To the Editor:
What New Canaan has is extraordinary. Twice in the last 75 years the town has been on the cutting edge, moving forward, keeping current without losing the essence of unique New England traditions. The first began in the 1950’s spearheaded by the so-called Harvard Five’s Mid-Century Modern houses. The second is now with Grace Farms—a new type of public oriented facility.
At first glance, the Mid-century Moderns seemed like a major break from wonderful Victorian houses of the 1800’s. However, in important ways, they continued New England sensibilities. Traditional houses were individually designed, sensitive to the idiosyncrasies of the land—both for farming necessities and the use of sun/wind for heating/cooling. They were scaled to the surrounding trees and hills. The town center remained concentrated, providing community vibrancy.
With moderns, New Canaan extended these sensibilities. Other towns opted for tract housing, scale-less cheek-by-jowl repeats with no environmental sensitivity. Towns grew unabated along strip roads, catering to automobiles, losing density and public interaction. Where’s the New England in that?
Now, New Canaan is again on the cutting edge, extending tradition into the 21st Century. With insight from the Farm’s Foundation and SANAA (architects), the land remains dominant to the building. And Grace Farms learns from the Mid-century Moderns—specifically from the Glass and Noyes houses––glass enclosure in the first, giving 360 degree views, and separation of public/private in the latter, experiencing nature while walking from one to the other.
But Grace Farms does more. In old New England towns, churches, mills and, later, libraries were public centers. Grace Farms provides a new venue. With its five-part mission, free and open to the public, with education rooms, community, contemplative and sports areas, people go simply to hang out––and experience the vibrancy.
New Canaan should be celebrating. Grace Farms is unique, drawing new people to the town, supporting downtown commercial enterprises while invigorating town life. It is a win for the town, it is a win for business. Most of all, it is a win for the people. It is, after all, for the people, to enhance their lives, for which towns exist at all.
Frederick Noyes
I could not agree more with this assessment. Very well said from someone who grew up around the Harvard Five.
I am struck by the steady flow of letters in praise of the Grace Farm Foundation, which seems like a calculated effort to change the subject. However beautiful the building, I have sensed a dismaying lack of candor and respect by the Foundation for the Town and its legitimate governing bodies.
Speaking as someone who is still generally very supportive of Grace Farms, I can’t help but notice the focus of this letter seems to miss the point. I agree with the author’s concluding points, but again, don’t think this letter does a great job of supporting its own conclusion.
Thank you Mr Noyes… I hope the people of New Canaan understand your words of wisdom. Sometimes it takes a while to get a message through to some folks who cannot come out of their one track way of thinking. Open up your mind to see what a true gift we have right here in our town.
Grace Church has not violated the permit Tom; the issue pertains to the overall use of the property by Grace Farms. Grace Church has no say in the operation or use of the property they are merely allowed to use space at Grace Farms and have no input on policy from Grace Farms Foundation. It is important to make this distinction so that you don’t inadvertently criticize Grace Community Church which you did above.
It is not the same.