around town

My little town, which has all of two traffic lights, celebrated its sesquicentennial this summer (150-year anniversary).  The celebrations (which included a beard-growing contest and a parade) were quite well-attended.  

This unassuming river-side town isn't grand by any stretch of the imagination, but if you make a little effort you can find some pretty spots.

This historic building adjoins the courthouse and was once used as the residence of the local jailer.  I think it is used for office space today.  The old stone jailyard was actually open today (a couple of police cruisers and a van were there).  I suppose the old jail is still used as a 'holding cell' for people having their criminal cases heard.  I'm guessing they're not appreciating the pretty landscaping and well-maintained building.

This is a detail of a building in town which used to house medical offices, a bank and a drugstore in the 1890's.  I love the shingle detail, and the little louvered window.

Here's a gazebo in the town square.    

This town is a modest, quiet place, and generally known for a speedway at its edge, and the fact that the residents tend to wear rubber boots (it is a farming comunity after all).   I prefer to think of it as a place with a strong sense of community and a comfortable, peaceful place to live.   (Sort of like that well-worn pair of leather shoes you've had for fifteen years, but just can't part with).