Planes, Trains and Automobiles!

Everyone recognizes Henry Ford as an industrialist and pioneer in mass production who changed the way Americans travel.

In case you don’t know, his philosophies about production efficiencies extended to many areas of his business and are still used today. He also understood that a happy employee is a more productive employee and one less likely to leave. So Ford introduced the unheard of $5 a day wage, providing his employees a comfortable living and making it possible for them to afford to buy the cars they were building. It was a smart move because reducing turnover, cuts costs and improves efficiency.

What many people don’t know is this that Ford also was fascinated by science, technology and Americana. So in the twenties, he began collecting things for what would eventually become the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.

He plucked up important structures and items with historic value from around the country and began bringing them to Dearborn, Michigan.

This place has grown and is modernized for the 21st century visitor but remains true to Henry Ford’s vision.

I had been before but was feeling a real draw to go back for some reason. I spent most of a full day wandering around the museum, taking pictures, reading signs and admiring the collection so vast that it’s hard to see everything with one pass.

Anyone who knows me well won’t be surprised that I spent the vast majority of my day lingering over the cars and planes. If it has an open cockpit or tail fins, I’m probably going to be a fan.

Here are a few pictures for your viewing enjoyment.

Any vehicle with interesting lines and a cool color is A-ok in my book!

Did you know that Ford made an airplane? They also have one at the Model T Museum in Richmond, Indiana.

It’s a train snow plow! How cool is this?

This little car was made by Crosley, the same people who gave us the Crosley Radio. We’ll talk a little more about them another day. And yes, it’s as tiny as it looks!

Combining my excitement for aviation and interest in reporting!

Check back. I have a couple of specific stories to tell you and we’ll go to some other areas of the museum!

Logan Brick

No words needed, really. It’s a locally made brick from an old chimney on the homestead that is now Butterfly Ridge. Did you miss the story about this place? Click here!

 

Doors of Marietta

One of the best things about being on foot is that you notice things you would miss from a car. I love to park my car and just wander around a town – even one that I know well – looking for things that interest me.

I visit Marietta several times a year, usually to antique or to see a show, but walking around with my camera is fun sometimes too. I’m sort of obsessed with doors so it comes as no surprise that I produced a substantial amount of door pictures this last trip.

Here are a few.

Is there something you always seek out? Sometimes I feel like a broken record, looking at all my door pictures, but I really don’t care. A good door makes me happy.

Lynn’s Soda Fountain: A National Road Landmark

On Friday I promised to take you on an adventure to an old fashioned soda fountain. This nasty winter weekend seems like a good time to enjoy more pleasant memories!

When I set out on my post Christmas National Road Adventure, I had few plans but was conscious of some places along the way that sounded interesting. One of those was Lynn’s Pharmacy, a family owned pharmacy in historic downtown Brazil. Lynn’s has a bonafide soda fountain with a counter where you can order a sandwich and chocolate malt.

It’s a landmark along the National Road for good reason. The owners have operated a pharmacy in this historic building since 1970 but worked hard to add this authentic soda fountain about 23 years ago. When you step inside you wouldn’t know that it hasn’t always been there.

I learned a lot during my brief visit, chatting with a family member who was working that day. In fact, we had a delightful conversation where she asked about my trip and I asked about the business. We swapped stories like old friends as she prepared my caramel sundae.

They offer shakes, malts, sundaes and, of course, old fashioned sodas. They also prepare some simple sandwiches if you’re looking to grab a quick bite like a Coney Dog or BLT. The counter is made of oak and stainless steel and measures twelve feet long. You can sit at the counter like I did or at one of the many wood and metal cafe style tables.

I went for the atmosphere but was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the ice cream and the company.

A mosaic black and white tile floor anchors the room while a high ceiling of tin tiles and large store front windows make the space feel light and airy. Antique fixtures along the walls are filled with antique pharmacy items and souvenirs from the community.

The pharmacy is also quite nice and seems to sell everything you might need. They even have some gift items and a home medical care division. Lynn’s is promoted as a modern pharmacy with old fashioned values in personal service.

That summed up my experience.

I loved it here and will absolutely stop in again my next trip through. The woman I met that day was the daughter-in-law of the owner who installed the soda fountain. She said they have continued to invest in the business and the community and she spoke about the town with fierce pride and enthusiasm. It made me want to send them my prescription business but it’s a little too far to go for my meds!

In a community with a big box store, a chain grocery pharmacy, and two national chain pharmacies, it’s nice to see a mom and pop continuing to thrive. I’m guessing their success is a testament to their service and personal investment in the town of Brazil.

Brazil, Indiana is west of Indianapolis and has a cute downtown with murals and a few shops. If you go by National Road, less than an hour east of Brazil you’ll find yourself in the town of Plainfield which is home to the fabulous Oasis Diner and Gilley’s Antique and Decorator Mall which I love.

Click here to learn more about Lynn’s.