Dean & Linda Stock
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ArdraF said:
We've had really cold, windy, freezing days, and some nice high 60s days. Plimouth was a bitterly cold day, and we would have stayed longer and learned more if the weather had been better.
Travel w/the Stocks to SD, ND, IA, NY and New England
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We've had really cold, windy, freezing days, and some nice high 60s days. Plimouth was a bitterly cold day, and we would have stayed longer and learned more if the weather had been better.
Dean & Linda Stock
Well-known member
HappyWanderer said:
Native groups have "lost" so much, and it can't be retrieved. One of the things that I admired about the Pequot Museum was that they were honest and said, "Based on this and this and this, we believe......" At other "Indian" museums, they backfill a lot and present it as truth. It is so sad that they can't get their culture and language back. I am so glad that your grandfather's artifacts got to good places. Research is a key feature and heavily emphasized at the Pequot Museum.
Dean & Linda Stock
Well-known member
Day 53 October 23, 2015 Uncasville
The Wadsworth Athenean was the castle-like home of a prominent Hartford family. George Washington slept here. The statue of Nathan Hale greeted us. He is famous for volunteering to go to New York to spy on the British. He was very accomplished at age 21 and a Yale graduate. He was caught and given a sentence of death by hanging. His response was to say, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." He is Connecticut's most famous citizen. (Picture 1/6171).
"Tents at Lake O'Hara" by John Singer Sargent was one of our favorite paintings (Picture 2/6167).
"The Charter Oak" (Picture 3/6169) is a portrait of the cherished Charter Oak tree. The wood frame is carved from the famous oak. According to legend, the Connecticut charter guaranteeing the colony's right to self-government was hidden in the oak's hollow by Daniel Wadsworth's ancestor Joseph Wadsworth in 1698. The King of England revoked all the colonies' charters, but Connecticut refused to return theirs. The British governor of New England brought a lot of soldiers from Massachusetts to seize it. The blue onion dome of the Colt firearms factory, another powerful Hartford symbol--is visible in the distance, to the right of the oak.
One section displayed beautiful colonial furniture. Dean and I thought this was a fountain or basin when we first saw this, but then we saw the soft cloth insides. It is the Colt Family Cradle. (Picture 4/6163) Samuel Colt (famous for his guns) commissioned a cradle to honor his newborn son. A German woodcarver and piano maker carved this from the famous Charter Oak Tree. All of the Colt pistols were carved in great detail. Carved in the bark is a verse which reminds young Samuel to follow the example of the tree and defend his country whenever it is in danger and that he should die for his country, rather than let anybody hurt it.
Staying at Mohecan Sun Casino
The Wadsworth Athenean was the castle-like home of a prominent Hartford family. George Washington slept here. The statue of Nathan Hale greeted us. He is famous for volunteering to go to New York to spy on the British. He was very accomplished at age 21 and a Yale graduate. He was caught and given a sentence of death by hanging. His response was to say, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." He is Connecticut's most famous citizen. (Picture 1/6171).
"Tents at Lake O'Hara" by John Singer Sargent was one of our favorite paintings (Picture 2/6167).
"The Charter Oak" (Picture 3/6169) is a portrait of the cherished Charter Oak tree. The wood frame is carved from the famous oak. According to legend, the Connecticut charter guaranteeing the colony's right to self-government was hidden in the oak's hollow by Daniel Wadsworth's ancestor Joseph Wadsworth in 1698. The King of England revoked all the colonies' charters, but Connecticut refused to return theirs. The British governor of New England brought a lot of soldiers from Massachusetts to seize it. The blue onion dome of the Colt firearms factory, another powerful Hartford symbol--is visible in the distance, to the right of the oak.
One section displayed beautiful colonial furniture. Dean and I thought this was a fountain or basin when we first saw this, but then we saw the soft cloth insides. It is the Colt Family Cradle. (Picture 4/6163) Samuel Colt (famous for his guns) commissioned a cradle to honor his newborn son. A German woodcarver and piano maker carved this from the famous Charter Oak Tree. All of the Colt pistols were carved in great detail. Carved in the bark is a verse which reminds young Samuel to follow the example of the tree and defend his country whenever it is in danger and that he should die for his country, rather than let anybody hurt it.
