MYSTERY: Tall column commemorates what — and where is it?

This tall column celebrates something. Can you figure out what it is, and where this photo was taken?   Send your answers to elliott@brack.net and be sure to include the town where you live.

Susan Northcuff of Lawrenceville was excited to be the first person recognizing last edition’s Mystery Photo. “I think I’ve got this one!!  It’s the Croquet Lawn at the Ocean House luxury hotel, 1 Bluff Ave, Watch Hill, Westerly, RI!!!” She was right.

Several people thought it was in Newport, R.I. Susan McBrayer of Sugar Hill, who submitted the photo, says: “Definitely not Newport. Maybe because Rhode Island is such a small place, some people think of every place along the coast of R.I. as Newport. But, Westerly is more than one hour south/west of Newport. The hotel is in the “village” of Watch Hill, which is in the town of Westerly.”

Ruthy Lachman Paul told us “The original Ocean House was a post-Civil War resort destination for the rich. The 1916 silent movie American Aristocracy was filmed at the towering Victorian hotel, known for its yellow facade and striking ocean views.”

Gwinnett Master Gardeners win volunteer award from state group

Gwinnett County Master Gardeners Association (GCMGA) received the Volunteer award from the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) during the group’s annual conference held in Dalton. The gardeners received the award for working with GRPA since 1999, averaging 1000 hours per year. receiving the honor award. From left receiving the GRPA Volunteer award are Tina Fleming, GCPR division director; Mary Ann Maher and Kathy Parent with GCMGA; Michael Brantley, GRPA president; Joyce Teel and Shirley Bohm with GCMGA; and Kim Shealy, GCPR Volunteer Resources Coordinator. Master Gardeners have revitalized wildlife areas, re-established a Brook garden and regularly served as stewards of the environment by utilizing native plants and best environmental practices. Volunteers serve as ambassadors to the public of Gwinnett County on horticultural practices that foster beautiful gardens and healthy environments.