Coal and Iron Police

This is a bit of history I never knew.

Coal and Iron Police

More Than A Family Stop

Tudek Community Park stretches continuously beyond the average family park. It has playground equipment and places for picnics like most. A walking path weaves in and out of wooded areas around the park, encircling a butterfly garden, dog park and community garden plots with a horse barn nearby. It reminds me of Central Park in New York -- a little respite in a small city. Of course New York City is more urban than most places with a park, including State College. Still, both parks offer the feel that you're away from the rush and clatter of traffic, booming car stereos, sirens and the rush of modern life.

In the butterfly garden, an alien-looking "pod" grows:



The walking path, which bicyclists and runners also enjoy, winds into State College, coming out near the eastern end of College Avenue where it intersects the bypass. Near Tudek Park, there's plenty to see.



After passing these inquistive and friendly horses ...





...continuing up the grass path alongside the fence takes you outside the community gardens. Flowers and vines erupt along the fence and within the borders.

Bellefonte, nicknamed "Pennsylvania's Victorian Secret" on bumper stickers and other promotional items, is home to about 7,000 people and is the county seat. Recent remodeling to the Centre County courthouse in the town square brightened the aging building. Time and the pigeons of Bellefonte left the statue of General and former Pennsylvania governor Talleyrand discolored.

Over several years, the visual appeal was enhanced by the addition of a long walkway surrounded by a couryard.

Sadly, as the courthouse was being renewed, fire destroyed two and damaged one other of the historic buildings. The Bush House restaurant, tavern and hotel was destroyed in spring 2006.

Several years earlier, the Academy burned down.

The Victorian era architecture is lovely on renovated buildings and homes. One can hardly pass by those in need of work without imagining how attractive they must have been in their original state. Ladies and gentlemen strolled the sidewalks or sat on their porch in lovely weather. The restored "gingerbread" trim is colorful in bright sun. Christmas decorations make them even more stunning, as though the homes are meant just for that time of year.

When the day is grey and a little daylight is left, these high towers become eerie, their windows reflecting the passing clouds. One could imagine a lonesome woman glancing longingly from her sitting room, dabbing a tear with a lacy handkerchief as it rolls down her pale cheek.


Before photo of courthouse thanks to MrsBinParis on flickr.com