John Noble Pierson (1855-1930) was an accomplished terra cotta modeler and architect. He attended the Cooper Institute, the Boston school of Art and the Boston School of Sculpture. The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston was founded in 1870 and initially located on the top floor of the Boston Athenaeum. In 1876 the museum moved into a Gothic Revival building
The Red Mill, built circa 1810, over the years processed wool, grist, talc, plaster, and graphite. River water power also later generated electricity. A limestone quarry here was mined from the 1800s up until 1963. The Red Mill today is one of the indisputable historic and scenic sites in this area, though the Town of Clinton has much to offer
Cooperstown is a wonderful example of a downtown anchored by major destinations – namely the Baseball Hall of Fame and an exceptional natural resource in the form of Glimerglass Lake. Throw in an association with famous literary figure – James Fennimore Cooper – then the stage is set. Most of the historic buildings here are fairly well taken care of.
T. J .Collins designed the Marquis Building on Beverley Street with a corner turret, bay windows, and gable-roofed bays. Together these give this commercial building a commanding presence at the intersection that it rests upon. The T. J .Collins designed Switzer Building with triple arches on the 2nd floor based on larger Venetian palazzos with a diamond pattern of terra
History photos enliven an otherwise blank wall. The Bijou is one of several theaters providing for the entertainment needs of the city and region. Water feature through the downtown steps from where the Farmers Market is held each week. Some of the public art commissioned, including a descriptive plaque with price tag. Water feature in Market Square, steps from shops,
We only had a short time to visit so focused our walking and looking in the area around Van Andel Arena. This provided a surprisingly lively subject, even if it was a little top heavy with beer-related establishments. Grand Rapids Brewing Company HopCat J. Gardella’s Tavern Tavern on the Green Liked the touch of sign painting here. Grand Woods Mural
This open-air canopy provides a covered space for markets and community events to occur. Loved to see a playful public art element near the market. The murals were simple but effective filling the wall and bringing “a little bit of happy” to those who pass by. Loved this cinder block and beam bench. What a clever idea to provide seating
Petoskey is one of the premier shopping districts in northern Michigan. Halfway between Mackinac Island and Traverse City, here you can find fashion, gifts, dining, ice cream, J.C. Penney Co. One of the last remaining downtown department stores. Wright Cycle Co. Wright brothers historian Dave Russell originally from Oakwood, Ohio, where the Wright brothers lived. Russell opened his Wright Cycle
Ferry Ride Lake Shore Drive Sainte Anne’s Catholic Church Downtown 8.2 Mile Bike Ride Grand Hotel
We were invited to Hammonton, New Jersey, to participate in a press conference by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs on recently awarded Main Street New Jersey Transformation Grants. While there we discovered a downtown that was experiencing a resurgence driven by entertainment and the arts, with a cluster of complementary businesses. The Eagle Theatre was the catalyst for