Staying at Mohecan Sun Casino
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Dean & Linda Stock
Well-known member
Day 57 October 27, 2015 Clarksboro, NJ
New Jersey's capitol (Pic 1/6228) has the most stringent security of the 44+ capitols we have visited. They lost 691 people on 9/11, and they want to protect their capital as much as possible. You must go on a tour--you are not allowed to walk in the halls unaccompanied. The tours are on the hour, and you cannot enter the capitol until 5 minutes before the tour. They screen you and you go into a small holding area.
The "est" of this capitol is the it was the first to have electricity because Thomas Edison's lab and home were in New Jersey. It was also the QUICKest tour- (20 minutes)-She spoke and walked at the speed of Japan's Bullet Train. I made good use of my 2 years of shorthand classes. She probably says this script 5 times a day, and she's been doing it for years. She is a paid state employee.
In 1790, the legislature decided to build the capitol in Trenton because it was located on the Delaware River, a convenient method of travel, and was equi-distant from the south or north. New Jersey's State House was originally built in 1792, and has been extensively added to, remodeled, replaced, and re-constructed by 17 architects with 17 architectural styles. Part of the original structure still exists, making it the second oldest in continuous use. Maryland's capitol is the oldest.
The first area was a rotunda with portraits of the first 10 governors and stained glass windows. The governorship was intended to be a very weak position, appointed by the legislature, which was elected. They didn't want the governors to be king-like, so they gave them only 1-year terms. As we walked around, we saw one governor who served for two years, was out for one year, and then back in for eleven years. The longest term was one governor with 14 one-year terms. In 1844, the legislator gave them greater power and 3-year terms. Governors now have 4-year terms. Governors may serve two terms. Then they have to leave office for one term, and they are then eligible to run for governor again.
A dome is above the rotunda/lobby, which was right off State Street and was seen as a gathering place for the people. In 1889, they gilded the dome. When they last remodeled in 1999, they re-gilded it. (Picture 2/6208)
One of the stained glass windows is the State Seal. (Picture 3/6211) New Jersey's first legislature hired a French immigrant to create the state's original seal in 1776. On the Great Seal of New Jersey the horse represents speed and strength, and is New Jersey's state animal. Liberty (left) symbolizes the fight for independence. The three plows on the center shield and Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain, represent the importance of the farming industry. (We have been amazed at how much land is planted--mainly corn, cabbage, and lettuce.) In the State Museum we saw huge glass bells that are placed over the plants to protect them from frost. The Great Seal is used to authenticate official documents.
We got to tour the governor's foyer. No pictures were allowed inside, so we got the door (Pic 4/6213) He must have at least 10 secretary-type people, which is by far the most of any state in recent memory.
We didn't get to see the inside of his office. Woodrow Wilson is the only New Jersey governor to become president.
"Liberty and Prosperity" is the state motto and recurs throughout the capitol. Each county has its own flag on display at the Capitol. The four state symbols the state tree, the red oak, the state flower, the purple violet, the state insect, the honeybee, and the state bird, the goldfinch are always together and are showcased in many places in the Capitol. (Pic 5/6215) The surrounding marble had a moderate orange hue, which really intensified in our pictures.
New Jersey has a bicameral legislature. Only Nebraska has a unicameral legislature. The General Assembly and Senate meet from September to June on Mondays and/or Thursdays. A bill may originate in either house, but appropriations bills must begin in the Senate and end in the Assembly. Members of both houses may abstain. Both houses have gone pretty much paperless.
The state is divided into 80 districts. There are 48 Democrats and 32 Republicans in the Assembly. (Pic 6/6217) All of the desks in both houses are 1891 original desks, and really quite nice. Members of each house make $49,500 per year.
As we entered the Senate, Greek goddesses "Liberty and Prosperity" were over the door. (Pic 7/6219) The Senate is modeled after the Roman Senate or House of Lords. Murals surround the perimeter.
(Pictures 8, 9, 10/6221, 6223, 6225).
