I was walking back from PriceRite today when I saw two old ladies struggling with their groceries on the way. I offered to carry one of their bags and they accepted my offer. We walked the very short distance to the American Cancer Society (ACS) mansion on the corner of Oakland Place and Summer.
I was surprised that they lived there. I always thought it was some kind of a regional office for the ACS. Apparently, they let patients and their families from all over the world live there while they are being treated for their cancer at Roswell Park. One of the women I met was from Florida and the other was from Canada. I also met one of their friends who had come all the way from Greece with her husband for treatment at Roswell. They were all praises for Roswell. I couldn't tell if they genuinely felt that way or were just saying that because I told them that I study there.
They gave me a tour of the mansion. You won't believe just how beautiful it is inside! I wish I had my camera with me. The mansion is wonderfully maintained. The massive polished door leads to a small foyer which opens out into a landing. You immediately see a wide generous staircase leading up. The banisters are gorgeous to look at, though I can't remember whether they were specially carved or not. I have such a fickle memory for detail!
The landing also leads to a living room - with nice furniture and very soothing curtains. The dining room is really impressive with a huge table and matching chairs. I could almost see a formal 18th century banquet there! Then there was a kitchen followed by a corridor which lead to bedrooms - that are given to the patient families. At the back there is another dining room/living room of sorts. The place is enormous - seemed like a endless cave mansion of sorts.
The mansion is actually similar to the 24 in so many ways. I remember mentally comparing it with the rooms in the 24. From several
(e:Matthew) conversations, I think it must have been built around the same period in time. I have a feeling that
(e:Matthew) would love it! I am wondering if I should take the ladies up on their "visit us again" invite just to snap photographs or better yet, go with
(e:Matthew) so he can weave his magic photo-capture technique (and I can then get the scoop on that).
The ladies told me that they are given lodgings but they cook for themselves. In fact, a couple of the other people I met were sitting together and shelling peas (or maybe cutting cauliflower - I really can't remember!) in the back-dining room.
It was an interesting little revelation about that mansion. I wonder if they pay for their lodgings or if its a service that is fully/partially funded by the ACS. If its funded by the ACS, then they are doing a remarkable job!
Wow! What an amazing story. It is so good that such beautiful building are being put to such a good use. I would love to see the picture update if you decided to visit again! That is so really cool! or kewl! depending on yur preference.