Notes from a Small Town

Oil City--Your Kind of Town!

2010-06-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Oil City is the kind of town that everyone can love? A gem of a Small Town nestled in the hills of the Allegheny Valley in N. W. PA.

Here are the reasons I love Oil City. Can you relate?

Kayaking and Canoeing opportunities on the Oil Creek and Allegheny River as well as Two Mile Run County Park.

Bicycling on the Samuel Justis Trail.

Hiking at Oil Creek State Park.

Experiencing the beauty of an Old Growth Forest at Cook Forest State Park.

Discovering the History of Oil at the Venango Museum and the Drake Well Museum.

Discovering that the majority of Oil City is on the National Register of Historical Places.

Art in the National Transit Building. Over 25 Artists have their studios in the National Transit Building. This is the historic building that was built by Rockefeller of Standard Oil.

Oil City Carnegie Library built in 1904.

First Night in Oil City.

Oil Heritage Festival including a Fine Art and Craft Festival.

Indie Festival.

Bluegrass Festival.

Oil City Arts Revitalization and Relocation Program (the reason that I am here is this wonderful town!).

Picturesque Golf Courses including our favorite, Wanango Golf Club.

Numerous opportunities to Volunteer your services and give back to the community.

Pedestrian friendly town. Easy walk into downtown. Close to grocery stores, post office, Wine and Spirits Shoppe and local businesses.

Come on out and discover Oil City...Your kind of Town!

Bluegrass, Open Studios, Festivals and more

2010-02-25T11:17:00.001-08:00

We have been living in Oil City permanently for a little over two months now and I LOVE IT here!!

Last weekend, Oil City hosted the 3rd Annual Oil Country Bluegrass Music Festival.
3 days of great bluegrass featuring local and regional musicians. The festival was a benefit for the Venango County United Way and the Oil City Arts Council and was a great success.

During the Festival, the Artists had Open Studios and we were pleasantly suprised that we had a good amount of visitors. Thanks to the students and other volunteers who helped get the folks from the hotel to the Transit Art Studios. It was great that the Trolley was running and I believe a good amount of people used it, but many more walked, because we had a break from the snow and cloudy skies. It was a bright, sunny day!

I have joined some committees. The Oil City North Side Business Association (NSBA) and the Venango Chamber of Commerce Art and Fine Craft Festival. I also hope to help out with First Night.

The best news is that I expanded my studio space to accomodate the new services that I am offering. Giclee and Photoshop services for the artist who wishes to offer their paintings as Fine Art Prints; business cards; portfolio books; stock photos; cd covers; brochures; graphic design...All in addition to my own Fine Art Print sales and gifts that are available in Studio 21.

Here is a link to a great article written by one of the artists in Oil City. Art Calendar Magazine.

First Night in Oil City

2010-01-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

We had a great time on First Night!

What is First Night? This from the First Night international website: A Community Celebration of the New Year through the Arts--First Night seeks to foster the public's appreciation of visual and performing arts through an innovative, diverse and high quality New Year's Eve program which provides a shared cultural experience, accessible and affordable to all. http://www.firstnightintl.org/

Oil City does a great job with First Night. This is our second First Night and we weren't disappointed with the quality of the performers or the venues.

We started our New Year's Eve at 5pm on the Northside with Dinner at the Yellow Dog Lantern Restaurant with friends.. the Yellow Dog is a wonderful place to dine. The owner and wait staff are very friendly and the New Chef, Matt, does a great job with the old menu and with wonderful new specials...

After a wonderful dinner, we headed to the National Transit Building to join the Peoples Procession, but missed it...darn.

Since we hadn't been to the Derrick Deli to see the local artists work hung there, we headed over. Great Job and nice show. Looking forward to seeing more artists work next month!

From there we went to the Venango Museum (http://www.venangomuseum.org/) to hear Scott Foppiano play the the Mighty Wurlitzer--a 1928 Wurlitzer Theater Organ. Wow! That was so much fun to watch the drums play and the bells jingle all from a keyboard 20 feet away! And Scott is a virtuoso on the Mighty Wurlitzer! www.atos.org/artists/foppiano/

Next was the Trinity United Methodist Church where we had the pleasure of seeing Caranicas+2, a great threesome with Charlie Caranicas playing the trumpet with Jesse Gelber-piano & vocals and Kate Manning-vocals. Great Performance from this 3 piece band with a Vaudeville Jazz that was very entertaining! www.gelberandmanning.com/

At this point, we decided it was time to venture over the bridge to the Southside to see the Calypso Gypsies. The walk over the bridge was quick but chilly and as we passed by the front of the Carnegie Oil City Library, they had just started to build a very big bonfire in the square there.. once at the Grace United Methodist Church we realized that the Calypso Gypsies had packed the house to overflowing-we couldn't even get in the door to catch a glimpse! What we heard from the hallway steps sounded great, so hopefully we can catch them some other time.

