Around Town

This house is such a beautiful grand Victorian.. I have never been inside, but sure wish I had. I love these older homes.  It is at the bottom of the hill where the courthouse is located. I know an old woman lived there alone for many years. Then  shortly after she past away, a few local lawyers moved in. Seems too grand, and almost an insult to have made it into an office building.

This is the Doddridge County Courthouse. It was built in 1899. it replaced the previous courthouse that was destroyed by fire in 1898.It is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. More here. This pic was taken during the Easter Egg hunt. The clock tower high above plays beautiful organ music at noon everyday.

This is a picture of the old Doddridge County Jail, that was closed several years ago when the new regional jail was built. It is now a county museum.

This used to be the Silas P. Smith Opera House, but is currently the Doddridge County Library.Also on the list of National Historic Places. From 1900-1905 , operas, dramas, musicals, and lectures were held here. Other than frequent paintings the exterior of the building has  remained unchanged since it was completed the spring of 1900.

This building used to house the local bank. Above the door you can see the date 1892. It is now the site of a local florist.

More interesting facts and pictures can be found HERE.

A Walk On The Wild Side

  Today, I had to drop my son off at work, and try to find some way to amuse myself for awhile. As my kids know, thats not too difficult for me. I like to rub that fact in whenever I hear those dreadful words..."Mom I'm bored". Anyway, I decided to go for a walk at a park in the area. The local Veteran's hospital has a fantastic park with well kept walk paths, playground, pool, baseball field, miniature golf, and more. I have lived in the area most of my life but have never been to this park. I guess thats typical because we lived in Maryland for a few years during my grade school years and never visited any museums until after we moved to WV, and then went back to visit my grand parents.

    I felt pretty safe at this park since we live in a pretty safe area. Even so, I still walked down the wooded path along the stream with some initial trepidation. It wasnt long before  the local gang began to show me some interest. At first I hesitated, but continued on. I wasnt aware of any gangs in the area, but it wasnt long before they made themselves known to me. As I trudged along in the 40° weather, there were a few  who came closer, watching me with beady eyes. Stepping out in front of me, blocking my path, and then backing off again. I wasnt sure whether to run or try to be brave and continue on. As they quickly did the same, I soon realized they werent sure of me either. Suddenly a wooly character came in a little too close for comfort. I had been warned before not to trust them. He was blocking my path in front of me so I stopped and waited with baited breath to see what he wanted. He came so close, I began to fear that if I didnt move it would be too late.

He was suddenly at my feet, fear took over, and I made a quick movement which startled him and he quickly backed off. As you can see, I think the character from this little gang of thieves would have run up my leg if I let him.

      I cant wait to bring my grand daughters on a walk here.Then I will have reinforcements. The little 3 and 6 year old types (sometimes holy terrors, sometimes angels) that all moms and grandmothers are familiar with. Squirrels.... "Be Afraid...Be Deathly Afraid!"

                                                                      I will be back.

                                              But with nuts in case they attempt to mug me again.

Now that I realize the kinds of characters that patrol this park, I see why they posted this sign. One never knows

                                                           what happens after dark.

Clarksburg,WV

I spent a few hours today in the town I grew up in. Its not like I traveled a long ways. I make this 25 min drive once a week for shopping, because we live in a very small town. I can remember when there was a Five and Dime, GC Murphy, Mcroys, etc. One store used to have a small soda shop inside. I also remembering riding the elevator in the back of the store as a child. it actually had someone that was paid to just run the elevator their entire shift. You don't  see that anymore. There are some very interesting homes in the area. Old homes have such character. The workmanship seen in some of the places is outstanding. Time and talent that we no longer see  being used. Here are a few shots I took:

I hadnt really noticed this little house before, but it is so cute, I just had to share. it really is as small as it looks.

This next house, I always make sure I look for it when I am on this particular street. it looks just like a castle. I would love to know what year it was built in, and a little history about it.