Smithsonian News Service Photo by Jeff Ploskonke
': :i C i!i ]iii!!i!!i
' i )I iiiii!!
T t" " " r
A better way.,.
refining the household objects
that directly affect our day-to-
day convenience and comfort.
Meet one of them--Peter
I)anko of Alexandria, Va., the
32-year-old designer of an
innovative plywood chair
molded from a single sheet of
laminated wood under 16 tons
of pressure. Designed in 1976,
the museum-quality chair is
simplicity itself, the product
of this craftsman's inquiring
mind, an inspired moment and
a dash of luck.
"l wanted to design a chair
that was ultra-functional,
good-looking and also inex-
pensive," Danko said recently
at his studio. "'But I had no
idea what I was doing; I was
never aware of the history of
furniture design."
The creator of limited-
By David M. Maxfield
Smithsonian News Service
Chances are you're reading
this in a favorite easy chair.
Or maybe you're sitting on a
new modular unit, heirloom
rocker, old Windsor, wingback
or director's chair.
ttave you thought much
about that chair--who "in-
vented" it, what sort of history
it has? And what about your
other furniture? How did that
sofa-bed, highchair, chaise
lounge and tilt-top table
"arrive" at your house?
Though many people
probably reserve their ad-
miration and curiosity for the
inventors of such gadgetry as
electronic calculators and
video equipment, there are
also creative individuals
quietly at work devising and
Innovative furniture is as traditionally American as apple
pie. Working on a new creation in his Alexandria, Va.,
studio, designer Peter Danko examines a piece of plywood
just molded under intense pressure. This same technique
was used in the design and fabrication of the chair at top
left, molded from a single piece of plywood--an innovation
that won a place in New York City's Museum of Modern Art
and a spot in a new Smithsonian Institution Traveling
Exhibition Service show. The chair's bentwood technique
and clean design make it a direct descendant of the one
pictured immediately below it--173 years older. Because of
their special materials, the rustic rocking chair (center)
fabricated from green willow branches and the horn chair
were all the rage in the late 1800s.
edition sculptural furniture, furniture design and
Danko felt that both his own production during the 19th and
work and the production 20th centuries in terms of
process he observed at fac- materials, comfort, por-
tortes was too time- tability, multiple use and
consuming, a result of fabrication techniques
laborious assemblage steps. Danko's chair, as it turns out,
"Why should it take so long?" is the descendant of a pioneer
he thought, bentwood model so modern in
One evening, Danko sat at a appearance that the two h)k
neighborhood bar downing a like contemporaries.
beer and toying aroundwith a Many of the innovative
3-by-5 menu card, bending it furniture pieces in the show,
back and forth. "The which first appeared at the
idea--the single piece Cooper-Hewitt Museum, the
chair--just came to me," he Smithsonian's national
recalled, museum of design in New
tte approached several York City, are registered with
manufacturers, but they were the U.S. Patent Office in
skeptical, convinced that keeping with the long-held
wood would split as the American tradition
molding pressure was applied, recognized by the Constitution
I)anko turned to the Museum that citizens should be
of Modern Art in New York rewarded and protected for
City. The museum quickly new ideas and ways of doing
accepted the chair for its things.
design study collection, then Though patents have been
put him in contact with a awarded over theyears for all
receptive manufacturer, who sorts of things, including a
is putting the chair into mass 19th-century sofa-bathtub
production, advertised as the "common
Along with dozens of other sense invention of the age,"
household objects, many of innovation seems to occur in
them chairs that revolve, chairs more often than in
rock, fold up, stack and in- other forms of furniture, the
flate, Danko's work also has exhibit's curator, David
found its way into a Hanks, says• "The chair," he
Smithsonian Institution explains, "always has been a
Traveling Exhibition Service challenge for designers,
show entitled "Innovative though it is something
Furniture in America." everyone uses." Peter Danko
The exhibit focuses on the agrees: "They are the hardest
technological changes in (pleaseturntopage 5A
IlIPtNlll
¥111110ST
.Serving Over 48 Communities in Northern New Hampshire and Vermont June 10,1981
i
to project.
::)
• ;It
I
/
! !
Start doghouse by assem-
bling the platform (parts 1 and
2) with waterproof glue and
galvanized 8d box nails. Next,
cut the front and the back. The
total height of the front from
peak to bottom is 28"; the
back is 29/:," high. Form the
opening in the front with
either a saber saw or a
keyhole saw. Be sure to
thoroughly sand the sawed
edges. Attach the back with
glue and 6d nails. The bottom
edge of the back lines up with
the bottom surface of the deck
piece.
