newsletter 4-7

Natural and man-made beauty, history lessons and good food all combined to make a rather long trip into the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seem rather short. The main attractions on the October bus trip were Fort Necessity, Friendship Hill and the second most photographed home in the country, Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous creation, Falling Water.
Below are a sampling of the sights seen.

FALLING WATER- The main attraction of the trip was a closely controlled tour of the depression-era creation of widely acclaimed designer, Frank Lloyd Wright. In this photo, Doni Enoch is just steps away from crossing Bear Run and entering the cantilevered creation known as Falling Water.

Stevenson home- Good news was received in January about the former Governor’s home. A grant had been approved that will allow the troublesome turret to be repaired. Once complete, the home will be secure from the weather damage. It is hoped that the Parkersburg Urban Renewal Authority will consider allowing the once stately home to go back into private ownership..

In the museum at Fort Necessity, Doni Enoch is asking the “old fella” what he’s doing. In a quiet sort of way he related that he was breaking rocks with which to “macadamize” the National Road (U.S. Hwy #40). Fort Necessity was built in 1754 by George Washington. The rather small, stockade

“Where’re you at Jim?” WCHPS member Pat Sayre poses (without hubby Jim) by the pavilion at Friendship Hill where it overlooks the beautiful Monongahela River. Friendship Hill was the creation of Albert Gallatin.

The future for the circa 1920’s home of Judge Reese Blizzard is bleak. Following various rumors about what is going to happen to the house and property, at this point it is apparently going to be sold and developed. While the house seemingly has no major defects, there is still talk that it will be razed.
With it being nearly impossible to move, it is still hoped that a future buyer of the property will consider incorporating the structure into their new plans.
Though some may consider it a small consolation, the owner did allow for the home to be extensively photographed.
Stories about the home and Judge Blizzard abound. It is said that the Judge held court in the basement and even confined people there. It is interesting that there are three small cell like rooms in the basement!