Working in Oberlin for the past two and a half years has provided me an enjoyable commute, one that is far more pleasurable than the drive to Cleveland on I-90 that I endured for decades.
I take Baumhart Road for most of my drive south, occasionally using Quarry Road as an alternate. Both of them get me to State Route 511, where I turn and head east.
Most of the last two years, I've followed State Route 511 right into town, where it becomes W. Lorain Street and skirts the northern side of Tappan Square. But earlier this year, construction and detours caused me to take the fork in the road where the Brickyard Bar & Grill is located, and follow W. College Street into town. This way takes me past the south side of Tappan Square. I like this way better – the road is quieter, with less commercial development, and the private homes are very eclectic and more interesting to look at. As a result, I continue to take this way to work even though the original reason for the rerouting no longer applies.
One of the Oberlin College landmarks I pass each day is the Dascomb Residence Hall, where many first year student live. When I see it, I can't help but think of my own dormitory (Siebert Hall) at Ohio State, where I lived more than three years. (Yes, college was the best seven years of my life! Just joking.)
Anyway, I had no idea that the current Dascomb Residence Hall replaced an earlier same-named version. Here's a vintage postcard of Dascomb Cottage, postmarked 1920.