We got to the Capitol at a few minutes after the hour, and we were not about to wait outside in the cold, so we went 1 block away to the warmth of The New Jersey State Museum (free). They displayed art either by New Jersey residents or of New Jersey scenes. They showed Native American artifacts, 19th century household items, and natural history.
The most interesting sections to me were "Nano-the Science of Tiny," which explained how tiny particles will bring cures and make our lives better and the flag of The USS New Jersey (The Black Dragon). She (? I think I heard somewhere that ships were shes) was the most-decorated battleship in the Navy and saw service in three wars. She was launched on the first anniversary of Pearl Harbor. She had nine huge 16" guns that could shoot for 24 miles. I wonder how far today's ships can shoot.
Staying at Timberlane Campground--$82.80/2 nights, FHU.
New Jersey's capitol (Pic 1/6228) has the most stringent security of the 44+ capitols we have visited. They lost 691 people on 9/11, and they want to protect their capital as much as possible. You must go on a tour--you are not allowed to walk in the halls unaccompanied. The tours are on the hour, and you cannot enter the capitol until 5 minutes before the tour. They screen you and you go into a small holding area.
The "est" of this capitol is the it was the first to have electricity because Thomas Edison's lab and home were in New Jersey. It was also the QUICKest tour- (20 minutes)-She spoke and walked at the speed of Japan's Bullet Train. I made good use of my 2 years of shorthand classes. She probably says this script 5 times a day, and she's been doing it for years. She is a paid state employee.
In 1790, the legislature decided to build the capitol in Trenton because it was located on the Delaware River, a convenient method of travel, and was equi-distant from the south or north. New Jersey's State House was originally built in 1792, and has been extensively added to, remodeled, replaced, and re-constructed by 17 architects with 17 architectural styles. Part of the original structure still exists, making it the second oldest in continuous use. Maryland's capitol is the oldest.
The first area was a rotunda with portraits of the first 10 governors and stained glass windows. The governorship was intended to be a very weak position, appointed by the legislature, which was elected. They didn't want the governors to be king-like, so they gave them only 1-year terms. As we walked around, we saw one governor who served for two years, was out for one year, and then back in for eleven years. The longest term was one governor with 14 one-year terms. In 1844, the legislator gave them greater power and 3-year terms. Governors now have 4-year terms. Governors may serve two terms. Then they have to leave office for one term, and they are then eligible to run for governor again.
A dome is above the rotunda/lobby, which was right off State Street and was seen as a gathering place for the people. In 1889, they gilded the dome. When they last remodeled in 1999, they re-gilded it. (Picture 2/6208)
One of the stained glass windows is the State Seal. (Picture 3/6211) New Jersey's first legislature hired a French immigrant to create the state's original seal in 1776. On the Great Seal of New Jersey the horse represents speed and strength, and is New Jersey's state animal. Liberty (left) symbolizes the fight for independence. The three plows on the center shield and Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain, represent the importance of the farming industry. (We have been amazed at how much land is planted--mainly corn, cabbage, and lettuce.) In the State Museum we saw huge glass bells that are placed over the plants to protect them from frost. The Great Seal is used to authenticate official documents.
We got to tour the governor's foyer. No pictures were allowed inside, so we got the door (Pic 4/6213) He must have at least 10 secretary-type people, which is by far the most of any state in recent memory.
We didn't get to see the inside of his office. Woodrow Wilson is the only New Jersey governor to become president.
"Liberty and Prosperity" is the state motto and recurs throughout the capitol. Each county has its own flag on display at the Capitol. The four state symbols the state tree, the red oak, the state flower, the purple violet, the state insect, the honeybee, and the state bird, the goldfinch are always together and are showcased in many places in the Capitol. (Pic 5/6215) The surrounding marble had a moderate orange hue, which really intensified in our pictures.
New Jersey has a bicameral legislature. Only Nebraska has a unicameral legislature. The General Assembly and Senate meet from September to June on Mondays and/or Thursdays. A bill may originate in either house, but appropriations bills must begin in the Senate and end in the Assembly. Members of both houses may abstain. Both houses have gone pretty much paperless.
