Ludlow Museum Became a Hotel

By Layla Kalinen Eagle Times Staff
LUDLOW, VT. —The escape of Georgia Brehm, from her house on Meadow Street led to the rescue of a group of college students in a nearby apartment and a 10 minute walk to Black River Academy, a museum Brehm curates.

Karen Girareo, Brehm’s daughter-in-law, said Brehm is exhausted and staying with friends.

She visited her mother-in-law Sunday as she headed back to New Hampshire from the Adirondacks with her husband.

“Everything was fine. We had no inkling,” Girareo said.

She said nobody could have guessed what would ensue, as the rain came swiftly, hitting Ludlow early Monday morning.

At 5:30 a.m., Brehm got a knock on the door and was told to evacuate,” Girareo said.

Everyone was astounded how fast it was happening,” she said.

Girareo said Brehm headed to Black River Academy because it was the safest option. Across the street from her, a group of college students was staying for the summer, and they went with her,” she said.

While it was a swift evacuation, Girareo said they were able to get some cots from the town.

“She was able to find safety because they evacuated right away, but literally, my mother-in-law grabbed her purse, her phone and her medication and left with nothing other than that. Fortunately, she was able to contact some people in the higher grounds and they brought food for everyone,” she said.

While the damage is much worse than Hurricane Irene, Girareo said all the neighbors have united together to rally for each other’s wellbeing. “The year-round residents are amazing people in this town,” she said.