Summer Velvet ...

“The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone.”

                 ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

                                 ~ 1749-1842

The afternoon light dances on the velvet antlers of this majestic yearling on an August day at Lehigh Parkway, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

I was happily surprised to see this young white-tailed deer buck so early in the day, as he posed for a few photos before continuing to follow a beautiful doe down the summer path.

The Racing Summer Ford ...

“Roll forth, my song, like the rushing river.”

                              ~ James Clarence Mangan

                                       ~ 1803-1849

A glint of sunset brushes the racing waters as they crescendo soon after a summer storm at the Ford of the Jordan Creek, one of my very favorite places to be and to photograph, at Trexler Nature Preserve, Schnecksville, Pennsylvania.

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.