Month: August 2025

The remains of a century-old mansion that met a fiery demise years after it was deserted.About Built in the early 1900s, Van Slyke Castle (previously known as Foxcroft) transitioned through multiple owners until the final blow to the property came when vandals burned the mansion in 1959. Large portions of the castle, pool, and water tower can still be explored today (the pool and water tower are not too far from the castle ruins).  William Porter, a stockbroker, built the place in the early 1900s. He named the property Foxcroft, as it was built on Fox Hill. Porter died in a car crash in 1911 while his wife, Ruth, was traveling home from a European vacation. Ruth later married Warren Van Slyke, an attorney who served as an assistant to the higher naval command of intelligence during World War I, in 1913. The couple changed the mansion’s name to Van Slyke Castle and used it as a vacation home. Ruth retreated there permanently after Warren passed away in 1925. Ruth died in 1940, leaving the castle without an owner for nine years. It was finally purchased in 1949 by a couple who subsequently resold the property two years later to Suzanne… CONTINUE READING…

It started as a simple moment, almost ordinary, yet it held something extraordinary. The sun had begun to dip low, casting golden light that danced across everything it touched. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, birds called to one another, and the world felt, for just a heartbeat, perfectly still. In that quiet, a scene unfolded that begged to be remembered. Someone lifted a camera, and through the lens, the ordinary became magical. Colors seemed brighter, shadows softer, and the smallest details—the curve of a flower petal, the sparkle in someone’s eye, the way the light kissed the world—felt like a secret only the moment could share. When the photo appeared on the screen, it took everyone’s breath away. It wasn’t just beautiful—it told a story. A story of patience, of noticing, of the quiet miracles that surround us every day but often go unseen. You could feel the warmth, the life, the pulse of the world captured in a single frame. It wasn’t staged or forced. It was real, fleeting, and perfect in its imperfection. And in that instant, whoever looked at it couldn’t help but pause, smile, and feel a little lighter, a little more connected to the… CONTINUE READING…

The day was gray and heavy, as if the sky itself understood the loss. Friends, family, and fans gathered in quiet reverence to say goodbye to Gordon Lightfoot — the legendary musician whose voice had carried stories across decades, whose songs had woven themselves into the hearts of millions. The church was filled with the soft murmur of memories shared and the gentle rustle of tissues. Flowers lined the aisle, their scent mingling with the faint echo of guitar chords playing in the minds of those who loved him. But amid the solemn crowd, one figure stood out — not for grandeur, but for unwavering devotion. It was his dog. The loyal companion sat close to the casket, eyes fixed as though waiting for his friend to turn and greet him one more time. People moved quietly around them, yet the dog didn’t stir. His stillness was its own kind of mourning, a presence so pure it seemed to draw everyone’s gaze. Throughout the service, he remained there — silent, steadfast. When the final hymn played and the casket was carried toward the waiting hearse, the dog followed, his steps slow but certain, as though refusing to let his friend… CONTINUE READING…

Sharing is caring! Next time you drive by there you might want to know that in the 1940s and 50s it was a working ranch of a special sort. Known as “Murray’s Ranch,” and “The Overall Wearing Dude Ranch,” it was African-American owned and operated in the Bell Mountain community. California Eagle, Sun, Aug 29, 1937  According to The History of Apple Valley by Kate O’ Rourke, Murray’s “Overall Wearing Dude Ranch” was the only African-American dude ranch in the United States, and the only ranch in the area to be written about in Life magazine at the time. The earliest Black homesteaders received land patents in 1914 in the area known as the Bell Mountain District. By the 1940s there were 37 families in the settlement. Murray’s Dude Ranch, Apple Valley, San Bernardino County, California. The 40-acre ranch on the edge of the Mojave Desert was purchased by Nolie B. and Lela Murray in 1922 for $100 from the Cook family, and operated for nearly 20 years. Prior to moving to the desert for Lela’s health, Nolie owned Murray’s Pocket Billiard Emporium and Cigar Store in Los Angeles. Their dream was to build creating a better world for underpriveleged Black children. After… CONTINUE READING…

When we encounter something from our past, it often brings back a flood of nostalgic memories. These memories, though simple, have the power to make us feel positive about our history. Often, this sense of nostalgia can be triggered by a simple object we once used during childhood. Even if we didn’t use it ourselves, the memory of seeing others use it can still evoke that warm, familiar feeling from our past. This vintage agricultural tool has a long history and continues to be used today, though it has evolved over time. I’m referring to the hay hook, a straightforward device made from steel or iron that dates back to the 1800s, if not earlier. Before the advent of modern machinery, it played a crucial role in farming. The hay hook allowed the user to effortlessly grip and move bales of hay, significantly simplifying the task. In the past, when farming required much more manual labor, this tool was especially crucial. While farming still demands significant effort today, modern machinery now handles much of the heavy lifting. This tool was versatile, used for stacking, transporting, and moving large quantities of hay bales. It was an essential item for every farmer…. CONTINUE READING…