So, off we headed to the Calvary United Methodist Church to see the The Reings. Fiddle, guitar, banjo, hammer dulcimer and clog dancing. This husband/wife team was very entertaining and we enjoyed the Appalachian music.

Next, we went to the Masonic Hall to see Neil Jacobs play the 12-string guitar....WOW!!! Neal is unbelievable in his style and choice of songs. We loved him and hated to have to leave and go to the next venue. http://neiljacobs.com/page.php?ID=listen

Our next musical treat was back across the bridge to the Northside to return to the Trinity United Methodist Church where we had the honor to be mesmerized by the Ortner-Roberts Duo. Suzanne Ortner plays the clarinet and her husband Tom Roberts, plays the Piano. This was a special treat! I purchased their CD entitled A Trip to America-A Yiddish/Creole Fusion. So, if you can imagine that, you will understand what I mean by a special treat! http://www.myspace.com/ortnerrobertsduo

On to the National Transit Bld, where we took in the last concert of 2009, Jim Haner on the Banjo. Great bluegrass music!

Our next stop was down to the Allegheny River and Justus Park for the countdown to midnite and the ensuing fireworks display. The fireworks are on a flatbed trailer up on the bridge and the display is quite wonderful, especially for a smaller town. We really enjoyed it.

Looking forward to the New Year in Oil City!

Studio 21, 206 Seneca St, Oil City, PA 16301

2009-12-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

Moved into the National Transit Building and have started to get my studio in order. I still need to organize the photos in the print bins and display some of my gift items, such as "A Little Somethin' ". That has been a very popular item this Christmas season.

There are a few Framed prints hanging outside my studio, as well as examples of the 4 x 12 framed collages and the 3 x 4 "A Little Somethin'" on an easel with the gift box.

I am also getting my "Print shop" in order and will be able to take orders for giclee' prints in the next week or so. Hours at this time are by Appointment or by Chance.. or online at MaryMorgansPhotos.com 888-690-2892

Please come out and visit me at my studio during the Open Studios on Jan 9th!

Studio 21

2009-11-08T14:30:00.001-08:00

I officially have a Studio in the National Transit Building! Studio 21!

I cannot wait to move in and start displaying my Photos. It will be nice to have a "Gallery" for my work that is stationary....I will still do Art and Craft shows, however, I probably won't do as many as 34 per year, like I did in 2008!

My hours will be posted once we get settled in Oil City.

p.s. our house back east is under contract and our settlement date is Nov 24th. So far, everything has worked out as far as inspections, so now the assessment has to be at or above the sale price, then we are good to go! Lets keep our fingers crossed!

Applefest, Oil Creek and Titusville Train, Fall Foliage

2009-10-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

Oct 2-4. Applefest was Great! Really enjoyed the 3 day show, with Saturday being the best, by far. There really were about 100,000 people there! About a thousand of them were standing in my booth in the pouring rain on Friday! lol

The car show on Sunday was very good. My favorite car, hands down, was the gold Packard. Wow! but then there was the '68 Firebird and the Mustangs and the Colby, etc, etc, etc....

The following Saturday, Andrew and I went for a ride on the Oil Creek and Titusville RR. The ride started at the Cabose Hotel in Titusville and proceded to the Drake Well Park station and finished up at Oil Creek State Park's Petroleum Station. We had the round trip ticket, so enjoyed the ride back as well. Next time we will probably ride our bikes or walk one leg of the journey. We saw the Oil Creek 100 Trail Run Aid Station from the train just before we pulled into Petroleum Station.

The Fall foliage was just getting colorful and it was a real treat to see the sycamores along the creek so YELLOW! The reds of the Sumac were stunning! I really didn't think that the colors were so vivid until I looked at my photos!

We are hoping that the house back east sells soon!

Really beautiful homes for sale in Oil City

2009-08-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

My friend asked me if I would be in Oil City this past week and I arranged to be there to meet her. I had mentioned that there was a bed and breakfast for sale and she was interested in looking. While there, she also looked at some rental income properties.

I went with her to see the properties and my head is still spinning from the stunning views, quality craftsmanship, European feel and incredibly beautiful homes that we saw.

