Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Philadelphia and points west - Day 4
Philadelphia rain is a somber thing and that is what met us on the way to the bus that final day in Philly. We said goodbye to our fond gathering in the Freedom City and were quite done. We managed a soggy stop in Valley Forge before heading home. Despite the rain, this historic landmark told the tale of a six month stop over in PA while troops waited, regrouped and hunkered down.
The Valley Forge area is absolutely lush and beautiful. Just a heartbeat away from the then hub of government, it represents the beauty of rolling hills and lovely scenery that those of us who live in Pennsylvania can only dream of when not in state. The abundance of deer, who were very uncaring about how close any tour bus ventured, was an interesting note. The area is a posted area, no hunting and the deer are found everywhere! Just off the roads, their heads would raise and then resume feeding in the grass. We stopped off to pick up our tour guide at the welcome center and headed out to a cluster of cabins which recreated the kind of conditions the troops came to know during that winter of infamy. With more than 10,000 troops hunkering down, there were about 1500 cabins sleeping 6-8 in each. Made from sturdy logs with a fireplace and insulation between the log cracks, it was as comfortable as it would get. Our guide explained that at any given time, two thirds of the troops were out on duty, so on the off shift, soldiers would sleep and find some protection from the bitter wind and cold. I never knew that so I found it fascinating.
We got back on the bus, soaked to the skin and headed for the famous arch not far away. The arch is significant as a memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives (not from battle, rather disease and such) but for the devotion to the cause of freedom. A sudden downpour made us all cringe as the guide asked if we wanted to get out and walk up. Not a soul replied. Enough said or unsaid. We continued on the General Washinton's Headquarters.
The clouds gave us a respite as we met an awesome National Park Ranger who used his wit and knowledge to tell us of the Washington family and their entourage during that fateful time. We had a wonderful storyteller stop in to give us a chance to play a quick game show type historical trivia quiz and off we went to walk into the beautiful and relatively small house. I was immediately reminded of my life in Connecticut and all the New England type stone houses. There was the Washington family, various Generals and staff living in quarters that we'd balk at in a heartbeat. The African American servants slept in a small crawlspace above the outside building and a lean to type building was built to supply an eating area for the more than thirty soldiers and others who needed to be there for various reasons at any given time. Tough times, decent adaptations.
We boarded the bus and after a chance to visit the gift shop and bathrooms (a necessary stop considering we are human and teachers), we headed for home. I bought a deck of Valley Forge cards for the hubby since we have this ongoing gin rummy game that he is soundly beating me at every day.
Our trip home was uneventful except for the fact that in between a bit of dozing off we saw a great SNL DVD back in the Chevy Chase days. We all enjoyed the trip through time. As the bus rolled into the IU at Edinboro, we said our fond farewells. Three years of history had bound us all together and we all found it hard to believe it was coming to an end. We gave our hugs and promises to meet up again to continue our history quests. We'll see where the journey takes us. It was a great ride.
The Valley Forge area is absolutely lush and beautiful. Just a heartbeat away from the then hub of government, it represents the beauty of rolling hills and lovely scenery that those of us who live in Pennsylvania can only dream of when not in state. The abundance of deer, who were very uncaring about how close any tour bus ventured, was an interesting note. The area is a posted area, no hunting and the deer are found everywhere! Just off the roads, their heads would raise and then resume feeding in the grass. We stopped off to pick up our tour guide at the welcome center and headed out to a cluster of cabins which recreated the kind of conditions the troops came to know during that winter of infamy. With more than 10,000 troops hunkering down, there were about 1500 cabins sleeping 6-8 in each. Made from sturdy logs with a fireplace and insulation between the log cracks, it was as comfortable as it would get. Our guide explained that at any given time, two thirds of the troops were out on duty, so on the off shift, soldiers would sleep and find some protection from the bitter wind and cold. I never knew that so I found it fascinating.
We got back on the bus, soaked to the skin and headed for the famous arch not far away. The arch is significant as a memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives (not from battle, rather disease and such) but for the devotion to the cause of freedom. A sudden downpour made us all cringe as the guide asked if we wanted to get out and walk up. Not a soul replied. Enough said or unsaid. We continued on the General Washinton's Headquarters.
