Gypsy Road Trip

Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Thomas, WV – Historic Railroad Town in Allegheny Mountains

January 5, 2015

Picture card overview of Thomas today

Small towns attract my attention as they always have a story to tell. The former hub of railroad activity inThomas, West Viriginia is no exception. Situated on the banks of the North Branch of the Blackwater River, it served as a major railroad stop in the area years ago. All the buildings on Front Street are on one side of the road with the river running along the other side.

Stores still handle a variety of items.

Built on the side of the Allegheny Mountains, this town was incorporated in 1892. However, it actually received its start in 1880 when Henry and Thomas Davis began building the West Virginia Central & Pittsburg Railroad along the river there.You can already see where the town received its name! Railroads were needed as easy access to transport natural resources of coal and timber from the Tucker County area. While the railroad went through several transitions of ownership, the last train rolled through Thomas in 1983.

The business district that remains today is a result of the railroad industry.Today this small town has given real importance to their history by placing informative signs throughout the town. After the advent of the railroad, many people from foreign countries settled here. There were as many as 18 different nationalities, many of them from Europe, which brought with them the European wrought iron design for their balconies.

One of the informative plaques with a picture of the Schilansky-Rubenstein Building 1906

One of the informative plaques with a picture of the Schilansky-Rubenstein Building 1908

One particular building was constructed back in 1908 by Russian Jewish immigrants, Schilansky and Rubenstein. Schilansky came to the United States as a pack peddler and when he arrived in Thomas continued at that occupation until he had enough money to open a general store and a saloon. Soon he was joined by the Rubenstein family,who he had met in New York. This stylish Victorian building had a wooden balcony with turned spindles. Both families lived upstairs to conveniently run the general store below.

Refurbished store today

In 1906, people from miles around traveled to Thomas to meet all their needs. On a sign posted in town from that era, it states that “in the stores and shops can be found all that humanity could desire in the way of merchandise.”

Today a stroll down the street captures the spirit of those long ago days. Shop owners and signs show small town pride exists in abundance.

Carved wooden bears on the patio of Purple Fiddle

A popular local establishment today is the Purple Fiddle. Bands entertain nightly here, and it is a great place to quench your thirst with a sarsaparilla drink. Those who hang out here are a unique group of individuals with artistic abilities and stories to tell. Their outside deck has an attractive setting with wooden carved bears watching over the action – one licking an ice cream cone, while another holds a refreshing mug.

Benches with ski backs line the street.

Stores today hold a wide variety of items from antiques to ski related. Since the town is situated near several ski resorts, skis even form their benches, where visitors can rest while watching the river, traffic and people flow by.

Thomas, WV is located southeast of Morgantown off US 219. This is definitely off the beaten path, but that is what adds to its charm.

Category:

History, West Virginia

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My Gypsy Christmas Tree

December 23, 2014

My Gypsy Christmas Tree

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

Thy leaves are so unchanging.

Alien from Roswell, NM helps bear trim the tree.

Alien from Roswell helps bear trim the tree.

My favorite Christmas decoration is the Christmas Tree. Each ornament brings back special memories made over the years.

As a child, my memories of Christmas always centered around a pine tree. Under the tree, wrapped packages magically appeared each Christmas morning. One of the first presents I remember was a chalkboard with the alphabet written around the edge – just in time for first grade. My parents obviously encouraged my writing at a very early age.

Santa and Mrs. Claus ride the ski lift at Aspen, CO.

Those were the days when dad would take me in his pick-up truck down Hopewell Hill to a hillside of trees where we would pick out the very best one. Dad would saw it down, carry it down the hill, and place it in the back of the pick-up. All the way home my eyes would be out the back window, making certain that tree remained on board.

Although mom wasn’t a big fan of decorating, she would put on the lights, then let me decorate the part of the tree that I could reach. Perhaps you can see why the Christmas tree became an important, fun part of the holiday.

A bear from Canaan Valley is my newest ornament.

Over the years, ornaments have been accumulated from various places. Once I began my Gypsy Road Trips, when I came upon a spot I truly enjoyed, my search for an ornament began.

Now my Christmas tree looks like a Gypsy Tree with ornaments from all over the United States. No pattern or special design adorns this tree, just pleasant memories. Sometimes it takes a week to decorate as each ornament brings back happy times spent on the road. Oh, there are still a few from long ago and even some received from students in my classes, but most of them are travel treasures.

