traveling

Historic Seagram’s Distillery in Lawrenceburg

/ Roadtirementvintage / 6 Comments

Driving along US 50 through Lawrenceburg, Indiana, it is hard to miss the large complex of tall red brick buildings and multiple silver tanks that are part of the former Seagrams Distillery plant that straddles the Lawrenceburg and Greendale city boundaries. The current owner/operator of the facility is now MGP Ingredients, based out of Kansas.

This building has multiple floors of aging racks for 550 pound barrels of whisky

The Cincinnati Magazine published a fascinating and detailed story about the history of the Seagram’s Distillery, its current owners, and the ins and outs of the distillery business around the country. Read that article here. 

This paragraph is from the Cincinnati Magazine article.  “According to (Master Distiller Greg) Metze, it all starts with the water. MGP Ingredients sits on an aquifer, just a short walk from the Ohio River (most of the facility is actually in Greendale). That 56-degree water—low in sulfur and iron, high in calcium, and limestone-filtered—lets MGP make a lot of whiskey, and also have a continuous source for cooling the equipment. That’s why there were so many distilleries in Lawrenceburg in the 1800s. MGP’s began life as the Rossville Union Distillery in 1847; after Prohibition, in 1933, it was purchased by the legendary Canadian company Seagram. Right next door was Squibb, which opened in 1846 (though another distillery, Dunn and Ludlow, was on that patch of land in 1807) and became part of the Delaware company Schenley in 1933.”

More aging racks, and the tower houses multi-story continuous column stills

We were on a day trip to southern Indiana, the Ohio River and Lawrenceburg. The Seagram’s facility is huge, and we decided to drive over to the site, having never done that before.   Unfortunately we discovered that the new owners do not offer public tours of this historic distillery. At one time the Seagram’s plant employed over 2800 at the distillery and bottling plant. It is truly an iconic business with a rich and colorful history.

 

LOVE statue is now 53 years old

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LOVE outside at the IMA in the early years

Robert Indiana was born in 1928 as Robert Clark. He changed his name to Indiana in 1958 to show his roots in the Midwest. His first widespread use of the stacked four letters of “LOVE” was a Christmas card in 1964 for the New York Museum of Modern Art. This design creation led to the LOVE sculpture constructed of Cor-ten steel in 1970. LOVE in steel was first put on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It made the rounds of several American cities for five years until it returned to the IMA. After needed restoration was performed due to weathering of the steel, it is now displayed inside the museum building to protect it from the elements.

Permanent display inside the IMA

Remember 8 cent stamps?

The design was also the inspiration of a USPS 8 cent stamp in 1973. Countless copies of the statue were made and sold over the years, however Robert Indiana had failed to copyright his design, thus he did not reap the benefits. He died at the age of 89.

 

Unique White Bronze cemetery monuments

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White Bronze metal monument

When you come across a blueish colored grave monument you can’t help but wonder how it has maintained its lettering and clarity of the dates. No, it is not a later replacement, it is the original zinc metal grave marker. Manufactured by the Bridgeport, CT. Bronze Company, these long lasting  but somewhat fragile monuments were custom made from 1876 until 1914.

When you tap on the surface of these monuments you can immediately tell it is metal. The seams where the individual pieces are joined are also obvious.  Each piece was cast in Bridgeport and then shipped to the cemetery for installation. Customers dealt with sales reps armed with multiple catalogues with unlimited possibilities for choice of monuments.

Name/dates of deceased and panel with “Shaking Hands”

“HOW DESOLATE OUR HOME BEREFT OF THEE”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The zinc-tin alloy used in the castings did not rust and resisted the growth of mold or algae. Each monument was custom ordered, so all are one of a kind. The designs included panels that were screwed in and could even be changed at a later date, if desired.  These were perfect for symbols like the shaking hands, sheaves of wheat or personal messages in addition to the name and dates of the deceased.

A smaller monument

Name/date still legible after nearly 140 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The material of these was advertised as White Bronze. White Bronze doesn’t exist. These are made with a zinc-tin alloy. The company, however, felt that White Bronze is a much classier and sophisticated name than zinc. They also claimed (of course!) that their monuments would outlast any stone monument. In a way that was true, however these zinc beauties were susceptible to breakage from, for example, falling trees. In addition, very tall monuments could suffer over time from settlement of part of the bases.

This panel would have been custom ordered for the monument

The next time you are enjoying a relaxing walk through a cemetery or graveyard keep an eye out for different looking monuments. Go have a look, it just might be a one of a kind White Bronze monument that was cast in Bridgeport, Connecticut between 1876 and 1914. The photos in this post were taken in the Arlington East Cemetery  in Rush County, Indiana.

 

Seattle’s Space Needle

/ Roadtirementvintage / 11 Comments

From the official website of the 605 feet tall Seattle Space Needle comes a to the point introduction to this world famous attraction: The Space Needle is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and is a treasured Seattle icon. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair … whose theme was “The Age of Space”. 

See views of downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges from the tower

On our first trip to Seattle we went up in the Space Needle. At that time there was a restaurant that rotated a full 360 degrees in an hour. In 2017 a large reconstruction project revamped the entire top of the tower. Now the restaurant is gone, but a lounge, cafe and a wine bar with glass floors lets you look straight down to the ground over 500 feet below you! The rotation still gives you a chance to sit and view the total 360 view of Seattle.

Arizona’s Sonoran desert at sunset

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Back in February, 2016, we were traveling the desert southwest. Tucson was of course a required stop! One evening we took a drive to the Tucson Mountain District of the Saguaro National Park. It was a visual delight to watch the desert turn from the bright sunlight of the day into the subdued lighting of dusk followed by yet another night.

The shadows lengthen

One by one the cacti lose the sun’s warmth

The golden hues of the day’s last light

There is something magical about the Sonoran Desert

Jimmy Johns for supper

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Sometimes you don’t want a large supper, often it depends on what you had for lunch that day. This evening was one of those times…

Turkey, ham and provolone cheese

Wonderful veggie sandwich

We decided that a couple of deli type sandwiches would make for a  tasty light meal. Jimmy Johns makes theirs good and fresh, and it was not very far away for a quick in store pick up. And we had a night off from cooking.

Fish and chips, live music and ghosts

/ Roadtirementvintage / 14 Comments

We had the chance a few days ago to return to what we like to think of as “our favorite bar” called The Oxford Saloon in downtown Snohomish, Washington. Snohomish is north of Seattle and east of Everett. The Oxford has been a part of Snohomish since 1900.

Inside the Oxford Saloon

The Oxford is known for its paranormal activity. