In the late afternoon, before a late dinner, Basil and I took another tour around Williamstown, Massachusetts on our recent visit, this time exploring a neighborhood, and a different area of the college.
Houses in these small towns are so much more interesting that those in suburbs that have been “developed”. For one thing, they tend not to be cookie-cutter versions of one another.
I may not find every house I see to be aesthetically pleasing (and often I don’t!), but I do appreciate the variety of styles, whether they seem misguided or not.
Though I’m no fan of lawn ornaments, every now and then I spy a new iteration that strikes my fancy. (I hope there’s some family planning going on here; otherwise, it might be worrisome to have a stork constantly arriving in the garden!)
There’s a cute little porch attached to this house, matched by a cute little garage at the back –and will a rather less cute little extension between — but all of it well tied together with a neat job of paint and trim.
The red accents here are unexpected, as are the flamboyant Adirondack chairs on the porch — and oh, what a porch! Though it’s not obvious here, it wraps around the considerable length of the house, as well as across the front.
This home has a garage on a grander scale — in this case, as in many, it’s undoubtedly a converted barn. No more room for livestock, but plenty for vehicles and gear. The garage is painted to match the home, but not nearly as colorfully; instead of red trim, the edging is done in a darker blue.
This structure has double-tiered faux bay windows, and glorious double porches — just the place to be on a sultry summer day.
After scouting the neighborhood, Basil and I headed over to a new (to us) section of the Williams College campus. We learned later that this is where former professors and spouses are buried.
It’s a tiny cemetery, but apparently there is a supplemental one elsewhere.
Though irrelevant to the permanent residents, the view is lovely.
I gathered from the bunting and banners (“Williams 1948”) that a reunion weekend was in the offing.
The dorm may be high-density, but the landscape behind is strictly bucolic.
This small vehicle was parked in a maintenance area, attached to a power source by what looked alarmingly like an umbilical cord. It’s electric, of course — maybe a catering truck?
The license plates are “LS” for “low speed”.
Then Basil and I headed down toward the athletic fields.
They’re a little more spectacular than at some colleges.
We lapped the fields and then returned to town, where I took a few last snaps.
Once a church, this building was converted, like so many now, to another use (though I’ve forgotten to what), and is now apartments, I believe.
I’m assuming this was once the bell tower. I’m quite sure it is stone, but it has a lovely burnished-copper sheen.
This was another stunningly beautiful, temperate, day in Williamstown, and another rewarding bit of exploration with Basil. Travelling with a Brompton: Is there anything better?