Day 7, In Oberlin, Monday June 14

Zero miles :: trip total 248 miles

Hotel @ Oberlin, 10 E. College St

A day without cycling to rest today in Oberlin, though an image pedaled into our view: We see ouselves  meandering along the border between COVID and what may become post-COVID. For example: We ordered our morning coffee on-line, and sat outside 'The Local' until it was delivered up the stairs that would take you into where you would enter the coffee shop in normal times. Who knows? Tomorrow it may normal times again. 

 

The signs on businesses along the route are changing from "Masks Required" to "Masks Preferred but Not Mandatory", to "Please wear masks if you are not vaccinated." Staff is still wearing masks, as in our hotel, but not guests. In person tour for perspective Oberlin students and their parents just began again 3 days ago.. Every day we move a little toward the new "normal". 

 Oberlin College was founded in 1833 and from its beginning welcomed women and African American students--firsts in the country. Meg Steen, a 7th generation Oberlin student is here for the summer term. She is daughter and grand daughter of good Ft. Collins friends . She showed Marney around this beautiful campus which surrounds a beautiful spacious central park, Tappan Square.

Most impressive are the sandstone Richardson Romanesque buildings constructed between 1880 and 1910 (and some excellent modern architecture).

 

The Oberlin community was very active in helping slaves seek their freedom via the Underground Railroad. An Underground Railroad sculpture in front of beautiful Talcott Hall  commemorates Oberlin's contributions.