The Ghost in the Ruins

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

It was during the twilight of an Autumnal day did The Schoonover (Middle Smithfield Township) Municipal Building in East Stroudsburg, PA hold an Artist's Reception on Friday October 7^th for their Ghosts of the Poconos: Romancing the Ruins Exhibition. The images presented upon the walls were of resorts that once flourished in the Pocono Region of Northeast PA but had become dilapidated during the years after the businesses faced their economic decline. Still, the enduring characteristics of the structures remained visible in the photographs which were exquisitely captured by Susan Kulick of Echo Lake Photography. An assortment of delicious culinary treats were provided by www.Casaculinarian.com “Underground” Food Truck and Dining along with music that was enchantingly presented by Peter Begeley www.peterbegley.com on an instrument known as the Chapman Stick.

The resorts presented in the exhibit included Penn Hills Resort which was known as a honeymoon destination featuring heart shaped bathtubs and champagne-glass-shaped elevated Jacuzzis, Birchwood which was a for couples only resort, The Inn at Pocono Manor which was known as “The Grand Lady of the Mountains” and appeared on the National Registry of Historic Places, and Mountain Lake House which had the phrase, “The Pocono's Most Active Resort” written across the main guest house of the resort. Viewing the images brought back memories to some while instilling a sense of fascination in others. Groupings of the resorts on display were accompanied with information about the resorts that allowed each attendee to learn more about the haunts which increased their admiration for them.

The event was a delightfully well attended one with wonderful images and conversation to partake in which were enhanced by the music and victuals. The Ghosts of the Poconos: Romancing the Ruins Exhibition is a collection of pictures filled with nostalgia over the grandiose commercial enterprises of the past which allows the viewer to contemplation on the material investments we make and the changes that occur to them over time. Perhaps there is something better to place upon our pedestals. You'll find more photographs in The Ghost in the Ruins Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155325152978761.1073742022.91146283760&type=3.

Sue Kulick is a photographer who seeks to capture the beauty and wonderful serenity in nature for all future generations to enjoy. She especially enjoys capturing old, abandoned structures that still carry their grandeur within them in her camera. You can learn more about Sue Kulick and Echo Lake Photography by exploring her Website at www.echolakephotography.vpweb.com of her Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/Echo-Lake-Photography-189779487784851.

The Schoonover (Middle Smithfield Township) Municipal Building in East Stroudsburg, PA is located four miles north of Marshalls Creek, PA near the Pocono Square Shopping Center. Middle Smithfield Township is filled with rich history, beautiful scenery, and a thriving business district. The Ghosts of the Poconos: Romancing the Ruins Exhibition featuring the work of Susan Kulick will continue to be on display until November 4^th. The township's next events will include their Trunk or Treat at Resica Park on Saturday October 22^nd, their 2016 Person of the Year and Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on Friday November 18^th, and their 4^th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Echo Lake Park on Saturday November 16^th. The date of their next art exhibit is yet to be announced. You can learn more about The Schoonover Municipal Building and Middle Smithfield Township, PA by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/mstownship or their Website at www.middlesmithfieldtownship.com.