History, Renovation and Beauty

Historical buildings in Corning NY, even those that have seen better days, have their own kind of beauty. Shown above is the Steuben County Courthouse, known to most locals now as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) where you register vehicles and get drivers' licenses.

This cropped version of the same photo shows ornate pillars and windows. I don't know much about architecture, but wonder if those pieces above the two windows on the right are what is called keyholes. Notice, too, that the steps leading to the front entrance are in dire need of repair.

The World War Memorial Library on the corner of First and Pine Streets is no longer used but has a rich history.

From the corner of Denison Parkway and Cedar Street, you can see two of the stately old churches on Corning's First Street.

All the buildings have been torn down to make way for the new Transportation Center. In the background is the Rockwell Museum of Western Art and on the right is the alley, lined with construction equipment, and buildings that front on Market Street.

Framing the footers for the new Transportation Center between Market Street and Denison Parkway.

Work is underway on the Centerway Walking Bridge.

Riverfront Centennial Park from Brisco Bridge...

Parking lot improvements at the YMCA on Corning's northside...

Standing on the northside of the Chemung River, looking east to the Bridge Street bridge...

A memorial, resting garden near the corner of Pulteney and Bridge Streets, Corning's northside...

This little guy (or gal!) sat still for the longest time while I took photo after photo...

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On August 8, 2012, I included some photos in the alley between Denison Parkway and Market Street that showed murals drawn by local students. Here is a long shot featuring some of the murals.

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Just a reminder that you can click on any photo to see an enlarged version.

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Summer Stroll ~ July 2012

The temperatures have dropped out of the 90s and 100s to some pretty comfortable 80s. There’s even the occasional rain these days. Not enough, but I think we’re better off than the rest of the country with their drought conditions.

The good news is that with the cooler weather, I'm more apt to get out to take walks. I was even a bit jealous of this kayaker smoothly gliding down the Chemung River...

We saw my son off on his return to Maryland with breakfast at Wegmans. Just outside the Cafe door, my oldest grandson -- who loves all critters -- spotted this moth. Good eye since the winged creature was camouflaged...

Way down on the west end of Market Street, there’s a lot of renovation going on in and out of buildings on the south side of the street. Behind that same stretch of buildings, demolition is finally underway to make way for Corning's new transportation center.

Riverfront Centennial Park...

Corning Inc. Headquarters is surrounded by gardens...

I always worry about this tower foundation. It’s in pretty crumbly condition and holds a lot of weight. How long will it last?

This is the type of tower held by the aging foundation in the previous photo...

A crafty girl with a CRFTYGAL plate...

The Farmers' Market

Walking home from an early morning appointment, I saw the Farmers’ Market set up in Riverfront Centennial Park. Although this outside market opened several weeks ago, it was my first stop there this year.

Corning is a small community -- population under 12,000 -- so the Farmers’ Market is small, yet colorful, fun and full of fresh foods and handcrafted items.



What first catches my eye every year are the flowers. Yep, the flower lady is back again with her beautiful bouquets of homegrown flowers. Check out Market Street on Thursdays during the summer and fall for the many colorful bouquets being carried to cars and offices.



In May I wrote about a new store on Market Street -- AnnaMarri Soy Candles -- The AnnaMarri booth at the Farmers’ Market featured not only their handmade soy candles but also fabric covered notebooks and beautiful fabric bags by Karen, which can also be found in the store.





Look for Elizabeth Whitehouse each week and her eclectic collection of goodies, including her miniature books (not pictured).




The honey, wax figures and candles pictured here are all produced locally...



Carrot tops? A beet leaf? I wonder what else...



Gorgeous basil, beets, radishes, lettuces and much more -- all grown in this area...












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Thanks to this couple from Illinois for allowing me to photograph them. They are in the area to visit the Corning Museum of Glass.




Laura Dickerman of Beyond Baskets' Palate Cafe and Juice Bar "where you ART what you eat"...


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Glass Fest 2011

Glass Fest ~ Corning NY
May 26 ~ May 29, 2011

I'll be posting pictures from the Glass Fest after the fact. Just wanted to give everyone a reminder, whether you live in Corning or are looking for a place to visit (or live)!

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Meantime, here are more photos of our fair city.

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There are some of the many runners I've seen around Corning. October 2, 2011 is the 30th Wineglass Marathon...



The Chemung River is high, of course, after the many rains. The little island is covered with water...


A few days later, the waterline is down and the island is visible again. This happens several times each year...





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Click on any picture to see an enlarged version.

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Riverfront Centennial Park. The fountain draws sun-worshipers - big and small - all summer long...


Causes...



The Chemung River runs through Corning and draws numerous kayakers and canoeists...




Little League fields at Denison Park. T-ball for 4-6 year olds. Minors and Majors for older, more experienced players...


Spring, summer and fall, Corning Incorporated's Headquarters building, just off Market Street, offers a profusion of flowers. Follow the walkways, starting at Riverfront Centennial Park, to see them all...



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CORNING NY STEP BY STEP now has its own Facebook page!



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