The clouds gave us a respite as we met an awesome National Park Ranger who used his wit and knowledge to tell us of the Washington family and their entourage during that fateful time. We had a wonderful storyteller stop in to give us a chance to play a quick game show type historical trivia quiz and off we went to walk into the beautiful and relatively small house. I was immediately reminded of my life in Connecticut and all the New England type stone houses. There was the Washington family, various Generals and staff living in quarters that we'd balk at in a heartbeat. The African American servants slept in a small crawlspace above the outside building and a lean to type building was built to supply an eating area for the more than thirty soldiers and others who needed to be there for various reasons at any given time. Tough times, decent adaptations.
We boarded the bus and after a chance to visit the gift shop and bathrooms (a necessary stop considering we are human and teachers), we headed for home. I bought a deck of Valley Forge cards for the hubby since we have this ongoing gin rummy game that he is soundly beating me at every day.
Our trip home was uneventful except for the fact that in between a bit of dozing off we saw a great SNL DVD back in the Chevy Chase days. We all enjoyed the trip through time. As the bus rolled into the IU at Edinboro, we said our fond farewells. Three years of history had bound us all together and we all found it hard to believe it was coming to an end. We gave our hugs and promises to meet up again to continue our history quests. We'll see where the journey takes us. It was a great ride.
Monday, July 6, 2009
I'm being chronological, although three weeks late. Bear with me, you'll hear about it all. I'm home and haven't caught up from the car lag, all those mountains, time zones and real life when I returned...here goes)
Day Three – Philadelphia
I had forgotten how New England has a way of insinuating itself into life through the weather. Granted, we have rainy days here in PA, but the East Coast city rain is unforgettable. We headed out for our last (rainy) day of touring in Philly to the National Constitution Museum just around the corner from our hotel. I'd pretty much been 'constitutioned out' by this point with all of our museum hopping, but was very pleasantly surprised. The tour began with a twenty or so minute presentation in a circle theater in the center of the building. It was exceptional. With a single woman speaking eloquently in the center, the history of our framing and founding father's trek from treasonous behavior, to revolution, and finally to independence was presented in a phenomenal visual experience. Every inch of the theater was used to show pictures, present moving images and the continuous movement of the actor giving the information kept us all more than interested. Following the presentation, there was a great self-guided tour of the history of our country with numerous exhibits with original items of the various presidents and events played out in our history. I had that yearning for about the fifteenth time for the museum to be closer to Erie so we could visit with the students.
We snuck out of the Constitution Center to quickly run across the street for an unscheduled tour of the US Mint. Leaving everything but our licenses outside we wound our way through security and took the escalators upstairs to follow the hallway of the history of the mint on the way to the actual minting part. Once on the assembly line, it did indeed resemble the show on TV many of us had seen. Not very many people work there. Most of it was automated. It is pretty cool though to see those massive rolls of copper/zinc/who knows what that actually make our pennies. And pennies are pumped out at an amazing rate, along with all the other coins. The only workers we saw were working in the special area where ceremonial/medallion work is done and even then, there were only a dozen or two at most. I was glad we took the tour, worth the effort.
We ran across to the other corner before leaving to throw a penny or two on Ben Franklin's grave like every other tourist. How ironic is that? Isn't he the one who said, 'a penny saved is a penny earned'?He's probably getting a chuckle about our behavior based on that one.
Onto the bus and off to Dave and Buster's for lunch. Built in a huge warehouse at the docks across the river from New Jersey, it was a beautiful dining area with a multitude of tiny intricacies in decor. We ordered and then someone told me to walk to the back and look. A room just as huge filled with arcade games and bar dominated the room. I was told there's one in Pittsburgh. It's a must see if you are down around that area.
The National Seaport Museum was next on the list. The history of Philadelphia maritime history was show to us on a guided tour which included a look at the boat building shop in the back where they construct various sailing vessels to use in their education program as well as maintaining the items in the museum. They were featuring an in interesting Tattoo exhibit about sailors and their use of tattooing to show patriotism and self-expression. We stepped outdoors for a tour of a Spanish-American war ship and I decided not to step down into the submarine available for touring. Growing up on the East Coast and being in the Nautilus in Groton, CT more than once gave me more than enough reminders about how claustrophobic it would be. The museum was interesting and enjoyable to visit.
Next stop? Eastern Penitentiary. Recognized as the first penitentiary in our country, this prison was a great example of architecture of the time. Seen on television more for it's 'ghosts' this prison was founded on the belief that solitary confinement was the way to go and prisoners were forbidden to talk while held in individual cells with no contact with others. As time went on, things changed and eventually they were known to have baseball teams that worked hard to hit home runs over the wall as a way to smuggle notes out to the people in the street. Al Capone was once a resident for eight months, some suggesting he found a minor charge to get him inside until the heat from the Chicago Massacre died down. We toured in the pouring rain, which added nicely to the somberness of the place. A very informative tour guide led us through the disintegrating structure telling some great tales and giving us look at something I never would have imagined was hiding up on that hill in a residential neighborhood! I've been to Gettysburg and any other number of haunted places in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania (I think PA has more reported 'ghosts' than any other state. It's all economics I believe.) but this location had several areas where I got goosebumps and at one point felt like someone was literally walking inches behind me when no one was there. Creepy. I loved it!
The bus took us back to the hotel where some of the group went to the Phillies game (they lost) and the rest of us found dinner and in my case a washer and dryer. One more day and I'm off for California and the laundry won't wait!
Day Three – Philadelphia
I had forgotten how New England has a way of insinuating itself into life through the weather. Granted, we have rainy days here in PA, but the East Coast city rain is unforgettable. We headed out for our last (rainy) day of touring in Philly to the National Constitution Museum just around the corner from our hotel. I'd pretty much been 'constitutioned out' by this point with all of our museum hopping, but was very pleasantly surprised. The tour began with a twenty or so minute presentation in a circle theater in the center of the building. It was exceptional. With a single woman speaking eloquently in the center, the history of our framing and founding father's trek from treasonous behavior, to revolution, and finally to independence was presented in a phenomenal visual experience. Every inch of the theater was used to show pictures, present moving images and the continuous movement of the actor giving the information kept us all more than interested. Following the presentation, there was a great self-guided tour of the history of our country with numerous exhibits with original items of the various presidents and events played out in our history. I had that yearning for about the fifteenth time for the museum to be closer to Erie so we could visit with the students.
We snuck out of the Constitution Center to quickly run across the street for an unscheduled tour of the US Mint. Leaving everything but our licenses outside we wound our way through security and took the escalators upstairs to follow the hallway of the history of the mint on the way to the actual minting part. Once on the assembly line, it did indeed resemble the show on TV many of us had seen. Not very many people work there. Most of it was automated. It is pretty cool though to see those massive rolls of copper/zinc/who knows what that actually make our pennies. And pennies are pumped out at an amazing rate, along with all the other coins. The only workers we saw were working in the special area where ceremonial/medallion work is done and even then, there were only a dozen or two at most. I was glad we took the tour, worth the effort.
We ran across to the other corner before leaving to throw a penny or two on Ben Franklin's grave like every other tourist. How ironic is that? Isn't he the one who said, 'a penny saved is a penny earned'?He's probably getting a chuckle about our behavior based on that one.
Onto the bus and off to Dave and Buster's for lunch. Built in a huge warehouse at the docks across the river from New Jersey, it was a beautiful dining area with a multitude of tiny intricacies in decor. We ordered and then someone told me to walk to the back and look. A room just as huge filled with arcade games and bar dominated the room. I was told there's one in Pittsburgh. It's a must see if you are down around that area.
The National Seaport Museum was next on the list. The history of Philadelphia maritime history was show to us on a guided tour which included a look at the boat building shop in the back where they construct various sailing vessels to use in their education program as well as maintaining the items in the museum. They were featuring an in interesting Tattoo exhibit about sailors and their use of tattooing to show patriotism and self-expression. We stepped outdoors for a tour of a Spanish-American war ship and I decided not to step down into the submarine available for touring. Growing up on the East Coast and being in the Nautilus in Groton, CT more than once gave me more than enough reminders about how claustrophobic it would be. The museum was interesting and enjoyable to visit.
Next stop? Eastern Penitentiary. Recognized as the first penitentiary in our country, this prison was a great example of architecture of the time. Seen on television more for it's 'ghosts' this prison was founded on the belief that solitary confinement was the way to go and prisoners were forbidden to talk while held in individual cells with no contact with others. As time went on, things changed and eventually they were known to have baseball teams that worked hard to hit home runs over the wall as a way to smuggle notes out to the people in the street. Al Capone was once a resident for eight months, some suggesting he found a minor charge to get him inside until the heat from the Chicago Massacre died down. We toured in the pouring rain, which added nicely to the somberness of the place. A very informative tour guide led us through the disintegrating structure telling some great tales and giving us look at something I never would have imagined was hiding up on that hill in a residential neighborhood! I've been to Gettysburg and any other number of haunted places in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania (I think PA has more reported 'ghosts' than any other state. It's all economics I believe.) but this location had several areas where I got goosebumps and at one point felt like someone was literally walking inches behind me when no one was there. Creepy. I loved it!
