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!
So I am pretty much making the most of what is left of this week. Are you in Buffalo this week at all?
I will be at a intensive laboratory bootcamp at North Campus all of next week from 9 in the morning to 6 evening. :/
I can't until Monday or later :-/
heheh @heidi: You did well to clarify. I was getting all excited about the 11 miles. LOL
How about this weekend??!! How about tomorrow???!!
@(e:jenks): WHOA. New marinas and harbours are popping up at an alarming new frequency today! Now, where is this "Rich Marina"? Are only people with a certain salary and above allowed entrance? LOL
peter might be talking about Rich Marina? That;s another one...
Oh, just to clarify, not an 11-mile walking adventure, an adventure with my truck.
(e:tinypliny) - gmaps says it's 5.5 miles walking. Wanna plan an adventure next week?
The Fair I go to is by Bus (#36) but they all don't go out that far. It is the Erie County Fair also known as America's Fair.
The Harbor I mentioned that you find from around Niagara St. I think I'm not sure where it is for sure. but I know there is wilson farms and that street leads down to the waterfront and there is atleast some Housing down there not sure if that is where the other Harbor is though.
(e:jenks), technically everything is past the skyway but I think you might be thinking of the right one. I have never been there. I don't generally venture to places I can't walk easily. Hehe
(e:metalpeter), which fair are you talking about? Do you drive or go by bus? And there is ANOTHER harbour at Hertel and Niagara??
Oh man, I feel woefully out of touch with the place I live in. Sad state of affairs!
WOW. (e:Jim)! The site that lead off from the google maps you linked is MAGNIFICENT! --> :::link:::
Does Buffalo really look like this? What have I been missing??!
Yes there are 2 others that I know of. I have never been to the other 2 though. I don't know how to explain where they are well. From downtown the water continues kinda out towards south buffalo. What ever that sky way thing is called and there is like a street that runs under it and there is like some huge silo like building and there used to be some giant frighter there. There was some bar and place to eat called shooters that was also know as the pier. They have some fishing contest out there every year. I go past it every year on my way to the Fair.
Then their is what I think they call the small boat harbor that is kinda off niagara st. Does anyone know if it is around where Hertel hits niagara and they used to have a place to eat there, I was there once years ago.
I will admit that the place you are looking for I don't know where it is. But maybe someone else or even maybe Paul could explain where it is better so you can find it. Hopefully that phone number you listed might be able to get you more info.
is the small boat harbor the one across the skyway?
I have never been there! Can you walk there from the fireworks place? I think the whole harbour ends at the wooden-board platform thing.
Correction: :::link:::
(But still across the river from where you were)
Buffalo Small Boat Harbor: :::link:::
It's across the river from where we went for fireworks...
I was at the "wrong" harbour?! Do you mean to say there are many OTHER harbours in Buffalo, apart from the one downtown??! Where are these harbours? Pray, tell!
I will admit I have no Idea where it is, but I'm guessing you where at the wrong Harbour.