2016 Burlington Tour of Homes

The Leopold House was featured in the 2016 Tour of Homes, with 650 visitors touring the house and grounds during the two day event.  12 Alliance volunteers served as interpreters to describe the features of the house and share Leopold family stories.

Jim Spring's wildlife art and Leopold bowls were on display throughout the house, and Jim explained his woodworking process in the side yard.   A new item to view was the Leopold red oak table constructed from Aldo's birth tree.  Local furniture craftsman, Phil Eaves, volunteered his time to construct this unique piece.  Former house owner, Mary Schier, joined in to share stories about living in the Leopold House. 

Also on display were 2 video programs--Green Fire and a slide loop showing the Leopold's summer retreat, the Les Cheneaux Club and Marie Leopold Lord's cottage in upper Michigan.  The event brought in many new friends and contacts for future programs. 

1.  Tour of Homes weekend was beautiful weather, giving visitors a chance to roam around the yard and enjoy the new Leopold Benches under Fred & Edith's favorite dogwood.  The benches are inscribed "Fritz" and "Edith" and will be surrounded by their woodland wildflowers in the spring.

2.  Linda Riley greets visitors in the front hall with directions for traveling through the Leopold Childhood Home that Grandfather Starker built in the cow pasture.  "Don't miss the deep windows sills and the stained glass windows!"

3.  Jerry Rigdon describes the Leopold Red Oak Table and tells family stories about the importance of the fireplace hearths to the young Leopold children.  Books and brochures detailing Leopold history were available for those awakened by the local story. 

4.  Dave Riley presents some Leopold history and Green Fire clips to guests not familiar with the significance of Aldo Leopold's career.  Aldo's childhood experienced in Burlington set the path for his land restoration experiments in Wisconsin.

5.  Former owner, Mary Shier, and visitors look over Jim Spring's Leopold Bowls, comparing coloring and grain of the red oak to the sugar maple.  Mary shared stories about house restoration.

6.  Judy Smithson guides visitors through the upstairs.  The Nature Quilt Display, inspired by Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic, captured everyone's interest and illustrates the relevance of Leopold's work to our children today.  The original Leopold Baby Crib was a highlight of the bedrooms.