Betty’s Column

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LOCAL HISTORY Our 2020 fall colors rival those from “out east”

BY BETTY OBENDORF Curator, Polo Historical Society

Several years ago my sister Ruby Isley, my Aunt Carma, my cousin Jody, and myself took a three week trip to the east to see fall colors. We went through Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York when all the trees were at their best.

We even went up into Canada to see the falls and enjoyed the scenery there. It was one of those trips you never forget.

So when fall rolls around, I reflect back on that spectacular time and try to remember in my mind what it all looked like.

This year I did not have to go any further then my front window to get a magnificent display of fall. If I want more, all I have to do is go down my front driveway and look west. The fall colors are right there.

Remember when we had Peddler’s Pass in Polo? Jan Harvey had put that together right here on Colden Street and everyone came with crafts they had made.

I sat at a little table and sold post cards I had made from pictures I had taken that fall in the east. The money went to Polo Historical Society.

Joan Raley and I gave tours from a horse drawn wagon of the area. We talked about the unique homes built in Polo years ago and the characteristics of the houses. Perhaps we mentioned the businessmen who had built those different style of houses.

We talked about the library being a Carnegie Library which makes it also unique.

It was a fun time and as I stood at the end of my driveway the other day and looked west, I could almost see all the festivities that went on during that time.

We really did some clever things to bring people into Polo. I enjoyed sitting there as I peddled my cards and visited with people from all over.

When Peddler’s Pass came to an end, Jan Harvey then did the craft fair at the Polo Town Hall over the Christmas Holidays. We decorated Aplington House for Christmas and did tours there.

I am not quite certain which event came first as the years have gone by. I just know the town hall looked spectacular and all the Christmas finery.

Now I could not handle any of that and this year one by one all the events that have made up Polo have been dropped. I am thankful for Polo Economic Development and having our grocery store and pharmacy back in Polo. I could not imagine being housebound and not having those two businesses back in town.

The other day I drove to Oregon to hand deliver Kenneth’s absentee ballot for voting to the county clerk. While there I voted early and then drove back to Polo to get some things at the museum. I was tired but took time to stop at our new bakery. I had not been in there since we hardly go anywhere.

I came home with wonderful baked goods. Cinnamon rolls that melt in your mouth and apple and cherry turnovers that are delicious.

I had one immediately with a hot cup of water and honey from Mike Scholl’s bees. I have a jar waiting from Oran Wilder’s Honey and I am certain it is just as good as the bees from the Lime Kiln area

I also love the name, “Wilder Honey.” We are lucky to have many local business people in Polo.