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Published: August 12th 2016
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Hey! I told you earlier we had a small trip planned so I hope you are all packed and ready to go. Our best traveler made sure she was in the front seat. For weeks she kept bellowing out "Shotgun". Of course, you know who I am talking about: Lovely LULU. She said she was sick of "home-sitting". Who can blame her?
Our journey won't take us too long. About 1 1/2 hours to reach our destination. We are going to the Mansion District Bed & Breakfast Inn located in Smethport, PA. Cory grew up and went to school in Smethport. His best friend, Bob Andersen, arranged for us, Don & Geogie Igoe and Max Beere to stay at this B&B for a mini reunion. He planned this months ago and finally the day has arrived. Hooray. Lulu can hardly contain herself. She's such a socialite.
Cory & I experienced a couple firsts on this trip. We love "firsts". This was our first time staying in a B&B. We found it to be wonderful and would certainly do it again. This was the first time we all met Bob's wife, Jane. She is a lovely and gracious southern lady.
Our hallway....do you see Lulu?
Staircase to 2nd floor - has a handicap stair chair to ride. First time that Cory has seen Max for over 50 years and my fist time meeting him. Fabulous Firsts!
We arrived at the B&B around 3:30 pm. It was Thursday, August 4th. Weather was perfect. Max arrived just before us. The two other couples had come the day before. Our Innkeeper, Jovanna, warmly greeted us and escorted us to our room in this majestic and magnificent mansion. We noted a welcome note on their little blackboard....nice touch. Obviously, they didn't realize we were a party of three (Lulu). Our suite was like a condo: sitting area, dining area, kitchen, bath and 2 bedrooms! One for Lulu and one for us. Don't fret, you all have your own rooms. Don & Georgie were on the third floor. Bob & Jane and Max were located on the second floor like us. Obviously, my picture taking began immediately. So much to see to share with you. My meager words cannot adequately describe this jewel from the past that has been completely restored. Ron, the other Innkeeper, said there were around 38 rooms in this home at one time. It originally was a gift to his bride from the early owner. It stayed
as a family home until the present innkeepers bought it and turned it into a B&B. Cory & his friends knew the family who lived here who the present owners bought the house from.
From the second floor, we had a beautiful view from our bedroom window. We could even see Cory's old house still perched on the distant hillside. It doesn't look anything like it used to. The present owners took half of the house down. Just a day before, they had chopped down the numerous old trees that protected this house over the many, many years. All gone. Sad.
Lulu was happy staying in our suite so her photos are only from there. We thought it would be too involved to try to explain Lulu to our friends. Probably they would feel bad if we told them what (who) they were missing. I hope my many photos can give you an adequate tour of this breathtaking mansion. There was just so much, too much, to take in.
Bob arranged that we eat dinner at the Corner Pizza Co. Why, you ask? Max's father owned and operated this place way back when. The guys had many
Our sitting area
Dining area & Kitchen stories to share about their experiences here. Oh, how they laughed. This bar/restaurant was nicely decorated inside. They had live music. We took a back room, just for ourselves. The waitress/owner was excellent . The food was delicious. Everything was perfect. However, there was a hidden surprise that Bob had arranged. Another good school friend and his wife showed up and joined us. It was Jimmy Acker and Carla. The guys howled when they arrived! Good job, Bob. The evening flew by. The wild tales that were told.....amazing. How they survived some of them is only pure wonderment and a ton of miracles.
We returned to the B&B for a nightcap and more unbelievable stories. Their memories took them far back into their childhoods and thru their teenage years. I wish you could have heard a few of these recollections! Some made your mouth drop open! From there, they all went their own ways. We have met up with Bob, Don & Georgie at a couple class reunions. Max was one year ahead of them so that's why he hasn't been seen for so long....except on Facebook. If we had lived in San Francisco and other big cities, we
Lulu's bedroom
Chair in our room & bathroom would have seen him passing us by on a frequent basis. He was selected to do a Joe Boxer underwear advertisement and the picture was displayed on the sides of thousands of transit buses. WOW! A famous advertisement star. WOWEE! Max's wife was not able to join us on this trip. Max was going to his class reunion the next day.
We gathered around the massive dining room table at 8:00 AM for a 3 course breakfast. I usually only have a small glass of low calorie chocolate milk to down my pills. I was in for a new culinary delight. We were first served a homemade cinnamon bun. Yummy. Next was a fresh peach served on Greek yogurt with a honey sauce drizzled all over it. The 3rd course was a huge slice of quiche - made from fresh eggs gathered from their free range chickens in their backyard. Bacon strips included as well as strawberries and their own grilled squash. Whew.....eating all that was a workout but a tasty one and one I would repeat. During this exquisite dining experience, our innkeeper, Ross Porter, gave us a summary of the house (during the mid 1800's), it's owners
Our bedroom
Opposite end of our room....back to sitting area & residents and the town of Smethport. We were fascinated by his presentation and the history offered. A bit of knowledge to share with you. The magnet Wooly Willy toy and all of its similar items were made in Smethport.
More stories to be told and then time to bid farewell. We all agreed it was a great and marvelous time....one that should be repeated. Before we headed home, Cory and I took a couple side trips that I will share with you in my next blog. I know you are exhausted from this tale -- that's why I am giving you a reprieve. Happy, aren't you? So don't unpack yet.....we haven't reached home yet. We are not staying overnight so you really won't need your bags but there's no room in the car to start unpacking. The wheels will be rolling soon....stay on board. We have places to go and things to see. Just push Lulu aside if you feel too cramped. She's an agreeable and flexible gal.
Remember to scroll way, way down and then actually go to another page for more photos. There are 36 pictures for you to see. That's a load! You would
think I was writing a picture book.
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Karen McKean (cooper)
non-member comment
Loved it!
Really enjoyed the travel blog, I can hear those guys telling their stories. Good friends and great place to have grown up in. Thank you for sharing. Karen