:Plainfield, Vermont

Plainfield is located at {{Coord|44|16|41|N|72|25|37|W|type:city}}.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 21.0 square miles (54.5 km²), of which 21.0 square miles (54.4 km²) is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1 km²) (0.19%) is water.

Plainfield, the primary village, is located in the northern corner of the town along the Winooski River and U.S. Route 2. Goddard College is located just west of the village. The ground rises to the east in the town, culminating at {{convert|3030|ft|m|adj=mid|-high}} Spruce Mountain within Groton State Forest.

{{Weather box

|location = Plainfield, Vermont, 1991–2020 normals, snowfall 2000-2020: 800ft (244m)

|single line = Yes

| Jan record high F = 58

| Feb record high F = 68

| Mar record high F = 80

| Apr record high F = 89

| May record high F = 93

| Jun record high F = 98

| Jul record high F = 98

| Aug record high F = 96

| Sep record high F = 96

| Oct record high F = 82

| Nov record high F = 72

| Dec record high F = 65

| year record high F =

|Jan avg record high F = 47

|Feb avg record high F = 50

|Mar avg record high F = 59

|Apr avg record high F = 79

|May avg record high F = 86

|Jun avg record high F = 91

|Jul avg record high F = 92

|Aug avg record high F = 90

|Sep avg record high F = 87

|Oct avg record high F = 76

|Nov avg record high F = 65

|Dec avg record high F = 51

|year avg record high F = 93

|Jan high F = 25.3

|Feb high F = 28.8

|Mar high F = 38.2

|Apr high F = 51.7

|May high F = 66.0

|Jun high F = 75.0

|Jul high F = 80.0

|Aug high F = 78.3

|Sep high F = 70.5

|Oct high F = 55.7

|Nov high F = 41.9

|Dec high F = 30.6

|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 13.9

|Feb mean F = 16.2

|Mar mean F = 26.2

|Apr mean F = 39.4

|May mean F = 52.3

|Jun mean F = 61.4

|Jul mean F = 66.5

|Aug mean F = 64.6

|Sep mean F = 56.6

|Oct mean F = 43.9

|Nov mean F = 32.5

|Dec mean F = 21.3

|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 2.6

|Feb low F = 3.6

|Mar low F = 14.3

|Apr low F = 27.2

|May low F = 38.6

|Jun low F = 47.9

|Jul low F = 53.0

|Aug low F = 50.9

|Sep low F = 42.8

|Oct low F = 32.2

|Nov low F = 23.2

|Dec low F = 12.0

|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = -19

|Feb avg record low F = -15

|Mar avg record low F = -8

|Apr avg record low F = 15

|May avg record low F = 26

|Jun avg record low F = 36

|Jul avg record low F = 42

|Aug avg record low F = 41

|Sep avg record low F = 30

|Oct avg record low F = 21

|Nov avg record low F = 8

|Dec avg record low F = -9

|year avg record low F = -21

| Jan record low F = -33

| Feb record low F = -29

| Mar record low F = -24

| Apr record low F = 4

| May record low F = 23

| Jun record low F = 30

| Jul record low F = 38

| Aug record low F = 35

| Sep record low F = 23

| Oct record low F = 13

| Nov record low F = -9

| Dec record low F = -25

| year record low F =

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 2.73

|Feb precipitation inch = 2.43

|Mar precipitation inch = 2.61

|Apr precipitation inch = 3.17

|May precipitation inch = 3.58

|Jun precipitation inch = 4.57

|Jul precipitation inch = 4.67

|Aug precipitation inch = 3.38

|Sep precipitation inch = 3.45

|Oct precipitation inch = 4.28

|Nov precipitation inch = 2.82

|Dec precipitation inch = 3.27

|year precipitation inch =

|Jan snow inch = 15.4

|Feb snow inch = 16.5

|Mar snow inch = 12.8

|Apr snow inch = 3.9

|May snow inch = 0.3

|Jun snow inch = 0.0

|Jul snow inch = 0.0

|Aug snow inch = 0.0

|Sep snow inch = 0.0

|Oct snow inch = 0.7

|Nov snow inch = 5.9

|Dec snow inch = 18.2

|year snow inch =

|source 1 = NOAA

{{cite web

|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00436391&format=pdf

|title = Plainfield, Vermont 1991-2020 Monthly Normals

|access-date = October 24, 2023

}}

|source 2 = XMACIS (snowfall, temp records & monthly max/mins)

