From Midnight Ghost Walks to Cap and Gown Photos: Remembering SVC’s Everett Mansion Cascades

The Everett Mansion Cascades, SVC (Late 1990s). A timeless piece of estate history nestled in the woods of Bennington, Vermont.

A Late 1990s Snapshot of SVC History

Captured here in a late 1990s photograph, the Everett Mansion Cascades stand as a timeless symbol of Southern Vermont College’s history.

Grand Architecture on Mount Anthony

Built in the 1920s as part of Edward H. Everett’s European-inspired estate gardens, the Cascades were designed to make full use of Mount Anthony's natural slope. Stone staircases led up both sides of the structure, framing a fountain that flowed down a series of tiered terraces into catch basins at the bottom.

Built to Last, Tested by Vermont Winters

It undoubtedly cost a fortune to construct. However, Bennington’s harsh, freezing winters made maintaining a delicate stone water feature quite a challenge.

Bringing the Cascades Back to Life

Each spring, the dedicated SVC Facilities team worked magic to bring the Cascades back to life. From sealing winter leaks to replacing frozen pipes, their efforts ensured the water flowed season after season.

At the Heart of Campus Life

For generations of students, the Cascades were more than just landscape architecture—they were an essential backdrop to campus life.

Midnight Ghost Walks and Haunted Houses

On quiet fall and spring nights, the eerie sound of burbling water set the perfect scene for midnight walks up to the Mansion to search for ghosts. For many years, SVC students transformed the mansion into a popular community haunted house. Passing through the wrought-iron gates with wildlife howling in the woods and the Cascades echoing nearby, visitors were instantly transported into an Addams Family atmosphere.

The Ultimate Cap and Gown Photo Spot

The Cascades were also the ultimate photo spot. Nearly every student posed here at least once—whether with friends, visiting family, or for the mandatory cap and gown portrait. Generations of graduates posed along these rising steps for class photos.

A Piece of History Worth Saving

Sadly, without the continuous upkeep of the SVC Facilities team, the structure has deteriorated significantly over the years. With the Everett Mansion now entering the permitting process to become a resort, there is renewed hope. We can only hope the new developers recognize the Cascades as a piece of history worth saving and restoring to its former glory.

Did you take your graduation photo at the Cascades?

Share your favorite memories in the comments below!

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Bennington, VT (Vermont Apres Ski Town) Magnet

Raising a Glass to Carmody’s Irish Pub: A Bennington Legend & SVC Favorite

Carmody's Irish Pub, Bennington, Vermont (circa early 2000s).

When you look back at student life at Southern Vermont College during the early 2000s, certain local spots hold a permanent place in our memories. Carmody’s Irish Pub was undoubtedly one of them.

It wasn't a standard dive bar, but it wasn't overly fancy either. Carmody’s struck the perfect balance—casual enough for a relaxed weeknight beer, yet nice enough to bring your parents or visiting family members when they came to town.

Half Restaurant, Half Pub

The setup made Carmody’s welcoming to everyone. One side served as a sit-down restaurant, while the other side housed the lively pub area, complete with sports on TV and attentive bartenders who kept the drinks flowing.

One of the most unique touches was the bar top itself. Embedded directly into the bar were squares featuring local business cards, vintage Bennington logos, and personalized memorial tributes honoring community members who had passed.

Bennington’s Ultimate Motley Crew

On any given night, Carmody’s hosted a true cross-section of the region. The crowd was a mix of blue-collar and white-collar regulars: local professionals, manufacturing workers, and mechanics all shared the room.

Adding to the dynamic were SVC students, who regularly attempted—and mostly failed—to strike up friendships with our esteemed cross-town counterparts from Bennington College.

Throw in tourists passing through on their way back from Manchester or Stratton, along with the occasional long-haul truck driver, and you had an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

Alumni Weekends & The Sirvis Toast

Carmody’s was also the traditional final stop during Alumni Weekends. Former students and faculty members would gather to catch up, share stories, and toast to the good old days.

One night stands out in particular: a large group of alumni gathered around the bar, raised their Lemon Drops high, and toasted to the health and prosperity of SVC President Barbara Sirvis, honoring her selfless dedication to the college and its students.

Cheap Beer & Legendary Shots

The bartenders at Carmody’s knew exactly how to cater to the college crowd. Beyond cheap beer, popular orders of that era included a lineup of classic 2000s shots:

• Lemon Drop

• Jägerbomb

• Redheaded Slut

• Incredible Hulk

• Kamikaze

• Buttery Nipple

Back to Business the Next Morning

While we spent plenty of hours tucked away in the library, computer lab, or buried deep in textbooks (wink wink, nudge nudge), Carmody’s was our place to let off some steam.

Even after a late night out, everyone made sure to be in attendance bright and early the next morning, sharp as a tack. After all, Professor John Damino was certainly not going to tolerate a hungover student in his classroom!

A Snapshot of Bennington History

Looking back at this vintage photograph, the memories come rushing right back. The early 2000s scene captures the classic facade alongside vehicles of the era—a Lincoln Town Car, a Ford Mustang, and an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme parked along the street.

Southern Vermont College may have closed its doors, and Carmody’s is now a part of local history, but no one can ever take away those unforgettable nights spent connecting, laughing, and unwinding with a cold drink in the heart of Bennington.

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Southern Vermont College Mansion, Bennington

Sticking With Southern Vermont College: The Story Behind My SVC Car Decal

You’d be surprised how many great conversations start at a gas pump just because of this bumper sticker. Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer.

I'm often asked about the Southern Vermont College decal on my car's back window, a small, yet powerful symbol of a college that closed its doors in 2019 but still lives on in the hearts of alumni and many in the community.

