Memorial Day and summer festivals

At the Auburn, Illinois Cemetery’s Memorial Day event, Joe Powell reminded us that Memorial Day is much more than BBQ’s and fun. It is a day to remember those that sacrificed all for us to be free. Several people we knew were on hand to take out time to remember those that fought and died for our freedom.

My husband Keith and I arrived ahead of time to stop at family graves like Keith’s father Kenneth Ladage. Our daughter Allie joined us.

We talked about those who served, and I remembered my dad that was in the Navy and served during the Korean War.

Summer Festivals

Besides the Memorial Day festivities, this weekend is the kickoff of summer fun. One event we usually make is the Macoupin County Spring Festival. Set on the grounds of the beautiful Anderson Mansion, the event serves up chicken and noodles, and oh so good strawberry short cake.

Oliver and Allis Chalmers were the featured brands in the tractor show portion of the show put on by the Macoupin Agricultural Antique Association. Besides the summer festival, they also have one in September 20-21 as well. One amazing tractor on display at the show was Phil Stiedley’s Rumley Oil Pull that he was kind enough to start up for the enjoyment of the visitors.

This year because of the 250th anniversary of the US, readers read the Declaration of Independence celebrating our nation’s big birthday.

Ride on a Waterloo Boy!

Keith and our friend Tim Seifert had been to Mark Berkel’s. They got the chance to drive his amazing Waterloo Boy. I had missed out and Mark said if we came down, I could go for a ride. “I wanted a Waterloo Boy since I was a boy about 18 years old,” Mark said.

He learned about a 1920 Model N Waterloo Boy. The tractor came up for sale after being part of a storage locker find in Winamac, Indiana. The owner had not paid the rent. Storage locker contents included Firestone tires. This was all the buyers were after. The Waterloo Boy remained behind. Located in Rochester, Indiana after some restoration work was done, Mark was thrilled to be able to add this treasure to his collection. I was thrilled to be able to drive the century old tractor with Mark’s guidance.

Italian Days

I learned that in Benld that they were having Italian Days. This was the 72nd such celebration. Proceeds from the festival help fund community projects. Keith and I found the festival and enjoyed some great meatballs, and best of all cannoli!

If I had more room, I would have liked to try the Bagna Cauda, a buttery, garlicky dip for bread that they sold.

Keith spied a fascinating church down the road from the festival. “Look at that,” he said, and of course we had to check it out. The Holy Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Parish is a Russian church.

Established in 1907 by Russian coal miners, in 2010 it became a Russian Orthodox Monastery. I hope to get a chance to tour and learn more about this beautiful church.

Route 66

With my upcoming Route 66 trip with Danelle Gay, The Traveling Cheeshead, I am keeping my eyes open for any and every unique spot along our local route. Besides the amazing church, Keith and I spied a short Route 66 original road outside of Gillispie.

I noted a new mural at the Iron Sleds Motorcycle club in Nilwood as well. When this close to the turkey tracks on Route 66 I always have to stop.

What fun to travel locally and still find new things to do, see buildings and meet people with stories to tell.

What have you found in your backyard lately?