Cut the two sides to length
(36") and then determine
correct height by checking the
parts on what you have
assembled so far. The top
edge of the sides is cut to
match the angle of the roof
line.
Cut the two runners (part 6)
and assemble them to the
sides with glue and 4d nails.
• (please turn to page 5A)
i
1
21 1½ x 3½ x 60 lumber
(tn.lted)
2 1 pc. K x"30 x 60 exterior
Pvo<x=
3 1 Pc. x 29½ x 30 mtor
,I pc= Pvood
x 28 x 30 exterior
5 PlYWood
2pc=. x 24 x 36 exterior
ek,._ . so it can be
-'-,'o and trimmed on
b.
7 Pcs. . x 2½ x 30 lumber
2
2pcs" x 2.2 x36 exterk)r
1 Pc. 1 ½ x 3½ x 36 lumber
1 Pc. x 30 x 30 exterior
P,Ood
0..
Your ad, this size, on page 1
of the Second Opinion
is only $10.00
PHOTOGRAPHY by GARY QUACKENBUSH
6O3-353-9833
• NALIZED pROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
pERSO of your Wedding
Capturing the Sl.iritncDtSO8 BOOKED IN JUNE
oFF AD.
e
Guard00smen modern
Green Mountain Bo s
BURLINGTON--For nearly
35 years, the Vermont Air
National Guard has been on
duty during times of war and
peace to provide the Air Force
with a combat-ready air
defense unit when the need
arises. Some 800 airman and
officers are on comtant call,
ready to don their uniforms on
a short notice.
The first Vermont
"Guardsmen" were the Green
Mountain Boys, the farmers
and merchants who served so
valiantly in the military
during the Revolutionary
War. Today, Air Guard
members hold civilian jobs
such as mail carriers,
teachers, bankers, and
housewives. But, one weekend
a month and 15 days every
year they become citizen.
airmen to support the natiora
defense effort.
The Vermont Air Guard was
organized at what was then
Burlington Municipal Airport
on July 1, 1946 and was given
federal recognition as the
134th Fighter Squadron. It was
the first air unit in Vermont
and one of the first Air
National Guard units in the
country organized after the
end of World War Two. During
the war the forerunner of the
Vermont Air Guard, the 530th
Fighter Squadron, 211th
Fighter Group, was credited
with battle participation in the
India-Burma campaign and
the China Offensive cam-
paign.
ON GUARD--One of Vermont Air National Guard B-
57s that will fly in formation along with many other
Mustang was widely used in
both the European and Asiatic
theaters of World War Two.
By the end of 1950, the unit
reached its full assigned
strength of 300 members.
The Korean War was an
important milestone for the
unit. On January 9, 1951, tim
Vermont ANG was alerted
and entered active military
service on February 1. The
Fighter squadron was
assigned to the Eastern Air
Defense Commander for the
21 months of its activation and
several members of the unit
served in Korea and other
parts of the world. On October
3!, 1952 the squadron was
............. released from active duty and
returned to state control.
The F94's were replaced by
the twin engine F89D Scor-
pions. A year later, the Chief .
of the National Guard Bureau
presented the unit with the
Flying Safety Award for it's
excellent safety record.
• mont Air National Guard is
" .............. marking its 35th anniversary,
which officials describe as
"the biggest and best"
F-89 Scorpion celebration in its history.
The Vermont ANG became "It has become an in-
part of the Air Defense ternational celebration with
Runway Alert program in many of our Canadian Forces
January 1960, and was friends joining us," said Maj.
reorganized as the 158th James W. McCabe, public
Fighter Group under the affairs officer. Dozens of U.S.
USAF Air Defense command, and Canadian aircraft from
Vermont Air Guard marks
biggest, best anniversary
BURLINGTON--The Ver- available at very reasonable
prices," McCabe said.
After the flying activities
are over June 10 at 8 p.m.,
there will be a B-57 Farewell
Dinner and Awards Ceremony
at the Air National Guard
NCO Club facilities on the Air
National Guard side of the
Airport. Special guests will
include Keith Ferris, the of-
ficial Air Force Artist and
Robert "Bob" Mikesh, B-57
author of "B57 in
'*" In April 1954 the Vermont
P..47Thunderbelt ANG began an important
transition to its first jet air-
The first aircraft in the craft--the F94 Starfire. The
VTANG inventory were the 134th was reorganized asa jet
C47 Gooney Birds and two all-weather fighter in-
types of trainers, the L5 and terceptor squadron. The
AT6. The trainers helped pave squadron was rated as a
the way for the unit's first Category "A" combat-ready
tactical aircraft, the P47 unit in July 1957 with special
Thunderbolt. commendations.
