Dallas, Pennsylvania
(The Other Dallas)
(The Other Dallas)
Thursday, March 25, 2004
College Misercordia
This is the entrance to College Misercordia. The college was founded in 1924 by the sisters of Mercy. It was originally an all girls school, but it is now co-ed. According to the stats there are still more girls than boys.
This is Mercy Hall and it is the original building. I'm not going to give a guided tour of the college, but they do a great job on the Misercordia web site. If you want to know more about the school check it out.
I have been to the campus many times, but I can't remember that last time I walked around it. I think it was when I was a kid and took an arts and crafts class there. We walked around the campus and found treasures and set them in plaster to make a sculpture. I found more treasures this time.
"The labyrinth is a metaphor for life's journey offering lessons as we walk the path. Walking labyrinth can assist us to address challenges, meditate, pray and find peace and serenity. Walking Mediation Garden dedicated Sept. 20, 2033 to all modern day pilgrims."
"Peace of body, mind and spirit to all who walk here"
I never knew this Peace Garden was there. I decided to use it. I felt a bit awkward at first walking around in circles, because it is very public, but the more I walked in it the less I cared. First of all, I doubt anybody was paying much attention to me and who cares if they were. That is what this was made for. I wasn't going to miss out on enjoying it because of what someone else would think.
May peace prevail on Earth. A nice thought.
This is the center after weaving your way through the paths, this is where you end up, then if you want you can weave your way back out. Impatient me jumped the "walls" and took the short cut.
Another find.
This is one of the sayings on the path around the next sculpture.
What struck me most about this picture of the chapel is that I didn't notice how blue the sky was until I looked at this. I guess my eyes can always be opened more.
¶ 8:44 AM 0 Comments
This is the entrance to College Misercordia. The college was founded in 1924 by the sisters of Mercy. It was originally an all girls school, but it is now co-ed. According to the stats there are still more girls than boys.
This is Mercy Hall and it is the original building. I'm not going to give a guided tour of the college, but they do a great job on the Misercordia web site. If you want to know more about the school check it out.
I have been to the campus many times, but I can't remember that last time I walked around it. I think it was when I was a kid and took an arts and crafts class there. We walked around the campus and found treasures and set them in plaster to make a sculpture. I found more treasures this time.
"The labyrinth is a metaphor for life's journey offering lessons as we walk the path. Walking labyrinth can assist us to address challenges, meditate, pray and find peace and serenity. Walking Mediation Garden dedicated Sept. 20, 2033 to all modern day pilgrims."
"Peace of body, mind and spirit to all who walk here"
I never knew this Peace Garden was there. I decided to use it. I felt a bit awkward at first walking around in circles, because it is very public, but the more I walked in it the less I cared. First of all, I doubt anybody was paying much attention to me and who cares if they were. That is what this was made for. I wasn't going to miss out on enjoying it because of what someone else would think.
May peace prevail on Earth. A nice thought.
This is the center after weaving your way through the paths, this is where you end up, then if you want you can weave your way back out. Impatient me jumped the "walls" and took the short cut.
Another find.
This is one of the sayings on the path around the next sculpture.
What struck me most about this picture of the chapel is that I didn't notice how blue the sky was until I looked at this. I guess my eyes can always be opened more.
¶ 8:44 AM 0 Comments
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
The Convent
This is the back view of the convent. The front overlooks the highway and sits in a wooded area so it is harder to see. The only entrance is in the back.
If I ever wanted to run away and become a nun I didn't have to go far, because the convent was right up the street from the school. I never had the urge. I did always like the house though. It was huge and beautiful and peaceful. I went there a few times when I was a kid, but only saw a little bit of the inside. What I saw, I liked. I did want to live there, but not as a nun.
When the nuns stopped teaching at Gate of Heaven I think they either went to live at College Misercordia or Mercy Center (a retirement home for nuns on the campus) or they were reassigned elsewhere. I will be honest here and say that there are few well, I hope they went somewhere else and it is the opposite of Heaven. There were some not so nice nuns. In fairness there were some very nice ones too. Two that come to mind are Sister Lagorie and Sister Mary Grace. Most of the others I'm sorry to say where mean.
The convent has been renovated into a private residence now. The outside hasn't changed much. The color is different and there where a few cosmetic improvements, but it looks very much the same as it did back when I was a kid. I wonder if they left the chapel in tact? There are so many houses in this town that I would love to take a peek inside and this is definitely one of them. ¶ 8:27 AM 0 Comments
This is the back view of the convent. The front overlooks the highway and sits in a wooded area so it is harder to see. The only entrance is in the back.
