in 1860 until Harry wrote his poem in 1929.

It was humbling to me that this third-great-grandson was now continuing what they had started. I would be the fourth generation to defend the legacy of Spencer Chamberlain. It was a position that I had never sought, but one for which I was completely prepared.

Sometimes it seemed as tough someone was helping me along. I began to wonder, “After all these years, was this something that was still important to them?”

Solving the mystery

I sat down with my copy of Wayne Alexander’s compilation of resources and a topographical map of northern Vermont and went to work.

In Pliny White’s address in 1860, the runner and hero of the day was Solomon F. Dorr. Many of the reports supported this version of the story.

Ironically, the runner’s stop for a drink of whiskey along the way gave us a huge clue. The location of that house and the mill were important pieces of the puzzle. As well as which side of the river the runner traveled. Was it, as some say, on the east side? Or as others believed, was it on the west?

These clues could prove the true runner.

I studied this problem for several days. When I finally realized the actual path of the runner, my mind lite up and my eyes filled with tears. For that brief moment, I could see him running and feel his pain.

Five hundred copies

Everything seemed to fall in to place and by May 19. Five hundred copies of Run Chamberlain, Run were printed. This was way more than needed, but the price per book was much better at this quantity. The printer sent the books to my home in California.

I immediately sent out twenty-eight pre-ordered books to family and friends, plus nine complimentary copies to all who had helped with the book. This included one to Jack Sumberg who’s questions inspired me to write it. In return he sent me his publication of Runaway Pond, an illustrated pamphlet of Harry Alonzo Phillips’ poem with drawings by Peter Schumann.

Eight promotional copies were sent to newspapers and and media stations in Vermont.

A full case of sixty books were sent to the Glover Historical Society Gift Shop which would be made available in Glover for the bicentennial on June 4 through 6. This seemed like more than enough for Glover, Vermont population 1100.

Missed flight to Vermont

The day arrived, June 3, 2010. I got up early in the morning and drove to the Sacramento Airport. Unfortunately, the time to take a shuttle from parking and get through security was more than expected. When I finally got through, it was too late. There was no way I could get on that plane.

I couldn’t believe it. I had missed my flight!

The next flight from Sacramento to Houston was full, but there might be some cancellations. I gave it a try and got on the standby passenger list. It was my only chance.

Houston was the first of three segments from Sacramento to Burlington Vermont. I planned to arrive that evening in Burlington and catch a ride to Glover with my sister and her husband.

I waited in the Sacramento airport for the next flight.

Boarding began and ended. They then began calling standbys, one by one. Finally, they called “Chamberlain”. And I really mean “finally.”  I was the last one called, but I was now on my way.

I was soon in Houston, Texas. However, by that time I had missed my flight to Newark, New Jersey. The next flight wouldn’t leave until the next morning. That flight was also full. So, once again, the standby passenger list was my only chance.

I slept that night in a chair in the very quiet Houston Airport terminal. This gave me some time to think. “What could I do for the week-end in Houston.” At least I had tickets for a return flight to Sacramento on the June 8.

The next morning boarding began and ended for the Newark. They then began calling standbys, one by one. Yes! I was the last one called, and I was now on my to New Jersey.

I arrived in Newark and quickly signed up on the standby passenger list for the next flight to Burlington, Vermont. Now, much better off than when in Houston, I could rent a car and make the seven hour drive to Glover. Oh, how I hoped I wouldn’t have to do that.

I waited. Boarding began and ended. They began calling names from the standby list. It was a long list. Twenty names, or more it seemed. Then they began calling the same name over and over again. Every few minutes they would call that same name. For about twenty minutes, the same name over and over again.

I prayed he wouldn’t show up.

It was now time for take off. “Chamberlain!” they called. As soon as I entered the airplane, they closed the door and started the jet engines. When my plane arrived in Burlington, my sister Deanna and her husband Chuck were there and ready to take me to Glover.

After contemplating this experience, I came to the following conclusions. Someone was helping me, and they wanted me to know they were helping me. And, whoever that might be, they have a warped sense of humor.

Graveyard Ghosts

No pun intended. This was the actual title of the program that was in progress when we arrived in Glover, “Graveyard Ghosts Remember Runaway Pond”. It was a delightful show put on by the Glover school children who were dressed in costume and portrayed 1810 residents sharing their memories.

