[Previous entry: "Lance Armstrong Makes His Return"] [Next entry: "Oldde Tyme Trophies"]
09/11/2008: "Daddy's Day Off"
reading: Black House by Stephen King and Peter Straub
I had two doctor's appointments, and we had a busy logistics night with the kids, so it was just better for me to take a vacation day. In between my obligations, I went downtown for some rare photography opportunities. St. Joseph's downtown is classy and artsy and high end for a town this size. We don't normally go down there, so I am not totally familiar with what is down there. I have plenty more pictures on Facebook, and you can see them here.
On my way there, I passed the Krasl Art Center, and immediately stopped. There are quite a few large displays outside, and here are two of them. The first is called Seahorse, obviously enough. The second is a neat little wind catcher called Mermaid Wind Machine.
There is a nice park-like area across the street with some memorials along the way. I have shown you the war memorials before, but the two down below are for fallen Berrien County police officers, and for locally-born poet, Benjamin Franklin King, Jr.
For several years, the city of St. Joseph has put together a collection of carousel figures, either horses or bears or whatever, and local organizations have painted and personalized them. This year's themes is boats. I found about ten or so downtown, and here are two of the more memorable ones.
This is the Maids of the Mist fountain on the bluff. It's quite a throwback to the olden days, isn't it?
This is the John Howard Band Shell. I would love to come here for a concert some time.
Do you see the faux lifebuoy hanging on the gate below? It says this is the Pioneer's Watch. It's the perfect spot for some benches. You can see the lake and the lighthouse in the background, you can watch the boats come in and out, you can watch the train cross the bridge, and if there are concerts down at the base of the bluff, you have a perfect view. I think this would be a great place to sit.
Finally, there is a Civil War cannon on the bluff close to the main stairs down the bluff. According to the accompanying sign, it was made in Massachusetts, could shoot a 200 pound ball two miles, and weighs over 15,000 pounds. Can you imagine the destruction this thing could cause even when shot essentially blindly? Amazing.