The state is divided into 80 districts. There are 48 Democrats and 32 Republicans in the Assembly. (Pic 6/6217) All of the desks in both houses are 1891 original desks, and really quite nice. Members of each house make $49,500 per year.
As we entered the Senate, Greek goddesses "Liberty and Prosperity" were over the door. (Pic 7/6219) The Senate is modeled after the Roman Senate or House of Lords. Murals surround the perimeter.
(Pictures 8, 9, 10/6221, 6223, 6225).
We got to the Capitol at a few minutes after the hour, and we were not about to wait outside in the cold, so we went 1 block away to the warmth of The New Jersey State Museum (free). They displayed art either by New Jersey residents or of New Jersey scenes. They showed Native American artifacts, 19th century household items, and natural history.
The most interesting sections to me were "Nano-the Science of Tiny," which explained how tiny particles will bring cures and make our lives better and the flag of The USS New Jersey (The Black Dragon). She (? I think I heard somewhere that ships were shes) was the most-decorated battleship in the Navy and saw service in three wars. She was launched on the first anniversary of Pearl Harbor. She had nine huge 16" guns that could shoot for 24 miles. I wonder how far today's ships can shoot.
Staying at Timberlane Campground--$82.80/2 nights, FHU.
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Dean & Linda Stock
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Dean & Linda Stock
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Day 59 October 29, 2015 Harrisburg, PA
Throughout the United States, capital buildings are being restored to their original state. Pennsylvania's capital is no different. The fountain has been undergoing reconstruction since the spring. It is already 3 times the anticipated cost. The parts they needed for repair were so old that they are no longer made. So they have had to make them individually by hand.
The Capitol in Harrisburg is spectacular! When President Theodore Roosevelt attended the dedication in 1906, he said, "This is the handsomest building I ever saw." It was designed in the American Renaissance style. The architect envisioned it as a Palace of Art, and it is by far the most artistic and decorated capital in the U. S. It cost $13 million, which may be the most expensive capital. The paintings, stained glass, and furnishings were done by some of the best artisans in the world at that time. All of the ornate doorknobs have the state seal engraved on them, and it is on all the elevators. Various areas are themed--Italian in the House Chamber, French in the Senate Chamber, and English in the Governor's Reception Room. But, it all blends together beautifully. At the top of the dome is "Commonwealth," a gilded-bronze statue of a female figure representing Pennsylvania. She holds a mace of statehood in her left and extends her right hand.
It is so enormous that it is impossible to photograph. (Picture 1/6231). We entered through a very modern, sleek annex that is attached on several sides of the original capital. The annex houses the offices for the senators and representatives.
This is also the newest capitol we've visited recently, maybe ever. In 1682 when William Penn founded Pennsylvania, the Provincial Assembly had no official meeting place, moving between Philadelphia's Town Hall, meeting houses, schools, taverns, inns, and private homes. Starting in 1735, they met in Independence Hall. When the British troops occupied Philadelphia, the Assembly moved to Lancaster. In 1790, they ratified the Pennsylvania Constitution and created the House of Representatives and Senate. They debated what the location of their capital should be for 20 years, and they chose Harrisburg. The first capital was build from 1819-1822. In 1897, the capital burned down while they were in session, probably due to a faulty fireplace flue. We've heard this about so many of the capitals. In 1898, a new building was constructed for $550,000. It was considered so undignified and unattractive that it was never completed. However, the General Assembly met in the unfinished building. In 1904, they started building a new capital. In 1987, the new West Wing was opened.
The Rotunda entry is jaw-dropping amazing. The glass and brass elevators sparkle; the Grand Staircase was truly grand. The dome overhead weighs 26 tons and is 272 feet above the floor--four stories high plus open air. It is lit by 4,000 lights.(Pic 2/6232) The rotunda is so magnificent and rich with symbols that it is used for announcements, bill-signings and press conferences. There are eight large murals about Pennsylvania's history (Pic 3/6234) and reclining goddesses (Pic 4/6239). Even the floor tiles are symbolic. The floor is colorful Moravian tiles and interspersed with 400 tile mosaics illustrating the state's history, animals, industries, occupations, and modes of transportation. There are 200 clocks in the Capitol that have to be hand-wound once a week.
