A Dickens of a Time

Imagine a performance of Charles Dickens incomparable holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, by one of his descendants. 

We shared that experience in Nashua, NH, last week last week when his great-great grandson Gerald Charles Dickens did a one-man show at the Sky Meadow Country Club. 

We saw him perform twice in one day. Earlier we attended his one-man performance of The Signalman, also by Charles Dickens. This was a fundraiser for the Nashua Senior Center and was performed at the Court Theater.

Written in 1866, The Signalman, also called The Signal-Man, is a ghost story. An unnamed narrator befriends a railroad signalman at his post outside a tunnel. The signalman confides that he's being haunted by a ghost. The apparition warned him on two previous occasions of impending tragedies; a horrible accident and a sudden death of a passenger. The specter has recently reappeared. 

The signalman is tormented that something terrible will happen. While concerned, the narrator but doubts the signalman and at the story’s end, learns the meaning of the third ghostly warning. 

Gerald Roderick Charles Dickens is an English actor and performer best known for his one-man shows based on the novels of his great-great-grandfather Charles Dickens. He was born in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, the fourth child and second son of David Kenneth Charles Dickens, and is the grandson of Gerald Charles Dickens, his namesake. In 1993, he gave his first solo performance of A Christmas Carol  in the U.S. Since then, he's returned annually to perform at historic hotels, libraries, theaters and Dickens festivals. His performance has garnered praise from national and local newspapers. The New York Times described his performance as a once in a lifetime brush with literary history.

During a lively show that lasted over 70 minutes, Dickens played over 30 male and female characters from Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, nephew Fred to Tiny Tim with only a table, wing chair, and hat rack on stage. This is not a reading as Dickens is thoroughly entertaining and at times jumps, sobs and laughs during the performance. He created different gestures and voices for each character, and achieves the changes so skillfully without any confusion on the audience's part.

Because of pandemic safety protocols necessary as he is touring, there was no meet and greet session. However, there was a Q&A with the audience after both performances we attended.

This isn't the first time that Gerald Dickens has performed here. In previous years, shows were performed at the Nashua Senior Center. NH wasn't his only U.S. tour stop. He's been performing the show since early November with stops in NE, MO, then back in the UK returning to the U.S. to perform in MA, NH, PA, NY, DE. He will return to the UK the week before Christmas to perform shows in London and Leicester. Hopefully, he will be able to spend Christmas with his family at home in Oxford.

Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol during a time when British people were exploring and re-evaluating past Christmas traditions, including carols, and newer customs like cards and Christmas trees. Written as a ghost story, the tale is divided into five chapters or staves, and was originally illustrated by John Leech. It centers on Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley who forewarns him of visits by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Of course, there is much that happens during these visits which delve into aspects of Scrooge's life. The treatment of the poor and the ability of a selfish man to redeem himself and transform into a more kinder, gentler man are key themes in the tale.

It was first published days before Christmas in December 1843. The first edition sold out by Christmas Eve; by the end of 1844, 13 editions had been released. In 1849, Dickens began public readings, which proved so successful that he did additional performances until his death in 1870. The story has never been out of print. It's been translated into several languages, and adapted many times for film, stage, opera and other media. 

Is it based on a true story?

While a work of fiction, the story is based on real Victorian events. The Ebenezer Scrooge character and the dire straits of the poorest living in the city of London at the time was taken from real people and places. Dickens also drew from his own life experiences. He was born to a middle-class family which fell into financial difficulties caused by spendthrift habits of his father, John. In 1824, the senior Dickens was committed to a London debtors' prison. Then 12-year old Charles had to leave school and work at a shoe-blacking factory to help support his family.

What was Dickens purpose in writing it?

Dickens wanted his readers to realize that, if they denied poor children the necessities of life, food, shelter, warm clothing, and an education, they would grow up to become dangerous or violent adults.

How many versions are there total? 

Some accounts list the number at over 130. There are countless well-known versions such as Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983), the George C. Scott version (1984), Scrooge (1951), and the  animated 2009 Disney version, starring Jim Carrey as Scrooge and the three ghosts too.Countless episodes of TV series have adapted the story as well.

Who was the first Scrooge?

Seymour Hicks first played Scrooge onstage in 1901 and it became his most popular role. Throughout his career he played it over a thousand times. In 1913, Hicks starred in a silent adaptation as well.

