May 14, 2025 story and photos by Geri Duff
In July of 1914 there was a fire in the Rhodes Ripley Clothing Factory on Elm Street. After the newspapers reported on the fire, they commented that this gave “very many” a chance to see the beautiful gardens of John J. Moore next door at number 84 Elm Street. In the center of the garden was a miniature pond, growing water lilies of many different colors, mostly pink and blue. Pictured in the garden may be his son and daughter. At the time this picture was taken there was a round piece of Red Felsite sitting on a rock outcropping and there was a covered walkway from the kitchen to the barn. The Walkway has been removed, the rock was broken up to edge the lawn and a new house now sits on the artificial pond. This photo is from a private collection.