During our recent trip to Chicago we learned about the greatest banquet in American history. This elite gathering had occurred thirteen years after the Civil War in 1879. Join us for a peek into high society at the The Palmer House Hotel which has been hosting events and travelers since […]
Educational
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Amid The Great Depression, eleven “Homes of the Future” were on display at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. I was amazed to learn that today, five of these futuristic model homes are currently at Indiana’s ‘Beverly Shores’ along Lake Michigan. Nearly a century later, these homes have been and […]
Imagine. It’s 1893 and you embark upon “The White City,” Chicago’s World Fair. Taking a gondola taxi across The Great Basin to displays of modern inventions. A Ferris Wheel, a moving walkway and electricity dazzle each of the fair-goers. Lighthouse engineering and spray painting were introduced. Many new foods were […]
When I have heard people mention, “Jackson, Michigan,” immediately my mind has focused on the expansive prison. I had not been prepared for the magical, creative community of 30,000 residents that we would meet. Chuck and I were both drawn to the people of the city and will return again […]
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, let nothing you dismay. Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day.” The traditional holiday carol lofted across the three acres of the Realy farm, northeast of Jackson, Michigan. This small group of carolers had created a portal, welcoming us to the 1880’s Waterloo […]
Did you know that thirteen mills had once lined McCoy Creek in Buchanan, Michigan? Pears Mill, built in 1857-58, is currently the only existing mill along the millrace. Pronounced “Peers” the Greek Revival flour mill still operates. Join us as we investigate this engineering marvel which has been carefully restored […]
Fifty-six years after the United States had become a nation, Calvin Snell built his home along US-12, the Chicago Road, in the Michigan Territory. From 1832-1843 Calvin Snell offered meals and rest for people making the five day stage coach journey from Chicago to Detroit. Later it was named “Walker […]
“Oh. I have been looking forward to this stop on our tour of US-12.” Chuck’s eyes widened as we approached Drier’s Butcher Shop on South Elm Street in Three Oaks, Michigan. First opened in 1875, Drier’s Butcher Shop has served the Three Oaks community, surrounding areas and some well known […]
With clogged traffic on I-96, I meandered east along Eleven Mile Road near the city of South Lyon. I was happily heading to Ann Arbor to meet my daughter for lunch. As I turned onto Milford Road I noticed American flags standing behind a black iron fence. It was a […]
Did you know that Mastodons had once roamed through Michigan? Mammoths, too. Honestly, I had never thought about this until my husband, Chuck, had mentioned the largest Mastodon trail had been found near Saline, Michigan. Join us as we travel along US 12 to find this time-worn trail! Mastodon Evidence […]