On a recent trip to Rochester, Michigan, Joe and I visited Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village—and loved it! Then again, I’m a sucker for anything historical.
Greenfield Village is a huge outdoor museum spread across more than 80 acres that has a plethora of authentic historic structures. And it was a gorgeous spring day, which made the excursion all the more enjoyable.
Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village
We visited the house where Luther Burbank, the 19th century botanist, was born…
I included Burbank as a character in A Beauty So Rare, along with the true-to-history story of how Burbank developed the Russet potato. I really appreciated seeing his childhood home.
Next, we visited the Logan County Court House where Abraham Lincoln occasionally practiced law.
So grateful Henry Ford saw fit to save these structures.
Next, we stopped by Noah Webster’s home. And, of course, Webster is best known for creating America’s first dictionary. He wrote many of his publications in this house.
Lastly, one of my favorite places to visit was Robert Frost’s home. Isn’t it charming?
While we toured the home, an audio recording played of Robert Frost reading his famous The Road Not Taken. (I have that poem memorized, do you? I find it’s a commonly memorized piece. Maybe we all had the same high school English teacher <w>).
Have you ever heard Frost read the poem? His voice may surprise you.
What historical destination have you traveled to recently? Or are you headed to? What’s something special you saw (or hope to see)? Perhaps you’ve been to Greenfield Village. If so, dish away!
Blessings on your Tuesday,
Tammy
Saying Goodbye to Sweet Jack
For those of you who may not be on Facebook much…
We had to say goodbye to Jack, our precious ten-year old Silky Terrier, almost two weeks ago now. Lymphoma. I still miss this little guy so much. My office—and our home—just isn’t the same without him. Thanks, sweet boy, for all the years of love and for laying quietly on your ottoman by the window while I wrote.
So grateful we have the hope of seeing our pets again in heaven.
Read more about that…
Tamera Alexander
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What a fun, fun trip! I love Robert Frost’s poems. My kids didn’t have to memorize poems like that in school. I doubt they even know who he is. What a pity. The one I most remember learning is “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” The line “miles to go before I sleep” came to mind many times on a long night at work! LOL
Hugs to you as you adjust to Jack’s absence. I was thinking about you and him just a day or two ago.
And, Ms. Modest who didn’t even mention it in your post, CONGRATS on being a 2016 CHRISTY finalist for To Win Her Favor! Well-deserved!!!
Oh! I love that poem too, Linda. And, LOL, THANK YOU for the congrats on the Christy nom. I’m thrilled and so honored to be in that number, as they say.
I am so sorry about Jack. It is never easy to say goodbye to our precious fur babies. I am so glad we will see them again someday!
Coincidently, my younger son will be visiting Greenfield village and the Henry Ford museum this month with his school. Many schools in northeast Ohio send students on a field trip there. My older son went and really enjoyed it.
Amen, Amanda. I’m so grateful for that hope too. And how cool on your younger son visiting Greenfield Village soon. He’ll love it! We did.
I have not visited any historical places recently, but I did find an old family Bible and store ledger in my mother’s home recently, dating back into the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Pretty Fascinating. Your trip sounds like an historian’s dream vacation.
What a treasure and gift from heaven, Rebecca. Are there scribblings in the margins of the Bible? Most people didn’t write in their Bibles back then, at least that I’ve seen from that era. And the store ledger…I’d love to see that!
So sorry for your loss of Jack. Dogs are members of the family and I know you miss him. Recently, we planned to visit Patriot’s Point in Charleston SC. Unfortunately, I was not feeling well, so, we have postponed that adventure for our next visit. 🙂 Our son and daughter-in-love live near there, so, we will be back to visit.
Thanks so much, Melissa. And so glad you’ll have another chance to catch Patriot’s Point. I’ve not been there but it looks intriguing!
I am truly sorry to hear about Jack. We also lost our beloved pet cat last July. She was almost 18 years old and she was in kidney failure with a heart murmur. We know one day we will see her again!
Greenfield Village sounds like a wonderful place to visit. My family and I love exploring the history around us. Thank you for sharing the pictures and information of a great touring site!
Bless you, Stephanie, and so sorry about your precious kitty. We love our pets like family. Blessings, friend.
I haven’t been to Greenfield Village in years. Will have to take my granddaughters there this summer.
Yes, do, Carol! It was so pretty. Joe and I both commented that—give it another month or so—and EVERYTHING would be in gorgeous bloom! It’s a very pretty setting. And great walking! : )
Thanks for such an interesting post and pictures. I have never heard of Greenfield Village, but it looks like a marvelous place to visit. Living an hour away from Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, we have much history in Virginia and annually took our 5th graders to Williamsburg.
I love the reminder of Robert Frost’s poems, and yes, his voice is a surprise. I retired two years ago, and always ended the year with a poetry unit. Children don’t have to memorize poems anymore because state and national testing has gotten in the way (so sad as to what the educational powers deem important). So after the testing was finished, I treated my students to poetry – Robert Forst, Emily Dickinson, William Wordsworth, Robert Louis Stevenson, to name a few.
Enjoyed your post so much!
You were (and still are!) a gift to your students, Betty! Because what you gave as a teacher keeps on giving throughout a lifetime, as I’m sure you know. Thank you for pouring your life into the lives and futures of your students. I’ve not been to Williamsburg yet, but it’s on my bucket list, for sure!
Thank you, Tamera.
I’m super late visiting here today, but loved reading about Greenfield Village. I’ve never been to Michigan but would like to visit that state (especially to see some of the lighthouses!). 🙂
In late February my husband and I took a weekend trip to Charleston – – very historic and very lovely.
Keeping you in my prayers, Tammy….Little Jack was a special dog, and I always enjoyed seeing photos of him. Hugs and love to you.
Where did you go in Rochester, MI.? I grew up there. We also enjoy Greenfield Village. My husband’s late uncle used to tease that it was “Deerfield Village” because Greenfield Village is in Dearborn,MI. When you were in Rochester, did you visit Meadowbrook Hall? Both Meadowbrook Hall and Greenfield Village were in the movie, Beyond the Mask.
So sorry about Jack’s passing. I know he was a family member and you will miss him.🙁