The City crew today unearthed two railroad spikes while repairing the portion of Oak St. where the Henry McCleary Timber Company's railroad once crossed.
Thursday, July 12, 2018
McCleary archaeology
The City crew today unearthed two railroad spikes while repairing the portion of Oak St. where the Henry McCleary Timber Company's railroad once crossed.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
McCleary's microclimates
For a city this small McCleary appears to have definite climate zones. This becomes especially apparent with weather involving fog, ice, snow, and even rain. There are times when one stands on the crest of the hills on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and Main streets and can see the visual border between the zones.
The parking strip that gathers no moss
Found alongside the long vacant tavern. I'm sure this is a metaphor for something but I need more coffee this morning before I can invent one.
Safe Medication Disposal
At some point in the last month this safe medication disposal box showed up at the Police Station.
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Old railroad bed
Looks like the City is about to perform some road work on these odd depressions in West Oak Street. By coincidence, or not, this particular swath is where the Henry McCleary Timber Company's railroad was until the 1930s. The railway ran south between present day 4th and 5th streets and then turned east all the way to Mud Bay, more of less following what is now State Route 8. Vestiges of the old railway bed can still be seen in the empty lot in the background of this photo.
Although the photo has failed to really capture it, this road marking is an inadvertent and wonderful piece of abstract art.
Float cockpit
A peek inside the McCleary Bear Festival float cockpit reveals what appears to be a highly modified 1980s era Chevrolet Cavalier.
The Day After
A close-up view of the McCleary Bear Festival float the day after the parade. Lots of hard work and dedication behind these rolling displays that must be labors of love for the volunteers.
1957 Plymouth
A pristine and artfully customized 1957 Plymouth on display at the McCleary Bear Festival car show.
Haunted ambulance
This 1962 Pontiac served as an ambulance in the Raymond area many decades ago. The card describing this unusual vehicle during the McCleary Bear Festival car show claims the ambulance is "haunted." Love the skeleton adornment.
Sunday, July 8, 2018
2018 McCleary parade float
The McCleary Bear Festival had a safari theme this year. I see a "wild bear" is also on the float.
Pastel set against drizzle grey
Royalty on their way to board their parade vehicle. McCleary Bear Festival.
Old Oaken Bucket
This rather unassuming SE corner of Simpson Door Plant once served as the spot where a two-story wooden structure known as "The Old Oaken Bucket" stood.
That time of year
When I see vendor canopies waiting to be unfolded and a lineup of portable toilets in the park, that is a sure sign the McCleary Bear Festival is about to begin.
A New Tree for Lindsey Baum
Lindsey Baum's tree was recently replaced. According to one news piece: in the place of the former Tree of Hope is now planted a Memorial Tree. Lindsey would have been 20 years old on July 7, 2018, the same day as the McCleary Bear Festival parade.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/justice-for-lindsey-baum-saturday-event-marks-20th-birthday-of-murdered-washington-girl/281-571445815
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Independence Day and the Bear Festival
A fireworks stand is side by side with the McCleary Bear Festival trailer on Summit Road in preparation for a busy week. This year the Festival is being held earlier than usual, on July 6-8.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Someone is wigged out
Seen on the McCleary Post Office bulletin board:
"Missing: Brown toupée, around the intersection of Simpson and Summit, due to high winds. A white dog grabbed it and ran away with the thing toward the Park.
If found, please give it to the McCleary City Hall lost and found department."
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Clarksville, Arkansas
A wave of Clarksville residents migrated to McCleary in the late 1930s.
Welcome to Historic Clarksville Arkansas est. 1836
Mural in Clarksville, Arkansas. Many of the migrants to McCleary in the late 1930s came from this town.
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Subconscious icon
This guardrail off of Maple St. is one of those town icons we'll only think about after it is gone.
Monday, April 2, 2018
1927 Chevrolet 1 ton pickup in downtown McCleary
A symbol from one of the liveliest eras in McCleary history.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Mystery grave
I stumbled across this isolated odd plot in the west end of the McCleary Cemetery today. The disturbed turf looked to be about the size needed to bury a pet.
Close Call
In Oct. 2017 the outer wooden porch on the east end of the abandoned Mark Reed Hospital caught on fire and was contained before it could spread. It is my understanding this was a makeshift shelter used by a homeless person and that might have had something to do with the blaze.
Monday, March 19, 2018
Monday, March 12, 2018
Sidewalk with a built-in drain
This hole in the sidewalk, near the corner of Simpson and Summit next to Beerbower Park, opens up to what appears to be a good sized cavity under the surface.
You know the old saying--
This little tableau was on top of the air conditioner on the outside wall of City Hall today. Could it be a political statement, as in, someone has a fowl opinion of the clowns who were elected to City government? Whatever. It made me laugh.
Mar. 12, 2018
Pampas or Ravenna Grass?
Pampas grass and Ravenna Grass, which are similar in appearance, are both considered invasive and noxious weeds by the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board. Grays Harbor County is one of the main homes for Pampas grass in the state.
Noxious or not, I think it looks amazing.
Indoor swimming pool!
The Maple Street view of the former Timbear Cafe, opened ca. 1957 and in operation as a restaurant under various names for a few decades before ending up as a second hand store.
Before there was Grays Harbor Transit there was Washington Coast Lines and this Maple Street corner was their main McCleary stop.
This structure is now for sale and as you can see by the roofing it comes by default with its own indoor swimming pool.
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