Memories of Mansfield - Glendale Blvd.

Early this morning I went for a bike ride and turned right out of our driveway and continued west on Andover Rd. till it dead ends onto Woodland Rd. I turned left along Woodland Rd. and passed the up ground reservoir (they since took down the water tower), crossed Cook Rd. and continued on Woodland Rd. into South Boulevards. I passed the house where Tim Beard lived and then I turned left onto Courtwright and passed the house I think where “Daughter” lived and then passed Steve Smeltzer’s house. Down the hill I sailed then turned right into the parking lot which bordered Lexington Ave., passed what used to be McClure’s and the soda fountain, and what used to be the Tiffin & Toffee (which is now called Brunches).

I turned right onto Glendale Blvd. and climbed the rise where I passed the Mott’s house. The house where the Mishey’s lived is for sale. Then I passed our house and pleasant feelings and memories surrounded me. The house looks pretty much the same and someone added a lean-to shed structure onto the one car garage – probably for storage. Back at Woodland Rd. Glendale crosses but does not go through, into what used to be Cunning’s field – which is now an upscale subdivision. I turned left onto Woodland and rode till it dead ended into Sunset Blvd. I turned right and passed the Fire Station, then turned right onto Autumn Dr. till it met up with Glendale Blvd, in this subdivision. I think this must have been where Mike and Cousin Tim told us the “Boogey Man” lived – in a groundhog hole in the old corn field.

I passed Cunning Dr. and then came again to Cook Rd. so I turned left and rode past the old Cunning home and barn. On the barn was “E.E. Cunning 1909.” I turned right onto Trimble Rd. and rode past fields of corn and beans till I came to Marion Rd. so I turned right and rode past lush fields and then mansions of the then, Black family. Some horses were grazing in front of one of the houses in this compound. I turned right onto the beginning of Woodland Rd. and rode mostly in the shade caused by the plentiful trees. I think this is where Scott had his mishap where he wrecked his bike and had to go to the hospital where the needle was “on the bone!” I rode by several walkers, including Pat and Joyce. I rang my bell and we exchanged smiles and greetings. This is a regular occurrence for them both, and they enjoy meeting halfway – at the intersection of Davis Rd. and Bigelow Rd. and then walking through Woodland.

I continued on and then turned left onto Andover Rd, and past the Woodland Club and pool. I crossed Woodhill Rd. and then Dickson Parkway and down the hill and left into our driveway. Someone told me that Woodland used to be the Dickson Farm – circa 1900 or so. That was fun and I may write more about our exploits around our hometown. I can’t describe the feelings I have, but it feels good to be home!