Beautiful marble sculptures of 27 figures flank both sides of the 17-foot tall ornate bronze doors at the main entrance. Each door weighs a ton, but can swing open at the push of one hand.
Pennsylvania is one of only 5 full-time capitols. They meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from September to June. They spend Thursdays and Fridays at their district office.
Unfortunately, when they let visitors on the floor of the legislature, vandalism occurred, so they won't let anyone on the floor of either house unless they are accompanied by a member of that house. We could only see the House from the gallery one floor above. We haven't encountered this before, and all Dean's pictures came out dark because he only had his normal flash, not his external flash. It is a real shame because it was glorious.
In the House, (Pic 5/6250) there is a 35-foot square painting behind the Speaker's chair that grabs your attention as you enter. It depicts distinguished state residents at the feet of a figure representing the "Genius of State." Penn is in the center in a red robe, and Benjamin Franklin is at his right hand. The lights hanging from the ceiling are huge. (Pic 6/6243) The ceiling is recessed in sections and very ornate. (Pic 7/6245) The House Chamber also has magnificent murals and original mahogany desks. The 10 stained glass windows are themed, like "Religion" (Pictures 8 & 9/6246 & 6247) The stained-glass windows are framed in 24-karat gold leaf.
There are 203 members of the House (119 R and 94 D) and they serve two-year terms. They elect the Speaker of the House. Democrats sit on the left, and Republicans on the right. They have a huge ornate mace, which is a symbol of authority, peace, and order, dating back to Roman times. It is 46 inches long, topped with a brass sphere that is engraved on both sides with the Coat of Arms, and an eagle at the very top. We last saw a mace in Victoria, BC, Canada, and I don't think we've seen one in any other state. Six crystal chandeliers light the House. They weigh between two tons and four tons and require over 1,000 light bulbs.
The Senate started with only 18 Senators, but now there are 50 (30 R and 20 D). They serve four-year terms. They use a voice vote system. When they vote, their whole name lights up red if they vote "no" and green if they vote "yes." In other states, they just have a little red or green light by their names.
Democrats sit on the left, Republicans on the right.
They have lovely mahogany large desks that were used in 1906. Rare green Irish marble is on the walls. On the floor, there are 4 massive gold brass lights weighing 5,000 pounds each at the front. Everything that is gold-colored in the whole capital is 23 Karat gold-leaf. They started re-gilding the Capitol in 1985; it took 21 years to do it because there is so much gold throughout the Capitol. Gold symbols surround the Senate chamber. There are beautiful murals of events in Pennsylvania history and huge gold statues. There are 14 stained glass windows, each with 4 layers of glass and a theme. The lights had symbolic statues inside them. (Pic 10/6251)
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is unique in many ways. It is the oldest supreme court in the U. S. Only 12 supreme courts in the U. S. are still housed in the Capitol buildings. It is the only travelling supreme court and roves between Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. It is very large and beautiful. It has 16 intricate paintings. One of the paintings intrigued me. It's a "keynote" painting. If you look at it carefully, you can see the words "love," "law," and "wisdom," are almost hidden in "Divine Law. (Pic 11/6253) A keystone is the center stone in an arch which holds the arch together. Pennsylvania says it is the Keystone State because they were what held the colonies together. There is a beautiful green stained glass dome above (Picture 12/6254).
Our tour guide had hurried us through the tour, so we returned to the Senate to admire the stained glass windows and murals. Pic 13/6261 was about the Militia. Pic 14/6265 honored the role of the railroads. Pic 15/6267 is a great mural and encircling it was the saying, "Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair the events in the hands of God. Picture 16/6269 shows a bright light lit with a 25-watt bulb, the only kind available in 1906. They cut diamonds in the glass to diffuse the light and make it brighter.
