The Embalming Room

 As mentioned previously, The Boardwalk was recently plagued with powder post beetles, stray cats and fleas. One area with the greatest concentration of these issues was the affectionately termed "embalming room" addition on the back of the building. Situated adjacent to the large covered, open air work area, the embalming room was riddled with leaks, unstable construction, and rotting supports. It was walled off during our renovation and subsequently became a haven for pests.

 The pest control man who sprayed for fleas a couple of months ago, mentioned he and his sons would be interested in helping dismantle the structure in exchange for the materials. After a few weeks, we agreed. Much of the neat old wooden siding was rotten and infested. But, the inner structure was in decent shape.

 Interestingly, there is still plumbing running through the walls. There was an upper decking of wide plank wood for the floor. When that was torn up, the original wooden floor was revealed. It is obviously rotten. It was built right on top of the ground. The joists were set right on the dirt.

Some of the plumbing, electrical and construction methods they used throughout the years have led to most of the issues we face now. It is a shame that the building was not respected and cared for. Basic maintenance is less costly and more efficient than full on restoration.

Respect for elders should extend to buildings and towns, not just people. 

Impromptu Art Camp

 A couple of weeks ago, a friend of ours, Ann, called us up and asked if we were going to have a summer art camp. This is something we had discussed earlier in the year, but it never came to fruition. Ann was looking for activities for her grandkids who were visiting. I told her we were not planning a formal camp, but we would be happy to do lessons.

One thing led to another, and in a matter of less than an hour Ann got several neighborhood kids rounded up to take the class.  This all happened on a Monday evening. The first class was the next day, at noon!

 It just so happened that Boston was bursting with activities for kids that week. In the mornings was a reading program at the Carnagie Library, then our art class, followed by a Vacation Bible School at the local Baptist Church.

Tuesday we started with drawing and watercolor. Wednesday we made a collaborative Play Do sculpture (pictured above). Thursday we made paper bag puppet and masks (pictured left). Friday we finished up with balloon faces (pictured below). Unfortunately, the balloons were quickly popped, much to the delight of the children. We ended up making water balloons in the side yard and throwing them around.

Next year, if we do it again, we will actually plan, advertise, and register the kids so we have a bit more structure. The classes this time were 2 full hours. The kids stopped paying attention about half way through.