I’m an observant person. I notice things around me. Recently I was in a small town to the west of Minneapolis. I saw two homes that have what I refer to as “exterior trimming”. It’s along the vein of tree trimming during the Christmas holiday in that it’s decorative. Some might say these are whimsical or displaying someone’s personality. They caught my eye and made me wonder about the owners and their reasoning for displaying these items, particularly the mirror and its placement above the garage.
A mirror above a garageExterior trimming
No doubt my eyes will be on the lookout for more of these unusual trimmings. Does your home have any atypical exterior trim?
The folks over at The Cottage are at it again. They’re opening their doors for their once-a-month sale. Find both vintage and newer items for your home. It may not yet be spring here in Minnesota but one can still be on the hunt for style. Peruse more items and goods at the antique stores and the Mary O’Neal & Co consignment shop on Water Street. Enjoy lunch or a snack at one of the restaurants on the main street.
Old Excelsior Public School Building in Excelsior Minnesota
This building was built, according to tax records, in 1898, and sits on just under an acre of land. It’s a beautiful building in the Twin Cities area in Excelsior, Minnesota. It’s now used as commercial space and is a wonderful example of building re-use and adaptation. It’s architectural details are varied and numerous. It looks like a bell tower on the top. If only the bell were still in place. It could ring the hours of the day.
Old Excelsior Public School by Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior Minnesota
The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society has their offices here. The Society’s museum and archives are free and open to the public. It was founded in 1972 and serves the communities of Excelsior, Tonka Bay, Deephaven, Shorewood and Greenwood. It’s nice to know one can still learn in the former school building.
Flagpole at Old Excelsior Public School Building in Excelsior Minnesota
The flagpole is still on the site. It reaches up into the trees. There was no flag flying on the day that I took this photo. I’m not sure one ever does with the tree branches being of the same height. I find it comforting that both the tree and the pole are here, honoring the life and history of each of them.
On another note, Art on the Lake, an art fair, takes place this weekend, June 12th-13th, in Excelsior. There are free shuttles from the Minnetonka High School. The event takes place at Excelsior Commons, a large park area next to Lake Minnetonka. And if you find it too wet with the rain, head on over to the Old Excelsior Public School Building to learn more about the area’s history.
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