Leaving Brookville Ohio

We had a wonderful visit with Sarah and her husband.  The last time mom saw her was in 1948.   They are such a delightful couple and we enjoyed the conversation and the wonderful memories. The date bread that we were given was very good.  It was kind of sad to leave.

When I came home I visited with Freddy and his delightful owners.  They are in their 80s and have been on the road for 18 years.  They are interested in the same things mom and I are so I told them to head for Germantown Ohio for some wonderful historical buildings and Mexican Food…… what…. you were expecting German food?  Hah

We were considering heading to Zanesville Ohio but decided to head towards Illinois.  We will be visiting with my sister and her family on the 18th.  She lives just outside of St. Louis.  I have been busy with mapping out our trip and making a list of the places we want to see.  One of the places is a ghost town outside of Sturgis KY.   We will be able to avoid the interstate most of the way. 

So tomorrow it is good-bye to eastern time hello to central time! 

If we get that far…  so much to see…  life is good.

Archbold Ohio

Currently we are in Honor Michigan.

We were not planning to spend the night in Archbold but we spent a little too much time everywhere else. I googled campgrounds near Napoleon and Sauders RV Park came as the closest so I called. I talked to the operator about Sauder Village and decided to spend a couple nights there.

Sauder Village was created by Erie J. Sauders, a local businessman. Mr. Saunders started his own business in 1934. At first Sauder made kitchen cabinets. He also manufactured other wood products based on requests. A few years after he had started his own woodworking business an established church burned down in the local area. Sauder was awarded a contract of building new pews for the church. This then introduced his business into church furniture and eventually his company became a leading manufacturer of church furniture throughout the nation.

He continued to make specialized wood cabinets, church furniture and pews, and wooden occasional tables throughout the forties and fifties. In 1954, because of his further interest in the ready-to-assemble furniture business, Sauder divided up his company and formed the Sauder Manufacturing Company. This new company took on the manufacturing of church pews, while the "snap-together" furniture continued at Sauder Woodworking Company. The Sauder furniture business remains in the same place. It is the fifth largest residential furniture manufacturer in America and the world's leading manufacturer of ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture. Sauder remained as president of the Sauder Woodworking Company until 1975 when two of his sons, Maynard and Myrl, took over the businesses. During his retirement years, he created Sauder Village

We had a wonderful time exploring Sauder Village, a living history village. It provides a re-creation of life in the late 19th and 20th centuries in northwest Ohio. There were artists, craftsmen and craftswomen showing folks how to create baskets, brooms, barrels, pottery etc. They had a train that would take you around the village to the RV Park or hotel. For the children there were a lot of hands on things to do. There were also people at each building explaining how things were done in pioneer times. We learned a lot about the Mennonite religion, the persecution they faced and the hardships they took on settling in this area of Ohio. Archbold Ohio was once part of a large swampy area called the Black Swamp. The pioneers had to drain it in order to create their farms. Most of the buildings in Sauder Village were actually homes or churches they had moved to Sauder Village. The last building we went into was the Lutheran Church. There in the corner a lady sat at an old pump organ and after telling us the history asked if we had any requests. I requested Grandpa Peavyhouse’s favorite hymn, In the Garden. Mom and I sat in the pews and listen. It was rich and full and booming – it was an experience I wish I could describe. We requested a couple more songs.

Also at Sauder Village they having their Annual Traditional Rug Hooking Exhibition and we saw all of the beautiful hand hooked rugs. I even picked up two kits for myself and my daughter. I use to hook rugs and we will see if I can still remember how.

It was a wonderful day. 

Click here for pictures of Sauder Village.
Click here for pictures of rugs.

Don’t Wanna

I am in the mood to do nothing this evening.  I am not tired just weary. 

We are in Michigan at one of my favorite rv parks.  The price is right thanks to Escapees, the owner is a hoot, and the internet is free and works great. 

 Mom and I decided to travel the GAR Highway (U.S. Route 6) in Northern Ohio. The GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) Highway is a main route of the U.S. Highway system, running east-northeast from Bishop, California to Provincetown, Massachusetts. Until 1964, it continued south from Bishop to Long Beach, California, and was a transcontinental route.

We were rewarded with old cemeteries, old Victorian houses, wonderful main streets and I have it down as one of the highways I would like to investigate further.  One of the cities in Ohio we visited was Clyde Ohio – home to Sherwood Anderson (Author), James B. McPherson (Union Major General), and Rodger Young (Medal of Honor recipient).  We also visited the McPherson Cemetery.  One of the men buried in the cemetery was George Burton Meek who was killed in action on the torpedo boat, Winslow.  He was the first to be killed in the service of  U.S. in the war with Spain.    James B. McPherson who died in the battle of Atlanta is buried there and the cemetery is located across the street from his childhood home.  Rodger Young is buried there as well. 

Private Young is an inspiration.  He was five foot two, his hearing was poor as was his eyesight due to an accident on a basketball court.  Rodger joined Company B 148th Infantry (the Fremont Company) of the Ohio National Guard in January 1938. He died in 1943 a hero. 

On July 31, 1943, Young's squad was pinned down by a hidden Japanese machine gun nest protecting the Munda airstrip on New Georgia. Rodger, wounded by the initial burst of fire, spotted the location of the gun. Firing his rifle and attracting the fire of the enemy, he crept forward and was wounded a second time. When he was close enough, he began throwing hand grenades, was hit again and killed. His heroic efforts allowed his squad to withdraw with no additional losses while inflicting several casualties on the Japanese. For this action, Rodger Young was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in January 1944. About a year later this story came to the attention of Pfc. Frank Loesser who, already established as a writer of popular songs, wrote "The Ballad of Rodger Young".

Click here for pictures of McPherson Cemetery, Clyde Ohio.

We stopped at Napoleon Ohio to see the courthouse and walk the main street.  It is a beautiful old town.  Click here for pictures.

Tomorrow I will post about Archbold Ohio.  Until then life is good!!!!

"You must try to forget all you have learned,” said the old man. “You must begin to dream. From this time on you must shut your ears to the roaring of the voices." ~Sherwood Anderson (Winesburg, Ohio)

Conneaut Ohio

Conneaut is a city in Ashtabula County, Ohio, United States, along Lake Erie at the mouth of Conneaut Creek, which is the number one steelhead trout stream in the country.  Conneaut was discovered in 1796 by Moses Cleaveland on July 4th. As an early settlement it was named Salem. It was established in 1837, at a site beside Conneaut Creek.  The city of Conneaut is located on an old Native American trail, later used by early westbound pioneers.

We stayed at Evergreen RV Park and found it to be a wonderful place to stay for a few days.  One of the residents told us about the tornado which struck the park on June 27th.  That was a very rare event according to him.  One of the RVs was up a tree and inside were two little girls.  Fortunately no one was injured and the damage to the park could be fixed by the 4th of July.  When we drove through the town we could see the evidence of a tornado and we were just amazed that no one was injured.  Conneaut has a wonderful downtown area that was fun to walk.  Even Dollar General is housed in a historical building.  I found the Town Hall building the most interesting. 

To view pictures click here.

Lake Erie

While in Conneaut Ohio mom and I took a walk on the shores of Lake Erie.  On the way to the van I watch two gulls fight over a hamburger bun.  With trash cans full of yummy to seagulls scrap I couldn’t figure out why these two would fight.   Since my knowledge of Seagulls is limited to “they eat, fly, and poop” I did a little research on the “Misunderstood Seagull.”


The Seagull Family
Seagulls are actually a common bird in the Charadriiformes family Laridae.
They are closely related to the terns.
Most gulls however, belong to the large family named Larus. The word Larus is from the Greek word meaning “ravenous sea bird.”