The bus took us back to the hotel where some of the group went to the Phillies game (they lost) and the rest of us found dinner and in my case a washer and dryer. One more day and I'm off for California and the laundry won't wait!
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Interval
All my good intentions to blog my way across America were dashed somewhat here. I've been doing the paper and ink thing but exhaustion, constant running around and difficulty with wifi availability daunted me. We arrived in California after about 60 hours on the road (yes, it is the land speed record he wanted to break) We had a great trip across and are now in Salinas, California this week. We're off to San Jose area this evening, back one day then starting home on Sunday. I've decided to wait until we return, probably the 2nd or 3rd to tell all about this great time we're having. It's been an awesome trip, loving every minute of it, except for the crazy drivers in California. Everyone should see America this way once in their life. It's an amazing land that we live in and the people across it reflect each of us in wonderful ways. More next week as we continue on and we rev up the engine for our trip east again.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Philadelphia - Day 2
Up at 6 a.m., breakfast and out the door to Independence Hall. Shall we talk about security checks for all and then stand around and wait for the allotted time to go inside along with about five hundred of your closest strangers? Luckily, the weather was cool and cloudy and there was plenty of time to take pictures in the courtyard, park and around the buildings. It is quite a feeling to be surrounded by so much history. The actual places where the government was formed back in the days when the patriots were in truth traitors to the British government give the aura of chance, dare and danger all becoming a good thing, rather than a failed revolution. I kept reliving moments all day of the movie, National Treasure. All those same places and tidbits of info.
We eventually got inside and sat through an interesting intro to politics in the 1760s and the ensuing drama of the Continental Congress' infighting, uncertainty and then poignant agreement to actually declare independence. We saw the Declaration of Independence and some original drafts of the Articles of the Confederation and were whisked through buildings efficiently and with just enough history information to keep us all happy. Next step was off to the Congress Hall and then the Liberty Bell. All of the docents and programs were informative, organized and very amiable. As I waited to cross the street a while later a National Park Employee tried to give me a free ticket for an upcoming trek through it all again. Once was enough for this trip.
Next stop was the National Liberty Museum a few blocks away. We all glimpsed Ben Franklin sitting in the nearby Franklin Square as we waited. Didn't look too bad for his age really. The National Liberty Museum is a museum dedicated to freedom and heroism. The exhibits covered four floors and is a wealth of information about people who have inspired and been heroic. The stairwells are covered in pictures of all the firefighters and police who died in 9/11. A worthy tribute indeed. Well worth the visit if you are coming to Philadelphia. We had a guided tour that lasted an hour and a half or so and we were so toured out, hungry and sick of standing that we nearly raced for lunch when we were done.
Lunch at a sidewalk cafe with the group was a lovely treat where the food was delicious and relatively reasonable in price for the big city. We barely had time to rest our feet before we headed off to Betsy Ross' house, Christ Church and finally Elfreth's Alley. A small note here about each:
Betsy Ross lived in a tiny, place with a huge family. A reenacter seemed very much like you would imagine her to be, but all those kids in that tiny house just haunted me the whole time. She had nine and seven survived to adulthood. It's a great place to take kids with an enchanting courtyard and a handful of reenactors who were kind and in character to each and every person they encountered.
Christ Church was a beautiful and inspiring place in both architecture and history. The church where most of the founding fathers held court on Sunday mornings, we were able to sit in the Franklin or Washington pews, view the amazing and beautiful architecture decorating every corner and even walk on the gravestones which make up the floors of the church interior (that felt a bit strange I'll admit). We viewed the 600 plus year old baptismal font that was sent here from Europe that William Penn had been baptised in (before he became a Quaker) It is still in frequent use today.
Elfreth's Alley is an alley of private homes with the exception of the one we toured that was the 'worker' housing back in the 1700s. It was quaint, tiny and gave us all the true flavor of what life was like for the average person back in those Declaration Days.