As we left, we saw the most photogenic State Seal on the back wall of the elevator. Unlike most state seals, it has an obverse and reverse. The observe has a central image of a shield with a ship under full sail, a plow and three sheaves of wheat. They represent the importance of commerce, labor, perseverance, and agriculture to the state's economy. On either side of the shield are a stalk of Indian corn and an olive branch, recognizing the past and hopes for the future. On top of the shield an eagle proudly symbolizes the state's sovereignty. The reverse side pictures Lady Liberty dominating Tyranny in the form of a lion, with the words, "Both Can't Survive."
We have seen about 45 capitals. I think this is the most magnificent, though Dean thinks Frankfort is. I'd visit this capital again if we're in the area. The murals are just spectacular, and I'd like to linger and enjoy. Beauty is everywhere--even their glass elevators. It is super handicapped-accessible.
Stayed at Walmart Harrisburg
Throughout the United States, capital buildings are being restored to their original state. Pennsylvania's capital is no different. The fountain has been undergoing reconstruction since the spring. It is already 3 times the anticipated cost. The parts they needed for repair were so old that they are no longer made. So they have had to make them individually by hand.
The Capitol in Harrisburg is spectacular! When President Theodore Roosevelt attended the dedication in 1906, he said, "This is the handsomest building I ever saw." It was designed in the American Renaissance style. The architect envisioned it as a Palace of Art, and it is by far the most artistic and decorated capital in the U. S. It cost $13 million, which may be the most expensive capital. The paintings, stained glass, and furnishings were done by some of the best artisans in the world at that time. All of the ornate doorknobs have the state seal engraved on them, and it is on all the elevators. Various areas are themed--Italian in the House Chamber, French in the Senate Chamber, and English in the Governor's Reception Room. But, it all blends together beautifully. At the top of the dome is "Commonwealth," a gilded-bronze statue of a female figure representing Pennsylvania. She holds a mace of statehood in her left and extends her right hand.
It is so enormous that it is impossible to photograph. (Picture 1/6231). We entered through a very modern, sleek annex that is attached on several sides of the original capital. The annex houses the offices for the senators and representatives.
This is also the newest capitol we've visited recently, maybe ever. In 1682 when William Penn founded Pennsylvania, the Provincial Assembly had no official meeting place, moving between Philadelphia's Town Hall, meeting houses, schools, taverns, inns, and private homes. Starting in 1735, they met in Independence Hall. When the British troops occupied Philadelphia, the Assembly moved to Lancaster. In 1790, they ratified the Pennsylvania Constitution and created the House of Representatives and Senate. They debated what the location of their capital should be for 20 years, and they chose Harrisburg. The first capital was build from 1819-1822. In 1897, the capital burned down while they were in session, probably due to a faulty fireplace flue. We've heard this about so many of the capitals. In 1898, a new building was constructed for $550,000. It was considered so undignified and unattractive that it was never completed. However, the General Assembly met in the unfinished building. In 1904, they started building a new capital. In 1987, the new West Wing was opened.
The Rotunda entry is jaw-dropping amazing. The glass and brass elevators sparkle; the Grand Staircase was truly grand. The dome overhead weighs 26 tons and is 272 feet above the floor--four stories high plus open air. It is lit by 4,000 lights.(Pic 2/6232) The rotunda is so magnificent and rich with symbols that it is used for announcements, bill-signings and press conferences. There are eight large murals about Pennsylvania's history (Pic 3/6234) and reclining goddesses (Pic 4/6239). Even the floor tiles are symbolic. The floor is colorful Moravian tiles and interspersed with 400 tile mosaics illustrating the state's history, animals, industries, occupations, and modes of transportation. There are 200 clocks in the Capitol that have to be hand-wound once a week.
Beautiful marble sculptures of 27 figures flank both sides of the 17-foot tall ornate bronze doors at the main entrance. Each door weighs a ton, but can swing open at the push of one hand.
Pennsylvania is one of only 5 full-time capitols. They meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from September to June. They spend Thursdays and Fridays at their district office.
Unfortunately, when they let visitors on the floor of the legislature, vandalism occurred, so they won't let anyone on the floor of either house unless they are accompanied by a member of that house. We could only see the House from the gallery one floor above. We haven't encountered this before, and all Dean's pictures came out dark because he only had his normal flash, not his external flash. It is a real shame because it was glorious.