The Seagull Physique
They have a small claw half way up their lower leg which they use to prevent being blown off narrow ledges when they sit down or roost.
Their coloring changes frequently from mottled to white to gray.
They can drink salt water this is because seagulls have a special pair of glands right above their eyes, specifically designed to flush the salt from their systems through openings in the bill.
They have excellent eyesight, better than you or me and unlike most birds their eyes can move in their sockets.

Time In Regards To A Seagull
They mature in 4 years.
They can live a long time - up to 40 years in captivity but typically only 10 in the wild.

The Seagull Diet
Most seagulls are actually carnivores. They eat fish and crabs. They will scavenge dead animals and organic litter. They actually keep beaches clean.

Where Can You Find A Seagull
Most of the world’s seagulls are born in California.
Seagulls seek land for breeding and scavenging. They rarely venture out to sea.

How Smart Is A Seagull?
Seagulls are actually very intelligent and capable of high level communication.

Seagull PoopSeagull poop are actually full nutrient-rich waste perfect for the breeding of bacteria and other organisms that can cause disease and infections in humans.
Their poop are also Corrosive!

How Mean Are They
Some gulls can even be aggressive and hurt people. They can also infect you if they bite or scratch you! Some diseases they carry are E. coli, Cryptococossis and Histoplasmosis.

Seagull ParentsThey are caring and attentive parents. Both the male and female pair for life and take turns to incubate, feed and protect the chicks.
Juvenile birds form nursery flocks and will be watched over by a few adult males. Where they will play, fight and learn the skills needed for survival. They will stay with the flock until they are old enough to breed.

Most Important Seagull Fact is DO NOT FEED THEM!!!!

Click Here For Pictures!!

Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding. Find out what you already know and you will see the way to fly."  Richard Bach (Jonathan Livingston Seagull)

Put In Bay, Ohio

Mom and I drove to Port Clinton Ohio August 3rd and spent 3 nights at CedarLane RV Park.  During our visit we toured Put In Bay Island.  I thoroughly enjoyed driving around the island in a golf cart.  I was given a map and instructions on how to operate the cart and off mom and I went.  Mom was in charge of taking pictures while I drove.  I tell you what….  it is a little strange to go from my van to a golf cart.

The island is only two by four miles and you can drive around in a matter of minutes if it wasn’t for all the touristy stuff along the way.  We toured the crystal cave (not worth the time) and winery.  I had a wonderful “taste” of grape juice and learned quite a bit about wine.  We stopped at the cemetery and the state park.  We walked through the downtown and watched the kids ride the merry go round.  It was a fun day. 

Some of the highlights of Put In Bay are 
Perry Peace Memorial - Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial was established to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812, and to celebrate the long-lasting peace between Britain, Canada and the U.S.
Heineman Winery
Kimberly’s Carousel
Perry’s Cave

Click here for pictures.

At Last An Internet Connection

We are still in northern Ohio at a campground that has fantastic internet service, well worth the $2.  I have been busy uploading pictures and getting updates for my computer.

The first set of pictures will be of Tawas Point State Park in East Tawas, Michigan.  I just loved the park and the beauty of it.

I have two nights to create about 7 blogs and get everything set up for a week when I will be traveling to New York.  Robin, I have heard of Lily Dale and I am so thankful that you reminded me.  That is where we will be heading.  We plan to stay in New York and away from mountains before heading south.

Click here for pictures of Tawas Point State Park Part One
Click here for pictures of Tawas Point State Park Part Two

Update

We really enjoyed our stay in Port Clinton Ohio but we look forward to moving on down the road.  We are discovering that more and more parks that advertise "free internet" means having to sit outside the office at a picnic table.  Hopefully the next park will have it on site.  I will be posting more hopefully tomorrow.

We took the ferry to Put In Bay but didn't make it to Kelley's Island today.  Put In Bay was a lot of fun and I enjoyed driving the golf cart around.

A few pictures of Put In Bay island.