The Victorian homes are filled with detail that would be in the best mansions anywhere in the world. The coffered ceilings, carved fireplaces, unique tiles, built-in dining buffets and cabinets, curved grand staircases, stained glass windows, incredible porches, leaded beveled glass front doors, beautiful gardens..I could go on and on. The master suite in one of the apts actually had burled maple closets, fireplace, windows and woodwork!!

I am seeing now that our modest home has some of the fine quality that the larger homes have, but on a smaller scale.

I also discovered that the homes in the area had bi-folding french doors (in addition to pocket doors) and that is probably what our home had..as is evident from the wood putty filled areas in the door moldings that would have had the metal door stops. I was wondering how they were able to put doors on so many of the doorways and still open them...now I know...and now I have another mission...to find the bi-fold doors!

August in Oil City

2009-08-19T20:47:00.001-07:00

We spent a week in Oil City in the beginning of August.

We went into Pittsburgh for a Pirates vs Nationals game. Stayed at the newly renovated Hilton! Very nice! Next day, we ate at a Gluten Free Hot dog joint called Franktuary They have grass fed 100% beef hot dogs with a corn tortilla and some great mustard!

Also, went to the Frick Museum to see the The Dutch Italianates: Seventeenth-Century Masterpieces from Dulwich Picture Gallery, London. Wow, what a great collection! I thoroughly enjoy it. Then went to see the collection of cars that they have there. That was fun. Also, had lunch in the garden cafe. Yummy!! and gluten free!

Then back to Oil City, where we met the neighbors. Very interesting. We participated in a cat capturing episode..there was a cat with kittens living under our house..so a neighbor was kind enough to get a live trap from the humane society and capture them so they could be neutered and adopted. Another neighbor gave us wonderful tomatoes and yellow squash from their garden. The neighbor next to them has a teenager who was willing to take our trash out to the curb, since we were missing trash day..oh, and we ate at the Yellow Dog Lantern Restaurant.Always a good time!

My brother was there to visit us, so he and Andrew brought in the beechwood cabinet that we are using in the Kitchen. It was left behind in the garage..

I staged the house for some pictures...

Oil City (Indie Fest, Sibley Castle), Titusville, Erie Zoo and Presque Isle

2009-06-19T15:52:00.001-07:00

Spent another wonderful week in Oil City and surrounding areas..While it was raining and generally miserable back in Philly, we were in Oil City enjoying the wonderful late spring days, full of sunshine and warmth.

On a Friday night we ate at the Wanango Golf Club, where I took this picture of the 18th hole from the clubhouse porch. I had a bone in Filet, first time, and it was really great! Andrew had the Prime Rib and he enjoyed that as well.

Next day was the Second Saturday open studios at the National Transit Art Studios as well as the Oil Region Indie Music Fest. After our bike ride into Franklin for lunch, we went to Seneca street, which was closed down for the Festival. Apparently, the local businesses were able to set up out in front offering food and all kinds of wares. The highlight was the Indie Fest. Local musicians performed on a stage on the street or down Tin Pan Alley while Local Artists demonstrated their talents--pottery wheels whirring and 3-d glasses on festival goers noses. Later, we had a great dinner, as usual, at the Yellow Dog Lantern Restaurant. Love that place! A gem in the rough..

Sunday, we went golfing at the Wanango Golf Club. A Par 71 course, I had 55 on the front 9 and probably about the same on the back...Hey, only second time I've golfed in 8 years! and the other time was last month! I was hitting the ball ok, but once in a while would have a major melt down... guess I need lessons from the local Pro!

Monday, Andrew went back to work in Buffalo and I decided to explore the area. First, went to Oil Creek State Park, where the Titusville-Petroleum Creek railroad is stationed. It wasn't running and there was a sign on the door, "If you are here and we are closed, it's because we need volunteers." I think it is running on the weekends, and I keep forgetting that is the very beginning of the summer vacation season..

Then on to the Drake Well Museum. This is the Birthplace of Oil! Got some nice pictures there and had my lunch. Nice place to visit.

I had decided to visit the Erie Zoo and then go see the sunset over Lake Erie at Presque Isle. I got some great pics at the Zoo and really enjoyed the sunset over Lake Erie. I will definitely want to go back there in the fall when the Monarch Butterflies are migrating!

The drive is not too bad, maybe an hour or so. Erie is a very spread out city, apparently the 4th largest in PA after Philly, Pittsburgh and Allentown.