It's been years since SVC held its final graduation, and yet, a simple green sticker featuring the college's name and a moose manages to bridge the gap and start meaningful conversations. 

Just last week, I was grabbing my morning coffee at Cumberland Farms when a stranger nodded at the decal. 'SVC, huh? Used to love driving up that mountain.'

In a single, shared moment, I was reminded of how deeply SVC was woven into the fabric of Bennington and how many lives it touched. The comments usually revolve around the beautiful campus, the dedicated professors, or a memorable Mountaineers game, but always, they are colored by fondness.

It's strange how something as common as a bumper sticker can become a historical artifact, a tangible link to a place that no longer operates but refuses to be forgotten. 

I, like many alumni, am committed to keeping that memory alive, even through the smallest of gestures.

I’m fortunate to have two of these SVC decals—both originally picked up from the college's infamous basement bookstore inside the Everett Mansion. One is safely on display in my office, while the other rides on my car's back window. 

While I hope to make this pair last as long as possible, I'm already scouring eBay and Etsy on the hunt for old stock.

Because, for me, and I know for so many of you reading this, SVC is not just a place we attended, but a part of who we are. So if you see me in traffic, or at Cumberland Farms, feel free to give a nod or even ask. I'd be happy to share a memory or two of the small college on the side of the mountain, a place we simply cannot let go of.

Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and buy something, I might earn a small commission at zero extra cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting The SVC Blog!

SVC, Bennington, VT Estate - Mount Anthony

Relic of Mount Anthony: Remembering the 2006 SVC Mud Bowl Rugby Tournament

Front view of the grey heather 2006 SVC Mud Bowl Rugby Tournament t-shirt, featuring an oval collegiate logo with bold "XXL" block lettering.

There is something undeniably nostalgic about pulling an old piece of college memorabilia out of storage—especially when it carries as much character as a grey heather t-shirt from two decades ago.

This particular shirt takes us back to April 2006 and commemorates one of the most spirited athletics traditions at Southern Vermont College: the Mud Bowl.

The Front: Oval Logo Simplicity

The front graphic keeps things clean and classic with a traditional oval border print. Styled in bold serif block lettering, it reads:

• SOUTHERN VERMONT COLLEGE

• XXL (boldly featured right in the center)

• MUD BOWL 2006

The oversized "XXL" badge front-and-center gives it that distinct mid-2000s tournament look.

The Back: The Participating Squads

The back of the shirt reveals the tournament lineup, capturing a snapshot of regional rugby rivalries and campus turnout for that year's matches:

• Castleton State

• Lyndon State (Men & Women)

• Southern Vermont College (Men, Women & Alumni)

At the bottom of the design, a small sponsor credit notes: “Shirts Courtesy of Campus Customs.”

The Alumni Warthogs Return

According to local coverage from The Bennington Banner leading up to the event, the 2006 tournament brought back a solid roster of former players for the Alumni Warthogs squad. 

The alumni lineup featured returning graduates and familiar faces including Joe "JL" Lynch '05, Nate Ensel '04, Carlos Gutierrez '06, Chris Malavarca '05, Pete "Hands Behind the Back" Moschak '05, Ryan "Peppers" Peters '05, Tim Travis '04, Joe Welch '02, and Rob Wise '05, alongside Tim Folley, Sean Hughes, Ben Jones, Matt Perry, and Matt Willey.

To help fans catch up with returning graduates, a dedicated Warthog tent was set up along the sidelines offering event concessions, refreshments, and these commemorative tournament t-shirts.

Shared Memories

Did you play in the 2006 Mud Bowl or hang out at the Warthog tent that weekend? Drop a comment below with your favorite memories, match stories, or pictures from the pitch!

Back view of the grey 2006 SVC Mud Bowl t-shirt listing participating teams Castleton State, Lyndon State, and Southern Vermont College, along with a sponsor credit for Campus Customs.

Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and buy something, I might earn a small commission at zero extra cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting The SVC Blog!

Southern Vermont College Mansion, Bennington Glass

WBTN Bennington: Tim Thompson Interviews SVC Cross Country Captain

Thompson & Captain Alisha Somero take a break during an interview about SVC's successful 2002 cross-country season.

 

Mountaineer Pride: The 2002 SVC Women's Softball Team

Lady Mountaineers ready to take the field. Spring, 2002.

 

'Toilet Talk' Was Newsletter to Be Read on the Can - Southern Vermont College Dorms

 

In a pre-smart phone era, SVC students caught up with campus news during their most vulnerable moments.

College students have always been busy, so the SVC Residence Life Department came up with an ingenious way to keep everyone up to date on campus happenings: posting a newsletter directly across from the toilet!

Toilet Talk dates back to the early 2000s, before the days of smartphones, tablets, and social media. Back then, a trip to the bathroom offered a rare moment free from digital distractions, making it the perfect opportunity for the Residence Director to share important news with students living on campus.

The topics reflected everyday life in the residence halls. One issue tackled the SVC fire extinguisher policy, while another outlined spring break housing guidelines. Students were also tempted with free food and phone cards if they volunteered for the annual Phone-a-thon. 

Whether it was reminders, campus policies, or upcoming events, Toilet Talk made sure students stayed informed—even in the most unexpected place.

Publications like Toilet Talk have largely disappeared in today's connected world, replaced by emails, text messages, and social media posts. 

Still, it's hard not to smile when looking back on those simpler days at the foot of Mt. Anthony, when life moved at a slower pace and the evening's biggest decision might just have been choosing between a Bud Light and a Busch.

Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and buy something, I might earn a small commission at zero extra cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting The SVC Blog!

Bennington, VT Mansion - Mount Anthony