{{cite web

|url = https://xmacis.rcc-acis.org/

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|title = xmACIS

|access-date = October 24, 2023

}}

}}

{{US Census population

|1800= 256

|1810= 543

|1820= 660

|1830= 874

|1840= 880

|1850= 808

|1860= 822

|1870= 726

|1880= 729

|1890= 745

|1900= 716

|1910= 785

|1920= 781

|1930= 766

|1940= 832

|1950= 945

|1960= 966

|1970= 1399

|1980= 1249

|1990= 1302

|2000= 1286

|2010= 1243

|2020= 1236

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.vermonthistory.org/explorer|title=Vermont History Explorer|access-date=August 7, 2015}}

}}

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,286 people, 487 households, and 317 families residing in the town. The population density was 61.2 people per square mile (23.6/km²). There were 520 housing units at an average density of 24.8 per square mile (9.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.42% White, 0.78% African American, 0.86% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.39% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.40% of the population.

There were 487 households, out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were couples living together and joined in either marriage or civil union, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $38,750, and the median income for a family was $42,813. Males had a median income of $30,789 versus $29,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,980. About 7.6% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 17.5% of those age 65 or over.

Although Plainfield is similar to many other rural New England towns by the numbers (size, population, etc.), it has a distinct flair which sets it apart from most surrounding communities. Goddard College attracts a liberal, educated population that at one time made up a significant portion of the townspeople. Goddard alumni include Mumia Abu-Jamal, members of the band Phish, David Mamet, Piers Anthony, Mary Edwards, onetime State historian H. Allen Soule Jr., and abstract artists including Robert M. Fisher and James Gahagan. Plainfield was home to noted composer and builder of the first American village style gamelan, Dennis Murphy. J.Willis Pratt is still alive.

The town currently has two restaurants; one located in the village center with New York-style pizza,{{Cite web|url=http://www.positivepie.com/plainfield/home.php|title=POSITIVE PIE {{!}} PLAINFIELD, VT|website=www.positivepie.com|access-date=January 26, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.liveworkdream.com/2007/09/25/living-by-instinct-discovering-plainfield-vermont/|title=Living by Instinct: A Small Town Contender in Plainfield, Vermont|last=Rene|date=September 25, 2007|work=live. work. dream.|access-date=March 20, 2018|language=en-US}} and the other a cafe on US Route 2. The village also has a community food co-op and community center open to non-members and featuring local products,{{Cite web|url=http://www.plainfieldcoop.com/|title=Plainfield Co-op|website=www.plainfieldcoop.com|access-date=January 26, 2018}} a used bookshop,{{Cite web|url=http://thecountrybookshop.com/|title=The Country Bookshop|last=Bookshop|first=The Country|website=thecountrybookshop.com|access-date=March 12, 2018}} and a community maintained flower garden, all within several hundred feet of each other. The town has a unique public library, the Cutler Memorial Library,{{Cite web|url=http://www.cutlerlibrary.org/|title=Cutler Memorial Library|website=www.cutlerlibrary.org|access-date=January 26, 2018}} and is home to an environmentally progressive biodiesel station.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/a-biodiesel-business-is-opening-in-plainfield/Content?oid=2398455|title=A Biodiesel Business is Opening in Plainfield|last=Flagg|first=Kathryn|date=July 9, 2014|work=Seven Days|access-date=March 20, 2018|language=en}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.blackbearbiodiesel.com|title=BLACK BEAR BIODIESEL {{!}} OFFICIAL WEBSITE {{!}} VERMONTS PLACE FOR BIODIESEL|website=www.blackbearbiodiesel.com|access-date=March 12, 2018}} Plainfield is also home to the historic Allenwood Farm.

Plainfield's atmosphere is distinct from popular tourist destinations in Vermont such as Stowe, and Woodstock in that its commercial activity is generated primarily by local residents. There are a number of active local groups such as the Plainfield Historical Society and the Plainfield Area Community Association, which sponsor community activities, like the annual Old Home Days.

