Model T with a blown tire

This tow truck was called out because the Model T had a blowout

Where it all got started

Original 1913 Merry-go-round

Another one of Thomas Edison's Inventions the 1st phonograph/recorder- Recordings done on "tin" foil- John was asked to demonstrate how the machine worked by speaking into the megaphone his voice was recorded.

Thomas Edison talking about his invention the Light Bulb.

The Wright Bros house a skit they performed out in front about their 1st flight wihich lasted 12 marvelous seconds.

Horse drawn carriage we rode thru the park

Actual 1930 Model A Bus we rode in

We went to HELL for Hell Fest!! Where we won't go for a festival!! This little town consits of a country store, ice cream store and a bar, and a campground- Wasn't sure I wanted to camp in HELL!!! We did get lost trying to find HELL- I know the jokes could go on and on and on........

Ice Cream in Hell-(get it!! if not say outloud)

This fellow must be a local- where else would you find a casket tool box!!

Casket trailer, notice the TV crew trucks, this was a media event

this is a real town, local school bus bringing all the little devils home for the afternoon

A big HELLO from Kalamazoo, MI we have spent a week here enjoying Michigan wineries, a Greek Festival, then we drove up to Grand Rapids to see President Ford Museum his library is in Ann Arbor. He is the only president that has them split up into two places. We really enjoyed his museum, the oval office had recordings of actual events that took place during his presidency. The cabinet room was interactive with actual situations that took place in the cabinet room and you got to vote on the outcome. There was an exhibit right out of the 70's with Hendrix music and clips from Saturday Night Fever. There was also a very interesting temporary exhibit of all the photographers that died in Vietnam, they were being honored. The photos were wonderful and there are still many missing journalists. We felt very fortunate to see this exhibit since it is leaving the museum in a couple of days.
We found a Bavarian Festival in Frankenmuth so we are headed in that direction.
For now take care and be happy.......

Interesting fact- do you remember- during the Nixon/Agnew Administration- Agnew resigned as VP and Nixon appointed Ford, then Nixon resigned as President and Ford took over, then Ford pardoned Nixon- pretty intersting stuff as we look back......

Replica of Fords cabinet room

Replica of the Oval Office

We can thank President Ford for the ATMS- Most of Fords advisors told him no to the Electronic Data Transfer, but Ford disagreed and signed into regulations for the ATMS. Just imagaine where would we be if Ford listend to his advisors?

another exhibit to show that shows how things were changing

The times they are a changin. Saturday Night Fever was really big during Fords Presidency

China used in the White House during Fords Presidency

Holland MI- This windmill was out in front of the Dutch Village. We visted it while we were at the Tulip Festival. As you can tell the weather was not the best, but since we have had over a week of rain we thought this day was PERFECT!! and it really was....

We visited the tulip factory these we the tulips from out in front!! The weather had really hurt the litte guys.......

This was the park where the tulip festival was held. It has been pretty rainy and cold here, which is not a normal weather pattern for this time of year, and the tulips are a litte weather beaten!

more tulips

the squirrls are very friendly

We took a ferry from Port Clinton, OH to Put- in- Bay Island AKA South Bass Island. This peace monument was from the war of 1812. By defeating the British this was the first time an entire British fleet was captured and the Americans took control of Lake Erie and with it most of the Northwest-

This was our mode of transportation on the Island

Private residence on the island

A little cottage on the island this house is circa 1862

The Boardwalk restaurant and entertainment pier

Marblehead Lighthouse on the shore of Lake Erie, Ohio

Lightkeepers cottage

Shore of Lake Erie

close up view of the wall

School children made the patriotic angels one for each person who died in the crash

Each passengers name is on the seat and the benches are overlooking the crash site.

The flag on the fence is where the plane landed.

This was donated by a motorcycle group

Backside of the wall- Both sides are full of mementos.

Temporary Memorial wall

memorial

Memorial

July 1861,was the first battle of Manassas-this was expected to be a very short battle, each side thought the other would back off at the first fire. Spectators followed the troops to sit at on hill top to watch the first fire. By the end of the first day over 900 men had died- this was not going to be a short war. August 1862 was the second Manassas lasting 3 days and 3300 lives lost. The Confederacy won this battle....

Henry House- Judith Henry died during the first Manassas she was the only civilian that died. She refused to leave her home during the battle....

Battlefield of First Manassas (Bull Run)

Stonewall Jackson Monument on Henry's Hill- this is was the battle that General Jackson received his nickname "Stonewall" Jackson from General Bee for capturing a cannon from the union battery.

Stone House- this house was a field hospital during the first and second Manassas

Stone Bridge- The defeated Union Army withdrew across Bull Run.

Colonial Williamsburg is a recreation of the town during the 18th century. Skits throughout the park, historic buildings and taverns, people dressed in period costumes it was a full and really fun day!!!
Hope you enjoy the pictures