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