On the way back to the hotel we took a short sidetrip to Benjamin Franklin's grave. The cemetary was closed, but his grave is right next to the wrought iron fence and we got the chance to throw a penny on his tombstone. We ruminated that he might be turning over in his grave or laughing hysterically at this fate since one of his famous quotes was, 'A penny saved is a penny earned.'
Back on the bus for the Southside of Philly and Geno's or Pat's competition. The two prima Philly cheese steak establishments, across the square from one another gave the bus driver a nervous stomach enroute on the narrow streets but once there, we broke into two groups to figure out which was better. I have my own opinion....Sue's Mill at Canadohta Lake, PA. Enough said!
As we got off the bus and came inside our nearly twelve hour day was over our feet were sore, our minds were overcrowded and they had Sam Adams on tap in the hotel bar. Our group sat around ruminating about our day, our TAH experiences and what tomorrow will bring. Not quite as hectic, but full to the brim with more of Philadelphia. My feet are up now, sneakers off and it feels like heaven....
We eventually got inside and sat through an interesting intro to politics in the 1760s and the ensuing drama of the Continental Congress' infighting, uncertainty and then poignant agreement to actually declare independence. We saw the Declaration of Independence and some original drafts of the Articles of the Confederation and were whisked through buildings efficiently and with just enough history information to keep us all happy. Next step was off to the Congress Hall and then the Liberty Bell. All of the docents and programs were informative, organized and very amiable. As I waited to cross the street a while later a National Park Employee tried to give me a free ticket for an upcoming trek through it all again. Once was enough for this trip.
Next stop was the National Liberty Museum a few blocks away. We all glimpsed Ben Franklin sitting in the nearby Franklin Square as we waited. Didn't look too bad for his age really. The National Liberty Museum is a museum dedicated to freedom and heroism. The exhibits covered four floors and is a wealth of information about people who have inspired and been heroic. The stairwells are covered in pictures of all the firefighters and police who died in 9/11. A worthy tribute indeed. Well worth the visit if you are coming to Philadelphia. We had a guided tour that lasted an hour and a half or so and we were so toured out, hungry and sick of standing that we nearly raced for lunch when we were done.
Lunch at a sidewalk cafe with the group was a lovely treat where the food was delicious and relatively reasonable in price for the big city. We barely had time to rest our feet before we headed off to Betsy Ross' house, Christ Church and finally Elfreth's Alley. A small note here about each:
Betsy Ross lived in a tiny, place with a huge family. A reenacter seemed very much like you would imagine her to be, but all those kids in that tiny house just haunted me the whole time. She had nine and seven survived to adulthood. It's a great place to take kids with an enchanting courtyard and a handful of reenactors who were kind and in character to each and every person they encountered.
Christ Church was a beautiful and inspiring place in both architecture and history. The church where most of the founding fathers held court on Sunday mornings, we were able to sit in the Franklin or Washington pews, view the amazing and beautiful architecture decorating every corner and even walk on the gravestones which make up the floors of the church interior (that felt a bit strange I'll admit). We viewed the 600 plus year old baptismal font that was sent here from Europe that William Penn had been baptised in (before he became a Quaker) It is still in frequent use today.
Elfreth's Alley is an alley of private homes with the exception of the one we toured that was the 'worker' housing back in the 1700s. It was quaint, tiny and gave us all the true flavor of what life was like for the average person back in those Declaration Days.
On the way back to the hotel we took a short sidetrip to Benjamin Franklin's grave. The cemetary was closed, but his grave is right next to the wrought iron fence and we got the chance to throw a penny on his tombstone. We ruminated that he might be turning over in his grave or laughing hysterically at this fate since one of his famous quotes was, 'A penny saved is a penny earned.'
Back on the bus for the Southside of Philly and Geno's or Pat's competition. The two prima Philly cheese steak establishments, across the square from one another gave the bus driver a nervous stomach enroute on the narrow streets but once there, we broke into two groups to figure out which was better. I have my own opinion....Sue's Mill at Canadohta Lake, PA. Enough said!
As we got off the bus and came inside our nearly twelve hour day was over our feet were sore, our minds were overcrowded and they had Sam Adams on tap in the hotel bar. Our group sat around ruminating about our day, our TAH experiences and what tomorrow will bring. Not quite as hectic, but full to the brim with more of Philadelphia. My feet are up now, sneakers off and it feels like heaven....