Bear ice skates on Prince Edward Island.

As you can probably tell, bears have a special place in my heart and they are seen in many of the ornaments hanging on my tree. There are definitely too many to share at one time, so perhaps next year you will be treated to more of the special memories hanging on my Gypsy Christmas Tree.

Here’s wishing all of you a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends. May you find peace and happiness under your Christmas tree.

As Santa would say as he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

My Gypsy Christmas Tree lights up the evening.

Category:

Cambridge, Just for Fun

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Toys and Trains for All Generations

December 2, 2014

Kruger Street Museum in Wheeling, WV

All of us are children at heart. Find the child within you by visiting the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, a hidden gem in Wheeling, WV. Discover toys from your childhood as well as multitudes of model trains.

A one hundred-year-old Victorian schoolhouse, Kruger Street School on the edge of Wheeling, WV, has been converted into a haven of toys from years gone by. With two floors containing ten rooms of toys, the child in you will want to explore for hours.

This lifetime dream of a toy museum for father and son, Allan Robert and Allan Raymond Miller, came true back in 1998. The vision began with a collection of Lionel trains, and the Millers’ thoughts and plans expanded to the present day museum.

Can you find the dinosaur hidden in the HO-Gauge Train Display?

Upstairs, trains fill several rooms and all offer interactive buttons so you can be a railroad engineer for a short time. While the HO-Gauge Train set, with dinosaurs hidden within, is a major attraction, there are several layouts on display. One attractive display uses local business names on stores and train cars. Names like Riesbeck’s, Coleman’s, Bleifus Tires, and Wes Banco draw viewers’ attention.

Interactive Slot Car Race Tracks

A slot car room gives opportunity to participate in driving the track, and is a favorite of many youngsters. Even this gypsy had to give it a try. Every room contains something children can play, as well as chairs for parents to sit and watch. Perhaps you will even meet Loo, the cat, who wanders freely while enjoying encounters with visitors.

K-Land Amusement Park

The present curator, James Schulte, enjoys seeing entire families bond wth new memories as they discuss their favorite toys. Schulte also constructed the rides in a room called K-Land Amusement Park, from his own creative designs using the K’NEX building system. There you will find a ferris wheel, old-fashioned swings, and roller coaster that work at the push of a button.

Popular Pinball Machine

Downstairs an old-fashioned Nickelodeon plays tunes for a quarter, while at the other end of the lobby you can play a vintage pinball machine, the most popular game here. This gives children a chance to experience fun before video games. It is a favorite of all generations with a long line quite often waiting for a chance to play.

The Game Room contains a mixture of traditional games from the 1900s, such as Candy Land, Rubik’s Cube and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, a long ago favorite. A large selection of games are available to actually play such as foozball, checkers, blocks, and dominos.

Dollhouses from floor to ceiling

Dollhouses and many dolls, including Barbies, Raggedy Ann and Andy, and Dippity Flip Flop, entertain the young ladies. Packed from floor to ceiling, dollhouses of all eras, Barbie cars, and several doll collections are on display.

For the 17th year, the Marx Convention will be held mid-June at the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum. Over a hundred tables display Marx toys, but the biggest attraction is the group of former enthusiastic Marx employees, who have stories to tell regarding their part in the toy making.

1890’s Tut Tut Car – oldest toy at the museum

Stop by their Gift Shop, which has been described as one big toy box, to take home a lasting memory. A special section features glassware from Wilkerson’s Glass in Moundsville, WV. The museum is open every day from 9- 4 in June – December. During January – May, they’re only open on weekends, except for special arranged tours.

Relive your childhood memories at Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum sometime soon, when you can spend the day. So many toys create a wonderland for the young at heart.

Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum can easily be reached just off I-70 in Wheeling, WV at Exit 4, Elm Grove. Take a right on Route 40, then go straight through the intersection to Kruger Street, with the museum on the right hand side. The sign is easily spotted.

Category:

Museums, West Virginia

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The Smallest Church in 48 States Our Lady of the Pines

Listed as smallest church in 48 states, but that is debatable.

On the backroads of West Virginia, a sign points to Our Lady of the Pines. Established in 1968 near Thomas, WV, this church claims to be the smallest church in 48 states. Blessings from your visit will bring peace of mind as you travel on down the mountain highway.