What is the oldest feature film version?

A 1938 film starring Reginald Owen is the first American full-length feature film version of the story.

What are considered the 10 best performances of Ebenezer Scrooge?

Alastair Sim, George C. Scott, Seymour Hicks, Michael Caine, Patrick Stewart, Christopher Plummer, Jim Carrey, Tim Curry, Reginald Owen, Albert Finney.

How many versions are in our DVD collection?

We have these six: A Christmas Carol (1938) with Reginald Owen, A Christmas Carol (1984) with George C. Scott, Scrooged (1988) with Bill Murray, The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), A Christmas Carol (2009) with Jim Carey.

We have enjoyed the film adaptations, but seeing the story performed up close and personal by a descendent of the author was a most memorable experience. We spoke to several audience members who had seen Gerald Dickens perform in previous years and were back for a repeat show.

Just wondering — are you a fan of A Christmas Carol. If so, do you have a favorite version? 

Santa's Gotta New Sled?

Correction, Grenville's got a nearly new sleigh SUV ride.

Newer 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

While Santa didn't bring it, Grenville has a Jeep Grand Cherokee (above) in the perfect seasonal color. The manufacturer lists the color as red, to us it's more like burgundy. 

While we'd considered getting a vehicle to replace one of our older Jeeps (14 and 17 years old respectively), we weren't planning to do so before year end. As you can tell by the age of our cars, we keep them longer than most and perform regular maintenance to do that. Aside from being broken in older, both had both passed 2021 state inspections with no mechanical issues. 

The downside, of course, is that as older vehicles, both lacked newer safety features which was  a concern to some younger family members. It's no surprise that we enjoy road trips and longer ones are coming up this month and in early 2022 having a newer and safer vehicle is admittedly more reassuring now.

Older 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee

So what happened to hurry up buy now decision ?

Last week, the driver's side window on the 2004 Grand Cherokee (above) wouldn't go up. After opening and closing slamming the door and uttering a few appropriate words (insert your own choices) the window went up, but wouldn't go down again. We use an electronic pass to access  underground parking at the mill apts, so not being able to lower the window was somewhat inconvenient a real pain. Unfortunately, this wasn't the first time this failure has happened, previous repairs had corrected similar issues. It seems that while the car's engine was still functioning, some of its parts were aging faster than others.

As we planned to postpone buying a car, Grenville booked a service appointment at the local Jeep dealership. The bad news was no available spots for well over a week, so he decided to search their online used vehicles inventory, found one, and booked a test drive for last Friday. As anyone looking to purchase a car knows firsthand, it's a process of finding one, then negotiating haggling for the best price. Earlier, we'd decided that a replacement would not be new, but a newer model with low mileage. Despite media reports of shortages, they can be found.

This one ticked off all our decision boxes perfectly. Grenville's newer ride 2019 Grand Cherokee was in great condition with under 21,000 miles. The downside of a newer vehicle is so many bells and whistles compared to the previous model. Even Santa would have quite a time mastering all the available options. 

This SUV will get a long test drive soon as we are heading out on a pre-Christmas road trip to visit family  in 3 states (PA, NJ, RI). If repairs to the 2004 Jeep could not be completed, the backup plan was to use my 2007 Jeep Liberty for the trip. The downside is that it's smaller and we are transporting luggage and packages. Now, we have more than enough room.

Yes, we donned holiday colors and hats when picking up the car this weekend.

The older Jeep was traded in "as is" and the window was still non-functioning when it was dropped off. It was a trade-in and the dealership was made aware of its issues.

'Tis the Season

Not only for holiday cheer, good will and shopping, but definitely for Scammers too. This Scam Alert came from the Social Security Administration in my email this week. I felt it was worth sharing to prevent anyone being bamboozled by these completely worthless individuals (and that's exactly how I really feel, my friends). 

(For those unfamiliar with the SSA, it's an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability and survivor benefits.)

Since these (or similar) scams could inadvertently affect unsuspecting folks, information in this post was re-created as closely as possible with text formatting from the original email. (This advice can be applied to calls from other institutions like credit cards or banks. When dubious, never share any personal information, instead check with the institution yourself. )

SCAM ALERT

The Social Security Administration will never threaten, scare, or pressure you to take an immediate action.

 If you receive a call, text, or email that...