Tuesday, I went on a tour of the Sibley Mansion, hosted by the Venango County Museum. It was nice. The grandeur was evidently there at one point, but was gutted by the previous owners. The grounds are magnificent and one can imagine the splendor.

I got some great pics..

Can't wait to move to Oil City....

Derrick and Drill

2009-06-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a fellow Facebooker, originally from Oil City, I have a link to a great book about Oil City in it's heyday!

The book is on Google books and is called "Derrick and Drill, or An Insight into the Discovery, Development and Present Condition and Future Prospects of Petroleum, in NY, PA, OH, W.VA & etc"

Enjoy!

http://books.google.com/books?id=EN8aauhZXOsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=edmund+morris

Things are Happening in and around Oil City!

2009-06-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

My husband, Andrew and I were out in Oil City a few weeks ago and had a few (much needed) relaxing days.

We went for a bike ride from Oil City to Franklin on the Samuel Justus Trail, a rails to trails paved trail along the beautiful Allegheny River. It was a beautiful day and the ride was great. We passed by the stately River Ridge mansion and farm of the late US Senator Joseph P. Sibley who, according to the history books, acquired a considerable fortune from the early oil industry. Along the way we saw Oil wells - some abandoned for 100 years or more. Rumor has it that, in 1864, John Wilkes Booth was part owner of an unsuccessful well which was one mile south of Franklin very near the trail.

In Franklin, we ate lunch at Oskies and then researched the recorded deeds for our house-back to 1908 in the beautiful Venango Courthouse. Everyone was very helpful as we trekked up and down the stairs, back and forth, from one department to the other.

The next day we went golfing! My first time in 8 years! I wasn't all that bad...really. We went to the Wanango Golf Club. Very hilly, beautiful, challenging course. We just might join! Well, I guess we should probably try out some other courses.. But, I really loved it there. Here's what the website claims:

"Wanango Golf Club is the premier recreational and social club serving the Venango County area since 1912.

The Club's 18-hole course, which was redesigned by A.W. Tillinghast, offers a 6134 yard, par 71 challenge. Beauty and character define the course with challenging greens, strategically-placed sand traps and magnificent scenery. Glorious oaks, red maples, flowering dogwoods, tulip trees and other blossoming fruit trees, (sculpted with plants of the season), leave a lasting impression"

It made an impression on me!

As we put the house back here in E. PA on the Market, I am reading the local Oil City newspaper, The Derrick, on-line daily, just so I know what is going on out there...

And, there is a lot going on in Oil City and surrounding areas! The Oil150 celebration is a year long promotion of the Oil City Region and is worth a visit to the area.

Here's a sampling of what is Happening in and around Oil City.

Farmers Market--Oil City — noon to 5 p.m., Central Avenue plaza, Oil City; every Monday and Thursday

National Transit Studios & Art Center
2009 Open Studio Weekends Saturdays 12pm-5pm -- Sundays 12pm-5pm
June 13,14 - July 11,12 - August 8,9 - September 12,13, October 10,11 -
November 14,15, and December 12,13

Summer Saturdays on Seneca Street- Pipeline Alley, 206 Seneca St., Oil City; Free concerts, Donations accepted; sponsor--Oil City Arts Council. In case of rain, event moved indoors to National Transit Bldg Great Room.
Street Fair scene, with vendors, food, sidewalk sales, participatory art

JUNE

June 6 Community History Days — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Venango Campus, Oil City; speakers, music, exhibits, demonstrations, food; boat rides at Oil City Marina, $5; 676-6591, ext. 1270 or 1277.

June 13 - Oil Region Indie Music Fest, 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm. and the Seneca Summer Saturday Street Fair. Two stages (Pipeline Alley and Seneca Street), with informal jamming in the Transit Building and on the street. Street perfomances and art installations, craft vendors, food vendors, etc. This is also an Open Studio day at the Transit Art Studios! Come join us and spend a creative day in Oil City PA! For more information contact jimisru@hotmail.com or jeromewincek@yahoo.com

June 13-14 French and Indian War Encampment — Cook Forest State Park; cannon and musket firing, cooking, primitive skills, clothing demonstrations, flintknapping, blacksmithing, pottery, woodworking, sheep shearing, sutler camp, live tactical engagements, historians, artists; more that 100 re-enactors; sponsor, Sawmill Center for the Arts.

June 21-Garden walk — 5:30 to 9 p.m., six stops in Oil City; "Ida Tarbell's Garden," portrayed by Margo Mong; refreshments served at two stops; adults, $5; ages 6 to 18, $2; ages 5 and under, free; sponsor, Oil City Garden Club.

