Archive for June, 2008

My Town Monday: Of Men and Boats

By fromskilledhands ( June 29, 2008 at 9:51 am) · Filed under Community, Discoveries, Giveaway, Home, My Town Monday, Peninsula, Peninsula Python

The Ohio and Erie Canal played a critical part in the development of the Cuyahoga Valley. The workers toiled long hours for 30 cents a day and whiskey at night.

Most of the employees of the Peninsula boat yards were locals; like the builders of the Canal, most of the laborers remain anonymous. Some not only built canal boats, but also they also erected buildings and bridges. Many of the boatyard workers also worked on the boats, making them “canalers.”

Canal boats were 79-81 feet long, and about 14 feet wide. Their width was limited by the size of the locks through which they traveled. New vessels needed about 3 1/2 feet of water in which to float; older vessels required a bit more depth since they accumulated “seepage water.” Once the stomping grounds of canal mules, the towpath is now used as a trail, of which over 70 miles is complete. I’ll explore the trail in a future post.

The cool thing is that many of the buildings still stand. In other places, old foundations are visible. The stories of the people who carved this Village are alive and well. It is the people who give us a sense of place, a place that is home. The Village of Peninsula, population 602, celebrates its history as it embraces its future. An interesting place to be.

The Village will celebrate the Peninsula Python Festival on Saturday, July 19. There will be activities, exhibits, contests and special events to commemorate the Peninsula Python. Join us. We’ll have fun. I promise.

****Thanks to Amanda, of the Peninsula Library and Historical Society, for her assistance and generosity in sharing resources, knowledge and time.

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Post a comment and I will enter your name in the high-tech drawing, where I pick a number from a hat; and, you, too, could join Sam, Travis, and the newest member of the Posse, Barrie, as members of the Peninsula Python Posse (and you will win cool stuff, too!).

Amarillo’s own favorite son, Travis Erwin, is the Chief Marauder and founder of My Town Monday. Check it out. You’ll connect with towns all over this beautiful blue planet.

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Christmas in June: the Little Blue Santa Rocks!

By fromskilledhands ( June 26, 2008 at 10:58 am) · Filed under Caring, Christmas, Collecting, Cuyahoga Valley, little Blue Santa, Peninsula

Last December, I wrote about the Little Blue Santa. I wrote about how we make him, and what the process has meant to me.

The story of this little guy continues to spread, and to enrich our lives and others’. He has traveled to most of these United States, Canada, Germany, England, France and Iraq. He has rekindled memories for people in nursing homes: one woman told us that her Grandmother had Alzheimer’s disease, and had not spoken for several years. When she saw the Little Blue Santa, she started to cry, and began sharing her memories of her youth. Another woman’s blue eyes twinkled as she told us of her childhood memories in Germany.

The Little Blue Santa still makes me smile. He fits in my hand nicely, which makes sense, since we think that he was originally designed as a children’s toy. He has brought people to the Village, and to the Valley with all it’s wonderful resources. He has enabled us to share the process with so many. The Little Blue Santa rocks!

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My Town Monday: History is Alive and Well and Living in Peninsula, Ohio

By fromskilledhands ( June 22, 2008 at 5:02 pm) · Filed under My Town Monday

Saturday afternoon, I wandered up Main Street, turned south on Riverview Road and headed to the Peninsula Library and Historical Society. I was looking for more interesting tales, legends and the like to share. As I browsed through the incredible collection of materials devoted to the history of the Cuyahoga Valley, I was amazed by the number of interesting stories, from the early settlers to the residents who populate my town today.

I walked back to Main Street to the beautiful Boston Township Hall, which is the home of the Cuyahoga Valley Historical Museum.


For many years, Peninsula students on the east side of the Cuyahoga River attended school in the upstairs of the Village Hall. Students on the west side of the river went to school in what is now known as the G.A.R. Hall.

The new Peninsula High School was constructed in 1887 of wood Philadelphia siding with a bell tower and a slate roof. This Stick Style building served as the centrally located school for Peninsula Village until well after the turn of the century.

In the second decade of the 1900s, the State of Ohio encouraged the consolidation of one-room schoolhouses into central schools. The Peninsula School was absorbed by the Boston Township Board of Education and a brick addition was built in 1919. A new Boston Township High School was built on Bronson Avenue in 1930 and the Peninsula school was sold to the Trustees of Boston Township for $100 in 1939.