• Threatens to suspend your Social Security number, even if they have part or all of your Social Security number
• Warns of arrest of legal action
• Demands or requests immediate payment
• Requires payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, internet currency, or by mailing cash
• Pressures you for personal information
• Requests secrecy
• Threatens to seize your bank account
• Promises to increase your Social Security benefit
• Tries to gain your trust by providing fake "documentation," false "evidence," or the name of a real government official

. . . it is a SCAM!

Do not give scammers money or personal information – Ignore Them!

Protect yourself and others from Social Security-related scams

• Try to stay calm. Do not provide anyone with money or personal information when you feel pressured, threatened, or scared.
• Hang up or ignore it. If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, hang up or do not respond. Government employees will not threaten you, demand immediate payment, or try to gain your trust by sending you pictures or documents.
• Report Social Security-related scams. If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email that mentions Social Security, ignore it and report it to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
• Do not be embarrassed if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss.
• Get up-to-date information. Follow SSA OIG on Twitter @TheSSAOIG and Facebook @SSA Office of the Inspector General for the latest information on Social Security-related scams. Visit the Federal Trade Commission for information on other government scams.
• Spread the word. Share your knowledge of Social Security-related scams. Post on social media using the hashtag #SlamtheScam to share your experience and warn others. Visit oig.ssa.gov/scam for more information. 
• Please also share with your friends and family — Report a Scam.

It's also worth mentioning that spammers abound not only this time of year, but all the time. Recently, I've received comments from one using the name, Ratana. These comments are always vague with wording like interesting post . . . There's always a link to another website some for online gambling. This spammer has left similar comments on other blogs. My advice and, what I'm doing, is never acknowledge the comment, never click on a links, delete  it immediately — if anyone has experience on how to permanently block, please share. 

Of course, I don't expect that this spammer or others will actually be reading this post, but to paraphrase from a famous movie: we have a failure to communicate and the deletions will continue as long as necessary. 

Here's how to mark comments as SPAM in Blogger (something I've neglected to remember). Select Design on the top right of your blog, then Comments (on the right side). Place your cursor to the right of any comment and these options display: Remove content of this comment, Mark this comment as spam, Delete this comment. 

And So It Begins

Non-turkey dinner

Now, that Thanksgiving is a memory, the countdown and rush to Christmas Day has begun. It arrives in less than 30 days. We hope that everyone who celebrated the turkey holiday had good times spent with family and friends and delicious food as well.

Our holiday was spent with family. Our holiday meal was a non-traditional one without turkey or fixings. Instead, we enjoyed chicken and ribs, rice, salad. Dessert was also non-traditional featuring grandpa's apple pie and brownies baked by granddaughter.

The holiday was also an early birthday celebration for grandson who be 15 years old this weekend. Since, we won't see his family again until before Christmas, we brought his gifts on this trip.

It was the day after Thanksgiving 2006, when we headed to the airport to fly to the West coast for his arrival. We were there through the holiday season. 

Grandson will be 15 years old this weekend

Here in NH, Thanksgiving eve was movie night as watching the Grinch films is one of Grenville's long-standing traditions. (Did you know that there are three movies based on the 1957 book by Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr Seuss) How the Grinch Stole Christmas! ). We watched the two shown below, both in our collection.

Two of Grenville's favorite holiday viewings

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  is a 1966 American animated television special, directed and co-produced by Chuck Jones based on the 1957 children's book of the same name. It tells the story of the Grinch, who tries to ruin Christmas for the folks in Whoville below his mountain retreat on Mount Crumpet. Originally telecast in the U.S. in December 1966, it has become a perennial holiday special featuring the voice of the late Boris Karloff as the Grinch and narrator.

The 2000 film, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a Christmas comedy-drama co-produced and directed by Ron Howard and released in November 2000. It was the first Dr. Seuss book made into a full-length feature film. The film is narrated by Anthony Hopkins and stars Jim Carrey as the Grinch. Critics mentioned its dark theme and scary scenes, but the film was #1 in the U.S. for four weeks and was the sixth-highest grossing film of 2000. It won the Academy Award for Best Makeup. 

Over the holiday weekend, we watched our two favorite modern Christmas themed romantic comedy films, Love Actually and The Holiday. Both are in our holiday DVD collection.