If I ever wanted to run away and become a nun I didn't have to go far, because the convent was right up the street from the school. I never had the urge. I did always like the house though. It was huge and beautiful and peaceful. I went there a few times when I was a kid, but only saw a little bit of the inside. What I saw, I liked. I did want to live there, but not as a nun.
When the nuns stopped teaching at Gate of Heaven I think they either went to live at College Misercordia or Mercy Center (a retirement home for nuns on the campus) or they were reassigned elsewhere. I will be honest here and say that there are few well, I hope they went somewhere else and it is the opposite of Heaven. There were some not so nice nuns. In fairness there were some very nice ones too. Two that come to mind are Sister Lagorie and Sister Mary Grace. Most of the others I'm sorry to say where mean.
The convent has been renovated into a private residence now. The outside hasn't changed much. The color is different and there where a few cosmetic improvements, but it looks very much the same as it did back when I was a kid. I wonder if they left the chapel in tact? There are so many houses in this town that I would love to take a peek inside and this is definitely one of them. ¶ 8:27 AM 0 Comments
Monday, March 22, 2004
Gate of Heaven
Machell Ave., Dallas, PA
Gate of Heaven was the school I went to from first through six grades. I could have gone to eighth grade, but switching to Dallas to start Middle School seemed like the right think to do at the time. I always question that decision. Should I have "graduated" from Gate of Heaven? But, we all have paths to choose in life and at the time it was the right path for me.
Now, this is just a hearsay story, but I have heard that the Church part of Gate of Heaven was never meant to be a permanent church. Apparently another church was to be built but wasn't. This makes sense to me because compared to other churches, it is very plain--no stained glass windows or other decorative features. Some people liked it though because it was open and airy, not stuffy like traditional churches, and they didn't get nauseas when the incense was burned.
This is my favorite part of the building. Why? It was the exit. If you didn't take a bus you were a rider or a walker. I was a walker. I didn't appreciate it at the time, but thinking back, it was very nice to be able to walk to school everyday. Once I had to ride a bus I realized how awful it was.
This is the parking lot. I would not normally find anything interesting about a parking lot, but it is where I took my son the first time he drove a car. We spent a few days going in circles and once plowing snow. No, we didn't mean to plow snow, but there is a big difference between the brake and gas pedal. Thankfully, his driving skills have improved! ¶ 8:42 AM
Machell Ave., Dallas, PA
Gate of Heaven was the school I went to from first through six grades. I could have gone to eighth grade, but switching to Dallas to start Middle School seemed like the right think to do at the time. I always question that decision. Should I have "graduated" from Gate of Heaven? But, we all have paths to choose in life and at the time it was the right path for me.
Now, this is just a hearsay story, but I have heard that the Church part of Gate of Heaven was never meant to be a permanent church. Apparently another church was to be built but wasn't. This makes sense to me because compared to other churches, it is very plain--no stained glass windows or other decorative features. Some people liked it though because it was open and airy, not stuffy like traditional churches, and they didn't get nauseas when the incense was burned.
This is my favorite part of the building. Why? It was the exit. If you didn't take a bus you were a rider or a walker. I was a walker. I didn't appreciate it at the time, but thinking back, it was very nice to be able to walk to school everyday. Once I had to ride a bus I realized how awful it was.
This is the parking lot. I would not normally find anything interesting about a parking lot, but it is where I took my son the first time he drove a car. We spent a few days going in circles and once plowing snow. No, we didn't mean to plow snow, but there is a big difference between the brake and gas pedal. Thankfully, his driving skills have improved! ¶ 8:42 AM
Friday, March 19, 2004
Machell Ave., Dallas, PA
This is one of those places I found out walking around. I didn't have to look far. It is less than a mile from my house and it is in clear view from the road. I think it is actually a forgotten part of someone's yard. Maybe long ago it was landscaped, but as far as I know it happened all by itself. I like that idea better. ¶ 8:50 AM
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Huntsville Dam
Huntsville, Rd., Dallas, PA
Huntsville Dam is a natural made lake that hasn't change a lot over the years because it is a community water source and unused by man. There are only 3 houses built on its banks and they have only been there for about ten years and are only visible from certain angles. You are not even able to drive or walk around the entire lake because much of it is surrounded by woods that are off limits. It is a true natural beauty.
