I agree with Greensburg City Council about providing names to the roads in Mount Odin for the purpose of responding to emergencies (“Greensburg eyes contract for repaving streets,” May 2, TribLIVE). I do hope, though, they take into consideration Frank Cowan’s love of Norse mythology. I was raised near Mount Odin and have always had an interest in its history.
According to a publication by John Pollins in 1948 (“Dr. Frank Cowan, A Biographical Sketch”), he called his home atop the hill “Valhalla.” A small house on the property was called “Vingolf,” and he had three concentric roads through Mount Odin that he called “Utgard,” “Midgard” and “Osgard.” Cowan also published many books with titles such as “Zomara” and “Revilona.” There is a ground marker stating “Frank Cowan Memory Lane” after entering the park.
I hope council takes into consideration the above names to further honor this gentleman who was a well-known doctor, journalist, lawyer and horticulturist (he had an experimental farm on the property). He also was one of the private secretaries to President Andrew Johnson.
Cowan provided the city with this beautiful park, and it would keep his history alive for years to come.
Mary Beth Giron Weyant
Penn