Object ID	2004.0032.007
Accession#	2004.0032
Object Name	Documents
Title	Reflections on the Dedication (of the Peninsula Depot Visitoe Center Dedication)
Abstract	Four pages of notes handwritten by Robert L. Hunker, owner of the depot, preservationist, and speaker at the dedication. Text: Written from memory-Sunday Nov. 28, 2004 Reflections on the Dedication Note the Program - comments Robert L. Hunker Preservationist and Depot Owner. Also note I had to follow the best speaker ever, John Debo, who ultimately did my interview "Access to the Arts" the following month of September. Then Mike Kaplan, mayor who for some reason "hates my site and guts" but I was chaming and solicitous in spite of the fact I nearly puked. Actualluy, his mother was very nice and complimentary. I even gave them a preferred parking space at the GAR Hall reception. John, of course, was brilliant and Mike is a trial attorney so he too was good and the audience of about 75 were interested. John gave me accolades and recognition which brought unexpected applause. Then "me." I said without John Debo there would not be a towpath, with bikes, hiking, horses, no Depot Visitors Center etc. Then, I don't usually think much of government employees but John's the exception. the first governtment employee I would consider and wish to hire. That was fun and he had a round of comments about working for me. Everyone enjoyed. Ribbon cuttings are all the same, ribbon, scissors, the so-called dignitaries, lots of pictures and "snip" the ribbon, it's over. The GAR Hall was brilliant. I've taught our landscape architect, Kim Fiocca, how to do the flowers etc. and she did a superb job. All patriotic, red, white, and blue. The display in the Depot is very well done. I humbly acknowledge that I did the research and writing. See file on Peninsula Depot History. Finally, I am acknowledged, the first time my involvement in Peninsula and the depot, at least the first as a permanent record. See ________ from my letter the next day to Page Oberlin who was a big part of my life and the PNC and the surrounding area of redevelopment. Also see the before photos of the site. It was a mess, a junk yard. I did forget amongst all the pleasantries of the day the nasty, vicious treatment I received from the two neighbors Wanda Gandlee and H____ Cassidy. The Village dedicated at their insistence, a 50 ft wide street which put the depot and ______ building in the street. Thus, I was forced to sue them to retain my property over which a 20 ft. drive easement was granted. $20,000 later and much stress, I won! Next the Village passed an ordinance forbidding the historic Cuyahoga Valley line from stopping in Peninsula on the grounds that it would be a nuisance and danger to the residents. That changed when the circus sought my advice and help to allow the circus train to stop and remain for ten days for the circus perfomances at the Coliseum. The wonderful woman from the circus and her very gay associate offered free tickets to everyone in town and extra for relatives. So, they changed their minds. The circus came and the elephants, horses, and giraffes walked up the street (Route 303) to the Coliseum. Once in the snow, always there were the feces of them on the road. Where else but in Peninsula could you find poop from Africa and Asia. See Files 1. Mill Street - Railroad lawsuit 2. Train - Stopping and lawsuit 3. Articles on the circus (scrapbooks) 4. CD/Access to the Arts 9/04
Date	November 28, 2004
Search Terms	Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Main St., Peninsula Peninsula Depot Visitor Center Railroad station Railroads Circuses Circus animals
Collection	Peninsula Heritage
People	Hunker, Robert L. Debo, John Jr. Kaplan, Michael
Subjects	Circuses & shows Circus animals Railroad stations
Creator	Hunker, Robert L.
Catalog date	01/19/2005
Classification	Railroads
Dates of Creation	November 28, 2004
Event	Peninsula Depot Visitor Center Dedication
Home Location	6138 Riverview Road Suite F
Language	English