LeClaire is also the home of the now famous antique shop, Antique Archeology, made famous by the History Channel’s television series, American Pickers. We enjoyed exploring the shop and it was a pleasure to meet Danielle. She is just a sweetheart, who happily autographed publicity handouts, the shop provided.
After exploring LeClaire, we travelled on up the River Road and explored a bit in a few more towns, briefly, on the Iowa side of the river. One of the towns was Clinton and I would like to go there in the spring to visit the Bickelhaupt Arboretum located there. Then it was time to cross back over the river, which was frozen over from to shore to shore ,on a different bridge, and head home.
Imagine my delight when we got to the Illinois side of the river and found ourselves in the town of Fulton, Illinois. It was late in the day when we were there, so we just had time to locate and look through a couple of the antique shops and discover that this is a richly historical town also. One we would like to explore more thoroughly on another day trip. I really want to go there during the first weekend in May, when the town celebrates its rich Dutch heritage with the Dutch Days Festival. This is a picture of the working grist mill that was closed for the day. Another reason to come back as I have a thing for historic grist mills:) This one has a nice museum associated with it.
I found a very interesting book also. I will love reading about Susan La Flesche, the youngest daughter of an Omaha Indian Chief, who felt the call to medicine. About Bethenia Owens Adair, who traded in laundry work for a successful medical practice. And dozens of other women who lived and treated patients in the frontier-era West.
Speaking of that era, we saw the loveliest cupboard in one of the shops. It was reputed to have been crafted around 1800 and to have travelled, over the Atlantic Ocean, with an European immigrant. What a history associated with this piece! I can well imagine it being many women’s prized possession, through the ages.
Thank you for visiting Comfrey Cottages xx
4 comments:
Leslie, thank you for taking us along on your road trip. I love discovering places like that and how fun that they are in driving distance for you. I love the mill!
I know you and your family love little trips to new spots, also Anke. It is always fun to see your adventures also:) That mill is gorgeous! I can't wait to go back and see it in action. We did meet one of its millers, in one of the shops. He said they milled buckwheat, wheat, flax and other grains. Can't wait! xx
I think you had a perfect day Leslie,I love this little book and I see why you liked the cupboard :)
Hugs and love to you Leslie XXXXX
As a budding woodworker, I must say that antiques have a special place in my heart due to their timeless designs and how they change over time. It has been a year since we last went on a road trip, and I think this upcoming summer is the best time to go on a coast-to-coast road trip from West Hollywood to Florida (my grandparents' place) with my wife and kids. Though, prior to the trip, I think it is best to get my auto on maintenance check at the repair shop.
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