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A while ago now while motoring up Prospect Place on our way to Nelson Avenue, our front seat passenger mentioned that a mutual friend always referred to Prospect Place as Pig Alley although no one knew why.
We explained that the answer to that was quite simple as the original name for Prospect Place was Pig Alley.
We went on to explain that at one time the alleys in Cooperstown were all named and furthermore we could elaborate on those names as we had a record of them at home.
At least we thought we had a record. We remembered clearly that a handwritten note with information regarding the alleys was stored on the back of a Frank Whiting drawing of Hoffman Lane.
What we didn’t remember was the fact that we had given that particular drawing away as a gift last Christmas. Fortunately, via the magic of e-mail, we were able to retrieve said information.
Prospect Place, which runs from Pine Blvd. to Nelson Ave., was indeed called Pig Alley. And a quick check of ``The History of Cooperstown’’ by Cooper, Shaw, Littell and Hollis, discovered that in February of 1938 ``The Village Board of Trustees received written requests from two residents of the area to change the name of Prospect Place back to its original name, Pig Alley. No action was taken by the Board.’’ No doubt those currently living on Prospect Place are grateful for the board’s inaction.
Cooperstown’s other named alleys, according to the back of the Whiting drawing, were Hall Alley, which ran from Pioneer Street east to Cooper Park, Deer Alley, which ran from Fair Street to River Street, and Beaver Alley, now known as Hoffman Lane, which ran from Main Street to Lake Street.
At one time, we seem to recall having heard that Hall Alleyáwas originally owned by the Coopers as an access to Otsego Hall. However, before telling too many people that, we suspect we would be wise to do a bit more research on the subject.
While dining two week ago now with the Dinner Belles at the Hawkeye, we received word that Goose Gossage was in the bar.
And while a number of the diners were duly impressed, we were so misguided as to ask ``Who?’’ And although outrage and shock were not displayed, we were lead to believe that we should know who Mr. Gossage is given his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2008.
We immediately realized the error of our ways and had managed by the time he came into the dining room to be seated for dinner to be duly informed of the salient points of his career.
And, much to everyone’s surprise, and we might add, seeming delight, he was kind enough to come over to our table to say hello to everyone. During the ensuing conversation he looked around the table at our dinners, which had just been served to us, and asked what we were all having.
We suspect the view of our dinners from his perspective must have been quite something as he was looking down on eight enormous bowls of beef stroganoff. Each and every one of us had ordered the dinner special. He told us he thought it looked good and we all assured him it was excellent. And we hope he enjoyed his dinner as much as we did ours.
The next meeting of the Literary Discussion Group, sponsored by the Women’s Club of Cooperstown, will be held on Thursday, July 22 at 2:30 p.m. at Virginia Weiler’s home. The book for discussion will be ``When the Wind Blows’’ by James Patterson. The August meeting of the group will be held on Thursday, August 26 also at 2:30 p.m. at Daphne Mason’s home. The book for discussion at that meeting will be ``Staying On’’ by Paul Scott. For more information about these meeting, please contact Cathy Howarth at 607-547- 5412,
We realized when we traveled to Oneonta last week that it was that time of year when it is a good idea to take the back way to Milford, which we did. But, there was still enough traffic on Route 28 between Milford and Route 7 to convince us to take the back way home from Cooperstown Junction which we also did.
And it was a delightful drive up the east side of Goodyear Lake and then on up the east side of the valley and then up the back way from Milford to Bowerstown.
And while doing so did not save any time, in fact it may have taken longer, we quite enjoyed the ride, not missing the traffic a little bit. Of course we have long since taken to only crossing Main Street at its intersection of River Street. And even that corner seems to have become more problematic than normal particularly if one encounters a visitor using that intersection, instead of the entrance to Cooper Park, to execute what is probably an illegal U-turn.
However, our sources tell us that approval has been given to make the intersection of Main and River Streets a fourway stop which we think will be a vast improvement for the intersection since the sightlines there are far from ideal. Of course, that is not the only intersection in town with sightline issues.
We find it most difficult to see when traveling from Pioneer Street on to Beaver Street. Between the fence to the east and the foliage to the west, it is virtually impossible to see either direction without practically pulling out into the intersection.
And when the construction of the new sidewalk on the south side of Beaver Street is added to the mix, we have come to the conclusion that heading north of Pioneer Street to go south is starting to make sense.
In closing, as we muse on our choices of roads for summer travel we are reminded of Robert Frost’s poem ``The Road Not Taken’’ in which he wrote:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I _ I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.
And while we are of the opinion that he was talking about something other than traffic, we think it also works for the traffic issue as well
PLEASE NOTE: Comments regarding this column may be made by mail at 105 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, by telephone at 607-547-8124 or by e-mail at cellsworth1@stny.rr.com.
Columns
In These Otsego Hills: The road less taken
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In These Otsego Hills: The losses are adding up ...
It is with sadness that we note the passing of long time friend, and distantrelative, Jane Patrick. Over the years we have worked with Jane in a number of organizations including Women’s Club and the Community Advisory Committee at Bassett. And, of course, in later years we joined her, along with the other Dinner Belles, for any number of delicious meals. But we do think that our favorite memory that we shared with Jane was when we discovered, having both married Cooperstown natives, that we shared Cooperstown Christmas plans.
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Up On Hawthorn Hill: Bird Feeder?
Bird feeder is a relative term. At least that is the case around here. A few mornings ago we spotted the first rabbit to visit the feeders. Normally, all we see during the winter are rabbit tracks crisscrossing the gardens.
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From Fly Creek: Cheers for the Blue Rabbit!
My handwriting’s always been an embarrassment. Way back in elementary school, while most of the others were developing a clear, sometimes graceful hand (especially the girls), my penmanship showed no improvement.