F-S1 Mustang
The F51 Mustangs replaced
the P47's in July 1950. The
Nineteen-fifty-eight brought
mother change in aircraft.
Your ad, this size,
on page 1 of
the Second Opinion
is only $5.00
Alert hangars, previously
used by the regular Air Force
personnel, now were manned
by the jet-age minuteman of
the Vermont Air Guard. The
unit went into a full-time, 24-
hour seven day-a-week alert
status.
In October 1962, the group
received the Operational
Readiness Award by the
National Guard Bureau for
having the highest degree of
readiness of any F89 unit in
the country.
The Vermont ANG is
engaged in other task apart
from its primary mission. In
October 1964, the unit assisted
authorities in a security
search, prior to the visit by
(please turn to page 2A)
antiques to experimental
models are on display.
Activities kicked off June 8
with a reception and banquet
honoring the Vermont
National Guard.
An Air Show will be held
June 9 - l0 on the commercial
side of the Burlington Inter-
national Airport. Entrance
will be through the Army
Guards Building 890 Road off
Willislon Road just East of the
Airport entrance. Gates will
be open from 2 - 9 p.m. and
flying activities will be from 3
- 8p.m.
"We think that you and your
familios will enjoy the
celebration. It's going to be an
exciting time and it's all free.
Refreshments will • be
Pilot and
Combat."
Activities each day June 9-
l0 include Open House at 2
p.m. ; Super Chipmunk
Acrobatics Show 3 p.m.; B-57
Formation Flying 4 p.m.;
Pitts Special Acrobatics Show
5 p.m.; 2015 A-10 Demon-
stration, F-15 Demonstration
and Canadian F-5 Flying
Exhibition at 6:30 p.m.
BRADFORD
SOUTH END MARKET
lyre( eld. Sn
(yo€ contoner) ...... $14.S0 d.
ttn ............. $,S$ Ik.
Fresh Produce
NATURAL FOOOS |1-STOI
aerial demonstrations during Guard's 35th an.
nlversary flying show in Burlington today and
tomorrow.
Smithsonian News Service Photo by Jeff Ploskonke
': :i C i!i ]iii!!i!!i
' i )I iiiii!!
T t" " " r
A better way.,.
refining the household objects
that directly affect our day-to-
day convenience and comfort.
Meet one of them--Peter
I)anko of Alexandria, Va., the
32-year-old designer of an
innovative plywood chair
molded from a single sheet of
laminated wood under 16 tons
of pressure. Designed in 1976,
the museum-quality chair is
simplicity itself, the product
of this craftsman's inquiring
mind, an inspired moment and
a dash of luck.
"l wanted to design a chair
that was ultra-functional,
good-looking and also inex-
pensive," Danko said recently
at his studio. "'But I had no
idea what I was doing; I was
never aware of the history of
furniture design."
The creator of limited-
By David M. Maxfield
Smithsonian News Service
Chances are you're reading
this in a favorite easy chair.
Or maybe you're sitting on a
new modular unit, heirloom
rocker, old Windsor, wingback
or director's chair.
ttave you thought much
about that chair--who "in-
vented" it, what sort of history
it has? And what about your
other furniture? How did that
sofa-bed, highchair, chaise
lounge and tilt-top table
"arrive" at your house?
Though many people
probably reserve their ad-
miration and curiosity for the
inventors of such gadgetry as
electronic calculators and
video equipment, there are
also creative individuals
quietly at work devising and
Innovative furniture is as traditionally American as apple
pie. Working on a new creation in his Alexandria, Va.,
studio, designer Peter Danko examines a piece of plywood
just molded under intense pressure. This same technique
was used in the design and fabrication of the chair at top
left, molded from a single piece of plywood--an innovation
that won a place in New York City's Museum of Modern Art
and a spot in a new Smithsonian Institution Traveling
Exhibition Service show. The chair's bentwood technique
and clean design make it a direct descendant of the one
pictured immediately below it--173 years older. Because of
their special materials, the rustic rocking chair (center)
fabricated from green willow branches and the horn chair
were all the rage in the late 1800s.
