Geology Hike -- May 7, 2010

Ed Stermer, Earth Science Professor at Illinois Central College, was back to lead us on a hike and fossil hunt at Kankakee River State Park and Mazon Creek.

During the hike, Ed discussed the geological aspects of the Rock Creek Canyon Trail, including limestone cliffs and waterfalls. After lunch, we explored the fossil beds at the Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area.

OLLI extends its thanks to Professor Stermer for providing another incredible day of learning in the outdoors!

Day in Pekin -- May 5, 2010

Janet Lange, Executive Director of Continuing Education, was our guide as we spent the day touring attractions in her hometown.

The City of Pekin, population 33,857, is located along the eastern bank of the Illinois River and is rich in both agricultural and industrial heritage.

Our first stop was the Pekin Union Mission, where Director Scott Lange talked about its history and influence on generations of Pekin's "river folk." Next, we walked to the historic Tazewell County Courthouse for a tour of the building and a talk with legal professionals. We then drove along the Illinois River and through older neighborhoods for a look at historical homes.

Next, Henry Cakora met us at Mineral Springs Park Sunken Garden to discuss his creation known as the World's Greatest Sundial. During his talk, he explained how how the sundial was his quest for an education in celestial naviagation, then showed OLLI members how to predict the point of sunrise and sunset using the device.

After lunch in the park pavilion, we heard a presentation by Terri Gambetti of the Pekin Park District, then traveled to the Dirksen Congressional Center to learn more about the late Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen, a civil rights leader from Pekin. Our day concluded with a brief tour ofthe Dragon Dome, an indoor recreation facility on the edge of town.

OLLI thanks all of our hosts for making us feel so welcome during our visit to Pekin.

Civil War Tour, Day 8 -- May 5, 2010

On Tuesday morning, we left Columbus, Ohio, and drove south to Cincinnati for our visit to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Museum, where no cameras were allowed. We were greeted by our guide, Christopher Davis, who directed our “Highlights Tour” and told us why Cincinnati was so important to the Underground Railroad.

Kentucky was a slave state, and Ohio was a free state. With Covington, KY directly across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, many slaves crossed the river on their route to freedom. The historical perspective was presented in a two-part film, with the first part narrated by Oprah Winfrey. She introduced the main historical figures John Parker and the Rev. John Rankin, who were abolitionists in nearby Ripley, OH. The second part of the film was shown in an "experiential" theater and portrayed a young female slave who was trying to escape her captors. The presentation was very suspenseful as we watched the sons of Rev. Rankin help the woman up a large hill just in time to evade the slave hunters.

We learned that – of all the slaves captured in Africa – only 5% came to America, but during our visit we saw many exhibits that told the stories of life as a slave. Exhibits include an authentic “slave pen,” a building used to hold slaves before they were sold. The building, from the early 1800’s, was donated to the Freedom Center by a Kentucky farmer who found the structure on his land. Another feature of the museum is a genealogical research center, where visitors can use the resources for free. We left the National Underground Railroad Freedom Museum with a deeper understanding of slavery, past and present.

After a fantastic dinner at the Beef House in Covington, Indiana, our band of travelers boarded the bus for the final leg of our trip home.
As a group, we had traveled over 1800 miles and thoroughly enjoyed nine museums, three Civil War battlefield sites, sixteen unique meals, six historically significant restaurants, eight days and seven nights of travel, and the teaching of two phenomenal Civil War experts.

Many thanks to Bernie Drake (Peoria Historical Society) and Rev. Dr. Randy Saxon (United Presbyterian Church) for their engaging learning activities and “on-the-move” lectures. They kept us on our toes and patiently answered our questions while enriching our understanding of the Civil War, military strategy, and the people and places affected by the “War of Northern Aggression.”

Thanks also to Peoria Charter Coach for providing our transportation and to Don Farden, Professional Motorcoach Driver…extraordinaire. Don maneuvered our coach in and out of some very narrow streets and many tight spaces while delivering excellent customer service at every stop.

Finally, thanks to Michelle Riggio, Continuing Education Program Director, who created and maintained the blog while the group was on the road.

We hope that you have enjoyed following our adventures as we explored the places, people, and events of the Civil War. Until next time…

Civil War Tour, Day 7 -- May 4, 2010

We boarded the bus early in the morning for a travel day. Driving from Hagerstown, Maryland, to Columbus, Ohio, we made a lunch stop in Washington, Pennsylvania.

The Spring House is part of a working dairy farm that was started in 1975 by Sam and Bev Minor and their five children. The family milked the cows and processed and bottled the milk on site. The restaurant where we enjoyed our lunch was originally a roadside cheese stand, and the official drink of the Springhouse is chocolate milk. Many members of our group tried the milk and declared it delicious! Our travelers also enjoyed the baked goods and yummy ice cream.

After lunch, in the heart of Washington, PA, we toured the home of Dr. Francis LeMoyne, an abolitionist. We learned from our guides that Francis enjoyed “stirring up trouble” wherever he went. Before he began working against slavery, he initiated education for young women in his area and established the Female Seminary in Washington County. LeMoyne attended Harvard and his roommate was none other than John F. Kennedy; the two young men became quite close. According to our guide, while President Kennedy occupied the White House, he reserved a suite of rooms and made them available for Francis LeMoyne’s visits. When LeMoyne died, many of the Kennedy family members attended his funeral.

We were not able to take photos in the LeMoyne house, so we don’t have any to share. However, the tour was interesting, and we were amazed at the number of causes Francis LeMoyne adopted.

We drove on to Pickerington, Ohio, where we enjoyed a less historical dinner at Max & Erma’s, and then we checked into the hotel for the last night of our tour.