The 1887 wood building became the home of Union Grange #2380 and the brick building housed the Boston Township Trustees, who leased space to the Peninsula Library from 1947 to 1964. In the 1970s, a large addition was built to the east to house the emergency vehicles of the Valley Fire District.

The non-profit Boston Township Hall Committee was formed in 1990 to plan and oversee a $1.2 million renovation, which occurred from 1997 to 1999. Major funding was received from Boston Township with an allocation of $350,000 from the inheritance taxes of the estates of Galen and Ruth Roush. A grant of $275,000 was received from the GAR Foundation, nearly $200,000 came in Community Development Block Grants, $40,000 was received from the Gund Foundation, and $10,000 was received from Ernest and Jean Bender Preston.

The building still houses the Boston Township offices, in addition to rental space, community rooms, and the Cuyahoga Valley Historical Museum, a branch of the Peninsula Library and Historical Society.

At the Museum, I wandered through the current exhibit, Bits and Pieces: Unpuzzling Our Past. This exhibit explores some of the people, events and places that have had an impact on the Valley. I discovered that the Peninsula Python was not the only sensation to be part of the lore of the Village.

It seems like the mid-1940′s were a quite a time for legends. The summer of 1945 brought the Gold Hunt, reported by none other than Robert Bordner; the same man who covered the Peninsula Python story in 1944.

That summer, large-sized bills mysteriously began to appear at local businesses. Mr. Bordner reported the events in a series of stories that lasted for 4 months. Prospectors visited the area to hunt for gold; they searched in all kinds of locations, including the Quarry. Divers recovered a rusty safe from the depths of the Quarry. When the corroded safe was opened, it contained one dime. Bordner admitted that the story of gold was a hoax; he was quoted, “It was a lot of fun.”

Indeed. What do you think?

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Post a comment and I’ll enter you in this week’s Peninsula Posse Giveaway, where you, too, can win cool stuff from this Village of Peninsula, Ohio, population 602. The Village of Peninsula, built by the hands and hearts of generations; gently resisting change since 1837.
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My Town Monday is the brainchild of Chief Marauder, and latest member of the Peninsula Python Posse, Travis Erwin. Be sure to wander on over to his blog, One Word, One Rung, One Day, where you’ll learn about Travis’ town; and you’ll find links to other My Town Monday players.

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A Year in the Life…..

By fromskilledhands ( June 19, 2008 at 10:30 pm) · Filed under Caring, Gratitude, here and now, Love, Musings, Passing it on

My life has changed immeasurably during the past year. One year ago today, my Dad had a massive stroke. My life changed forever with that phone call.

The rawness of the time has softened; the need to speak for my Dad when he was unable to speak for himself has passed. The juxtaposition between the richness of the moment and the pain of it has been replaced with pensiveness, bittersweet replays and oh-so-sweet memories.

I have learned a lot: stuff happens; most things are inconveniences rather than tragedies; the Universe continues; love is.

We spend a lot of time in our lives collecting things; what truly matters is what we have inside: the values and love we share. As I continue to wade through papers, I discover little things about my Dad; things that are the warp and weft of the tapestry of his rich, long life. Photos and notes he saved; the deed for the first house they purchased for $14,000, drawings and cards my sister and I had made when we were children; loving notes he and my Mom had shared 60 years ago. I am grateful for these snapshots into his life.

My Dad was sweet and strong; sensitive and unconditional in his support of us. There is a special place in my heart that just gets fuller and fuller each time I think of him. And it is truly ok.

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My Town Monday: How Art Gives People Community

By fromskilledhands ( June 16, 2008 at 4:08 pm) · Filed under Art, Community, creativity, Parade the Circle

What do 2000 artists, dancers, stilt walkers and other paraders have in common with 60,000 spectators? Community, when they are part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Parade the Circle. Saturday, for the 7th year, #2 daughter and I joined in the spectacular celebration of the arts that just completed its 19th year.

We had spent the 6 weeks prior to Parade preparing for the event, my daughter as an intern, and me, as a volunteer. We paper mached, painted and sewed. #2 daughter taught people how to safely walk on stilts, and then how to perform.

