Hanover, IllinoisJun 12, 2009
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Galena, IL
Galena, IL
Elihu B. Washburne House, Galena, IL
6/12 – 6/14
A quick 125 mile trip on US14, US20 and SR84 brought us to the Blanding Landing COE campground near Hanover, Illinois. The campground is about ten miles from Galena, Illinois where we planned to do a little sightseeing. On the 13th Sue (Joan’s sister) drove to our place and spent the remaining two days with us – bunking on our couch. While touring Galena
>we toured the Elihu B. Washburne house. Washburne was a congressman and he held the Secretary of State position given to him by President Grant (a neighbor and friend). He held the position for two weeks before his health made him relinquish it. It was a nice old house but contained very few original furnishings.
>we also visited Grant’s house. Grant rented a home in Galena prior to the Civil War and worked in a dry goods store. After the war a group of 13 town businessmen bought this house and gave it to Grant to show their appreciation for his leadership during the war.
>we walked the main street checking out all the antique, art and craft stores. Galena is a very attractive town with most of its old buildings refurbished to attract the tourists (which is does).
>we went to see Jim Post perform his “Mark Twain and the Laughing River” play. It is a one-man performance which includes many of Mark Twain’s stories and a number of original songs. Good show.
>Joan and Sue went on a kayak tour of the backwaters of the Mississippi.
>we did some wine tasting at the Rocky Waters Vineyard – a cut above our box wine (both in taste and price).
