Eighty years ago, my siblings and I would walk with our mother to the lake from Vaden Bosh Avenue, passing along the Lake Avenue medians. I remember marveling at the brilliant display of flowering shrubs and the flowers planted there. Fast-forward to 1999, and the beautification committee of the Cayuga County bicentennial is meeting monthly at Willard Memorial Chapel.
In hearing of my childhood memory, the committee decided to include the community. Families were encouraged to donate funds that were applied to plantings dedicated in memory of a loved one. Imagine the committee’s surprise when a City Hall employee discovered the original medium designs, stuffed high in a cupboard, with the botanical listings of the former 1930 median developments.
Over $12,000 was raised during the bicentennial, with contributions received from 300 families, five organizations and 23 businesses, according to Maureen Walsh’s treasurer's notes. The Isaac Walker memorial tree on Frederick Street. Today, these mature plantings can be found sprinkled throughout the county.
The 1999 plantings included trees, bulbs, scrubs and perennials. The spring splendor can be found at the blooming crab apple tree of the Isaac Walker memorial on Frederick Street. Drivers notice the devoted attention found at the Joey Speno memorial found on the Lake Avenue median with its seasonal displays.
This planting is illuminated across the street by the Walsh window candle found burning for years in memory of her brot.
