ILLINOIS…

Illinois
Written by C.H. Chamberlain
Composed by Archibald Johnston

By thy rivers gently flowing, Illinois, Illinois,
O'er thy prairies verdant growing, Illinois, Illinois,
Comes an echo on the breeze.
Rustling through the leafy trees, and its mellow tones are these, Illinois, Illinois,
And its mellow tones are these, Illinois.

Tribute to Ronald Reagan in Dixon, Illinois (Dale and I visited here while on vacation…)  The statue is located on the banks of Rock River.

“Begins the Trail”…

The Wellman home in Lee Center, IL where our daughter-in-law, Andrea’s grandfather and grandmother use to live along with their family..  The home is currently being restored by Teresa and Jane who live next door (see the next picture).

These homes are right around the corner from ‘Lisa’ (our niece) who also lives in Lee Center with her family..  This home was built in 1862.

Lisa has her hands full with Trey and Trevor…  Trey doesn’t slow down much as you can see from the picture and Trevor plays high school football as a freshman..

The Whitney Mansion was built in 1856 outside of Lee Center and has quite a history per Lisa.  When I have time I’m going to do some research..

Sheila and I visited the ‘Blackhawk’ statue which is located outside Oregon, IL also overlooking Rock River.

Next year Blackhawk will be 100 years old..  I use to think that in the ‘olden days’ visitors could climb a staircase inside the statue and look out Blackhawk’s eyes… but that is just an old rumor.. the statue is hollow inside.

Attended a craft festival at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, IL… actually we (Sheila, Dale and I) didn’t realize  an entrance fee had to be paid at the front.  We parked along the side and were questioned when we entered ‘unknowingly’ through the back gate.  I guess we were “”gate crashers”” and didn’t know it!!!  Made our way to the front and paid the fee.. what a way to end our Illinois vacation :(

We watched a blacksmith work over a coal fire in this barn.

Visited a museum in Princeville, IL with the Plattner’s.  This old school house was moved across the fields to this spot per Marlene, Plattner.  A local school board meeting was scheduled to be held that evening in this historical building.

The old pail and dipper was the way for the school children of the old days to have a refreshing drink of water…

Our oldest grandson, Jesse, took a seat in the old school house ready for a lesson…

Dale and I totally enjoyed our vacation to our home state:  ILLINOIS!!!  (next post will be of more family we visited)