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Lezlie Arthur, Founder 1953
Scotland by the Yard
first opened for business in Georgetown in the city of
Washington, D.C. in 1953. It was originally owned by Lezlie Arthur, the mother of a dear friend of mine, who
was passionate about her Scottish ancestry and equally
passionate about the quality of British textiles. The
shop was situated on the main courtyard of an 18th
century cul de sac off the main street. The inventory
consisted primarily of tweed and tartan fabrics by the
yard and tea was served every afternoon at four. Lezlie passed the
business on to her daughter Deborah in the mid-sixties.
Deborah relocated the shop to a main street location in
Georgetown, expanded the inventory and even sponsored a
"School of Piping." In 1970 Deborah and her husband Hugh
Laughlin moved the business to Quechee, Vermont through
the recommendation of friends in the Quechee area.
Quechee was just beginning its growth as a resort
destination and the development company was looking for
specialty retailers. It also offered a more benign
environment for their young daughter Lindsay.
I became involved
with Scotland by The Yard as a staff member in 1975
primarily to help at the numerous Scottish Festivals we
were attending. We relocated the shop to its present
location on Route 4 in Quechee in 1978. The inventory
was expanded significantly since then to include a wide
range of knitwear for women and men, outerwear, numerous
clothing accessories, ranges of jewelry, gifts, food,
books and so much more. We continue to carry in stock
perhaps the largest on the shelf inventory of tartan
fabric in the country.
I assumed ownership
of the business in 1986 and I still continue to feel a
strong personal connection to Scotland by The Yard and a
sincere pride in the quality of our inventory. All of
us, including Georgia, Deborah and myself, are
committed to serving you our customer. We are here seven
days a week throughout the year (and yes, that means
Sundays and holidays) and we look forward to being of
assistance with any of your needs and/or inquiries.
Don Ransom,
President
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