The Morning Star Villa in Cape May, New Jersey is a one-of-a-kind historic jewel! This beautiful structure was originally built in 1884. It is notable because in 1893, a fourth floor was added above the mansard roof, giving the building a very unusual visual effect. Zoned residential/commercial, the Morning Star Villa is one of the country’s oldest beach resort destinations. Interestingly, in May of 1967, the entire building was moved one mile. Try as she might, House Crazy Sarah could not find a reason why this move was done. Hurricane flooding mitigation perhaps?  If anyone knows, please share! In any case the large, striking building looks right at home in its current spot. The Morning Star Villa is comprised of vacation condos for rent or sale, many of them fully furnished. Depending on where in the building the unit is located, prices ranges from $369,000 to $520,000. Let’s have a look inside a rental unit. This particular unit is located on the first floor at the back of the building. It rents for between $750.00 – $2,025.00 per week, depending on the time of year. The interior has been fully rehabbed and now has a nondescript neutral hotel vibe with some minor nods to the beach. This unit has… CONTINUE READING…

Once the world’s largest reinforced concrete structure, this abandoned bridge now beckons urban explorers. About The Paulinskill Viaduct, which was completed in 1910, was once the world’s largest reinforced concrete structure. At a total length of 1,100 feet and with a clearance of 115 feet, the New Jersey structure still a worthy feat of engineering to behold, even though it has since lost its record-holding title. Trains traveled atop the railway up until the late 20th century, then traffic gradually diminished as the years passed. The last train crossed the bridge in 1979. After the viaduct officially closed in 1982, the railroad tracks were ripped apart and the impressive piece of infrastructure was deemed abandoned. Despite being officially closed, the bridge still receives its fair share of pedestrian traffic (even though those who do go are technically trespassing). The site caters to an assortment of urban explorers willing to risk the occasional trespassing ticket, like hikers, partiers, graffiti artists, and even the occasional bungee jumper. The viaduct’s internal chambers, which were once used to inspect its structural integrity, became hidden galleries of street art. For years, graffiti-covered many of the structure’s walls. Some visitors found the illegal artwork mesmerizing; others were repulsed… CONTINUE READING…

Fern Court House | San Mateo, Florida | Built c. 1889 Fern Court, a striking Victorian mansion in San Mateo, Florida, is more than just a house. It is a keeper of stories. Built in the late 19th century, this grand estate has welcomed distinguished guests, echoed with music from glittering dances in its third-floor ballroom, and stood as a proud landmark in the quiet riverside community of San Mateo in Putnam County, perched above the St. Johns River. Step inside, and the Gilded Age still whispers from every corner: the warm gleam of original wood floors, the jewel tones of stained glass, and the inviting sweep of a wrap-around porch. Fern Court was built for both beauty and gathering, a home where every room holds a fragment of its past. The Legacy of Fern Court Known for most of its life as Fern Court, the mansion was constructed in 1889 by Henry B. Bailey, a railroad magnate, citrus broker, and man of considerable influence. Under Bailey’s ownership, Fern Court quickly became a centerpiece of San Mateo society. He played a key role in persuading railroad tycoon Henry Flagler to extend the Florida East Coast Railway into the town, a… CONTINUE READING…

Smoke billowed from the apartment window, thick and black, as flames licked the walls and ceiling. Inside, two adults and four children were trapped, panic rising with every second. Escape routes were blocked, and fear gripped them as heat and smoke intensified. From the street below, onlookers froze, unsure how anyone could reach them. But Fousseynou Cissé didn’t hesitate. Without a second thought, he climbed onto the narrow 6th-floor ledge, every step a test of balance and courage. One by one, he reached the window. First, the smallest child — a baby barely dressed — trembling in the chaos. Fousseynou scooped the infant into his arms and carefully stepped backward along the ledge to safety. Next came the older children, their tears and cries mingling with the roar of the fire. He carried each to safety, never rushing, every movement deliberate, every heartbeat focused on saving the lives before him. When the adults were finally guided out, Fousseynou climbed back inside the apartment one last time, ensuring no one was left behind. By the time he emerged, the smoke had thickened into an almost solid wall, the heat unbearable. But he made it out, exhausted and scorched, yet triumphant. The… CONTINUE READING…

K9 Tommy wasn’t just any dog—he was a partner, a protector, and a beloved member of the Ohio law enforcement family. A German Shepherd, he had served diligently with the Ohio Department for seven years, responding to calls, assisting in searches, and providing comfort and safety in moments of crisis. His presence was a reassuring constant for the officers he worked alongside, a silent hero whose instincts and courage saved countless lives. But after years of tireless service, Tommy faced a battle he could not win. Diagnosed with aggressive cancer, his condition worsened rapidly. The difficult decision was made to euthanize him, ending the life of a dog who had given so much without hesitation or complaint. For those who had served with him, it was a heartbreak unlike any other—they were losing more than a K9—they were losing a teammate and a friend. In the days leading up to his final moments, law enforcement agencies across Ohio came together to honor Tommy. Officers lined streets, saluted, and shared stories of the courageous German Shepherd who had never faltered in his duty. Some brought their own K9 partners to pay their respects, forming a poignant reminder of the bond between… CONTINUE READING…