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In These Otsego Hills: This and that ...
We have found the weather so far this year to be on the unusual side. And while we have no problem with the fact that we have received very little snow, we are of the opinion that what we have had instead is not particularly to our liking either. In fact, we are very hesitant to venture out much as we live in fear that the rain will turn to mixed precipitation which will freeze into a sheet of ice. And we are definitely opposed to encountering a sheet of ice underfoot. In fact, we are so hesitant that we now have taken to canceling our participation in events based on what just might be a dubious forecast.
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Book Notes: Feinstein’s latest is sheer enjoyment
Most people who follow sports have probably heard of John Feinstein. As a nationally known author, sportswriter, pundit and broadcaster, he has brought a unique angle to sports journalism. His groundbreaking book on Bobby Knight’s 1986-87 Indiana University basketball team, “A Season on the Brink,” still resonates today as an all-time classic.
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Book Notes: No Trekkie should miss Shatner’s books
It would be hard to find a television phenomenon as popular as “Star Trek.” Even though it was only on television for three seasons and 79 episodes (1966-69) it attracted viewers and devotees that still follow it passionately 45 years later. The fanatical supportspawned several movies and television spinoffs. Star Trek conventions continue to this day. There has never been anything like it.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Making sense of things
A book I have been reading investigates the various ways over time that we have made sense of the world. It carries the reader through to the present via several seminal classical texts and ultimately aims to suggest a strategy for “ finding meaning in a secular age.”
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In These Otsego Hills: ‘Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist.’ − John Adams
Last week we were asked if we would be interested in previewing a documentary, “The Empire State Divide,”produced by the Foundation for Land & Liberty. And we were more than happy to do so as we understood the documentary dealt with the problems that continue to face family farms.
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From Fly Creek: Now wait a minute!
On the ninth day of Christmas, driving down Cooperstown’s Eagle Street, I saw something astounding! No, not “nineladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans” etc. I saw one jogger jogging. And puffing on a cigarette.
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In These Otsego Hills: Goals of the past and goals of the future
We have long subscribed to the concept that we are always more successful if we, number one, set a goal and then, number two, meet it. And this was our thinking when we decided before Christmas to watch at least part of every college football bowl game. It was perhaps an odd, if not completely nonsensical, goal.
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In These Otsego Hills: Not to our liking ...
It is with sadness that we note the recent death of Steve Nagel. The son-inlaw of our late husband’s cousins, Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek, Steve was married to the Ecklers’ oldest daughter, Gail. We had the pleasure of spending Christmas Eve with the Nagels and the Ecklers in Fly Creek, greatly enjoying the delicious food and delightful conversation.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Of birds and faith
I watch birds quite a bit. Every five days or so I send in a report to Cornell as partof its annual Project Feeder Watch program. The data, collected from volunteers from all over the country, enables scientists to track population trends. I would spend quite a bit of time checking out the visitors to our feeders anyway. Participating in the feeder program makes a personal pleasure that much more meaningful. It is rare that aesthetical and scientific endeavors work in tandem.
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Book Notes: Biography captures the real Stephen Colbert
It would be hard to find a comedian as unique as Stephen Colbert. As the host of “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central he hasmanaged to leave his mark on the nation’s consciousness in both a serious and humorous sort of way. His unusual wit has allowed him to become American icon. It would be difficult to find another entertainer quite like him.
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From Fly Creek: Christmas and varied blessings
I’m still astounded! The last farmers’ market before Christmas, I was sitting up front, directly under the ceiling heater, shmoozing with the hoi-polloi. (That’s an awkward linguistic mix,but let’s let it go.) As I sipped my hot coffee, a gloved hand came to rest on my shoulder and a warm voice said, “Merry Christmas, Jim.” I looked to my left—it was Santa Claus!
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In These Otsego Hills: Always a learning experience ...
We must admit that we thoroughly enjoyed our 2011 Christmas celebration. We partook of Christmas Eve dinner at the home of Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek and Christmas Day dinner at the home of Sandy and Al Bullard of Milford. We had our usual Christmas Day brunch at home on Pioneer Street, although we must admit it was a tad bit later than usual as, what we enjoyed most about Christmas, namely our granddaughter Abby, took a great deal of time opening her Christmas presents.
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In These Otsego Hills: Coming up ... 2012
Difficult as it seems, 2011 is fast coming to an end. And it is always our hope that as a year draws to a close, the issues which have been in the forefront during the year will be resolved. Unfortunately, we suspect that will not be the case this year. Instead, we are fairly certain that many of the issues that plagued this year, will continue to plague next year. Thus we will find ourselves still musing about the same issues we have spent time with already. And while we have not come toany conclusions about many of the issues, we do think they would all likely benefit from both sides thinking critically about perspective, risk assessment and possible solutions.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Circularity
When she was a puppy my dog Gabby would run in what I described then as “circles of joy.” She celebrated her15th birthday a few weeks ago and despite the inevitable frailties that old age imposes upon all of us, she is doing pretty well.
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Book Notes: Grisham doesn’t disappoint
John Grisham is one of this country’s most popular authors. Every time he publishes a book it’s an instant best-seller. He appeared on the scene about 20 years ago with his tense legal thrillers, “A Time to Kill” and “The Firm,”and hasn’t stopped producing top-notch novels since.
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From Fly Creek: Still singing, beyond our hearing
This column from Christmas 2001 still speaks deeply to me, and perhaps will to you, too. Take it, please, as my Christmas gift.
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In These Otsego Hills: The 2011 Cooperstown Carol
Since 1984, with the exception of one year, 1999, we have looked forward at the end of the year to going through all the issues of the paper in order to glean those news items which have been worthy of note throughout the year and which should make their way into our annual Cooperstown Carol.
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In These Otsego Hills: The losses are adding up ...
