US 20 construction

Article written by and photos by Desiree Beauchamp-Boucher

I would like to preface this article with a disclaimer. I fully understand the need for progress. I know that the work happening right now on US 20 has been thought out and planned by engineers for a long time and the need to widen US 20 is a necessity for the future traffic that will occupy it. I know that they do not just consider the current traffic, but also the traffic that will increase over the next several decades. I fully support the widening of the highway as well as the destruction that must happen before the build.

I will now speak frankly and from the heart, because I love and trust my community to know that I do this from time to time, and I believe you not only accept it but sometimes appreciate it.

Regardless of my logical knowledge of this construction I still also recognize the loss that is occurring. I see trees being cut down by the dozens, and I mourn that loss. I have been witnessing homes getting boarded up and signs for destruction pasted

to their doors. Homes and barns that have become landmarks for directions. That have been lived in and loved for generations. Some of which I have dropped my children off at for sleepovers, that were full of the love of the families inside. Homes that people ran businesses out of for decades. Homes that I witnessed sweet moments while driving past, and I mourn that loss.

I have been to the old white barn and admired the classic cars for sale in the yard and the menagerie of antiques within. I will never forget the kiss between two sweethearts, standing in front of their Amish estate, that I witnessed driving home years ago. Watching the young work horses as they grew up in the pasture near the road, or the simple things we take for granted like the vibrant colors of dresses I am sure many drive through and see nothing but a road and future traffic and construction, but I am just as certain that others see the loss of memories. The loss of homes and the loss of sentimental moments. As I drive along this long road that is changing I can't help but feel a sadness of what is being destroyed for progress. I know progress must occur but I wanted to recognize what Was one more time before it wasn't. Because of that need I chose to document these homes before they were torn down.

I will share a complete collection of the photos that were taken on our InMiddlebury Magazine Facebook page.