Monday, June 15, 2009
Philadelphia - Day 1
If ever there is term for exhaustion it would be Day 1, Philadelphia. A group of twenty four hearty souls drove east at 6:45 this morning for the Annual TAH adventure. Teaching American History has been a three year journey of college classes in history, field trips to each end of Pennsylvania and a bond that is stronger than many might imagine. We left Edinboro this morning and gathered our reading materials, pillows and casual conversation for our four day trip.
At eleven a.m. our Big Kids Tour Host announced over the bus P.A.system that we would be taking a slight detour. Our first stop was at the Jean Bonnet Tavern (supposedly haunted and very Revolutionary War and believe it or not, Whiskey Rebellion Era establishment). We agreed easily when we discovered that the National Park for Flight 93 was only a few miles away.
An unexpected side trip turned into a humbling experience for us all. For those that have never been to Shanksville, PA, a rural quiet area, so many of us recognize as home in our own incarnations as residents of PA, this serene area was the victim of a disaster and heroic endeavor beyond imagination in 2001.
Our volunteer tour guide gave us a step by step visual of what happened, but perhaps the most poignant part of our visit was the simplicity of this pristine countryside that will soon break ground to become a national park. A flag, far off in the distance marks the spot where the flight fell, nose down into the Pennsylvania countryside. The tiny visitor center is recognized by memorials for the victims. Especially touching is memoriabilia left by the visitors that will one day be added to the National Museum exhibits.
When I found our tour itinerary was diverted, I felt a sense of uncomfortable inevitablility. The entire 2001 episode had hit home for me in a number of ways and I had held off the visit to the site, the viewing of films, etc. Today, I had no choice. I was humbled. I was choked up. It was an amazing life experience to be there in its simplicity, before the National Park Service built the big plan. I will never forget it.
A silent bus rode Route 30 east for our lunch date at the Jean Bonnet Tavern, just the other side of a treacherous down hill excursion on Bald Eagle Mountain (remind me to never sit on that side of the bus as we circle and curve the guardrail to infinity on roads that I can only imagine the pioneers must have been plagued by) This tavern, built in 1762, has ties to the earliest days of Pennsylvania History and history it has! A savvy hostess told us the tales of the history and the ghosts that were knows to traverse the halls of this enchanting place. We didn't see any ghosts, but we thoroughly enjoyed the good food and the revolutionary atmosphere of this time w0rn place.
Onward toward Philadelphia and the day already felt full! We arrived at 4:30 at the Holiday Inn at Arch and 4th, settled in for what seemed like moments and hiked the five or so blocks to the City Tavern, just arriving before a wicked Thunderstorm and what seemed like gallons of rain per second. We dined on Revolutionary type fare in the very room that George Washington considered his favorite in a recently restored version of that very tavern that all our founding and framing fathers found as their haven in those early days of Philadelphia and the fledgling colonies. Our tavern host treated us to a quick but efficient version of history in our visit and once again, told of the ghost stories that tended to linger in the rafters. We felt no spiritual visitors as we were there and headed out, full and not quite done!
Our tour continued with a brief walk to the Mercantile Building, just behind the tavern that represented the first stock market in our country. A group photo seemed to take forever, but the walk continued to the Second National Bank with narrative by Dr. Laythe. Our walk continued past the Living History Center and culminated on the corner where the group moved back to the hotel or onto further discovery.
While several went down to the riverfront, the other half moved to the nearby establishments, deciding on where to further study the history of Philadelphia in a casual manner. A good time was had by all, while some members, eventually returned to the hotel to write a blog! Day two, coming up tomorrow night.
At eleven a.m. our Big Kids Tour Host announced over the bus P.A.system that we would be taking a slight detour. Our first stop was at the Jean Bonnet Tavern (supposedly haunted and very Revolutionary War and believe it or not, Whiskey Rebellion Era establishment). We agreed easily when we discovered that the National Park for Flight 93 was only a few miles away.
An unexpected side trip turned into a humbling experience for us all. For those that have never been to Shanksville, PA, a rural quiet area, so many of us recognize as home in our own incarnations as residents of PA, this serene area was the victim of a disaster and heroic endeavor beyond imagination in 2001.
Our volunteer tour guide gave us a step by step visual of what happened, but perhaps the most poignant part of our visit was the simplicity of this pristine countryside that will soon break ground to become a national park. A flag, far off in the distance marks the spot where the flight fell, nose down into the Pennsylvania countryside. The tiny visitor center is recognized by memorials for the victims. Especially touching is memoriabilia left by the visitors that will one day be added to the National Museum exhibits.
