Nestled amidst the outskirts of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Gilmary Catholic Retreat Center once stood as a bastion of spiritual rejuvenation, and a focal point for youth outreach. Over the decades, the center played a pivotal role in the lives of many, intertwining the aspirations of the youth with the devout efforts of the religious community. Today, as it teeters on the precipice of a transformative phase, the land poised for redevelopment, the narrative of the Gilmary Catholic Retreat Center unfolds before us a compelling tale of evolution and community engagement.  A Bedrock of Co ..read more

Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, located in the city of Niagara Falls, New York, embodies over a century of healthcare evolution, architectural magnificence, and the nuanced interplay between advancement and the passage of time. Officially designated as a historic landmark in the year 2015, this imposing structure continues its slow descent into the dirt, crumbling away with each passing year. Design and Construction Conceived by the esteemed architect William P. Ginther, Mount St. Mary’s Hospital was constructed between the years 1912 and 1914, epitomizing the zenith of Neoclassical Revival archit ..read more

In the heart of the American Southwest, nestled just three miles west of Allentown, Arizona, on the iconic Route 66, lies the small town of Houck. Known to the Navajo as Ma’ii Tó, or Coyote Water, Houck is a place where the past whispers from the dusty roads and abandoned structures. Houck’s Founding and Early History The Origins of Houck The establishment of Houck traces back to an express rider, James D. Houck, who carried mail between Prescott, Arizona, and Fort Wingate, New Mexico. The town’s strategic location along a wagon road, which later became known as the “Overland Stage Road,” mad ..read more

TRW Inc. emerged at the beginning of the 1900s as a hallmark of industrial innovation, commanding the forefront of the automotive, aerospace, and electronics sectors for more than a hundred years. Originating from humble beginnings in Cleveland, Ohio, its ascent to becoming a global titan encapsulates a significant chapter in American history. The Inception of an Industrial Behemoth The history of TRW can be traced back to the establishment of the Cleveland Cap Screw Company in 1900, which swiftly carved out a leadership position in the quickly growing automotive industry. By the year 1904, t ..read more

Nestled in the heart of midtown Toronto, Casa Loma stands as an incredible example of Gothic Revival architecture’s enduring appeal. This majestic castle-style mansion, surrounded by sprawling gardens, not only serves as a historic house museum but also as a prominent landmark that captivates visitors with its architectural grandeur and fascinating history. Constructed between 1911 and 1914 for financier Sir Henry Pellatt, Casa Loma represents a period of opulence and architectural ambition in early 20th-century Canada. The Architectural Marvel of Casa Loma Designed by E. J. Lennox, a name sy ..read more

Toronto’s Graffiti Alley, nestled in the heart of the Fashion District, spans three city blocks of Rush Lane. This colorful corridor has earned acclaim as a must-visit for street art enthusiasts and served as a dynamic backdrop for the famous “Rant” segment of the Rick Mercer Report. Its walls tell a tale not just of artistic rebellion but of a community’s embrace of urban expression. The Evolution of a Street Art Haven From Tags to Galleries In the 1990s, what is now known as Graffiti Alley emerged as a canvas for unauthorized tags, a visual rebellion against the status quo. Over time, this ..read more

Nestled off the iconic U.S. Route 66, in the old downtown district of Holbrook, Arizona, lies a street with a name as intriguing as its history: Bucket of Blood Street. This unique moniker captures the imagination of those who hear it, beckoning them into a past filled with tales of the Wild West. Holbrook, established in the 1880s as a railroad stop, quickly gained a reputation as a frontier town where lawlessness was as common as the dust swirling through its streets. The Origins of the Name: From Saloon Brawls to Bloody Battles At the heart of these tales is the Bucket of Blood Saloon, ori ..read more

In the heart of Ohio’s beautiful landscapes, Geauga Lake has carved a distinctive and enduring mark on the fabric of amusement park history. The Early Years of Geauga Lake The story of Geauga Lake takes us back to the 19th century when it was affectionately known as Picnic Lake, a name that encapsulated its essence as a peaceful retreat nestled amongst nature. Founded by the visionary Sullivan Giles, whose pioneering spirit led to the establishment of this tranquil haven, it quickly endeared itself to the people of Ohio as a preferred destination for relaxation and leisurely pursuits. It was ..read more

Fort Stevens State Park In the northwestern corner of Oregon, where the mighty Columbia River spills into the Pacific Ocean, stands the historic Fort Stevens. Now enveloped in the tranquility of a state park, this fort has a story steeped in military history, stretching back over a century and spanning several pivotal moments in American history. Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio The Birth of a Fortress The inception of Fort Stevens is rooted in the history of the American Civil War. Amidst the chaos of internal conflict, the United States also faced potential external threats. The fort wa ..read more

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio Horace Mann High School In the burgeoning heart of Gary, Indiana, amidst the thriving steel mills, emerged an institution destined to be a cornerstone of education – Horace Mann High School. Established in the early 20th century, this school was more than just a beacon of knowledge; it was a manifestation of the community’s aspiration for a prosperous future. Its towering structure and bustling corridors were a testament to Gary’s rapid growth as a city. Yet, as time unfurled, the school which once resonated with the lively chatter of students, now stands ..read more