¶ 12:39 PM
Huntsville, Rd., Dallas, PA
Huntsville Dam is a natural made lake that hasn't change a lot over the years because it is a community water source and unused by man. There are only 3 houses built on its banks and they have only been there for about ten years and are only visible from certain angles. You are not even able to drive or walk around the entire lake because much of it is surrounded by woods that are off limits. It is a true natural beauty.
¶ 12:39 PM
Monday, March 15, 2004
Resevoir Rd. overlooking Overbrook Rd., Dallas, PA
Everytime I go out for a walk I like to go in a new direction, so I can discover new things. Some things I post here might seem rather ordinary, but if I see something I like I will take a picture of it. This is one of those things. These windmills are everywhere, but I discovered if you don't get out there, you won't see them. ¶ 8:56 AM
Friday, March 12, 2004
Huntsville Rd., Dallas, PA
This is an area that we always called "Space's Field." I still call it that. It was farm land originally owned by the Spaces. However, I have no idea who the Spaces are. The name stuck though. There used to be the remains of a silo on the property, but the new owners tore it down. The good thing about the property is that two very large houses were built on it (far back from the road) and I doubt the current owners will ever sell any of the property. This means it will stay the same--no more houses or development.
¶ 9:09 AM
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
My Road, off Huntsville Rd., Dallas, PA
This is not actually a road, but a private driveway. When I was a kid we used to call it My Road. We liked to hang out there.
"Let's go to My Road."
"It's not your road, it's My Road"
It was all of our road. It was private and no one bothered us there. We would sit there for hours talking about boys and school and life. We smoked our first cigarettes there and would hide the packs in the wall. We hid lots of stuff in the wall. I often wonder if we left anything there.
Thanks to surveillance cameras, I'm to afraid to go back to check. Maybe someday another group of brave kids will claim the road as their own and find a hidden treasure left behind. Let's hope it's not the butts! ¶ 8:46 AM
Monday, March 08, 2004
Main Street
It's funny, when I first starting doing this. I thought there was nothing on main street. Now I see there is definitely more than I thought. I'm ready to move on and yet I still have more main street to show. This house has seen a lot of changes. When I was growing up I don't remember what color it was painted, I think white. I was glad to see it painted. It was exciting to see an ordinary house being transformed into such a colorful beauty. It no longer blends in. It stands out and it definitely made a difference to Main Street. It also reminds me that this town does have a history.
Yes, it is just an orthodontist office, but where it stands there once was a big brick building that housed the Hearthstone Pub. The bar was a dive when I was a teenager (well from what I'm told it was) and was torn down a few years ago. Before it was the Hearthstone Pub it was a Banquet Hall and I can't recall the name. Another mystery for me to uncover.
There is still a Bar on Main Street. There has been since I can remember, and at one time, my Dad's family owned it, although I don't know much about that. I keep finding that there is so much for me to learn. ¶ 11:16 AM 0 Comments
It's funny, when I first starting doing this. I thought there was nothing on main street. Now I see there is definitely more than I thought. I'm ready to move on and yet I still have more main street to show. This house has seen a lot of changes. When I was growing up I don't remember what color it was painted, I think white. I was glad to see it painted. It was exciting to see an ordinary house being transformed into such a colorful beauty. It no longer blends in. It stands out and it definitely made a difference to Main Street. It also reminds me that this town does have a history.
Yes, it is just an orthodontist office, but where it stands there once was a big brick building that housed the Hearthstone Pub. The bar was a dive when I was a teenager (well from what I'm told it was) and was torn down a few years ago. Before it was the Hearthstone Pub it was a Banquet Hall and I can't recall the name. Another mystery for me to uncover.
There is still a Bar on Main Street. There has been since I can remember, and at one time, my Dad's family owned it, although I don't know much about that. I keep finding that there is so much for me to learn. ¶ 11:16 AM 0 Comments
Friday, March 05, 2004
Main Street
The two buildings in the picture are Beesecker Reality (left) and A law office. Beesecker's has been there for...well forever as long as I know. On the back side of Beesecker's there used to be a mural of a desert scene. I remember when it was being painted (20 or 25 years ago). Sadly when the lawyers moved in the mural went out. I regret that I don't have a picture of that mural. I for one was sad to see it go.
