10-15-13

Me: The touring continues...but now we're in Ohio! I flew out of Des Moines, IA last evening, Bob flew out of Dallas, TX and we met in Cleveland where our friends, Karen and Charlie picked us up. They are graciously hosting us for 2 fun-filled days. This is their lovely home (of 30 years) in New Philadelphia, Ohio.

It's such a beautiful time of year to sight see. Cool, crisp air and colorful leaves everywhere.

Tappan Lake is just outside New Philly. Coincidentally Bob's parents grew up not too far from here (Bob Sr. in Hopedale, Ohio & Pat in Burgettstown, PA). We set out today to track down some of their old stomping grounds. Tappan Lake is a place that Bob Sr.'s mom liked to paint while he fished.

1st little town we stopped at; Cadiz, OH. Bob's dad would come to Cadiz with his dad as a little tyke to get his hair cut at the barber shop. Cadiz is also Clark Gable's hometown.

 Then we arrived in Hopedale, OH and found Bob Sr.'s childhood home. Born and raised through high school in this cute house. Fun to see!

Hopedale High School (now an elemantary school).

 This is Alameda Inn - their hangout after games. We hear there was even dancing in the back room! Alameda Inn has since closed and now needs a new owner and some TLC.

We went on a scavenger hunt to locate this place. Bob Sr. gave us directions to this trough. He remembers riding his bike here (a few miles out of Hopedale) when he was young. He also had a good story about being mischievous with firecrackers out here.

Our travels would not have been complete without DiCarlo's pizza. It's famous in these parts, was another one of Bob Sr's high school hangouts and I must say, it's pretty good pizza!

A little more driving with a lot more pretty trees!

 We soon arrived at the farm of Aunt Ester. Aunt Ester (Bob Sr.'s mom's sister) lived here, just outside Burgettstown with her brother, Uncle George. Fun fact: this is also where Bob and Pat met when they were in college. They and a bunch of friends were swimming at Aunt Ester's pool. :-)

Aunt Ester's farm was sold about 10 years ago but we enjoyed poking around the place and visiting with the current owner. In the photo they're looking at some old letters from 1892 that she found in the house.

Good-bye to the farm cows and we were off.

 Welcome to Burgettstown. This is the town Bob's mom grew up. Landmark - The Climax Plant smokestack.

This is the home where Pat's grandparent's lived. Pat's mother was a little girl here and remembers her grand-parents running a general store (with lots of candy!) in the lower level. They lived upstairs  with 5 children.

This is the lovely home that Pat grew up in. Her dad built this home himself (impressive)! Burgettstown is an old mining town and filled with fun stories from the Garcia relatives.

Here's one of those Garcia relatives! How lucky we were to surprise Marlayna; Pat's first cousin and close friend (they grew up together). Marlayna and her husband Nick still live in Burgettstown (a beautiful home in the country). They've raised 5 kids and now have 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grand child. It was great to visit with Marlayna. She made us laugh with funny stories of her grandchildren (many of them live in Pittsburgh - just an hour away).

 Back on the road...

We drove past Tappan Lake again followed by supper at The Yard (delicious).

What a day! Thank you, Karen and Charlie for accommodating this family history tour. It sure was a delight to visit with you two while viewing the gorgeous OH, WV, and PA countryside!