Plainfield, like a number of Vermont towns, retains the influence of the back-to-the-land movement of the 1960s. A number of people came to stay for good and continue to run organic farms. This older generation has now joined with the newer, younger sustainable agriculture movement and the food renaissance in Vermont. While the college, Goddard, has suffered a decline in recent years, the town nevertheless retains an ethos of activism, community and solidarity (except on Town Meeting day when everyone voices their opinion loudly). Community spirit and solidarity was demonstrated in 2013, when the town raised the most money per capita for Vermont Public Radio and thus earned an Ice Cream Social from Ben and Jerry's.{{Cite news|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/vprnet/sets/72157635806984493/|title=Plainfield Ice Cream Social|work=Vermont Public Radio - Flickr|access-date=January 26, 2018|language=en-us}} The radio station housed at Goddard College, WGDR, continues to serve as a community voice and link for area residents. The newly renovated Plainfield Town Hall Opera House ({{circa|1841}}) boasts a footprint of 55' 9" along the eaves, 42' 4" across the gables, and is a popular destination for local concerts and performances.{{Cite web|url=https://www.plainfieldoperahousevt.org/|title=Plainfield Town Hall Opera House|website=Plainfield Town Hall Opera House|language=en|access-date=March 16, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesargus.com/articles/the-lowe-down-concert-proves-plainfield-opera-houses-promise/|title=The Lowe Down: Concert proves Plainfield opera house's promise {{!}} Times Argus|last=Lowe|first=Jim|date=February 17, 2018|work=Times Argus|access-date=March 16, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.montpelierbridge.com/2018/03/demystifying-macbeth-with-the-plainfield-little-theatre/|title=Demystifying Macbeth with the Plainfield Little Theatre|date=March 1, 2018|work=The Bridge|access-date=March 16, 2018|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.caledonianrecord.com/features/entertainment/plainfield-opera-house-to-host-classical-pianist-and-composer-diane/article_70ccf19e-987a-5d9a-8829-d1bafb8f800a.html|title=Plainfield Opera House To Host Classical pianist And Composer Diane Huling Reed|date=May 19, 2017|work=The Caledonian Record|access-date=March 16, 2018|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesargus.com/articles/plainfield-oks-land-purchase/|title=Plainfield OKs land purchase {{!}} Times Argus|last=Blaisdell|first=Eric|date=January 13, 2018|work=Times Argus|access-date=March 16, 2018}}

Plainfield's board of selectmen is made up of five members (2025):{{Cite web|url=https://www.plainfieldvt.us/select-board.html|title=Select Board|website=PLAINFIELD, VERMONT|language=en|access-date=October 6, 2021}}

• Patti Jamele
• Frances Rose Subbiondo
• Karl Bissex
• Peter Youngbaer
• Dan Fingas

• Trey Anastasio, musician, lead vocalist for Phish{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6443525/10-things-about-trey-anastasio-phish|title=10 Things to Know About Trey Anastasio|last=Miller|first=Jeff|date=January 16, 2015|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 26, 2018}}
• Piers Anthony, writer in the science fiction and fantasy genres
• Mary Azarian, woodcut artist and children's book illustrator
• Robert M. Fisher, artist
• James Gahagan, artist
• Louise Gluck, Nobel Prize winning poet
• William H. Macy, actor, teacher, and director, in theater, film, and television{{Cite news|url=https://www.goddard.edu/2015/01/alumn-william-h-macy-wins-sag-award/|title=Alum William H. Macy Wins SAG Award - Goddard College|date=January 25, 2015|work=Goddard College|access-date=March 12, 2018|language=en-US}}
• David Mamet, playwright, screenwriter, director, poet, essayist and novelistNadel, Ira Bruce. David Mamet: a life in the theater. Palgrave MacMillan. p. 34.
• Page McConnell, pianist, organist, and keyboardist for Phish{{Cite web|url=https://phish.net/people/page-mcconnell|title=Page McConnell - Phish.net|website=phish.net|language=en|access-date=March 13, 2018}}
• Dennis Murphy, composer, musician, instrument maker and artist
• Archie Shepp, jazz saxophonist{{Cite news|url=https://www.arts.gov/honors/jazz/archie-shepp|title=Archie Shepp|date=October 20, 2015|work=NEA|access-date=March 13, 2018|language=en}}
• Thomas Yamamoto, artist

The village of Plainfield, Wisconsin was named by its postmaster Elijah C. Waterman to honor his hometown of Plainfield, Vermont.{{cite book|author=Robert E. Gard|title=The Romance of Wisconsin Place Names|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J8auCgAAQBAJ|date=September 9, 2015|publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society Press|isbn=978-0-87020-708-2}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{official website|http://www.plainfieldvt.us}}

{{Washington County, Vermont}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Towns in Vermont

Category:Towns in Washington County, Vermont

Category:1867 establishments in Vermont

Category:Populated places established in 1867