Statue outside the church

The community received its name from Silver Lake, a small man-made lake built in 1928 at the headwaters of the Youghiogheny River. Previously this town was known as Breedlove, the southern terminal at that time of the Preston Railroad.

This tiny memorial Roman Catholic church was constructed in 1958 by Mr. and Mrs. P.L. Milkint in honor of their parents. This small piece of beauty was built completely out of love. The delightful stone church contains stained glass windows and an historic bell in the tower.

Topped by a cross on its steeple, a second cross appears in the cement work of the sidewalk just outside the front door. On their well kept lawn, beautiful flowers surround a memorial statue in front of the church.

The altar inside the smallest church

Mission priests come from time to time and hold mass in this little gem in the mountains. Many young couples have been married here as well. Often on a Sunday five to six hundred visitors leave here with a peaceful feeling.

Inside six pews can seat 12 worshippers. Outside measurements are 24′ X 12′, while inside measurements are 16′ X 11′. Even though the church claims to be the smallest church in the states, there are many other smallest churches listed around the country. If you know of a smaller church, please let me know.

The beautiful altar area, cross above the altar, candleholders, and old rugged cross at the foot of the altar were all handmade with love. The infant of Prague with its red velvet garment was donated by a dear friend of the family. Their Lithuanian grandmother actually wove the altar cloth over ninety years ago in her home country.

Smallest mailing office with its own Zip Code

Unusual postal hours on sign

The church’s next door neighbor is the smallest mailing office – a post office serving the small rural community of Silver Lake, West Virginia 26716. A sign inside tells that there is outgoing mail daily, but window service is only available on Friday 13th. Parcel post service is available on Feb 29th. It’s always a pleasure to see the Stars and Stripes flying, surrounded by more beautiful flowers. It seems they have planted flowers that bloom from spring through fall.

Here in the pines, take time for reflection and relaxation as you visit the smallest church in the forty-eight states. The wind in the pines whispers blessings of peace and goodwill to those who stop by for a visit

This tiny church can be found just south of Deep Creek, MD along route 219 at Silver Lake, West Virginia on County Road 24/8. Enjoy the beautiful mountain roads along the way.

Category:

History, Uncategorized, West Virginia

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Desolate Dolly Sods Wilderness in Allegheny Mountains

November 24, 2014

Desolate Dolly Sods – a perfect escape from civilization!

Desolate! That seems the perfect description for the Dolly Sods Wilderness. This vast, rugged back country can be found in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia in the Monongahela National Forest.

Narrow dirt road to Dolly Sods with twists and turns just ahead

Named for a German family, the Dahles, locals added “sods”, because that is their term for an open mountaintop meadow where cattle grazed. Over the years, the entire name has been localized to Dolly Sods.

The road to the top contains narrow, twisting, dirt roads. You just hope you don’t meet anyone coming around the bend. Add a little fog to the adventure and the trip becomes even more exciting. As you enter the wilderness area, you might feel civilization is being left behind. No guardrails line the sides of this mountain road, but hopefully the trees would catch you if you had to get close to the edge.

Flexible weather can change several times in a day. Within an hour, sun, rain, snow, and fog might all make an appearance. Cool weather prevails and frost can occur on any time of the year. But that doesn’t deter the campers, who camp out year round.

Windy Dolly Sods

Winds blow fiercely here as witnessed by the red spruce trees, whose branches grow on one side, the side away from the wind.

During the early 1900’s this mountain top was a great source of timber for the United States. At that time, some of the trees measured 13′ in diameter – quite the giants! Those early settlers cleared the field completely of all growth and brush. Sparks from the locomotives, saw mills, and logger’s warming fires set fire to the field to burn everything off; the peat burned for years as it was seven to nine feet deep.

One Surviving Daisy

Today, little growth remains on the top of the Dolly Sods, but a new crop of trees is growing at lower levels. Right now this high plateau can best be described as a vast “nothingness”, but low growing blueberry and huckleberry bushes, wild strawberry plants and even a daisy can be found struggling for existence.

Many trails exist to explore the wilderness and you don’t have to worry about reptiles as they don’t want to hang around in the cold. When you finally get to the top, rocks and low growth cover the open areas. Over 17,000 acres compose this arctic-like, wilderness area, which runs about 49 miles across the top.