It was held in the school gym. However, a night performance was planned for 9 pm in Westlook Cemetery, with path lit with luminaries. This was a fitting location for the spirit of the occasion, where markers designated the current address of the original cast of characters.

Small town hospitality

The town of Glover went all out to make the twenty-one Chamberlain family members welcome. They put on a Saturday morning Chamberlain descendant breakfast at the Runaway Pond Cafe for our whole group. They provided us with great food and live entertainment. A local singer/song writer played a number of songs about the Runaway Pond of a folk/bluegrass venue.

We were also invited to be part of the Glover Village parade. My father Ernest, uncle Robert and I rode in the cab of a horse drawn carriage. My son and his wife walked behind with two children in a stroller. Robert’s family followed each wearing a white tee shirt embossed with the Chamberlain coat of arms. These were made special for the occasion. My two sisters and their families were more modest than the rest of us and blended in with the spectators.

Some of Roberts family participated in the Chamberlain Run race from the lake bed to the village.

On Sunday, June 6 the activities were held in the Long Pond dry lake bed. These included picnic lunch, the Bread and Puppet Theater puppet show, unveiling of the road side marker, remarks by Governor Douglas and others, and many more activities and fireworks.

The main event of the Sunday activities was the firing of the cannon at the moment the event occurred in 1810.

Three days of fame

Four news articles about my book and the runner controversy hit the stands a couple of days before our arrival. This buzz made me a short term celebrity author.

On Saturday, after the Chamberlain breakfast, a reporter for Seven Days found me for a television interview. This was for their state wide series called  “Stuck in Vermont.”  I then went to the Glover Town Hall which was adorned with beautiful home made quilts on special display for the celebration. There, I enjoyed talking to local residents while signing books.

While I was at the book signing, other family members took a guided bus tour of Runaway Pond. The guide mentioned that the oldest living descendant of Spencer Chamberlain was on the bus. This was my dad, Ernest M. Chamberlain age 94. Many jumped up from their seats and ran back to have him sign their copy of the book.

By Sunday the books sent to Glover were sold out. During the activities at the dry lake bed one young boy shouted, “Look dad, there’s one!” He pointed to someone carrying a copy of my book. It was the first time he saw one.

On Sunday, I met the son of Wayne Alexander. He asked me what I did for a living and seemed interested in how I wrote my book. “Oh, how I wish my father could be here,” he said. “He would be so tickled to see you Chamberlains here in Glover.” He told me he bought my book yesterday and couldn’t put it down until he finished it at 1 am. Then he called his son over and introduced me. “I want you to met Mr. Chamberlain who wrote the book”

I have never felt more honored in my life.

The heart of the fathers to their children

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers. (Malachi 4:6)

The Old Testament Prophet Malachi implied that in the last days there would be important interaction between the fathers and their children. Latter-day Saints believe that it is important for us to connect and record our kindred families through genealogical research.

A message from Alonzo Chamberlain Phillips

My grandfather Harry Ellis Chamberlain was researching our family genealogy in the 1920s. Alonzo Chamberlain Phillips, in Glover, Vermont, was the one who answered his many questions and helped him in this effort.

Ironically, in 2008, I did the research and compiled the genealogy records for Alonzo C. Phillips and his immediate family. As I did this, I felt a close connection to Alonzo Phillips.

Alonzo C. Phillips was the grandson of Spencer Chamberlain, and a strong defender of his run. In 1927, he sent a message to my grandfather Harry Chamberlain which he addressed: “To my family in the West”. He told of the controversy still raging in Glover:

I now wish to correct a mistake that was made by White at the 50th anniversary of the letting out of the pond… This mistake was what caused my mother (to write) her piece giving her father the dues that rightfully belong to him.- Alonzo Chamberlain Phillips- 1927

Thank you, I got your message.- Dennis Chamberlain- 2010

Important Links

How to order my book, or see more photos of the Runaway Pond Bicentennial.

Seven Days 5 minute video “Stuck in Vermont.”

“What Could go wrong?” What was true, and what were the misconceptions in my age 12 memories of Chamberlain family history

© Copyright Dennis D. Chamberlain, All rights reserved. The Chamberlain Story, 2021.