The skies were dark Friday evening, thunder rumbled in the distance and the promise of rain was clear. When the winds picked up and the air was charged with electricity, workshop participants were directed to the basement classrooms in the Cleveland Museum of Art. A heavy thunderstorm announced the arrival of the cold front that would give us relief from the heat and humidity of the past week. The question of Saturday’s weather was raised. The forecast called for clouds and light rain in the morning, and clear skies later in the afternoon. When we left the Museum’s workshop tents at 3:00 AM, it was still raining.

It’s hard to go to sleep when the sky is getting lighter and the birds are singing. Even when you’re exhausted and you know that you need to rest before a big event. After a few hours of rest, we dragged ourselves down the hill to the Museum. There is nothing quite like those moments before Parade. The feeling of camaraderie among those who have worked together so hard for so long is palpable. As we shared bagels and coffee, we took care of the things that were necessary, before 2000 paraders descended on the site.

The clouds cleared, the sun came out, and the sky became a brilliant blue. Paraders lined up behind their colored balloon arches, a Suzuki violin ensemble, led by a stilt walker, played the beginning notes and Parade began.

Artists, dancers, musicians from all over the world shared the process with people from the greater Cleveland area, creating people powered floats, music and other forms of art. No words or logos are permitted. A volunteer “tunic patrol” is on the premises to ensure that there are no violations of this policy; offenders are cheerfully provided with a “festive” tunic to cover their garments.

An amazing and talented stilt walker, #2 daughter was in the finale. I was part of another artist’s ensemble this year.
Parade the Circle brings people of diverse backgrounds and varying interests together. It is a clear and amazing demonstration of the fact that art transcends differences, and that it is an essential part of all our lives.

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My Town Monday is the brain child of Travis Ervin. Take a trip on over to his site; you will find links to other My Town Marauders from places hither and yon. You won’t regret it.

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SpamFest: July Edition; and a Ride on the Train

By fromskilledhands ( June 12, 2008 at 3:52 pm) · Filed under Birthdays

Little did I know, when I wrote my last post about the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway, that I was inviting the spammers of the world another opportunity to flood my inbox with their pieces of………..work.
When I wrote, Take a Ride on the Wild Side, I was referring to the flora and fauna of the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

I have been offered medications, treatments and activities to enlarge body parts I never knew existed. I have been invited to watch activities that are best left unsaid.

How about you? What’s your Spam of the month?

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Speaking of the train, we had the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of the proprietor of the Downtown Emporium yesterday. We boarded the train and proceeded through several railcars to the beautiful St. Lucie Sound.


The Saint Lucie sound is a lounge car that was used on luxury trains linking Florida with New York and Boston during the 1950′s and ’60′s. Restored in the late 1980′s, it was operated as an executive railcar. Purchased in 1994 by Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, the Saint Lucie Sound is now used primarily for private parties. This magnificent private railcar has been fully restored and modernized. From the round-end observation end of the car, your party of up to 20 guests will have a first-class view as the beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park unfolds outside the windows. This car is an ideal setting for business meetings, anniversaries, and other special events. With the availability of a bar, and a list of caterers who could provide you with appetizers or boxed lunches, the Saint Lucie is an impressive choice for a unique excursion that will be long remembered.

We traveled from our Village of Peninsula north then back south through the Village, to Akron. The diversity of habitats was astounding. We saw wetlands and woodlands, geese and deer, and amazingly, a bald eaglet flapping it’s wings in it’s nest.

Good food, good company, an incredible view, and a celebration. A good day.

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My Town Monday: Up the Road a Piece to the North

By fromskilledhands ( June 8, 2008 at 11:29 pm) · Filed under Community, creativity, Cuyahoga Valley, Giveaway, My Town Monday, Parade the Circle, Peninsula, Peninsula Python

It’s been hot and humid here in my town this past week. So hot in fact, that my fingers alternate between sticking to the keyboard and sliding off. My brain seems to be doing the same; the heat and humidity and pollen from the cottonwoods and the grasses are rendering me without inspiration—–maybe it’s because so much energy is being spent on perspiration.

Last week’s winner of the drawing—- a very high tech drawing, consisting of my picking a number from a hat—- and the newest member of the Peninsula Python Posse, is no other than the Chief My Town Marauder, Travis Erwin. Travis wins some cool goodies from my town, Peninsula, Ohio. Stroll on over to his blog, One Word, One Rung, One Day, and you’ll not only read about Travis’ neck of the woods, Amarillo, Texas, but you’ll find links to great stories written by bloggers all over the world.

