Visiting an Illinois Museum

We had the opportunity on September 11 to visit a Fall Harvest Fest in the Chicago suburb of Wood Dale, just west of the city. There is an interesting museum contained in an old farm house from the 1800s in its original location. The site boasts a few acres of land, a stately 3 story home, an old barn with a silo, and the tiny little home which was the original farm house on that property. Residents dressed in vintage clothing sheared sheep, spun wool, and discussed Indian arrow heads found in the vicinity.

Mary Lou Mittel stands beside Yesterday's Farm Museum.

It may interest you to know, that Regency Cove resident Mary Lou Mittel spearheaded this historical project some 40 years ago. She convinced the family to donate their home to start the first ever Wood Dale Historical Society. Mary Lou served as curator for many years, constantly seeking donations to bring her dream to fruition.

Wood Dale residents have donated everything to Yesterday's Farm Museum. There's a room full of old typewriters and cameras, living and dining rooms, second story bedrooms and porch filled with memorabilia donated from residents of the town and area. The kitchen is as charming as it is authentic to the turn of century Midwest location.

This sentimental day was a difficult one for me and many other Americans as well. The Sunday sermon highlighted Forgiveness. My heart isn't quite ready to forgive the act of war that ended so many lives ten years ago. I can't stomach those who believe that the tragedy was actually the result of America's mistakes. I will not run out and volunteer for service as our president requested. I couldn't even find the words to write a post for that day. I chose instead to spend the day visiting a symbol of America's past built from hard-working, God-fearing, patriotic and generous people of our country.