Road Trip: Oberlin, Ohio

We have been more or less gone and offline since October 7 and if you've noticed that comments haven't been replied to (I'm pretty sure I won't catch up, so  just know I appreciate each and every one), or visited, my apologies! I'm not sure I'll catch up there, either, but I'll do my best! And where were we? First stop, Ohio!

Our trip began on a rainy day as we headed toward Oberlin, Ohio. This small town is about 35 miles west of Cleveland and is the home of Oberlin College.

Rick cycled much of the way -- I picked him up about 50 miles or so from Oberlin and just before the rain! Talk about timing. But a lovely rainbow did welcome us as we neared the end of the journey.

We stayed in the loveliest B&B -- Ivy Tree Inn and Gardens -- which was a block or two from Main Street and across from the college campus.

It was so inviting. A lovely comfy room. 

There were two beds, a queen and a double, so we could have had company!

The dining area was lovely with a nice view of the street. The breakfast the following morning included muffins, fruit and croissants. 

The home was filled with beautiful furniture an antiques.

 There was also a lovely garden -- it was a quiet and peaceful spot.

 

I especially loved these purple blooms. 

I would heartily recommend it!

Oberlin is a charming town. The college is known for its music conservatory and liberal arts programs. But the town itself also has a fascinating history.

We learned much of this with a visit to the Oberlin Heritage Center. Our excellent guide, Amanda, shared much about the history of the town, which was a key point in the underground railroad during the Civil War and the years leading up to it. Because of Oberlin's near proximity to Lake Erie, where passage to Canada would help ensure freedom, many escaped slaves 

The Monroe house is the home of the heritage center and the tour of the Italianate home, which is restored, was fascinating and a terrific backdrop to the stories of the abolitionist movement in Ohio.

The wallpaper -- a late Victorian style (it reminded me of William Morris' work) was a border in the front parlor.

I was also intrigued by the pleating machine, which looked quite like a pasta maker!

We wandered on the campus, which is very walkable, and we had a good day to do it. We were most impressed by the fact that every student seemed to be adhering to the mask mandate, indoors and out. 

In fact, even off campus in the town masks were required for shops. I would estimate 98 percent of people -- students and adults -- were masked. I would love to know their Covid numbers -- I bet they are very low. 

This rather unattractive building is located on the site of my third great grandmother's home back in the 1800s.

 It was once the Fletcher House and the first brick house in the city. Ancestors of my father's family, the Parmelee family, lived there in the 1830s and it remained in the family until 1864. It is now the university's auditorium.

Source: OberlinHeritageCenter.org

 It was time for us to hit the road.

 Next stop: Cleveland!

(For more about Oberlin or their abolitionist history, a good spot to start for quick Q&A is Oberlin Heritage Center. Or, just google Oberlin and Abolition history!)

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