Pictured here in the York Meeting House in Lyndon Center, VT are recent Lyndon Institute graduates Mark Liberty ‘20 (left) and Tyler McMahon ‘20 (right). The LI grads are proudly standing behind tables that they restored during their last semester at LI under the guidance of instructor Jerry Leonard. The tables dating back to the 19th century had to have several layers of varnish and paint stripped off, as well as a patchwork of previous repairs removed before the students could restore, sand, and apply a new finish to the historic tables.                           

Frances Taylor, a Trustee of The Upright Steeple Society (the group heading up restoration efforts of the meeting house) said in a recent email to Mr. Leonard, "I can easily see that it was not only an incredible learning opportunity, with many challenges requiring creativity and invention, but also appeared to be truly a ‘labor of love.’  Under your guidance, Mark Liberty and Tyler McMahon spent many extra hours and honed in on the fine points to present two stunning final products! It is so obvious that close attention was paid to every tiny detail of the restoration. All of the other trustees join me in thanking you, and them, for your efforts to promote ‘giving back to the community’—this project is surely a testament to building good future citizens who honor the past and build for the future."

Photo by Javin Leonard - Lyndon Institute