This 10-vara chain on exhibit in the Sophienburg Museum was made by W.&L.E. Gurley in Troy, New York.

What’s a vara?

By Keva Hoffmann Boardman — “What’s a vara?” was asked by one of the Sophienburg’s volunteers. “It’s a length of measure used by the Spanish for measuring land,” I glibly answered. “We have a vara chain on display in the museum.” Sometimes I impress myself. I got to thinking that

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