Beautiful, Unusual, Artistic, Floral, Fun! Metal, wood, old, new…a variety of Ashland gates. 18 photos, 18 gates. Published April 2020.
I will add Parts 2, 3 and more as I walk more Ashland streets.
I stopped to smell the fragrant honeysuckle as I walked past this gate last summer. (Harrison Street)
Creativity makes our lives more interesting and enjoyable. Creativity can be expressed in many ways. Here I recognize people who have expressed their creativity through the normally little noticed entry gate. This photo essay was published in April 2020, so some of the gates shown may look different now, or may no longer be there. All photos were taken by Peter Finkle.
Wood and metal complement each other in this gate. (Auburn Street)This alley gate looks like it has been here for many years. (alley between A Street and B Street)Let’s hear it for the metal artists in our community. (Morton Street)
“When I open the gate in my protective personal wall,
my little world becomes more spacious.”
Peter Finkle
Did a bicycle rider build this gate? (Beach Street)A creative metal artist either lives here or is appreciated here. (Morton Street)This gate is on Forest Street near the corner with Morton Street.
The gate above has a good story. I noticed this unusual gate and stopped to take a photo. A woman (Anna Beauchamp) was in the garden and I asked her about the gate. She told me her husband Stephen Bacon made the gate. He carved the two side posts from cedar logs and the top post from a Russian olive tree. The center spirals are made from their garden grape vine trimmings. Stephen has decades of experience working with wood, but not normally these types of wood. He has built and repaired violins and other string instruments since he was 17 years old. His shop in Ashland, Bellwood Violin, serves professional musicians, schools and more. And I learned all of that by stopping to look at a gate!
This is an unusual formal entrance gate. (Liberty Street house address)The gate has attractive lines, but the colorful flowers we see through the gate make the scene. (Harrison Street)I don’t think this gate is used very often. (Almond Street)Alley gate near the library. (between Siskiyou Boulevard and Allison Street)Copper spiral and fragrant star jasmine flowers in our yard. Eric Cislo made the gate and Cheryl Garcia created the copper spiral. (Beach Street)Can you tell which day of the year this photo was taken? Hint: starts with an “H.” (Oak Street)Here is another nice combination of metal and wood. (Rock Street, I think)The house you can see through this gate was built about 1904. Could the gate be that old? (8th Street)This one is simple but memorable. (4th Street)Is this “art” or is this “gate?” Let’s just call it “art on gate.” (Ohio Street)This is the most dramatic gate I have seen so far in my walks around Ashland. Do you have a nomination for a more dramatic gate?
Such a great variety! Folks are so creative! Was surprised to see and read about one of the gates….it’s my brother and I’ve never seen his home. He IS very talented!! Thanks for sharing!
Deb Milan
Posted at 23:49h, 29 AprilSuch a great variety! Folks are so creative! Was surprised to see and read about one of the gates….it’s my brother and I’ve never seen his home. He IS very talented!! Thanks for sharing!
Susan Lee
Posted at 17:32h, 29 AprilThanks. Great post!
Barbara Annette Shaw
Posted at 16:26h, 29 AprilI used to live in Ashland and really appreciate. your pictures and writings about this wonderful place. Thank you !!
Sharry Teague
Posted at 12:51h, 29 AprilBeautiful
Vickie Kirk
Posted at 10:00h, 07 AprilThis is delightful…I look forward to Parts 2 and 3. We are thinking of moving to Ashland.
Graham Lewis
Posted at 13:25h, 06 AprilGives new meaning to the phrase “giving the gate.” Thanks Peter.
Jackie Bachman
Posted at 12:41h, 06 AprilReally enjoyed all the gates of Ashland! Keep em coming, Peter! Your blog puts a smile on my face….thank you!
Peter Finkle
Posted at 13:29h, 06 AprilJackie,
Smiles are good! I’m glad I could help bring one forth.
Peter