By Stephen Handley Jr.
Attendees at the “March Hare’s Mad Cosplay Soirée,” March 13, 2017 / Steampunk Society of Vermont photo
A subgenre of science fiction, Steampunk pairs the Victorian era with a plethora of themes and myths to complement designs inspired by 19th Century industrial steam power. Originating in the 1800s, Steampunk was named by sci-fi writer K.W. Jeter to explain his work and that of other comparable authors. It draws from Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds, becoming a term in the 1980s as a reference to cyberpunk. It differs from Neo-Victorian in that it uses technology. Popularized in the late 2000s by capitalizing on cabaret and goth, you can find it as books, music, fashion, and podcasts. Steampunk aficionados typically find props and outfits at a thrift stores, antique shops, or on Amazon.
Founded in 2015, the Steampunk Society of Vermont, Ltd. sponsors an annual scholarship to a deserving high school student in the Springfield, VT area – Precision Valley in Windsor County. Via the Steampunk movement, local schools assist the society with getting young people to participate in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) subjects.
On April 6, 2019 the non-profit Steampunk Society of Vermont featured a fundraising event hosted by the Hartness House in Springfield, VT. “Cartoon Cosplay Rewind,” with a 1980s and ’90s cartoons theme, was well attended. There was a cartoon-themed photo booth, ’80s and ’90s era games and activities, and nostalgic cartoons on TV. The DJ inspired a lot of dancing, which was interrupted momentarily for a surprise proposal.
During the third weekend in September, the Springfield, VT Steampunk Festival aims to bring together Steampunk devotees to promote the Town of Springfield as the Steampunk Capital of Vermont and fundraise for local organizations and the scholarship. The festival will feature vendors, discussion panels, tea dueling, a fashion show, live music, and many other workshops and activities. It has grown from 500 to 700 attendees over the years. Visit steampunksocietyvt.org or their Facebook page for more information.
Steampunk Society of Vermont group at Carnage 2018, Killington, VT / Steampunk Society of Vermont photo
Springfield’s past with machine tool shops makes it an ideal home for the Steampunk Society of Vermont. The town’s motto is “Progress through Precision,” and highlights of its history include the invention of the spring clothespin; a machine tool production so substantial that Springfield became a target for Germany during WWII; an Olympic gold medalist (Albert Lovejoy Gutterson, long jump, 1912); and painter Asahel Lynde Powers.
The president of the Steampunk Society of Vermont Board of Directors is Lisa Mobus, whose Steampunk outfit of choice is a librarian, for which she chooses to don the requisite corset, a copper skirt, a top hat, goggles, a leather book bag, boots, and a magnifying glass. “It’s all about innovation and imagination,” she said.
The society’s mission in part is “to draw attention to the rich history of Springfield and encourage melding that history with modern purpose and function.” They also “strive to unite the local community in supporting (their) effort to help in the revitalization of Springfield…. thus, supporting the local community.” With that, Springfield just might be the Steampunk capital of Vermont.
Stephen Handley Jr. is a dishwasher at Farmer’s Table Cafe, an on-call court representative in Winsor County, and writer for SooNipi Magazine. He enjoys outdoor activities, volunteering, and spending time with his beagle.