The Eagle

New London, CT

This is the sailing barque Eagle, used by the US Coast Guard Academy as a training vessel.  The academy is located in New London, and one can often see the Eagle moored in New London harbor.  It is the only commissioned (operational) sailing vessel in the US maritime services. 

Scenic Overlook

Mystic, CT

If I stopped at every scenic overlook I pass in my travels to take pictures, I would probably never get anywhere.  I've stopped at this particular scenic overlook a number of times trying to capture an image that would do the scene justice.  I don't think I've succeeded yet.  The view is of the Mystic River.  To the left of the image is Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the Sea, one of my favorite places to visit.  Somewhere in the hills to the right is the site of the first massacre of Native Americans by European settlers  in 1637, during the Pequot Wars.  This event was featured in the History Channel miniseries, "10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America".  I find it very interesting that such a historic site has no historical marker other than the plaque located at this scenic overlook, at least as far as I know.  I haven't been to find the exact location of Fort Mystic, the site of the massacre, which might now be a part of someone's private property.  Considering the significance of this event, I would think there would be some sort of historical marker, marking the site.

Talcott Brother's Mill

Vernon, CT

I've often wondered what some of these old buildings must have looked like in their heyday.  At first I was not sure what kind of business went on here, but I assumed it was some sort of mill, since there are so many abandoned mills here in Connecticut.  My curiosity led me to do some searching on the web, and I've found that this is the Talcott Brothers Mill, which was built in the 1870's and was one of a number of mills built along the Tankerhoosen River. The mill was operated by the Talcott family until 1940.  More about the history of this area can be found here.  Additional pictures can be seen here and here.  It's amazing what one can find these days on the web with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Fountain

Branford, CT

Another Gazebo

Branford, CT

Readers of this blog have seen other images I have taken of gazebos.  Most that I have found are located in town squares and village greens types of places.  I found this one in Branford, right on the water in a nice little beachfront park.

Boardwalk

New Haven, CT

Yale University

Branford, CT

The weather in Connecticut has been very mild this winter, and from all signs, spring has come early.  During my lunch hour on a recent warm, spring day, I took a walk around Branford Center and came across this monument, commemorating what was essentially the founding of Yale University.  Ministers from the colony of Connecticut met near this site in 1700 and gave books to the Collegiate School, which is now known as Yale University.    

Time to Shop

Montville, CT

I've posted images of this fellow previously.  From the looks of it, he's ready to do some serious shopping.  He must be getting ready for Easter.  I never knew that T-rex needed to shop. 

Weekend Reflections

Branford, CT

I first submitted a photo to the blog Weekend Reflections a couple of weeks ago.  Since then I have not seen nor photographed any dramatic reflections until I ran across this scene earlier this week.  You can see more reflections here.  Thank you to James for hosting Weekend Reflections.

County Courthouse

Medina, OH

Firehouse

Medina, Ohio

There were many colorful buildings surrounding Public Square Park, in Medina.  Of course, the red one here is the firehouse.  

Fountain

Medina, Ohio

This memorial fountain was given to Lathrop Cooley by his wife.  Both were involved in  the temperance movement and extolled the virtues of clean drinking water.  It probably is the most ornate drinking fountain I've ever seen.

WW II Canon

Medina, OH

Barbershop

Medina, OH

Every town square must have at least one barbershop.  This one looked like a pretty classic barbershop.  The only thing really missing is a real barber pole, and of a course  a good quartet. 

Public Square Park Gazebo

Medina, Ohio