We enjoy these two romantic-comedies every holiday season

Love Actually was released in the U.S. in November 2003, a week ahead of its UK release. Directed by Richard Curtis, it features an ensemble cast of British actors with most of the film done in London locations. It explores various aspects of love as shown through 10 separate stories involving diverse characters, many are shown to be connected as the tales progress. The story begins five weeks before Christmas and plays out weekly until the holiday. A month-later epilogue takes place in a busy airport, just as in the film's start. Love Actually received mixed reviews, but was a box-office success. Usually played during Christmas, the film proved more popular with audiences than critics, and is now a modern holiday staple.

The Holiday (2006) was written, produced and directed by Nancy Meyers and filmed in California and England. It stars Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz as Iris and Amanda, two lovelorn women from opposite sides of the Atlantic, who exchange homes to escape heartbreak during the holidays. The film's leading men were played by Jude Law (Graham) and Jack Black (Miles). The film also stars the late Eli Wallach. The Holiday premiered in NYC in November 2006, before being theatrically released in the UK and the U.S. in December 2006. Despite mixed reviews, the film became the 12th highest-grossing film of the 2000s to be produced by a female director. Ironically, we saw this film in a CA theater when we were there for grandson Bobby's birth and it's become a seasonal favorite ever since.

Our first time meet-up with fellow blogger Linda and Bob

Over the weekend, we had a first-time meet-up with fellow blogger Linda and her husband, Bob. They live in PA and were in NH visiting family for the holiday and staying in Nashua. We met at a local restaurant and had a great time. This is the second time in as many months that we have met a fellow blogger. In September, we met fellow blogger Kathy and her husband, Joe when we all in PA for different events. We neglected to take photos of that meet-up; hopefully, next time.

This weekend it was also time to take down the fall decorations from our apt entry. We were planning to start with the interior as well. However, a scheduled rug cleaning appointment put it on hold until this coming weekend.

The exterior of our apartment is holiday ready

Cards shown on the apartment door and wall are card fronts saved from ones received in 2020. It's my custom to recycle them as decorations the following year. Some of these even date back a couple of years earlier as I liked the design, sentiment or both.

Holiday decorations in downtown Nashua on Main St

A couple of downtown Nashua holiday storefronts 

Meanwhile, the city of Nashua and some storefronts are also displaying holiday decorations. The top three images in this collage are of banners along downtown Main St. The holiday wreath is one of several on a side street. The nutcrackers and trees are from store displays.

Today is Cyber Monday first coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation to encourage online shopping. It's considered to be the online shopping equivalent of Black Friday, which dates back to about the 1950s and historically has been one of the busiest yearly shopping days. The only shopping we did on Black Friday was for groceries; today is laundry day.

How about you — did you shop on Friday and/or will you today?

In answer to comments on the Friday Funnies about replacement washers/dryers. Those shown were only a few of all the replaced units. The mill building has 5 floors, each has a laundry room with a min. of 3 washers/3 dryers (a couple have more). The machines are well used with over 900 residents. There were replaced due to frequent breakdowns.

Friday Funnies

An improvement on clothes washing clothes on rocks in the river . . .

But where do the cords plug in?

These appliances were removed from laundry rooms in the mill apt complex where we reside and replaced with new washers and dryers. Management opted to outsource the laundry rooms to a New England company vs. being responsible for maintenance of the machines. The newer ones offer more washing and drying options, unfortunately the cost is a bit higher. 

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

A rainy Friday is forecast in Nashua, NH

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is a day when many here in the U.S. will gather with family and friends to enjoy a holiday meal and to say their blessings. It's also a day we're thankful for those we love and for all that's good in each of our lives. We will be celebrating this holiday with family in RI.

Without further ado, this simple message is to say thanks to you, my fellow bloggers for your continued online friendships. You are all very special people and much appreciated.

Enjoy Your Holiday Celebration

Dorothy & Patrick (aka Beatrice & Grenville)

Thoughts & Prayers

There's no easy way to say a final goodbye to someone, whether family or friend. Sometimes we have to say goodbye without ever having said hello in person.

Sadly, I share with all of you that a fellow blogger, Mildred, passed away earlier today. Although, we never met, she was my friend, and saying goodbye is just as hard. While some see things differently, I don't need to have met someone to consider him/her as a friend. Strangers are just never-met friends.

