We left Springfield, IL after getting the Ford serviced. Oil, Filer and Lube. Had a burned out tail light that went dead on Friday. Not bad for 95,000 miles. Always risky getting service 'cause you never know the dealer, although the only time I have ever been ripped off was in Kerville, TX. This was a pleasant experience. Everyone was nice. The guy that took my money even was so enthusiastic about Abe that he spent time showing me a map for future excursions when we return here. As I entered the waiting room a man waiting for service told me I had found the best dealer in the state. Made me feel real good. By the way the light cost 65 cents. A similar quote in Roseville for my VW was $40.
By the time we left Springfield it was raining, sometimes pretty heavily. Wind, rain, trucks, and splatters. When we reached Davenport, IA we stopped at a Cracker Barrel to eat and decided to stay the night. Had a good nights rest, even if trucks could be heard all night. The food did not agree with me and I have decided not to eat there again. Coffee the next morning was awful and this morning I had good home made coffee made right here at home.
We left relatively late, just couldn't get going and drove the one plus hour to West Branch, IA which was our goal the previous day. Here we visited the Herbert Hoover Library. This took about 4 hours. Was perhaps one of the best presidential libraries we have visited. We have now visited eight of the 12 libraries. We have not yet visited Carter's, though we did have lunch with him. We have also not visited Johnson's but we visited his childhood home and ranch. Lots to see and do yet.
Hoover was fascinating. In school we were taught he was a smart guy but a lousy president. His was the 4th library and a film of Truman's speech at the dedication said it best, Hoover was president at a time nobody could have done better. He was truly fascinating and did so much during his life. Each time we attend one of these libraries we leave with a greater understanding of the men and their times.
Shirley has had a bad cold ever since we left the Springtime in Kentucky caravan. Just as she is getting over it her husband is fighting it now. It's so hard to avoid colds when we are actually living with folks on these caravans. Nevertheless we are enjoying our travels and are still in the sightseeing mode.
We are currently camped in a corps campground and are away from most of the other campers. This is a huge place and a ranger was nice enough to drive us around the area before we unhitched.
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| There is a whole neighborhood preserved to show Hoover's birthplace. |
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| Some very nice homes. |
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| "Bert" was born in this house. Very cute. Five people lived here. |
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| "Didja' fall in?" |
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| Yes he went to school. |
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| They had a black smith shop. |
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| If you look to the right of the picture you can see our trailer parked. Hoover's family placed a stove on the back porch in the summer months for cooking. |
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| They were Shakers and this is inside of their meeting place. |
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| Hoover was orphaned by age 10, both parents died and his other two siblings and he were separated. Herb was sent to Newburg, OR to live with his uncle. |
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| Herbert and Lou are buried here. |
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| In the 1800's Iowa was all prairie, this farm has been replanted. Most trees did not exist. |
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| NIce to have a moment for a breather. Shirley is under the awning in a light rain. |
Today, we will check out the Amana Colonies? More on that later, 'cause I have no clue as to what we will see.
See Ya!
Barry and Shirley
