A TOURism Project -

"Checkered House"
digital collage by Mick Mather

I've had a "TOURism Project" on the drawing board for as long as I can remember. It all began with a little known intersection in Oswego County, New York, known as Checkered House. Here, a building painted in a checkerboard pattern, likely an old Coach Road Inn at one time, marks the beginning of New York Route 104 that travels west all the way to the City of Niagara Falls. The idea for the project is to travel the length of this road as a tourist might, seeking attractions, historical markers, heritage and arts & culture sites, hot dog stands, farmers markets, bed & breakfasts and, well, you get the idea. It's doubtful that I'll be able to get to this project without a grant and a small research staff but it's been on my mind.