In this episode of Mr. P. Explores, I take a hike on down to two places near and dear to my heart, David Fortier and East River Parks in my hometown of Olmsted Falls for a walk through of some of the most historic places in town. The parks were once home to a booming sandstone quarry, as well as an old Boy Scout cabin and various WPA construction projects in the post-quarry era. Many memories were made there, not only by myself but by countless other Olmsted Falls residents throughout time; totally evident when you witness the etchings in the stone along the mighty Rocky River! So, take the half-hour long hike with me as I check out some of the spots of historical interest, soak up the din of the falls that give the town its name and enjoy the trip!
MR. P’S NOTES: To all historical and townie sticklers, I must apologize in advance as I refer to the Water Street bridge as the “River Road Bridge” several times in the video. A Freudian slip. It is indeed the Water Street bridge I’m on and under in the video!
Also, since the recording of this video in March, I have come across info that answers some of the questions I pose throughout the adventure and now know more about several of the spots. However, if you have any info or corrections to share, please feel free to comment below! Thanks! -Mr. P.
Music:
Intro: Bruce Springsteen – “My Hometown”
Outro Music: Ben Folds Five – “Theme From Dr. Pyser”
Mr. P’s other sites to check out:
Mr. P’s Mythopedia:
Mr. P’s World History Emporium:
The Northeast Ohio Urban Exploration Group:
I do not think the boy scouts actually camped up there. The main reason that fence is up there is because back in the early 80’s a young boy fell off there on to the rocks down below.
There’s a lot of history in the historic village above, along Columbia and adjacent streets. Maybe do a video in that area? I think there are several buildings from the 1800s that remain.
I graduated in 1989. My dad graduated from OFHS in 1958. His family lived in the gray & White House( on the curve on Columbia) with the backyard butting right up to Plum Creek where that first old mill you showed used to be. My dad & Grandpa built that garage you can see while looking at the falls. I remember reading in the children’s section in that homey, cozy library. Thank you for this tour. I’m watching from Fl. Moved here in 1991. Have not been back to OF since. Time for a visit!
The RR was the old NYC , conrail, now NS.The concrete part of the bridge was built in 1909 the sandstone part is much older. CSX is further south by columbia rd and Sprague rd.
Oh the memories being down there in the 80’s/90’s. Did they fill it in by where the mill used to be? I always remembered that lower falls being more of a drop.