One can only imagine the impact the big house by the river would have made. This certainly was not the cottage image of 'over the hill and through the woods to Granny's house' one might think of stumbling on amongst the trees.

While most of this series focuses on individuals buried in Silverbrook Cemetery, we are constantly aware of the legacy left us by the residents of that hallowed ground. Each stone represents the life of people who once walked our streets, welcomed others to their shops and manned our factories.

Sometimes their contribution is not glaringly relevant to our lives today. In other instances, however, there has been a past collective effort for the good of our community which still is vital to our lives here and now.
Such is the case with the story of Pawating Hospital. Pa-wa-ting: "crossing of the river."

Much has changed since the days the lands were occupied by their original native population and yet the mighty St. Joe still hurries under Broadway Bridge and past the doorstep of the property on which was restored the great home that became known as "Castle Rest."

Click here for the full article on the Niles Daily Star website

Published May 30th, 2009