US-Canada photos

In my looking at the archived messages, I remember seeing that someone sent in my Canada picture number 1, but not the inside of the library.

Photo 1) This library (the Haskell Library and Opera House) is directly on the US-Canada border. The bottom floor is the public library of the twin communities of Derby Line, Vermont and Rock Island, Quebec, while the upper floor is an historic opera house. The opera stage is in Canada, while most of the audience sits in the United States.

Photo 2) This is what the border looks like inside the building. The toilet is completely in the United States. If the line were only a meter or so to the south, a person would be straddling both countries to use the loo! A cheek in each country. The line is painted all throughout the building for insurance and touristic purposes. Several years ago, a fire broke out in the building, and the number the librarian dialed was for the wrong town's fire department--they weren't allowed to spray water over the border, so more damage was done before the appropriate side's fire department could arrive to put out the fire!! Strange story, but this border is full of these amazing tales!

Photo 3) In the same town(s), this old apartment building is bisected by the border. Notice the with marker at the base of the building's southwest corner. I chatted for hours with an older couple whose living room is in both countries. There are many tales to tell.

Photo 4) Same town(s), the border goes through this house and garage. The property owners have planted a lovely flower bed around the border marker.