We parked near the water filtration plant across the street from Headwaters Park, the location of Three Rivers Festival, ongoing this week. Each night, special concerts are offered along with food and a midway. We got a photo of the Merry-Go-Round before the crowds arrived.
Headwaters Park was created to absorb excess water during times of flooding from the three rivers that form the Confluence near downtown. The St Joseph, the St Mary, and the Maumee unite, forming a river that has been used for commerce and recreation for hundreds of years. In fact, the Wabash and Erie Canal ran from Lake Erie through Ft Wayne to the Ohio River starting in 1832. Long abandoned, the canal was eventually purchased by the Nickel Plate Railroad for its roadbed.
Our next stop was the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, where a huge variety of plants are on display in beautiful settings in both indoor and outdoor settings. One "hothouse" was devoted to floral displays planted in awesome patterns. The second "hothouse" contained tropical plants, including a Cacoa (Chocolate) tree.
The third "hothouse" was devoted to Sonoran Desert plants. Somewhat odd for the middle of Indiana, but very well done. It even smelled of the Creosote plants commonly found in the desert. Unfortunately, some of the cactus didn't like the conditioned air and were struggling to survive.
We stepped into the lobby of the Lincoln Financial Building, one of Ft Wayne's tallest buildings with ornate brass and marble fittings. The first floor is a bank lobby, and reminded us of some of the turn-of-the-century financial institutions. Fearing that the bank people would frown on a tourist snapping photos, we contented ourselves with a pic of the outgoing mail box just outside the bank doors. Mail from the upper floors is dropped into a chute that terminates in a really cool brass box that the mail person has a key to open.
Around the corner, we visited the Fire Department Museum. All of the apparatus on display has been used in Ft Wayne at one time or another.
This steam powered pump wagon was pulled by three horses that were housed in the room behind where the doors are with nameplates on top. The pump was fueled by coal or wood, and kept full of water for steam at all times. The firehouse had a dedicated boiler that was connected to the pump wagon to keep the water at just below boiling temp, so that when an alarm came in no time would be lost bringing up steam. The pump was driven by one fireman, followed by the wood cart with stokers, and then by the firemen with hoses. There were no hydrants in the late 1800's and early 1900's, but cisterns were installed underground at each street intersection. The long hose you see on the side was simply dropped into the cistern, and the pump went to work. Steam engine indeed!
We ended our 6 mile walk back at Headwaters Park. A quick trip back to check on Nessie, and then it was off to the Vera Bradley store! Donna has been wanting a new bag, and Vera Bradley is one of her favorites. Vera Bradley bags are made here in Ft Wayne, so we guessed that we could tour the factory, but no luck. Our research led us to two retail outlets, but not the factory. We have learned that the factory is south of town, near the GM plant, so we may at least see it and wave as we leave town!
One last thing: The people at Crosspoint Cummins in Ft Wayne have been outstanding to work with. From the service writer, Shawn, to the tech, John, they were all very professional and knowledgeable. They checked and double checked every item that I had asked for, and went well above and beyond to keep the costs low and still do a thorough and complete job. I can't say enough about Crosspoint Cummins! Please consider them for any diesel engine/generator work as you pass through the Midwest, as they have a number of locations.
Until tomorrow!
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