Think of Vermont, and it may conjure images of bucolic hills dotted with fabled hamlets inhabited by eccentric intellectuals, passionate liberals, earth mothers and artists. This predominantly liberal-leaningtoward-radical state was not long ago staunchly republican, with a social fabric vastly different than that of today. Yet, many elements of Vermont’s traditional agrarian roots remain. Tolerance of opposing opinions, neighbor helping neighbor, a disdain for idle gossip and a love of the land are all hallmarks of the Vermont way of life. Vermonters are by and large good listeners, and will eschew the obvious for a more studied view of things, in politics and in life. The 1960s brought great change to Vermont, both demographically and politically. Phil Hoff was elected as the first Democratic governor since 1853. In 1965, the federal government ruled that Vermont must reapportion … [Read more...] about BACK TO THE GARDEN: FIELDS OF CHANGE AT BENNINGTON
