YO GEORGIE !
WHADDA YA SAY WE GO ACROSS THE ROAD AND RIDE THE DUMBWAITER OR PLAY HIDE & SEEK?"
I'm not really sure what little Davy Gilewski is saying to George Linkh here, or if George can even hear him under his hood. But what a neat suprise to see this photo in my e mail tonight (Sept 12, 2007). It comes courtesy of Bob Lee who lives on this property now and sent me two like it a few years ago taken in the 1940's . Bob figures that George is about 3 years old here and that would date the pic to circa 1956. It is from the era that I first rode the dumbwaiter and played with my friends in that big place across the road. That's Monroe Drive in between the kids and the Knapp Mansion. I do notice that the roof of "Schulte's Barn" is no longer visible in the distance on the left of this photo as it is in the the others I have. As I recall Sam Cole tore down the barn in '55. This photo is taken about three years after St. Jude's abandoned the place and although the grounds are unkempt the exterior of the building still looks pretty good. I can't say the same for it's innard though. It was pretty well vandalized inside already by 1956...real pity someone just didn't have the foresight to keep it up. I'm still hoping to find photos of the interior, when it was still looking good and that would be any taken from 1907 - 1953 and the exterior from the east side of it. What you are seeing here is the west & partial north faces with the ballroom hidden somewhat by the ever growing pine trees ,,,,, I know there are more photos out there someplace.
GOT PHOTOS????
If you have some photos that are relevant to anything on this websight and would like to share them, then please get in touch. Condition is not important as I can restore them. Several I am actively seeking are: Bob DeCordova's Service Station (Aspen & Whiitier), Fannie's Spaghetti House (on Diana Dr.) Birdsall Hardware , The Stop & Shop, Jean's, HC Grand 5&10 cent store and of course it goes without saying ANY OF THE KNAPP MANSION AND ESTATE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR!
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