Dedicating the Peter A. Aron ’65 Memorial Patio | Avon Old Farms News | About Us | Avon Old Farms

On September 21, Avon Old Farms School held a heartfelt dedication ceremony for the newly constructed Peter A. Aron ’65 Memorial Patio.

The event marked the culmination of years of thoughtful planning and construction to restore a beloved space on campus. For decades, Peter Aron played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Avon Old Farms, both through his service and his philanthropy. This new patio now stands as a lasting tribute to his memory and contributions to the school.

As his widow, Erika, explained, Peter’s commitment to Avon stemmed from the profound impact his teachers had on him. “It was Sidney Clark who instilled Peter’s deep love of reading. He was always reading a book, and that is a direct result of Sidney’s guidance. Seth Mendell was the person who changed Peter’s whole life by gifting him a love of history. These were not just teachers or mentors, but lifelong friends.” It was this connection to Avon, and his desire to carry forward the lessons he learned, that kept Peter engaged with the school for so many years.

Peter’s generosity toward Avon was unparalleled, both in terms of his financial support and his service. He served on the Board of Directors for nearly four decades, even chairing the board for a significant time. His knowledge of Avon’s history was encyclopedic, and he dedicated countless hours to helping the school preserve its traditions while also planning for the future.

The creation of the Peter A. Aron ’65 Memorial Patio was a true collaboration, involving both past and present members of the Avon community. In 2021, Head of School Jim Detora’s daughter, Nicole, was working toward her bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. During an internship with SLAM, an architecture firm with deep ties to Avon, she was tasked with designing new outdoor spaces for the campus. Under the guidance of SLAM chairman and Avon alumnus Rich Connell ’74, Nicole took on the project of revitalizing the Aron Patio, which had been removed during recent tunnel preservation work beneath the area.

Inspired by her own experiences growing up on campus and studying historical spaces, Nicole approached the project with a keen sense of Avon’s unique architectural heritage. “Growing up at Avon Old Farms definitely inspired my career choice,” Nicole explained. “Theodate Pope Riddle, the school’s founder, knew what she was doing, and her plans included landscape architecture. The Quad is a great example of how to use negative space.”

“Creating the pavilion and patio areas will give students and visitors new places to utilize, whether for studying on a beautiful fall afternoon or for taking in the surroundings on a quiet morning.”

Construction began in the summer of 2023, immediately after the students left for summer vacation. By the time students returned to campus in the fall of 2023, the space had begun to take shape. With additional landscaping and finishing touches, the new patio quickly became a favorite spot for both students and faculty. The bluestone pavers, reminiscent of Theodate’s original design, evoke a sense of continuity with Avon’s history. At the same time, the patio’s new features provide a fresh and functional space for community gatherings, outdoor classes, and moments of reflection.

During the dedication ceremony, which took place under a bright September sky, Head of School Jim Detora spoke about Peter Aron’s enduring legacy. Peter’s dear friend, Director of Facilities Glenn Wilcox shared stories that brought Peter’s memory to life for so many in the crowd who never knew him. The school's elite vocal group, The Riddlers, performed, adding a special touch to the event.

Erika also addressed the gathering, expressing her gratitude to Avon Old Farms for keeping Peter’s memory alive through this meaningful project. In her remarks, she addressed the students,

“You didn’t know him, but he was just like you. He cared about this school so deeply and was a steward of it so you all could enjoy the same experiences he did.”

The new Peter A. Aron ’65 Memorial Patio provides a new generation of Avonians with a peaceful and inviting outdoor space. As Director of Development Sarah Blanchard P’24 noted, “We’re very excited to have this new space on campus, and we know we’ll also be able to utilize it for alumni gatherings moving forward.”

The dedication of the Peter A. Aron ’65 Memorial Patio is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to Avon Old Farms. Through this beautiful new space, Peter Aron’s legacy will continue to inspire and impact the school community for years to come.

View Photos From The Dedication

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