A Trail Of Sugar ...

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”

                          ~ John Steinbeck

                                   ~ 1902-1968

Traces of a Christmas Eve snowfall remain the day after Christmas to sugar the Saucon Rail Trail, Hellertown, Pennsylvania as sunset looms to close a beautiful but very cold day.

Sunday Afternoon At The Grist Mill ...

“Sunday is the golden clasp that binds together the volume of the week.”

           ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

              ~ 1807-1882

It’s a postcard perfect summer Sunday afternoon at the historic Heller-Wagner Grist Mill, located just off the Saucon Rail Trail, Hellertown, Pennsylvania.

The Grist Mill dates back to the 18^th century and operated into the 1950s. The Borough of Hellertown took ownership in 1965, and nearly two decades later it was turned over to the Hellertown Historical Society. The Grist Mill is now an historical museum and a portion of it, the Tavern Room, may be rented for private functions.

The Wash House can be seen at right. It is the smallest stone structure overlooking the mill chase and ponds. Built in the 1700s, it most likely served as housing for early millers and their families, along with a portion of the Grist Mill. It is now referred to as The Wash House, because after the construction of the Miller’s House in the 1800’s, it was utilized to wash sacks for the grain and possibly as the family’s wash house.

The Grist Mill grounds also include The Miller’s House, home of the offices of the Hellertown Historical Society; and the 1860 Walnut Street Pony Bridge and a barn across the street.

The Heart Of Summer ...

“And you’re daddy’s little girl

You’re the end of the rainbow

My pot of gold

You’re daddy’s little girl to have and hold

A precious gem is what you are

You’re mommy’s bright and shining star

You’re the spirit of Christmas

My star on the tree

You’re the Easter Bunny to mommy and me

You’re sugar

You’re spice

You’re everything nice

And you’re daddy’s little girl.”

                      ~ “Daddy’s Little Girl”

                 ~ lyrics & music written by

                     Robert Burke & Horace Gerlach

                                     ~ 1906

          ~ recorded by the wonderful Al Martino

                                              ~ 1967

The heart of summer within the heart of summer … a father teaches his little girl to ride a bicycle on a gorgeous July afternoon on the Saucon Rail Trail, Hellertown, Pennsylvania, such a sweet sight I was lucky to capture and showcase in sepia to enhance the nostalgic feel.