The lawyers office used to be a Sickler's Bike Shop. I was there a lot with my old bike. As I write this a memory hit: My grandpa took my bike for repairs there and then ran over my poor bike. I think it was fixed, but I can't remember. ¶ 9:48 AM 0 Comments
The two buildings in the picture are Beesecker Reality (left) and A law office. Beesecker's has been there for...well forever as long as I know. On the back side of Beesecker's there used to be a mural of a desert scene. I remember when it was being painted (20 or 25 years ago). Sadly when the lawyers moved in the mural went out. I regret that I don't have a picture of that mural. I for one was sad to see it go.
The lawyers office used to be a Sickler's Bike Shop. I was there a lot with my old bike. As I write this a memory hit: My grandpa took my bike for repairs there and then ran over my poor bike. I think it was fixed, but I can't remember. ¶ 9:48 AM 0 Comments
Main Street
This building has been here for as long as I can remember. It hasn't been a very successful store. For a long time it was empty. Then it was an appliance store. I thought it sill was, but when I peeked in the window (it was closed the day I was there) I didn't see any appliances. There are crafts for sale in the window. I'll have to go find out exactly what it is.
There are apartments upstairs. They have always been there. Also, the barber shop in the building is always hoping. Again it was closed the day I stopped by, but during business hours the chairs are always full. I wonder how many first haircuts this place has seen over the years?
¶ 9:41 AM 0 Comments
This building has been here for as long as I can remember. It hasn't been a very successful store. For a long time it was empty. Then it was an appliance store. I thought it sill was, but when I peeked in the window (it was closed the day I was there) I didn't see any appliances. There are crafts for sale in the window. I'll have to go find out exactly what it is.
There are apartments upstairs. They have always been there. Also, the barber shop in the building is always hoping. Again it was closed the day I stopped by, but during business hours the chairs are always full. I wonder how many first haircuts this place has seen over the years?
¶ 9:41 AM 0 Comments
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Main Street
I suppose I should have posted this image first in the Main Street Series. It is not actually a view of main street, but it is the view I see as I am walking to main street. I have walked and drove this road countless times, and I don't think I ever stopped to admire a view of my town. How sad.
I still laugh at our Mountains. I live in an area called the Back Mountain and when I see our mountains, well I don't think of them as mountains, pretty hills maybe.
Main Street Sue Hand's Imagery
This is where I took art lessons when I was a child. Sue Hand is an amazing artist. She was a teacher at my school and quit teaching at the school to follow her heart. She opened this art studio with her husband Joe. She paints and gives lessons and he photographs and frames the work. I took the first lessons in her new studio, before it even had running water. It has grown over the years. There are more instructors, an addition has been added, the colorful awning brightened the place up, but Sue Hand is still the heart and soul of the place. Her artwork has brightened the world! ¶ 6:53 AM 0 Comments
I suppose I should have posted this image first in the Main Street Series. It is not actually a view of main street, but it is the view I see as I am walking to main street. I have walked and drove this road countless times, and I don't think I ever stopped to admire a view of my town. How sad.
I still laugh at our Mountains. I live in an area called the Back Mountain and when I see our mountains, well I don't think of them as mountains, pretty hills maybe.
Main Street Sue Hand's Imagery
This is where I took art lessons when I was a child. Sue Hand is an amazing artist. She was a teacher at my school and quit teaching at the school to follow her heart. She opened this art studio with her husband Joe. She paints and gives lessons and he photographs and frames the work. I took the first lessons in her new studio, before it even had running water. It has grown over the years. There are more instructors, an addition has been added, the colorful awning brightened the place up, but Sue Hand is still the heart and soul of the place. Her artwork has brightened the world! ¶ 6:53 AM 0 Comments
Monday, March 01, 2004
Main Street
This barn has seen many transitions over the years. I am sure it was once a home to animals, however as long as I can remember it has been a home or work place for humans. When I was younger it was a health food store/house. In recent years it has been a clothing consignment shop and it is now the home of a Marketing/Advertising Firm. The mural has been the same for as long as I can remember.
For those not from Dallas: This barn/business is across from the old library. ¶ 12:35 PM 0 Comments
This barn has seen many transitions over the years. I am sure it was once a home to animals, however as long as I can remember it has been a home or work place for humans. When I was younger it was a health food store/house. In recent years it has been a clothing consignment shop and it is now the home of a Marketing/Advertising Firm. The mural has been the same for as long as I can remember.
For those not from Dallas: This barn/business is across from the old library. ¶ 12:35 PM 0 Comments