When I found our tour itinerary was diverted, I felt a sense of uncomfortable inevitablility. The entire 2001 episode had hit home for me in a number of ways and I had held off the visit to the site, the viewing of films, etc. Today, I had no choice. I was humbled. I was choked up. It was an amazing life experience to be there in its simplicity, before the National Park Service built the big plan. I will never forget it.
A silent bus rode Route 30 east for our lunch date at the Jean Bonnet Tavern, just the other side of a treacherous down hill excursion on Bald Eagle Mountain (remind me to never sit on that side of the bus as we circle and curve the guardrail to infinity on roads that I can only imagine the pioneers must have been plagued by) This tavern, built in 1762, has ties to the earliest days of Pennsylvania History and history it has! A savvy hostess told us the tales of the history and the ghosts that were knows to traverse the halls of this enchanting place. We didn't see any ghosts, but we thoroughly enjoyed the good food and the revolutionary atmosphere of this time w0rn place.
Onward toward Philadelphia and the day already felt full! We arrived at 4:30 at the Holiday Inn at Arch and 4th, settled in for what seemed like moments and hiked the five or so blocks to the City Tavern, just arriving before a wicked Thunderstorm and what seemed like gallons of rain per second. We dined on Revolutionary type fare in the very room that George Washington considered his favorite in a recently restored version of that very tavern that all our founding and framing fathers found as their haven in those early days of Philadelphia and the fledgling colonies. Our tavern host treated us to a quick but efficient version of history in our visit and once again, told of the ghost stories that tended to linger in the rafters. We felt no spiritual visitors as we were there and headed out, full and not quite done!
Our tour continued with a brief walk to the Mercantile Building, just behind the tavern that represented the first stock market in our country. A group photo seemed to take forever, but the walk continued to the Second National Bank with narrative by Dr. Laythe. Our walk continued past the Living History Center and culminated on the corner where the group moved back to the hotel or onto further discovery.
While several went down to the riverfront, the other half moved to the nearby establishments, deciding on where to further study the history of Philadelphia in a casual manner. A good time was had by all, while some members, eventually returned to the hotel to write a blog! Day two, coming up tomorrow night.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Here we go again...
It's been a while, other writing projects tend to interfere with my blogging, but here I am again ready to write the summer away. The intent of this blog, similar to there are always more words is more blatant. We, mystery man and me, are going to take an exhaustive road trip across country. But, as a prerequisite to that trip, I'm heading to Philadelphia for a week with my beloved Teaching American History group, 22 brave souls, a professor and the supervisor of the whole program (a cool, fun, interesting lady). We are going to hit every major historical site in Philly in a week, do a video of each site (I'm the Eastern Penitentary one) and end our three year trek through history with a great big fun trip. I'll get home Thursday night and ship out for California the next day (I hope he remembers to buy a case of Diet Coke for the ride for me). My biggest fear isn't how we'll get there, what obstacles we'll face or all those semi's encroaching on our lives for our trip. My main worry is...will there be washers and dryers at the hotel on Wednesday night before we leave Philly so I'll at least have clean clothes for the trip!
We're heading for the Salinas, California area, home of John Steinbeck and most of the produce we consume on a regular basis and the stomping ground of Mystery Man's parents and grandmother. We'll be visiting San Jose to see our brand new neice, Anwen and her parents Kat and Az. My big goals are the National Steinbeck Museum, Big Sur and The Redwoods or Sequoias Parks. On the way back we're planning on stopping at Mt. Rushmore and the family homestead in Howard, South Dakota. If at that point we still have any money left (sheesh) we may stop off in Chicago for a night.
I personally can't wait. We've been lake bound for so long now, this will be the summer of more roads and I am looking forward to it. I'll keep you informed...
We're heading for the Salinas, California area, home of John Steinbeck and most of the produce we consume on a regular basis and the stomping ground of Mystery Man's parents and grandmother. We'll be visiting San Jose to see our brand new neice, Anwen and her parents Kat and Az. My big goals are the National Steinbeck Museum, Big Sur and The Redwoods or Sequoias Parks. On the way back we're planning on stopping at Mt. Rushmore and the family homestead in Howard, South Dakota. If at that point we still have any money left (sheesh) we may stop off in Chicago for a night.
I personally can't wait. We've been lake bound for so long now, this will be the summer of more roads and I am looking forward to it. I'll keep you informed...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)