Some of you may also have known Mildred through her blogging. She had several over the years, her most recent blog was called Laurel Wood (which she removed when her illness progressed). Although Mildred was no longer blogging, we exchanged emails, short on her part and longer on mine (it seems I'm never at a loss for words). She told me of being very tired and spending most of the time in bed. Last week, another blogger friend emailed an update that Mildred was in a Hospice House. Today, she informed me of Mildred's passing. She leaves behind her husband, John, several family members, and her beloved pets. At Mildred's request, there will be no memorial services.

It's been said that a door closes another one opens. Through a shared friendship with Mildred, I've met another blogger friend. A new friend never replaces, but adds to our collective friendships. 

As mentioned before, bloggers are a caring community. I know that Rita would appreciate your support and well wishes if you should pay her a blog visit.

You will be missed, Mildred, my friend. 

For anyone who would like to send a card or message of condolence to Mildred's husband, John, and/or to her niece Brooke, often mentioned on her blog, please contact me at my blog email. I have their home addresses, but would not post here. It may be of comfort to her family to hear from blog friends. I'm sure they would share with other family members as well.

Friday Funnies

Anyone want to venture a guess on how many pies this pumpkin would make for Thanksgiving Day dessert?

A 3 lb. pumpkin would yield enough puree for a recipe calling for a can of pumpkin (usually 15 ounces) which means this one could potentially make over 675 pies, more or less. Of course, imagine how much effort would be involved. Our pumpkin pie will be made using a can of Libby pumpkin puree.

This 1st Place winner at the Deerfield Fair in early October weighed in at 2,034 lbs. Coincidentally, it was grown in a NH town with the same name as my NJ hometown.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

Rainy weather in Nashua, NH, on Sunday

 

Up, Up and Away

Time does have a way of slipping so quick. While looking at photos taken the past few months, I found ones taken in September and October and never posted. This is a recap in a single post. 

If you've ever seen a multitude of hot air balloons n one location, it's really quite an amazing sight, especially when they start to ascend all around you.

Some of the balloons at the Lancaster event

These were among the nearly 40 colorful balloons we saw in mid-Sept at the Lancaster Balloon festival held in the village of Bird-in-Hand, PA. The three-day festival featured the mass launch of dozens of beautiful balloons, family entertainment, fire works, food, and Amish-made goods. This event was held in the heart of Lancaster Amish country. 

Some creative hot air balloon edits

Friends who we knew from NJ had recently relocated to this area and told us about this event. It also gave us a chance to visit with the youngest granddaughter and her parents who went with us. While we watched the mass ascensions on Saturday night, we didn't purchase a 30-60 minute ride at a cost of $350 per person. It's something to consider another time. (If anyone reading this post has ascended, please share your experience in the comments.)

Since the early 1960s, people from across the country and around the world have come to visit a very unique Strasburg, PA attraction, the Choo Choo Barn - Traintown U.S.A.®. This unique 1,700 square foot train layout features over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles plus 22 operating trains.

The history of this attraction dates to the end of WW II when returning veteran George Groff bought an electric train set for his 2-year old son. Over time he expanded the layout housed in the basement of their home. When the family, which included three children, moved to another home in the early 1950s, the layout moved too. It expanded and a new display was readied for the holiday season that residents and school children visited annually.

By the time, his eldest son was ready for college and funds were needed, Groff decided to make his hobby a business. The nearby Strasburg Railroad was already attracting tourists to the area, so he bought a small barn and moved the train layout. On Thanksgiving Day 1961, the Choo Choo Barn opened with six trains and animated displays. Admission fee was 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children. Current rates are $8.50 for adults, $5 children 3 to 11 years, and $6 for veterans and active military. Grof's second son, Tom, who learned the business from age 11, took it over in 1979 and with the help of his wife has continually expanded the layout. 

It's easy to spend upwards of an hour walking around the layout, which changes from day to night time when the rom darkens and stars come out. Thousands of miniatures populate the layout with over 150 animations. Figures include firemen, skiers, circus performers, construction workers, a wedding party, Amish raising a barn. Many of the scenes depict Lancaster, PA attractions like Dutch Wonderland and the Strasburg Railroad. The layout has numerous switches, relays and timers to operate the display and scenes include actions like firefighters racing to extinguish a house a fire, skiers going up a slope, workers hammering to build a home.

A visit here has become a family tradition for many people including ourselves. The display continues to updated and restored. There's always something new to see even on repeat visits.

