Year: 2015

Stephen Smith grew up as an indentured servant in Pennsylvania. From a young age, he was assigned to work in the lumberyards by Thomas Boude, whose wealth stemmed from his extensive lumber business. After buying his freedom for $50 at the age of 21, he continued to work in the lumberyards until establishing his own lumber business in 1822, as well as dealing coal. By the 1850s, Smith was grossing $100,000 in annual sales. By 1857, Smith was worth $500,000 (approximately $13.5 million today). On top of being a businessman, Smith was a minister and served as chairman of the black abolitionist organization in Columbia, PA.

 Flurries were flying as school let out today.  Good thing that humongous snow plow was at the ready.

 Whovian

Keepin’ it together

 Tundra swans . . .

They should probably turn around and head southward due to the brutally low temperatures (for this area) and nuisance snows here lately.

On the other hand, dozens of robins congregated at Laurel Hill Cemetery this afternoon.

Can spring be far behind?

This is just a small sampling of approximately 100 robins there today.

Someone was shuffling around on the river ice recently at Columbia River Park.

These shots were taken this afternoon (Wednesday).

I hope it wasn’t the same people as before: LINK

I would have thought they’d learned their lesson.

 A good way to get a closer view of the river – or roll into it.

 Enjoy the new door at the water company office – you bought it.

 Has the breast cancer awareness campaign gone too far?

 666-TREE:  The root of evil?

Something didn’t agree with this one near Ninth and Locust.

There have been a number of oil train derailments this year: LINK

 Deer entrails?
This is still there on a borough road.
About a year ago there was a rib cage in the same spot.
Is this evidence of poaching?

 Look at those prices.  No wonder Tom’s went out of business.

 Last fan standing?

 Obligatory bridge shot with snow on the river

Bradley the Cooper’s Hawk at River Park

On March 1, New York photographer Francis Smith will embark on an eight-month journey through 33 states to capture the essence of 50 towns, cities, counties, ships and universities, all of which share Columbia as part of their names.

MORE:
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