This week, I’m going to tell you about a fabulous event that occurs the 2nd Saturday in June, the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Parade the Circle.

This community art’s festival is a true celebration of the arts, a collaboration among the world class Cleveland Museum of Art, local and regional artists and art organizations, and the Greater Cleveland community. Stilt dancers, giant puppets, people powered floats, groups large and small parade around Cleveland’s University Circle, A wide variety of non-electric music, from steel drums to percussion and jazz ensembles contribute to the festivities.

Parade gives people the opportunity to discover, explore and celebrate their creative energy. It is a truly celebration of creativity, both individual and community. If you’re in our general vicinity on Saturday, June 14, join us. I promise you that we’ll all be smiling.

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It’s Good Luck to Be Nice

By fromskilledhands ( June 4, 2008 at 7:40 am) · Filed under Caring, Community, Gratitude, Helping, Home, Musings, Passing it on

I had stopped at the Cleveland Food Coop on Saturday to pick up a few things. As I walked toward the building, I was approached by a smiling woman. She spoke little English; and started to talk to me in what I figured was Russian. I know one Russian phrase: lubov nyick o toschka. (When my father was courting my mother, he asked my grandfather for his daughter’s hand in marriage. My grandfather, ever the practical man, asked, “How will you support her” My dad, ever the romantic, responded, “I love her.” My grandfather’s question,: ” Yes, but how will you support her?”
“But I love her,” my dad repeated. “Lubov nyick o toschka—love is not a potato.” Evidently my grandfather and my dad worked it out.)

I used my one Russian phrase, and the woman laughed heartily and responded with a litany of Russian (none of which I understood). After a while, I figured out that she was looking for cucumber plants, and that she had walked about 6 miles to get them. The Coop didn’t have any cukes left, but the garden shop just up the road did. The woman walked away and I proceeded to pick up the items I needed.

Driving over to the garden shop, I saw the woman carrying a flat of plants. I asked her if she would like a ride home.
During our ride up the hill, I learned that the woman has a son and daughter here, and that she like being in the US. She lives in an apartment building that houses many immigrants, as well as senior citizens, and she gardens in a community garden across from her building. We walked to the garden and she showed me her plot. Tomatoes, dill, beets, potatoes, mints (“the tea will help you sleep”), and a plant I didn’t recognize were flourishing. The cucumbers would go in the pace that had been prepared for them.
We embraced as I walked toward my car. “You will come back to see me?” she asked, knowing that I will.

I thought about this woman who walked 6 miles for cucumber plants, and asked a stranger for help in a language she barely knew. I thought about the courage it takes to leave a place where you have always lived to travel to a new land, a new home. I thought about my own grandparents, who, like this woman, left their homes, for the promise of a better life.

The next time I am in Cleveland, I will go to the community garden and see if my new friend is there. I will bring her flowers, for she has given me more than she knows.

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My Town Monday: Take a Ride on the Wild Side

By fromskilledhands ( June 1, 2008 at 7:31 pm) · Filed under Community, Cuyahoga Valley, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Giveaway, Home, My Town Monday, Peninsula, Peninsula Python, Traveling

Today’s post is a short one—the beautiful weather and the garden have been calling my name. For the record, the garden is planted, except for a couple of Roma tomato plants.

The history of trains in the Cuyahoga Valley goes back a long time. In 1869, Akron businessman David King lobbied the state legislature to build the Akron and Canton Railroad. The Valley Railway was completed and began operations in 1880; it transported coal to Cleveland, Akron and Canton from the Tuscarawas Valley, and provided passenger service along the way. In 1890, the Valley Railway became part of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Owned by the Chessie System, the Cuyahoga Valley Line was incorporated in 1972 by the nonprofit Cuyahoga Valley Preservation & Scenic Railway Assn., a group of private citizens interested in preserving the memory of steam railroading. The train is now known as the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Today, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers many wonderful events and excursions.


My Town Monday is the brainchild of Chief Marauder Travis Erwin. Take a trip on over there and see what else you can learn about towns hither and yon.

Keep those cards and letters coming! Post a comment and I’ll enter you into this week’s Peninsula Giveaway. Last week’s Peninsula Python Posse winner was Sam.

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