Monday afternoon was laundry day, since we hadn't been able to do that in Nappanee. Play-Mor Campground didn't have any sites with sewer connections when we checked in, so most water related activities were minimized (Donna did request that I take the occasional shower, however).
On Tuesday, the 5th, having completed most of our chores, we visited the Flea Market, a mile or so north of the campground.
Hundreds and hundreds of people were cruising the aisles looking for that special bargain. Donna found a booth selling Teaberry Wood Working items. She had purchased a unique wooden basket some years ago, so we were pleased to get reacquainted with the Amish family that has the business. The business is now in it's second generation, and produces some special baskets, puzzles, and gifts.
Donna and I were bent on getting a vital piece of our senior tool collection!
Hey, for eight bucks you can't go wrong.....
Today, Wednesday the 6th, we visited the Hostetler Hudsons Museum here in Shipshewana. Mr and Mrs Hostetler spent years collecting Hudson automobiles, and have passed their collection on to future generations.
We started our visit with a look at a 1909 Hudson Model 20.
The 1915 Hudson Super Six-40 had a special hood ornament.
The Hudson and Essex companies were merged in 1922, but the names were retained to retain brand loyalty. The 1922 Essex marked the beginning of the change from open cars to closed coach models. This model influenced Pontiac, Chevrolet, and the Model T styling for years. The styling was not sensational, but the low price of the coach model assured it's success. The car boasted 18.2 horsepower!
In 1928, the age of the chrome Valkyrie emerged:
Hood ornaments continued to evolve, as on this 1928 Hudson Victoria Coach, one of only two in existence.
The Essex continued to be a bit upscale, with even more ornate hood ornaments.
While the Hudson had a more subdued version on its 1929 Hudson Model R Coupe.
This 1929 Hudson Model: Essex Speedabout, Boat-Tail is one of five custom built by the Biddle and Smart Company of Amesbury, MA. Only three survive.
By 1932, hood ornaments had lost some of their luster. This 1932 Hudson Terraplane Convertible is an awesome example.
In 1933 a Hudson convertible was available with two side mount spare tires. This is the only remaining example.
In 1935, probably due to financial environments, the Hudson hood ornament took a much more subdued form.
In 1951, a Brougham convertible Parade Car was produced.
Even though Hudson won 12 of 41 NASCAR events in 1951, with its twin carburetored six cylinder engine, the company lost $1.5 million as the world teetered on the edge of WW III.
And the hood ornament reflected a nation on the edge of technological advancement.
Several '50's Hudsons had this device mounted on the dash at the base of the windshield. This photo doesn't do it justice, having been taken from the outside, but does anyone have an idea what it is?
The collection also includes this 1952 Hudson Hornet pickup.
Not identified as to year, but a beauty nonetheless, is this bright red Hudson Jet Liner convertible.
Leaving the museum under threatening midwest skies, we shot home for a quick cleanup before our next adventure in the afternoon.
The entrance to the museum and event center is decorated in the fall spirit!
Mid afternoon we arrived at the Blue Gate Restaurant and theater for a family style dinner and a late afternoon musical. The meal included fried chicken, roast beef, green beans, stuffing, mashed potatoes, chicken and noodles, and, of course, gravy. Surprisingly, we were all able to stand and leave the table. However the dessert course was a piece of pie from the Blue Gate Bakery. Roger chose one of the most beautiful pieces of Lemon Meringue pie ever created.
The production of Home Game in the upstairs theater was a touching musical about the struggle of an Amish dad who's wife had died, and the growing pains of his two sons. One son has devoted himself to the farm, seeking his father's approval. The younger son has a passion for baseball, and is an excellent pitcher. Dad wants young son, Levi, to remain in the Amish community but recognizes a young mans need to make his own journey. Over two and a half hours, we were entertained, saddened, and angered, but by every yardstick, this was a Triple A performance!
We continue to keep friends and family at home in our thoughts and prayers. A number of coincidental events have combined to produce a perfect storm for people very dear to us. As you choose, please send good thoughts their way.
We will be leaving Shipshewana on Thursday, and going south toward Indianapolis (yeah, I know, we were just there), but there are some area sights to see as we continue south. Hope we don't encounter any hurricane adventures!
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