|
|
Wooden Tree
Benches
Like the Broad Street Green map project, this too was inspired by Thayer Chase. The WVIA's goal here was to improve the appearance of the entrance of the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center on Main
 Street in Old Wethersfield. (Several different projects were considered. One proposal included a wrought iron gate at the driveway entrance. Another proposal was to light the front stairs of the building.) After much debate, it was decided that the addition of wooden benches, strategically located at the front and side of the Keeney building, would provide walkers the chance to sit and enjoy a vista of Old Main Street.
The benches were designed and built by Tom Dahlke, a former Wethersfield resident in 1996. (Dahlke is an accomplished fine woodworker and cabinetmaker, who today specializes in stairs and railings. His business, the Dahlke Stair Company, is located in Cherryfield, Maine. A major expenditure for the WVIA, the benches were generously offered to the WVIA by Dahlke at well below their actual market value.)
Two semi-circular benches were built. One bench was placed at the front of the building and another at the rear. The bench in front of the building was originally designed to fit around a large copper Beech tree situated very close to the sidewalk on Main Street. That is why it was built in an unusual semi-circular shape. The other bench was built in the rear of the building and placed under a pine tree. Unfortunately, the tree on Main Street front died and was removed a year after the bench was installed.
In light of recent renovations to the front of the Keeney, it is possible that the semi-circular bench may eventually be moved to another site. Discussions about an appropriate new site are under way.
| |