In early October, we were in Deerfield, NH, for our first time visit to the popular Deerfield Fair.  Like so many other events, this annual event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. That made this year's fair very heavily attended over its four-day run. Crowd estimates were placed at over 100,000. Even local school are cancelled in Deerfield the Friday of the fair.

The fair began as an agricultural showcase and that's still the heart of the event. The barns are just about full with a lot of farm families with their animals. While agriculture is the theme, there were commercial wares for sale as well.

Deerfield was once a thriving farm community which was bypassed by the railroads. To attract visitors, the town established the Deerfield Fair in 1876. Since then, it's been called New England's Oldest Family Fair.

Two of many cows at the Deerfield Fair

This event always features many displays of farm animals, produce and crafts, amusement park rides and foods ranging from standard fare foods like fried dough to sausage sandwiches (which were very good). It's held on the huge Deerfield Fairgrounds which has permanent buildings for the farm animals. 

Antique tractors and machinery, hay baling at the Deerfield Fair

During our one-day visit we watched events that included horse and dairy shows, farm horse competition, cattle and horse pulls, woodsman’s contest, pig scramble, steer show, hay baling, antique tools, and many antique farm tractors.

Deerfield Fair horse pull

The fair dates to a time when farmers used horses and oxen to clear their fields and horse pulling remains a popular fair events that's always well attended. Draft horses were used as work animals and farmers would challenge one another to see what horse/team was stronger. Today, the sport is serious competition among some of the strongest horses. The starting pull load for a team of two horses is 1500 pounds.

The sport of horse pulling has evolved with rules and regulations and collars and harness made specifically for the sport. Competitions follow a strict set of rules designed to ensure the safety of the animals and fairness among competing teams with different weight classes. Draft horses are built for strength and endurance. Those seen at competitions may not be working the fields, but instead follow an intense workout schedule. Animal cruelty is strictly forbidden. 

This year, the performance headliners were The Flying Wallendas, an internationally known high wire and circus troupe. This was the first time we had seen these professionals perform feats definitely not to performed at home even not on a high wire. 

We've had more adventures since these outings, including a visit to PA museum where we had lots of time (a teaser).

Fall Walk in the Park

A couple of weeks ago, daytime temperatures were perfect for a late fall walk in the park. It wasn't our usual walk in the very large Mine Falls Park, but in another city park.

Greeley Park is the largest inner city park in Nashua, NH extending 125 acres from the Merrimack River, across Concord Street to Manchester Street. The property was originally bought in 1801 by Joseph Greeley, who passed it on to his son after his death. The land was deeded to the city of Nashua in 1896 by Joseph Thornton Greeley, the grandson of the original Joseph Greeley. Upon his death in June 1881, it was announced that well-to-do farmer Joseph Thornton Greeley, grandson of the original Joseph Greeley,  had bequeathed his Concord Street farm to the city for future recreational space.

The growing city decided to utilize the land as a large park, which would provide relief and open space to the dense workforce housing near the river and enhance property values of mansions along Concord Avenue. 

A couple of years later, a parks commission was appointed and provided with funding. The city gave the commission $500 to start the process of turning the farm into a park. This was a huge undertaking for the funds allocated. Trees needed to be cut down, farm buildings had to be razed and a site work had to be completed. The parks commission became overwhelmed by the scope of the project and little was done. 

Progress stalled until 1908 when wealthy businessman and industrialist John Cotton, a city resident, donated $5,000 to build a fountain and pavilion with public bathrooms from stone found on the estate grounds. The donation was matched by city funds and progress was made to change the Greeley Farm into a public park with a gravel walk and flower beds and picnic tables in later years.

Back at the turn of the century, five thousand dollars went a long way towards making the park a reality. Back then, a local newspaper editorial chided city officials for the long delay while praising Cotton for jump-starting the project. 

Greeley Park hosts many citywide events, most are free to attend. These include the Fairy Tale Festival, Halloween Fright Night and an annual art show. Plays and music festivals are held at a bandstand in spring and summer months. The park includes hiking trails, horseshoe pits, ball fields, tennis courts, and a community garden area.

We were lucky enough to visit on a day when the daytime temperatures were in the mid-50s and not all of the trees had lost their leaves. The park is heavily populated during warmer months, but the day we walked there were only a few other visitors.