The Orton Family, Proprietors of The Vermont Country Store for Over 70 Years Founders Vrest and Ellen Orton Publish Our First ... Catalogue in 1945 A Christmas card list turns into a great success In 1945, Vrest and Ellen Orton printed their first catalog - just 12 pages and 36 products - and mailed it to the folks on their Christmas card list. Vrest, a frugal Yankee at heart, insisted that the merchandise be durable and above all practical. His wife Ellen, who grew up on the Wilcox dairy farm in nearby Manchester, Vermont, made certain the new business was as practical as the products it sold. Decades later, this still holds true as you can see from the hosts of products in our catalog. read more