Imagine our surprise when, while researching something different, we came across a New York Times article from February 1st 1967 with the following headline.
Architect Quits School Project:
Rudolph's Resignation From New Canaan Job Ends Fight Over Design
What!? Paul Rudolph was supposed to design New Canaan High School!?
Yes, that seems to be the case. Paul Rudolph had been hired although the design had not yet moved to the drawing phase. It seems that even in 1967 there were people opposed to more modern stuff in New Canaan.
Cited as reasons for not wanting him in the first place were a dislike, by some, over the scale and style of his buildings;
"such as Yale's Art and Architecture building, a six story structure of rippled concrete and plate glass."
Parents were upset too. In a letter by 10 parents to the school board they stated;
"We should move toward an attractive school building, one in keeping with 20th century building trends but without revolutionary structural appearance by eliminating Paul Rudolph."
I get a kick out of the "without revolutionary structural appearance" part especially when you see what was actually built. Furthermore there was concern about Rudolph's international reputation as an architect and what effect that could have on the sleepy little hamlet.
"We don't want an architectural landmark that people will drives miles to see."
Charles F Kelly, First Selectman.
It may not be the High School that is the draw but I think the horses are out of the barn on that one.
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