If you require to learn about someplace , you may always pick up a textbook . But if you want to get to know a place , you ’re going to have to dig a niggling deeper . And what you find there might be a little strange . The Freaky Fifty series will take you on a virtual tour of America to bring out the strange people , places , things , and events that make this state such a unique place to call home .
This hebdomad we ’re headed to the Land of Lincoln : Illinois .
There Be Dragons … in Carbondale?
Carbondale , Illinois is the place of the Salukis of Southern Illinois University . But it ’s also home to a couple of devil , a handful of wizards , numerous knights in shining armour , and a precipitous - erose dragon . If you visit , though , you wo n’t need a sword and shield . Just bring your imagination to the Jeremy “ Boo ” Rochman Memorial Park , also known as Boo Park , the Castle Park , the Dragon Park , or the Dungeons & Dragons park .
Jeremy Rochman was only a adolescent in 1993 when he was killed in a motorcar fortuity just a few hundred feet from his family ’s plate on Giant City Lodge Road . Jeremy ’s Father of the Church , Barrett Rochman , bought a nearby property and built a park inspired by his Logos ’s erotic love of D&D.
The centrepiece of Boo ’s park is a mazy wood and endocarp palace , complete with secluded passages , lofty turrets , and ugly gargoyle , populated by statues of knights who watch over over the centre court . On the surrounding grounds are picnic areas that double as dragons ’ lairs , champion upchuck Magic Missiles , a life - sized unicorn and Pegasus , and a titan , slumber dragon that tike can wax on . All of the statues were made by hand by pupil at the university or other local artists , and many are based on the pewter figurines that Jeremy used take on his favorite illusion role - playing game .
While parent and nipper likewise are welcome to enjoy the park , the Rochman family line asks that you please leave your catapult at home .
Have the liquid ecstasy on an strange person , topographic point or consequence in your state ? Tell me about it on Twitter ( @spacemonkeyx ) and maybe I ’ll let in it in a future edition of Strange States !
See all entries in the Strange States serieshere .
