Ligonier Free Museum Day 2019

It wouldn’t be Ligonier Free Museum Day unless it was rainy and cold.  It’s tradition.  But it didn’t stop us from tramping through the puddles and muddy roads and wet grass to see the sights and hear the history. 

Our first stop after church was the Lincoln Highway Museum.  Kelly and Matt and the three boys (Peyton, Logan, Chase) along with Chrissy and Autmn and I met Kelly’s friend Amy and her group.  This was the first time I had been in the new part and was excited to see it.  But we started in the ‘bike’ room – Chrissy and Autmn both made calls (??) from the phone booth.   It’s funny to think that a phone booth was a common sight when I was growing up – I used more than my share when I was younger.  But it’s an anomaly to kids now.  Chase was the first one to try the bike – the further you rode the more lights lit on the board until you made it all the way from coast to coast.  I was really impressed with the diner and all the displays in the new museum including the original Serro’s Diner.  I especially liked the little motel room, which was very quaint and inviting.  The diner was offering free samples of apple pie, which we all agreed was COMPLETELY delicious! 

The next stop was the Railroad Museum.  Amy’s kids and Chase road Thomas the Train before walking through the station.  The favorite was the caboose, especially the top seats.  We all had wet,  muddy shoes by the time we got back to the car and tramped through the field at Compass Inn. 

That is one of my favorite stops, and this year they were actually giving tours.  My friend Carol was there (I had worked with her in the kitchen yesterday at Hanna’s Town – a lady of many talents!), and she gave the first part of the tour.  From the kitchen and serving room we went to the parlor.  I loved the cradle with the little socks hanging over the side.  Upstairs we learned about chamber pots and straw mattresses and wool blankets and quilts. It was crowded but fun. I loved the view of the Dogwoods out the beveled glass window. (Thanks to Amy for the photos at Compass Inn.)

The last stop of the afternoon (for us, anyway) was Ft. Ligonier.  Even though I’d been there before several times lately, it’s always interesting and enlightening to hear about our local history, and see General Washington’s pistols (gift from Lafayette) and see a section of Arthur St. Clair’s home.  The fort itself is well displayed and staffed with knowledgeable and friendly interpreters. The kids posed by the tent, then Chase found a war helmet that we dubbed the ‘Fortnite power helmet’ and had his picture taken beside it. Autmn and I took a selfie just for fun.

During all the running between museums and raindrops we grabbed snacks and drinks from the back of my car — pizza, Mt. Dew, homemade brownies, bananas, Goldfish.  We all decided as we finished up the day that next year we were putting in our order early for sunshine.  Ligonier Free Museum Day is certainly due for a spectacular weather event, and soon!  Free Museum Day is the first Sunday in May, so mark next year’s calendar now and join us.  It’s fun no matter the weather.