Saturday’s day in Ligonier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday Ligonier Valley Writers and Ft. Ligonier joined forces to have an all-day writer’s conference at the fort.  I was asked to be one of the speakers, and had worked pretty diligently for a month to prepare.

My workshop topic was on local research resources and how to incorporate information into your writing.  The workshop went very well, and by the end of the day (and four separate workshops) we had all learned valuable information.

In addition to the conference, I enjoyed two other events.  I arrived in Ligonier about 45 minutes early, changed shoes and grabbed a warmer jacket, and walked the town.  Ligonier in the fall (0r anytime!) is a quaint, unique little village, complete with the ‘Daimond’ (including the gazebo), antique shops, specialty stores, and historic buildings.  Above are the photos that I took, and I hope you notice the two-shaded Victorian Lilac house!  I love that house!  The orange maples lined the streets and added character to the charm.  Parts of it reminded me of Colonial Williamsburg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second event was the guided tour of the fort.  Normally it’s a self guided tour, going and your own pace and reading the plaques in each building/location.  Mary, the museum director, took us on a walking tour and gave us interesting bits of information on the fort during 1758.  A junior guide, Connor, finished up by taking us through some of the building and explaining their functions, and adding to the history.  For instance, did you know that if the French would have taken the fort in Ligonier in that battle of 1758, we may all be speaking French and not be America at all?  Hmmmm.  I’d be in trouble, as I don’t speak French!  🙂 These ovens were made to bake bread and pastries, etc, but I think they’d make a great pizza!  Mary told us that during special events, they do fire up the ovens, and a local café DOES bake pizza in the ovens and sells it as a lunch special.  I’m going to remember that!

Totally, it was a great day, and thank for Mary and the staff at the fort, as well as Mary Ann from our writer’s group, to arrange this great day and present the opportunity to learn, and have fun doing it!