View from Dolly Sods Plateau

Dolly Sods sets on the Eastern Continental Divide with waters flowing to the east continuing to the Potomac River, while those flowing to the west help form the Ohio River and eventually the Mississippi. In 1852, an article in Harper’s Monthly Magazine described the area as:

…so savage and inaccessible that it has rarely been penetrated even by the most adventurous. The settlers on its borders speak of it with a sort of dread, and regard it as an ill-omened region, filled with bears, panthers, impassable laurel-brakes, and dangerous precipices.

A challenging rocky trail back to the parking lot

At one point in time, a glacier covered the top of Dolly Sods. Walking the trail to Bear Rock, water lays on top of the ground since it can’t be absorbed by the rocks just below the surface. The trail required careful steps to avoid too much water, and it became very narrow between the low growth of wild blueberry bushes. But in just a little while, the trail turned into one made of rocks and it was a game of hopping from rock to rock to reach the edge.

An interesting sidenote was the fact that the US Army used this area as an artillery training ground before troops were sent to Europe in World War II. Hard to tell what might be found in the rocks and brush.

Many seem to enjoy escaping to the world of nature.

Starting back to the parking lot, it was surprising to see how many people were out walking the Dolly Sods on a weekday at a temperature of 49. Had to wonder how they found it!

From Canaan Valley follow WV 32 south to the Laneville Road (WV 45). Turn left and go approximately 6 miles to the Red Creek Bridge, where the road changes from pavement to gravel and is now Forest Road 19.

Category:

History, Uncategorized, West Virginia

Seneca Rocks Discovery Center in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia

November 16, 2014

Seneca Rocks

The towering Seneca Rocks with razorback ridges appear to have been shot up out of the earth in the Monongahela National Forest in eastern West Virginia. Perhaps this was due to a volcanic vein explosion years ago, but whatever the cause they are spectacular. These massive rocks rise 900 feet above the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River.

It can only be guessed about the early people who lived in this place. When the Discovery Center was built, two villages were found under that area. The most recent one was dated at 600 years ago.

The Cliffs of Seneca by David Strother for New Harpers Magazine in 1872.

The Cliffs of Seneca by David Strother for Harpers New Monthly Magazine in 1872.

One of the early explorers to reach this area in 1853 was a writer and magazine illustrator, David Strother. He sketched the massive Seneca Rocks and several years later in 1872 reworked it into a wood engraving. This special printing was highlighted in the 1872 Harpers New Monthly Magazine.

Viewing Seneca Rocks through binoculars enables you to see the observation tower at the top and even the people there. If you have time, you will want to climb to the top and view the surrounding area from their observation deck. Many trails lead to the summit for climbers of various abilities, so find one perfect for you.

Climbing to the top served another purpose in 1943-44 as it was a training ground for West Virginia Militia during WWII. Here they practiced climbing the rock sides in preparation for the Apennines Mountains in Italy.

Scenic Seneca Creek

When you head over the walkway at Seneca Creek, watch carefully as you cross the bridge. Trout can be seen swimming along through the creekk, which bubbles over the rocky bottom.

This condensed version of the Legend of Seneca Creek tells an interesting Indian tale:

Snow Bird waited at the base of Seneca Rocks.

For as long as she could remember, Princess Snow Bird’s family lived at the base of Seneca Rock. All during her youth, she wanted to climb those rocks and as she became older, she did climb higher and higher until one day she reached the pinnacle. For a while she enjoyed her companions of warm sunshine, refreshing breeze, thoughts and dreams. But soon she became the most beautiful maiden in the land and warriors from all around came to claim her hand in marriage.

There were too many for her to decide, so Snow Bird invited all to come on an appointed day for a challenge. After meeting them at the base of Seneca Rock, she told them that the one who could climb to the top would be her new chief. Out of the many present, only seven were brave enough to take the challenge. Snow Bird led the way and one by one six of them fell behind. Only one brave remained and as he neared the top he slipped.

Snow Bird quickly thought that if he was the one most able to make the climb perhaps she should accept him. She then reached down and grabbed his hand to pull him to safety. When they returned to the base, her father, Chief Bald Eagle, told his new son-in-law that he would become his successor and the new chief of the tribe.

Rock climbing models

Nearby is a beautiful Discovery Center with information about all the activities, explanations regarding Seneca Rocks through pictures and scenes, and of course a gift shop. Interactive displays explain the geology of the area on a level that even children can understand. Films provide another method of explaining the beautiful Seneca Rocks and the surrounding Monongahela National Forest. Figures of mountain climbers scan an inside wall to show the gear needed and explain the dangers.

