A Photowalk on the Campus of Princeton University

I had the pleasure of joining a photowalk 

on the campus of Princeton University. 

Our guide was Roy Matesuk (aka @paledrunkmonk on instagram)

who has been photographing the campus for many years. 

The campus has so many beautiful aspects 

even in the middle of winter.  

There are breathtaking views everywhere - 

like this dome of the Chancellor Green Building. 

I love the old architecture.

So most of my photos are of the old 

and there is plenty of old. 

I just love these old desks, 

although they don't look very comfortable.  

I like that they keep them. 

Here is a modern take on a spiral staircase. 

It's pretty cool, 

but I like the old symmetrical style better.

Inside the chapel, 

the stained glass from the opposite side lights up this wall 

and looks magical. 

A reminder that studying is required... 

followed by some partying. 

You can view all my photos of this and previous visits to Princeton University here. 

I will continue to share them to instagram (@susburban.girl) also. 

Princeton University 

is located in Princeton, New Jersey. 

Who Doesn't Love A Castle?

When you hear a location referred to as a castle district, 

you can't help but be curious, 

especially after having just returned from a trip to castle laden Germany. 

This building is castle-like, 

especially since its original purpose was a post office. 

Does this looks like a post office to you?

Post Office Remains

I have NEVER seen a US Post Office this beautiful. 

Today, the post office has been moved to a more post office like structure and 

the old building serves as a museum related to the history of Saginaw. 

Myers Bros Jewelry Store

The museum has some interesting displays, 

including this original jewelry store. 

The Myers Bros Jewelry Store 

was open 1914 -1974 in Saginaw. 

I have to wonder what a post office used a staircase like this for. 

They definitely were not hauling mail up and down those steps.  

Or chandeliers like that? 

It is more like an old mansion than a post office! 

But in 1898 someone had architectural beauty in mind. 

A nearby church

Outside there were some other beautiful buildings - 

which is how the name Castle District came about. 

The Hoyt Library next door was closed when I was there. 

Walking around these few blocks had some nice structures, 

but outside of this immediate area I didn't feel quite so safe. 

Saginaw Block

Castle Museum 

500 Federal Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607 

Free parking in rear 

Donation $1 - Worth every cent. 

For more images of the Castle District click here. 

Touching History in Schwäbisch Hall Rathaus

When we were in Schwäbisch Hall we visited the Rathaus

 (a town hall not a house of rats.) 

I was drawn to this beautiful staircase off to the side of the main hall. 

 

I would have LOVED to have gotten closer and even gone up the steps 

to check out the view looking down. 

But when you are traveling with 11 other family members for the day

 you have to snap and run. 

(Which really means I have to return alone someday.) 

;)

 

We received a personalized tour from my husband's cousin Johannes. 

(Technically a first-cousin-once-removed for those who like those details.) 

And who better to have led the tour than the artisan who worked on 

the gold leaf adorning the statues in the hall? 

Yes. Johannes is a retired artisan and teacher of the arts. 

The Schwäbisch Hall Crest 

Johannes was pretty amazing while touring us around hilly Schwäbisch Hall. 

He had just had knee replacement surgery and more often than not 

he was carrying his crutches or someone much younger was holding them for him. 

He is also knowledgable in History 

and has a great sense of humor. 

The detail inside the Rathaus was beautiful. 

I loved that while it serves as a modern government building 

you still sense the awe of history inside. 

Speaking of history, before leaving for Germany, 

I read a true story called The Burgermeister's Daughter by Steve Ozement. 

(Burgermeister=Mayor)

It tells the tale of a legal struggle between a father and daughter in the 16th century 

that happened right here in Schwäbisch Hall. 

Reading the book gave me a deeper appreciation while walking through 

these buildings knowing something of the people 

who frequented them so long ago. 

Front view of the Rathaus from St. Michael's Church

I loved Schwäbisch Hall - 

so much more than I anticipated! 

Yes, a return trip is definitely on the Bucket List. 

Shooting target from 1802 or 1803 showing Württemberg soldiers parading in front of the town hall of Schwäbisch Hall. Württemberg peacefully occupied and annexed that city in 1802. Like nearly all the other free Imperial cities, Hall lost its independence in the course of the German mediatization of 1802-1803. Wikepedia

My first post on Schwäbisch Hall is here 

and more images can be viewed here.