edition sculptural furniture, furniture design and
Danko felt that both his own production during the 19th and
work and the production 20th centuries in terms of
process he observed at fac- materials, comfort, por-
tortes was too time- tability, multiple use and
consuming, a result of fabrication techniques
laborious assemblage steps. Danko's chair, as it turns out,
"Why should it take so long?" is the descendant of a pioneer
he thought, bentwood model so modern in
One evening, Danko sat at a appearance that the two h)k
neighborhood bar downing a like contemporaries.
beer and toying aroundwith a Many of the innovative
3-by-5 menu card, bending it furniture pieces in the show,
back and forth. "The which first appeared at the
idea--the single piece Cooper-Hewitt Museum, the
chair--just came to me," he Smithsonian's national
recalled, museum of design in New
tte approached several York City, are registered with
manufacturers, but they were the U.S. Patent Office in
skeptical, convinced that keeping with the long-held
wood would split as the American tradition
molding pressure was applied, recognized by the Constitution
I)anko turned to the Museum that citizens should be
of Modern Art in New York rewarded and protected for
City. The museum quickly new ideas and ways of doing
accepted the chair for its things.
design study collection, then Though patents have been
put him in contact with a awarded over theyears for all
receptive manufacturer, who sorts of things, including a
is putting the chair into mass 19th-century sofa-bathtub
production, advertised as the "common
Along with dozens of other sense invention of the age,"
household objects, many of innovation seems to occur in
them chairs that revolve, chairs more often than in
rock, fold up, stack and in- other forms of furniture, the
flate, Danko's work also has exhibit's curator, David
found its way into a Hanks, says• "The chair," he
Smithsonian Institution explains, "always has been a
Traveling Exhibition Service challenge for designers,
show entitled "Innovative though it is something
Furniture in America." everyone uses." Peter Danko
The exhibit focuses on the agrees: "They are the hardest
technological changes in (pleaseturntopage 5A
IlIPtNlll
¥111110ST
.Serving Over 48 Communities in Northern New Hampshire and Vermont June 10,1981
i
to project.
::)
• ;It
I
/
! !
Start doghouse by assem-
bling the platform (parts 1 and
2) with waterproof glue and
galvanized 8d box nails. Next,
cut the front and the back. The
total height of the front from
peak to bottom is 28"; the
back is 29/:," high. Form the
opening in the front with
either a saber saw or a
keyhole saw. Be sure to
thoroughly sand the sawed
edges. Attach the back with
glue and 6d nails. The bottom
edge of the back lines up with
the bottom surface of the deck
piece.
Cut the two sides to length
(36") and then determine
correct height by checking the
parts on what you have
assembled so far. The top
edge of the sides is cut to
match the angle of the roof
line.
Cut the two runners (part 6)
and assemble them to the
sides with glue and 4d nails.
• (please turn to page 5A)
i
1
21 1½ x 3½ x 60 lumber
(tn.lted)
2 1 pc. K x"30 x 60 exterior
Pvo<x=
3 1 Pc. x 29½ x 30 mtor
,I pc= Pvood
x 28 x 30 exterior
5 PlYWood
2pc=. x 24 x 36 exterior
ek,._ . so it can be
-'-,'o and trimmed on
b.
7 Pcs. . x 2½ x 30 lumber
2
2pcs" x 2.2 x36 exterk)r
1 Pc. 1 ½ x 3½ x 36 lumber
1 Pc. x 30 x 30 exterior
P,Ood
0..
Your ad, this size, on page 1
of the Second Opinion
is only $10.00
PHOTOGRAPHY by GARY QUACKENBUSH
6O3-353-9833
• NALIZED pROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
pERSO of your Wedding
Capturing the Sl.iritncDtSO8 BOOKED IN JUNE
oFF AD.
e
Guard00smen modern
Green Mountain Bo s
BURLINGTON--For nearly
35 years, the Vermont Air
National Guard has been on
duty during times of war and
peace to provide the Air Force
with a combat-ready air
defense unit when the need
arises. Some 800 airman and
officers are on comtant call,
ready to don their uniforms on
a short notice.
The first Vermont
"Guardsmen" were the Green
Mountain Boys, the farmers
and merchants who served so
valiantly in the military
during the Revolutionary
War. Today, Air Guard
members hold civilian jobs
such as mail carriers,
teachers, bankers, and
housewives. But, one weekend
a month and 15 days every
year they become citizen.
airmen to support the natiora
defense effort.
The Vermont Air Guard was
organized at what was then
Burlington Municipal Airport
on July 1, 1946 and was given
federal recognition as the
134th Fighter Squadron. It was
the first air unit in Vermont
and one of the first Air
National Guard units in the
country organized after the
end of World War Two. During
the war the forerunner of the
Vermont Air Guard, the 530th
Fighter Squadron, 211th
Fighter Group, was credited
with battle participation in the
India-Burma campaign and
the China Offensive cam-
paign.