Lighted topography map

Especially interesting was a topographical map of the area with buttons that lighted up different special places to visit. It gave you a much clearer idea of where you were, had been, and were going. It was interesting that they had instructions also written in Braille.

Visit Seneca Rocks where you can climb to the top or sit on a bench at the base and admire the view.

Seneca Rocks it located east of Elkins, WV near the junction of Routes 33 and 55. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on your way there.

Category:

Nature, Uncategorized, West Virginia

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Gross Mansion in Cambridge, Ohio – House of Many Uses

November 10, 2014

A mansion on a hilltop perfectly describes Gross Mansion. The mere mention of its name brings instant recognition. While most know where it is, few know its history, or the history of the only family to call this “home”.

Born in 1868, Charles F. Gross began working at the age of twenty-one in the oil fields of Ohio, West Virginia, and Oklahoma. Charles saved his wages carefully, and began buying shares of The Hill Oil and Gas Company based in Columbus, Ohio.

This company had extensive holdings in Oklahoma and Texas, and Charles Gross of Cambridge had increased his holdings to one-fifth interest. The Cushing Field in Oklahoma consisted of 6,000 acres and produced 20,000 barrels of oil a day. When he sold his one-fifth interest in this field, Charles had money to purchase land and build a house.

Harriett, his wife, had her heart set on having the nicest house in Cambridge, and that is what Charles set out to accomplish. Charles had purchased a city block between Sixth and Seventh Streets in a strictly residential area.

The Gross Mansion, completed in 1921, was situated in a park-like setting. A winding carriage lane wove through a beautiful landscape of flowers and trees. Relaxing while working in the garden became one of Charles’ cherished times.

No cost was spared in the construction of this 12,000 square foot home with twenty-four rooms. Even today the beautiful tile floors, walnut paneling, carved stone fireplaces and beautiful stairway with carved newel posts exemplify the richness intended many years ago.

Stories are still told of the Gross family as many parties and weddings were held at the mansion. Trick or treaters that were brave enough to come to the door of the big house, were rewarded with a fifty cent piece.

Teachers at the 9th Street School, where Harriett was a student, had an annual dinner there served by the Gross family. It was a day the children remembered, not because of the mansion, but because when the teachers went for lunch, school was dismissed for the rest of the day.

Young Harriett also had the pleasure of owning a brown and white pony that she enjoyed riding inside that tall fence around the mansion. That high fence with spiked top is of special interest as it was constructed by the family to protect their only child. This happened right after the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby and the Gross family feared that with their wealth gained from the oil fields, their daughter could be a possible target. They even had a hidden staircase installed in the house for easy escape.

A personal memory takes me back to days as a young child when my mother delivered fresh eggs and chickens, butchered that morning, to the Gross family. Mom let me carry a dozen eggs to the side door while she took the chickens. Dad waited patiently in the car.

While Charles Gross got his start in the oil fields, he became a very prominent member of the Cambridge community. In 1918, he was elected to the board of directors of The National Bank of Cambridge and served until his death in 1942. His funeral was held at the Gross Mansion.

Mother Harriett Gross in front of Mansion

Daughter Harriett was one of those who got married at the mansion when she wed Howell Bates, an ensign in the Navy. Later Harriett and Howell would be the ones to sell the mansion in 1958 to the Cambridge YMCA.

Gross Mansion still catches the eye of visitors to the city and makes them catch their breath as they view this beautiful home from nearly a hundred years ago. Chances are rare of building anything this grand again. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it would be returned to its former richness and impressive beauty?.

Recently, Dickens Victorian Village held a Victorian Funeral Experience in the mansion. Hopefully other community events will take place in this beautiful spot soon.

How nice to see life at the mansion once again!

Gross Mansion is located between 6th and 7th Streets in Cambridge, Ohio. Once in town, head down 6th Street where parking is available in a lot across the street.

Category:

Cambridge, History, Uncategorized

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Queen’s Parade Brings a Delightful Regal Touch to Dickens Victorian Village

November 6, 2014

The Queen’s Parade

Everyone loves a parade, and the Queen’s Parade brings a touch of life from times gone by. People line the streets of downtown Cambridge for the Dickens Victorian Village’s second annual Queen’s Parade on Nov. 8. The parade, in honor of elegant Queen Victoria, will head down Wheeling Avenue at 1:00, as a touch of royalty enters the streets of Cambridge. The Queen will be accompanied by Gerald Dickens, great-great grandson of Charles Dickens.

