The area in Milton by the first bridge is one of many beautiful places in Queens County. The river is beautiful, the falls breathtaking and really one of a kind in our county. The 2 Milton Churches along the Mersey River just add to a picturesque scene. On the West side of the Mersey is Tupper Park, yet another beautiful addition to that area but Tupper Park was not always there. Some of Tupper Park was actually part of the river and was filled in. In the 1970's Milton resident Harry Hartlen was seen there regularly levelling out many loads of fill and soil to create what we have today. Harry lived just up and across the street (almost across from the Blacksmith Shop) so he spent countless hours creating what we all enjoy today and he did it all by hand with a shovel and wheelbarrow. Harry was a character to say the least. He operated a taxi business, well I'm not really sure if he had a registered taxi business but he drove it anyway.
 |
| Harry & Alice Hartlen |
ALICE'S NURSING HOME
Harry' wife Alice operated Alice's Nursing Home in their home for many years. I remember walking home from school and seeing the old folks in there. One lady in particular always waited for us kids to walk by and we'd wave and she'd wave back. She always sat in the same chair right in the window to see the kids and goings on. I never knew who she was and I often wondered when we all started going to Liverpool Regional High School what her name was. I'm sure she missed us Tupper Street kids who always took the time to wave and smile.
Harry and Alice had no kids and after their deaths in the early 1990's the house was sold. George Fraser owned it for many years and in the last 2 years or so Richard Colp purchased the house. It's bright red roof is certainly noticeable when you're driving in the area.
Tupper Park is a great place to go and sit and relax. It's also a great place for family photos too. Many weddings pictures have been taken there over the years. The park has given many people lots of enjoyment since it was completed in 1980 and we owe it all to Harry Hartlen. I remember as a teenager wondering why they named it Tupper Park...I always felt it should have been named Harry Hartlen Park since it would not exist if it wasn't for him.
 |
| Harry and his mom Dec. 1974 |
 |
| Inside Alice's Nursing Home |
 |
| Inside Alice's Nursing Home - Fanny Snow and Mrs. Dolliver....Fanny was the lady who always waved to us kids! |