In the House, (Pic 5/6250) there is a 35-foot square painting behind the Speaker's chair that grabs your attention as you enter. It depicts distinguished state residents at the feet of a figure representing the "Genius of State." Penn is in the center in a red robe, and Benjamin Franklin is at his right hand. The lights hanging from the ceiling are huge. (Pic 6/6243) The ceiling is recessed in sections and very ornate. (Pic 7/6245) The House Chamber also has magnificent murals and original mahogany desks. The 10 stained glass windows are themed, like "Religion" (Pictures 8 & 9/6246 & 6247) The stained-glass windows are framed in 24-karat gold leaf.
There are 203 members of the House (119 R and 94 D) and they serve two-year terms. They elect the Speaker of the House. Democrats sit on the left, and Republicans on the right. They have a huge ornate mace, which is a symbol of authority, peace, and order, dating back to Roman times. It is 46 inches long, topped with a brass sphere that is engraved on both sides with the Coat of Arms, and an eagle at the very top. We last saw a mace in Victoria, BC, Canada, and I don't think we've seen one in any other state. Six crystal chandeliers light the House. They weigh between two tons and four tons and require over 1,000 light bulbs.
The Senate started with only 18 Senators, but now there are 50 (30 R and 20 D). They serve four-year terms. They use a voice vote system. When they vote, their whole name lights up red if they vote "no" and green if they vote "yes." In other states, they just have a little red or green light by their names.
Democrats sit on the left, Republicans on the right.
They have lovely mahogany large desks that were used in 1906. Rare green Irish marble is on the walls. On the floor, there are 4 massive gold brass lights weighing 5,000 pounds each at the front. Everything that is gold-colored in the whole capital is 23 Karat gold-leaf. They started re-gilding the Capitol in 1985; it took 21 years to do it because there is so much gold throughout the Capitol. Gold symbols surround the Senate chamber. There are beautiful murals of events in Pennsylvania history and huge gold statues. There are 14 stained glass windows, each with 4 layers of glass and a theme. The lights had symbolic statues inside them. (Pic 10/6251)
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is unique in many ways. It is the oldest supreme court in the U. S. Only 12 supreme courts in the U. S. are still housed in the Capitol buildings. It is the only travelling supreme court and roves between Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. It is very large and beautiful. It has 16 intricate paintings. One of the paintings intrigued me. It's a "keynote" painting. If you look at it carefully, you can see the words "love," "law," and "wisdom," are almost hidden in "Divine Law. (Pic 11/6253) A keystone is the center stone in an arch which holds the arch together. Pennsylvania says it is the Keystone State because they were what held the colonies together. There is a beautiful green stained glass dome above (Picture 12/6254).
Our tour guide had hurried us through the tour, so we returned to the Senate to admire the stained glass windows and murals. Pic 13/6261 was about the Militia. Pic 14/6265 honored the role of the railroads. Pic 15/6267 is a great mural and encircling it was the saying, "Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair the events in the hands of God. Picture 16/6269 shows a bright light lit with a 25-watt bulb, the only kind available in 1906. They cut diamonds in the glass to diffuse the light and make it brighter.
As we left, we saw the most photogenic State Seal on the back wall of the elevator. Unlike most state seals, it has an obverse and reverse. The observe has a central image of a shield with a ship under full sail, a plow and three sheaves of wheat. They represent the importance of commerce, labor, perseverance, and agriculture to the state's economy. On either side of the shield are a stalk of Indian corn and an olive branch, recognizing the past and hopes for the future. On top of the shield an eagle proudly symbolizes the state's sovereignty. The reverse side pictures Lady Liberty dominating Tyranny in the form of a lion, with the words, "Both Can't Survive."
We have seen about 45 capitals. I think this is the most magnificent, though Dean thinks Frankfort is. I'd visit this capital again if we're in the area. The murals are just spectacular, and I'd like to linger and enjoy. Beauty is everywhere--even their glass elevators. It is super handicapped-accessible.
