1970

Although only three issues old, Vermont Magazine is already dazzling us with its journalistic brillance in featuring one of our own as its first-ever cover boy. Yes, that's Rolf Kielman smiling from the front porch of the new home he recently built for himself between Hinesburg and Monkton, Vt. After graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Fine Arts, Rolf set up an architectural firm in Burlington. He thereupon spent ten years making mistakes on commissions for clients so as to get everything just right before creating his own gem.

Rolf told an interviewer that the design of his own home actually pitted him against the toughest client of his career: his wife, Stevie. She was aghast at his initially modern design. The ensuing pressure resulted in a "compromise" with circa 1840 Federal overtones, featuring seven cutout plywood Greek Revival exterior columns inspired by Monticello. So much for architectural integrity in the face of matrimonial harmony ... and thank God that Thomas Jefferson is no longer with us! Actually, it's a beautiful home inside and out and the plywood is only temporary. It's calm, comfortable, and liable with traces of Jefferson's elegant understatement throughout. Just perfect for Rolf, Stevie, son Rollie, and the two-yearold twins, Rem and Lilly.

Kevin Cunningham might want to motor on over and visit Rolf for a few tips. It seems that Kevin's new home in Etna, N.H., is also stalled in that arrested state of plywood siding. His home is another do-ityourself project and currently features views of Mt. Ascutney, Stratton, Killington, and points onward to the Adirondacks through the walls. Some of the rooms are said to feature equally incredible views of the sun, moon, ana stars through the ceilings. Kevin scouted around and stole the site of about 250 acres along the Appalacian Trail from the Park Service in exchange for limitations on further development rights and some small change.

It's good to know there are at least a few monument builders in our midst. And what the heck, plywood isn't so bad if you architectural types will just keep in mind Frank Lloyd Wright's famous guidance: "Doctor's bury their mistakes —architects cover them with ivy."

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