Cambridge Social Dance Club performance

Step back to a time before motorized vehicles, as many entertaining groups, too numerous to list, either walk, ride horseback, or are driven in carriages. Among those walking are members of the Cambridge Social Dance Club, who have been a part of the annual celebrations for several years. See them dance their way down the street as well as perform at the Victorian Street Fair on E. 8th Street. They’re just getting warmed up for Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball next weekend.

Local dance studio students parade down Wheeling Avenue as street sweepers, who were needed in the time of Charles Dickens. The newly formed band at East Guernsey Schools will be making an appearance and perhaps a portion of the ever popular Cambridge City Band will perform for this occasion as an old-fashioned Clown Band.

Funeral Hearse followed by mourners

A procession of mourners follow the horse-drawn hearse as they head to the “Victorian Funeral Experience”, which will be held the following day, Sunday, Nov. 8th at 1:00 at the Gross Mansion.

The Medicine Man, Dr.Thelonious Balthazar, rides in a carriage at the parade. The Medicine Man will actually have two shows on Saturday at the Victorian Street Fair. The first show is at 11:00 before the parade, while the second performance will be at 4:00 in the afternoon. You won’t want to miss his words of medical advice!

Participants in “Whiskers Wars” also walk in the parade. Come out and encourage these manly men, as they have been grooming their beards all summer long. Several categories exist for beard entries and judging will be held at the Dickens Street Fair on the steps of the bank. Most entrants dress in costumes of the Dickens era, so show your Victorian spirit and cheer for your favorite contestant.

Bagpipers escort the Queen

The sounds of the Akron Bagpipe Band announce the arrival of Queen Victoria’s elegant, horse-drawn carriage. Then the Queen heads to the Victorian Street Fair where she oversees activities for the remainder of the afternoon.

However, the parade is just a small portion of the excitement for “Queen Victoria Weekend”, the second themed weekend of the Dickens Victorian Village season. If you would like to learn about additional activities, visit their website at http://www.DickensVictorianVillage.com or call 1-800-933-5480.

Dickens Victorian Village takes place from November through mid-January each year when Historic Downtown Cambridge comes to life with 92 scenes of 166 life-like figures representing classic scenes from Victorian society. To add to the festive atmosphere, each evening from 5:30-9:00, the magnificent 1881 Guernsey County Courthouse Music & Light Show pulsates to holiday music with synchronized lights.

See you at the parade!

Dickens Victorian Village is located in Downtown Cambridge, Ohio near the crossroads of I-70 and I-77. Take any Cambridge exit and you are sure to find yourself on Route 40, which heads straight through Downtown Cambridge.

Category:

Cambridge, Festivals, Ohio

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Beautiful Autumn Leaves HIghlight Lindy Point

October 31, 2014

A roadside peek on a cloudy day

Every little corner of West Virginia seems to have a beautiful mountain view, and nobody does Autumn better than West Virginia. Lindy Point near Davis, West Virginia, provides a dynamic view in several directions.

Lindy Point Overlook sign

Heading back a narrow curving road only wide enough for one vehicle, it seems obvious that this is not a heavily traveled area even for tourists. There are only four parking places at the entrance to Lindy Point so it would appear they don’t expect many visitors, but surprisingly several people were met on the trail.

Rough path to Lindy Point

Traveling down a long, secluded path, each step needs to be taken carefully. Many tree branches, briers, and rocks appear on the path, which is basically a black dirt trail, but rather level. There are interesting plants along the way as the trail leads through dense rhododendron bushes. While eyes were open for animals, especially bears, none were spotted.

At places the road was muddy from rains of the past few days, and the black dirt trail turned into a boggy black adventure. There were places where there was no way around due to the heavy brush, so the only way to proceed was to walk right over the murky black bog. This was accomplished by placing the foot flat on top of the mud, one step at a time, and you didn’t sink in…well, at least not too much. A walking stick on this trail was particularly useful and welcome.

