We were fortunate to have Peter Cousineau from Four Pillar Farms/Toad Hall Flowers lead the way, guiding us all with creativity, enthusiasm and a masterful touch. With donations from Peter’s farm and multiple friends gardens, buckets of dahlias, zinnias, hydrangeas and amaranth arrived at the library, ready to be arranged into a celebratory autumn palette. Our volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got involved — preparing and arranging flowers, and soon everyone was sharing laughter and conversation. It was a perfect example of how a small town like Middlebury can come together to create something special.
This beautiful meadow display of flowers was a fitting tribute, celebrating not just the library’s past, but also the vibrant community it continues to nurture. It was a perfect reminder of how we can all contribute in small ways to keep our town blooming—whether it’s with flowers, friendship, or just showing up.
On Saturday morning, September 21, 2024, the day of the Ilsley library’s 100th birthday celebrations, the library steps were transformed into a sea of vibrant oranges, reds, purples. The pop of color created an inviting meadow leading to the fun within. Between 11-1pm, Peter created a flower bar in the garden of the library, where visitors could select and create their own bouquet. The scene was alive with a sense of togetherness — a patchwork of people, flowers, and memories old and new.
This project was about more than just decorating steps; it was about celebrating the connections that make our town so special. Friends and neighbors chatted as they worked; those who’d never met before found common ground over a shared love of our special library. The event was a testament to joy of community — how small, personal connections can grow into something larger, bringing simple joys that color the heart of Middlebury.
Together, we’d created something truly special, turning a special birthday into a lasting memory. Here’s to 100 more years of The Illsley — and to the beautiful ways our community keeps finding to come together, grow together, and celebrate this wonderful place we all call home.
Thanks to many, including Peter Cousineau of Four Pillars Farm and Toad Hall Flowers, Pam Shafer, Barbara Doyle Wilch, Understory Farm, Lily Snow, Beth Wyer, Liz Robinson, Peggy Briggs, Judith Siegel, Judy Doria, Rosemary O’Malley, Polly and Dale Birdsall, and all the wonderful Ilsley library team who have been so gracious as we took over the basement and the front steps for the lead up to this special occasion.