7 Shots of Dimorier’s Sidewalk Trail

By

Ann Silverthorn

Posted on

October 24th, 2016

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October 24th, 2016
Presque Isle State Park Sidewalk Trail

Presque Isle State Park, in northwestern Pennsylvania, provides quiet refuge for clearing one’s head and connecting with nature. The trails that wind throughout this Lake Erie peninsula offer many opportunities for such soothing sojourns.

William E. Dimorier (1871-1951) educator and servant leader, spent many idle hours at Presque Isle. In April of 1941, retired from the Erie School District, he, like many others in northern climates, escaped the long hibernation and headed to the peninsula. Unlike the average visitor, though, he brought a broom with him.

The Plain Speaker (Hazelton, PA)
29 Apr. 1941 p. 12

A reporter must have come across William as he swept aside the remnants of winter from the mile-long Sidewalk Trail. The short article, “He Does His Share,” appeared in several newspapers.

Last weekend, my husband and I decided to start walking the Presque Isle trails and thought we’d start with the Sidewalk Trail. This narrow, concrete path was originally constructed for the lighthouse keeper, so he could get to his wooden boat and row across Presque Isle Bay for shopping or business in Erie.

Here are seven of my favorite shots from our two-hour excursion, on a Sunday autumn afternoon, in our beloved northwestern Pennsylvania.

Presque Isle State Park Sidewalk Trail
This fallen timber was probably a young, healthy tree when William Dimorier walked the Presque Isle Sidewalk Trail in the first half of the 20th century.
This little guy crossed the trail in front of us.
And this squirrel hardly noticed us.
Getting ready to reproduce next spring.
A colorful blanket of leaves along the trail.
Farewell for now. . .

Comments on “7 Shots of the Sidewalk Trail”

  1. MARYJANE KOENIG Your photos are beautiful! Did YOU take a broom? Next time, if you didn’t!
    • Ann Silverthorn Haha! I actually mentioned to Jim that I forgot my broom. It could use some sweeping. And edging.

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