Looking over the edge at Lindy Point

Finally we reached the end of the trail to a magnificent view from the overlook. Here you can see 48 acres of the Blackwater Canyon, one of those picture postcard views in all directions, as the valley is ignited with the colors of Autumn leaves. The Blackwater River runs through the bottom, while at the top are unusual, free-standing, rock “chimneys”, which add to the spectacular view. These enormous rocks were pushed up during the formation of the mountains many years ago.

Zoomed View of the river below Lindy Point

A young man and his family appeared at the summit and told of his teenage adventures there for frequent picnics. He remembered the time they were having a party out on the rocks before the platforms were built. One of his friends had too much to drink and fell to his death off the rock into the canyon below. The area was closed for a couple years and then the platform was put in place as a safety measure.

The walk back seemed much shorter and faster, but at the end it was necessary to clean the boggy mud off our shoes before moving on.

Autumn is a great time to catch the view from Lindy Point. Anytime is beautiful, but the colors of the leaves highlighted its beauty.

Directions to Blackwater State Park travel many scenic routes along the way. These are the clearest directions I have found: Take I-7o E to I-79 S. Stay on I-79 S to Morgantown, WV. At Morgantown, follow I-68 E to Rt. 42 S, Friendsville, MD. Follow to Rt. 219 S through Oakland, MD, to Thomas, WV. At Thomas, take Rt. 32 S to Davis, WV. See what I mean?

Category:

History, Nature, West Virginia

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Downton Abbey Weekend Opens Dickens Season

October 27, 2014

Downton Abbey Tea Party

The pleasure and eloquence of merry olde England will appear in historic downtown Cambridge, Ohio during the 9th season of Dickens Victorian Village. Fans of Downton Abbey will be especially pleased during the first weekend of Nov 1 – 2 with Desperate for Downton events, including etiquette instruction, a tea party, and fashion show.

Father Christmas and his wife enjoy opening festivities.

Opening ceremonies will be held at the Guernsey County Courthouse with entertainment by local groups, candle lighting, and caroling. Then watch the 2014 debut of the Guernsey County Courthouse Music & Light Show. You’ll be impressed.

Abbey Etiquette at the Cambridge Glass Museum

A touch of old Victorian England presents itself through this special Desperate for Downton weekend. Begin with an etiquette class that will have you eating prim and proper for the rest of the holiday season. The National Museum of Cambridge Glass prepares an opulent location for this learning experience, as well as a feast for the eyes with their elegant table setting. Learn proper etiquette, then meander through the aisles of the glittering Cambridge Glass Museum.

Join in the fun of a Downton Abbey Painting Party in the Dickens Welcome Center and Curiosity Shop located at 745 Steubenville Avenue. Try your hand at painting a Victorian style picture that is likely to become a treasured memory. Cost is $15 per person with all materials furnished.

Diplay of Victorian items at Downton Abbey Tea & Fashion Show

The highlight of this Desperate for Downton weekend happens during the Downton Abbey Tea and Fashion Show. Spend an autumn afternoon at a delightful Victorian tea party in the breathtaking Masonic ballroom at 730 Wheeling Avenue. Classic Faire’s dainty delights on each tea tower will stimulate the taste buds, while The Alley Vintage and Costume Store will present the amazing trim styles of period fashions.

Get in the spirit of the day. Dress in your finest dress, hat and gloves in either historic or contemporary style and spend a charming afternoon for $30 per person. Even those who entertain on Downton Abbey would feel at home during this event.

Learn how to decorate your own Gingerbread House.

If perhaps you aren’t in the mood for tea and fashion, Sunday afternoon at 1:00 there will also be a Family Fun Gingerbread Decorating class at the Guernsey County Senior Center at 1022 Carlisle Avenue. Parents and children have the opportunity to join forces and create a special gingerbread house.

Guernsey County Music & Light Show

Dickens Victorian Village takes place from November through early January each year. Historic Downtown Cambridge comes to life with 92 scenes of 166 lifelike figures representing classic scenes from Victorian society. To add to the festive atmosphere, each evening from 5:30 – 9:00 pm view the magnificent 1881 Guernsey County Courthouse Music & Light Show where thousands of lights pulsate in synchronized rhythm to seasonal music.

Come join in the fun!

Cambridge, Ohio is located at the crossroads of I-70 and I-77. Follow old Route 40, the National Trail, as it leads right through downtown Cambridge where you will see Dickens Victorian Village.

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Cambridge, History, Ohio, Uncategorized

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