ON GUARD--One of Vermont Air National Guard B-
57s that will fly in formation along with many other
Mustang was widely used in
both the European and Asiatic
theaters of World War Two.
By the end of 1950, the unit
reached its full assigned
strength of 300 members.
The Korean War was an
important milestone for the
unit. On January 9, 1951, tim
Vermont ANG was alerted
and entered active military
service on February 1. The
Fighter squadron was
assigned to the Eastern Air
Defense Commander for the
21 months of its activation and
several members of the unit
served in Korea and other
parts of the world. On October
3!, 1952 the squadron was
............. released from active duty and
returned to state control.
The F94's were replaced by
the twin engine F89D Scor-
pions. A year later, the Chief .
of the National Guard Bureau
presented the unit with the
Flying Safety Award for it's
excellent safety record.
• mont Air National Guard is
" .............. marking its 35th anniversary,
which officials describe as
"the biggest and best"
F-89 Scorpion celebration in its history.
The Vermont ANG became "It has become an in-
part of the Air Defense ternational celebration with
Runway Alert program in many of our Canadian Forces
January 1960, and was friends joining us," said Maj.
reorganized as the 158th James W. McCabe, public
Fighter Group under the affairs officer. Dozens of U.S.
USAF Air Defense command, and Canadian aircraft from
Vermont Air Guard marks
biggest, best anniversary
BURLINGTON--The Ver- available at very reasonable
prices," McCabe said.
After the flying activities
are over June 10 at 8 p.m.,
there will be a B-57 Farewell
Dinner and Awards Ceremony
at the Air National Guard
NCO Club facilities on the Air
National Guard side of the
Airport. Special guests will
include Keith Ferris, the of-
ficial Air Force Artist and
Robert "Bob" Mikesh, B-57
author of "B57 in
'*" In April 1954 the Vermont
P..47Thunderbelt ANG began an important
transition to its first jet air-
The first aircraft in the craft--the F94 Starfire. The
VTANG inventory were the 134th was reorganized asa jet
C47 Gooney Birds and two all-weather fighter in-
types of trainers, the L5 and terceptor squadron. The
AT6. The trainers helped pave squadron was rated as a
the way for the unit's first Category "A" combat-ready
tactical aircraft, the P47 unit in July 1957 with special
Thunderbolt. commendations.
F-S1 Mustang
The F51 Mustangs replaced
the P47's in July 1950. The
Nineteen-fifty-eight brought
mother change in aircraft.
Your ad, this size,
on page 1 of
the Second Opinion
is only $5.00
Alert hangars, previously
used by the regular Air Force
personnel, now were manned
by the jet-age minuteman of
the Vermont Air Guard. The
unit went into a full-time, 24-
hour seven day-a-week alert
status.
In October 1962, the group
received the Operational
Readiness Award by the
National Guard Bureau for
having the highest degree of
readiness of any F89 unit in
the country.
The Vermont ANG is
engaged in other task apart
from its primary mission. In
October 1964, the unit assisted
authorities in a security
search, prior to the visit by
(please turn to page 2A)
antiques to experimental
models are on display.
Activities kicked off June 8
with a reception and banquet
honoring the Vermont
National Guard.
An Air Show will be held
June 9 - l0 on the commercial
side of the Burlington Inter-
national Airport. Entrance
will be through the Army
Guards Building 890 Road off
Willislon Road just East of the
Airport entrance. Gates will
be open from 2 - 9 p.m. and
flying activities will be from 3
- 8p.m.
"We think that you and your
familios will enjoy the
celebration. It's going to be an
exciting time and it's all free.
Refreshments will • be
Pilot and
Combat."
Activities each day June 9-
l0 include Open House at 2
p.m. ; Super Chipmunk
Acrobatics Show 3 p.m.; B-57
Formation Flying 4 p.m.;
Pitts Special Acrobatics Show
5 p.m.; 2015 A-10 Demon-
stration, F-15 Demonstration
and Canadian F-5 Flying
Exhibition at 6:30 p.m.
BRADFORD
SOUTH END MARKET
lyre( eld. Sn
(yo€ contoner) ...... $14.S0 d.
ttn ............. $,S$ Ik.
Fresh Produce
NATURAL FOOOS |1-STOI
aerial demonstrations during Guard's 35th an.
nlversary flying show in Burlington today and
tomorrow.
