To the Editor:

Back in 1996 my husband Paul and I were planning our retirement. For the 46 years I have known him he still tells the great stories of being born in Middlebury, on a dairy farm, tales of thoughtful neighbors, and tranquil lives.

Paul lives in my hometown, Branford, CT. Since 1996 we have lived part-time in Wilmington, on12 acres of trees. We cleared the land ourselves and built our dream home. On this journey we have met the people Paul says do live in Vermont. Our out-of-state friends come up and even have roughed it with us those first few years. Now they stay at our home and enjoy those modern conveniences. Initially they would ask, “where are the covered bridges?” “where do I buy maple syrup?” and “let’s go into the quaint village.”

When I told them about the fire that leveled the old bank building they were saddenend but were happy a park would be in that spot. Paul and I went down to see the park and walked around looking at it at different angles. The stonework and landscaping are great; they fit right into the historic look. What? A pergola? Isn’t that oriental? The pergola is lovely but it does not fit in a historic Vermont village. Tourists going by have to wonder how a pergola got there. There is Molly Stark on the other side of the bridge, a revolutionary heroine. This look doesn’t equate or balance.

We want to be proud of our second hometown. Please move that pergola. Perhaps near one of our lakes. It would go great there. Townspeople, please let our officials know how you feel. Return our village back to its historic flavor.

Most sincerely,

Barbara Piontek Racette

Wilmington

Branford, CT