JULY

July 16-17-- Community Playhouse, Inc., will present the musical satire "Melba, the Toast of Pithole" at 8:00 pm on July 17 and 18, 2009 in the Latonia Theatre in Oil City, PA.
Don't miss this old time "hissing and booing" melodrama about the discovery of oil.
Tickets: $ 10.00
Contact: Mary Jane Bussard 814 676 3615

Slow Housing Market!

2009-05-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

We put the house back here near Philly on the market on May 13th and had a showing that very afternoon! But, no offers as they have yet to sell their home.

The weekend brought another showing, but not any responses from them yet..

So, we will wait and see what the summer months bring. Hopefully, we won't have to wait until the fall or next year!

Looking forward moving to OC as soon as possible!

Getting a move on!

2009-03-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well, we have finally set a date to put the house back here near Philly on the Market! That should move things along!

...sorting and organizing for almost 4 weeks now. Only took time off to do a 3 day show last week.

We rented a storage unit specifically for the items we will bring to Oil City and it is getting filled up fast!

I anticipate a trip out to Oil City soon, though. I would like to see the completed work on the house! That would give me an excuse to bring some boxes out.

Our yard sale will be April 17-18-19 and then the house goes on the market.

Wish us luck in this unpredictable Real Estate Market!

:)

Valentines Day in Oil City (Bluegrass, too!)

2009-02-14T15:54:00.000-08:00

Andrew met me in Oil City for Valentines Day! We wanted to see the progress on the house and also we wanted to go to the Oil Country Bluegrass Festival.

When I arrived, I was so happy with how things have turned out in the Foyer, Living and Dining rooms! The floors look wonderful and so does the woodwork--American Chestnut Polystain by Minwax.(the stair banister is Red Mahogany) The steps were done in Black Gloss Polystain. And they really look nice. They will be hard to keep dust free until we get the carpets on the steps, but it will be worth it. I hope to get the stair carpets decorated with the brass carpet rails.
We went out shopping on Friday and got some curtains and I am real happy with the results! What do you think?
For Valentines Day dinner, we went to the Yellow Dog Lantern Restaurant, right in downtown Oil City, on Elm St, where we had an incredible dinner. I had the Lobster Tail, 8 oz broiled to perfection and Andrew had the Grilled Swordfish with Lemon Shallot Relish and Proscuitto Chips. Andrew also had the Lobster Bisque, which he has every time we go there. He says that it is great. I am so pleased (and sort of astounded, really) to find such a well run, upper end (but Casual) restaurant in town!

Here is their Special Valentines Day menu! Their regular menu is just as good!
Perhaps you are wondering what a Yellow Dog Lantern is? Well, previous to providing the earliest light for night drilling on oil rigs, the double-wicked iron lamps were hung on the yardarms of whaling ships where, filled with whale oil and set afire, provided light for night hunting of the great sperm whale. The term "Yellow Dog" may have come from the yellowish shadow resembling a dog's head cast by these lighted posts at night or, from the lighted flames resembling a dog's eyes in the distance.

The Bluegrass festival was held at The Arlington Hotel on the 5th floor in the ballroom. (It's where we stayed when we were looking at houses) It was free to the public and there were prizes given to the Bluegrass Performers. Unfortunately, we only got to go for about 2 hrs on Saturday nite, even tho' it was a 3 day event. We really enjoyed the music, very talented bands, and a lot of them! There were about 30 bands in attendance. Here is the list.. Oil Country Bluegrass Festival Band Lineup: http://www.ocartscouncil.com/2008_pdfs/BANDLINEUP.pdf

On Sunday, we spent the day trying to figure out what color to stain the kitchen floors and what to do about the walls.

We also brainstormed ideas for the lighting and ceiling. We came up with wainscot for the walls in the American Chestnut shade and Dark walnut for the floors. It looked like the floors had been stained dark previously, so we went with that.

Next big thing will be the roof. There is at least one hole in the eaves and it will probably have to be repaired..

Oh, and I can't wait for spring so that I can see what flowers, if any, are planted around the house.

Work on the house is progressing nicely

2009-02-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

Well, the floors have been finished, the walls painted, the woodwork stripped and stained and the stairs are finished. We will be going out again soon to figure out what to do about the kitchen!

First Night in Oil City

2008-12-31T10:29:00.000-08:00

We attended First Night in Oil City. Apparently, this is something that quite a few towns participate in across America--and in some parts of the world--on New Years Eve. An alcohol free night filled with music and the arts. Here are a list of the cities: http://www.firstnight.com/cities.php

Oil City's First Night Webpage: http://users.usachoice.net/~firstnight/index.htm

Anyone who knows me or my Husband knows that we aren't tea drinkers.... So, we went out to eat at the Yellow Dog Lantern Restaurant prior to starting our exploration of Oil City's First Night..

So good I had to write a poem:

Yellow Dog Lantern Restaurant
by Mary Morgan

Great Food
Great Time
Great Martinis
Great Wine!

:)

What is First Night®?
First Night® is a community New Year’s celebration held in more than 100 cities across the United States. The four principles that guide First Night® are community, celebration, the arts, and the new year. We believe that the arts represent the purest and best in humanity and that by sharing an evening of arts on December 31 we highlight our commonalities and strengthen our community. New Year’s Eve is a night filled with hope and promise, so it is fitting that we celebrate our community on December 31.

How Did First Night® Begin?
First Night® began in Boston and was first held in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial of the nation. A group of community minded citizens and artists in Boston wanted to find an alternative to the customary, and often anti-climatic, New Year’s Eve and they struck upon the idea of celebrating and building community by sharing through the arts.

Why Is First Night® Non-Alcoholic?
This is possibly one of the most misunderstood concepts of First Night®. First Night® is alcohol free because First Night® is an alternative to the customary New Year’s Eve, which often includes drinking. The alcohol free nature of First Night® has nothing to do with temperance - it is about a commitment to an alternative celebration.

What Does the ® Symbol Mean?
The name “First Night” is a registered trademark. First Night® Boston holds the trademark and allows First Night® celebrations in other cities to use it.

Sorry this isn't timely, but....

2008-12-26T08:04:00.000-08:00

My husband, Andrew and I went out to Oil City for 2 weeks at Christmas and New Years. We had a great time. We were lucky enough to have a day or two that actually hit 60 degrees! So, we took a break from the renovations and went to Oil Creek State Park.

We checked out the trails and the railroad that goes from the park to Titusville (it wasn't operating), but looks like it would be a great trip.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/oilcreek.aspx
Titusville has a lot of great old Victorian homes there as well. Very nice town. But from what I hear, Titusville gets more Lake Effect snow than Oil City.

http://www.titusvillepa.com/

We also went to the Two Mile Run County Park. That is a great park. It has a campground there, so anyone who wants to come out for a visit, but prefers to camp, that would be the place!

http://www.oilregion.org/Tourism/Recreation-Opportunities

The next day we went to Cook Forest! Wow, what a great place that is!

"Cook Forest State Park--The 8,500-acre Cook Forest State Park lies in scenic northwestern Pennsylvania. Once called the "Black Forest," the area is famous for its stands of old growth forest. Cook Forest's "Forest Cathedral" of towering white pines and hemlocks is a National Natural Landmark. The Clarion River is along the eastern border of the park and is popular for canoeing and rafting."

http://www.cookforest.com/

We Got The House!!

2008-11-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

Second Visit to Oil City--October 19, 2008

2008-10-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

Howdy, All,

Andrew and I drove out to Oil City to look at the previous Short Listed homes and to look at a few more.

I didn't tell you how much the homes cost in Oil City...you probably wouldn't believe me!

But, here goes. The home that we decided to put a bid on is over 2000 sq ft living space on the first and second floors with 4 bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths. The third floor has a small apt that will be my office and is not included in the sq footage quoted above. There is a 3 car detatched garage with a sizeable loft for my workspace. All for 33k. Yep, told you that you wouldn't believe me.

This is our retirement option # 2. The first one didn't pan out (save like crazy while living in the Philly burbs--doesn't work in this economy)

So, we will go to World's End State park to the cabin we rented for the rest of the week and go hiking with our friend, Doug, who lives up that way and we will wait to hear if our bid was accepted!

First Visit to Oil City Sept 30, 2008

2008-09-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

Howdy, All,

I found out about Oil City by seeing an ad in the Arts Calendar Magazine. It was entitled "10 Great Towns for Working Artists." http://www.artcalendar.com/article.asp?ID=70

So, I contacted Joann Wheeler and arranged to meet her in Oil City. I also contacted a real estate agent to show us some of the many affordable homes available in town.

Andrew met me in Oil City and we looked at about 10 homes. He drove down from Buffalo and we stayed at the Arlington Hotel in Downtown Oil City, right on the beautiful Allegheny River.

Out of all of the homes that we looked at, 2 were on the short list. We went home to think about it..