Warlé

A Celebration of Leon Ingall and Warren Kronemeyer, June 28, 2022

This was the first public presentation about Warlé. It was serendipitous to share research on my cousins Warren and Leon at Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital at a moment in their evolution as a rural Vermont hospital providing LGBTQ+ centered care. Grace Cottage is, in fact, a central character in the Warlé story. In their twilight years, Warren and Leon relied greatly on the hospital’s staff and services. Their appreciation resulted in a planned gift of their home and property in exchange for lifelong assisted living and care. The Grace Cottage event included a slide talk, a “show and tell” from friends of Warlé who shared objects and anecdotes, and the dedication of a plaque and a rainbow-hued glass sconce designed by artist Robert DuGrenier to honor Warren and Leon’s legacy. The property they donated to the hospital ultimately became Valley Cares, an affordable senior living community that has joined Grace Cottage in efforts to lean into cultural humility, equity and inclusion. I’m so grateful that Warren and Leon’s story resonated with LGBTQ+ hospital staff, board members, queer community leaders, and a lesbian resident currently making her home at Valley Cares. Available for viewing on Brattleboro Community TV.