A BIG THANK YOU! To all who donated to the Middlebury Historical Society in the Connecticut Community Foundation’s Annual Give Local Campaign. Your generosity brought in over $1,500, which will support our Rochambeau Memorial Project, the Cemetery Gravestone Cleaning Project, our lecture series programs, continuing research, collection purchase and maintenance, and much more.

Q: Will the benches planned for Rochambeau Plaza in Meadowview Park be vulnerable to vandalism?
A: The benches that the historical society will be offering contain lumber which is extremely dense and would be nearly impossible to break out of the iron frame. Additionally, it would be a very poor choice for starting a fire, so this type of vandalism is not a concern for this bench. The company which makes these benches supplies the same bench and lumber to major metropolitan cities with dense populations, including unhoused populations.

Q: Are there different styles of benches to choose from?
A: The Rochambeau Plaza will feature lovely, sturdy benches, with durable slats made of Cumaru lumber which weather to an ashen grey. The design works well with the décor of the plaza. Benches, which are six feet long, are in backed (four) and backless styles (two).

Q: Have these benches been used elsewhere in our town?
A: Yes, there is one bench next to the Meadowview Park playground, several at Shepardson Community Center, one at Tuttle Pond, the MRA has some by the basketball courts and there are a few at the Tucker Hill pocket park.

Q: Is there additional security at Meadowview Park?
A: Yes, there are surveillance cameras in place. Additionally, lights have been placed at Rochambeau Plaza that will illuminate the statue and flagpoles all night, casting light on the entire plaza.

Q: How will the benches be secured in place?
A: These heavy and durable benches will be bolted down to the granite stone flooring.

Q: How long are the benches going to last?
A: The lumber is expected to last 50+ years and the iron is able to be refinished indefinitely, if needed.

Q: Can you describe the memorial plaques that can be placed on the benches?

A: The typical size is 3/8” x 2” high x 12 inches long. They feature raised letters on leatherette background with a brown oxide finish, with concealed mounting. Three lines work best, as well as limiting characters to 40 per line. Mixed cases can be used on three lines. The text is New Times Roman (see sample). The plaques are recessed into the wood.

Q: What is the cost of each bench, including the plaque?
A: Each bench is offered at $3,000, including installation and plaque. Checks may be made out to the Middlebury Historical Society, Inc.; there is no tax.

The benches are generously donated by the manufacturer to the project
Therefore, all funds raised in the bench donor program directly impact the memorial project, and the full cost is tax-deductible

Mail: Middlebury Historical Society, Inc., P.O. Box 104, Middlebury, Connecticut 06762-0104
If you would like to purchase a bench, or have more questions, please contact:
Bob Rafford, president, at president@middleburyhistoricalsociety.org

Call or text Bob at 203-206-4717

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