Stayed at Walmart Harrisburg
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Dean & Linda Stock
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ArdraF
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I've visited a lot of state capitols but I don't think I've ever been in the one in my state of birth. Your narrative and photos make me think maybe we should go there the next time we're in the vicinity. I'm not sure I've ever been to Harrisburg either! But then I haven't lived in Pa. since high school.
ArdraF
ArdraF
Dean & Linda Stock
Well-known member
ArdraF said:
Where were you born? I really think Harrisburg rates up there with Mt. Rushmore as a work of art. And, they did it without it appearing gaudy anywhere. So tastefully done! Just exquisite!
We were going to do Santa Fe on this trip, too, but considering its 7200 feet of elevation, we are thinking we might want to save it and do it when we go to Texas next spring. I'm a little afraid of running into snow and super cold weather.
Dean & Linda Stock
Well-known member
I hope to do more postings, but we are heading home (California) in travel mode (400+ miles/day). We want to be in Phoenix to visit my best friend, who is undergoing IV antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease. Her good days are Monday & Tuesday, and then she goes downhill from there. It's kind of like chemo.
But, I wanted to share with RVForumers some information you might find helpful.
1) The FMCA RV park in Cincinnati is great for visiting Cincinnati. It has concrete, smooth roads and pads with grass separating sites, which are spacious. Everything is pristine, with wonderful full hook-ups, but no recreation, pool, etc. And, it is free!
2) Topeka is a classy city! The Deer Creek Valley RV Park also has great concrete, smooth roads and pads with grass separating sites, which are well-spaced. They are wonderfully organized, and the hosts are great. $40/night
3) Right next to the above RV park is the world's best BBQ--Lonnie Q's BBQ. It's only open from 11-1, Monday through Friday, and from 5:30-7:30 Friday night. Closed weekends. Dean and I have our own smoker and seek out BBQ restaurants, and we've never had better BBQ. We delayed our sightseeing on 3 days to be able to have brunch at Lonnie's. There are only 7 items on the menu, but they are all outstanding. Dean and I split one meal and leave full.
4) If you are visiting St. Louis, MO, the St. Louis RV Park is in the inner city, bounded by MLK Blvd. and a huge police station. We felt secure. The park is old, but had good hook-ups. Spaces are close together, but they give you two spaces, one for your coach and one for your toad. We would stay there again, The hosts are conscientious and trying to please. There were no other reasonable choices.
But, I wanted to share with RVForumers some information you might find helpful.
1) The FMCA RV park in Cincinnati is great for visiting Cincinnati. It has concrete, smooth roads and pads with grass separating sites, which are spacious. Everything is pristine, with wonderful full hook-ups, but no recreation, pool, etc. And, it is free!
2) Topeka is a classy city! The Deer Creek Valley RV Park also has great concrete, smooth roads and pads with grass separating sites, which are well-spaced. They are wonderfully organized, and the hosts are great. $40/night
3) Right next to the above RV park is the world's best BBQ--Lonnie Q's BBQ. It's only open from 11-1, Monday through Friday, and from 5:30-7:30 Friday night. Closed weekends. Dean and I have our own smoker and seek out BBQ restaurants, and we've never had better BBQ. We delayed our sightseeing on 3 days to be able to have brunch at Lonnie's. There are only 7 items on the menu, but they are all outstanding. Dean and I split one meal and leave full.
4) If you are visiting St. Louis, MO, the St. Louis RV Park is in the inner city, bounded by MLK Blvd. and a huge police station. We felt secure. The park is old, but had good hook-ups. Spaces are close together, but they give you two spaces, one for your coach and one for your toad. We would stay there again, The hosts are conscientious and trying to please. There were no other reasonable choices.
ArdraF
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2006
- Posts
- 10,695
The York Pa. Hospital. I was supposed to have been born at Walter Reed but, the Army being what it is, plans changed and we happened to be in York when the event took place! About 20 years ago Mother showed Jerry and me the exact room from across the street. We were amazed she even knew where the room was.
Lyme disease can be pretty devastating. I wish your friend the best and it's good you can visit her en route. Have a safe trip home.
ArdraF
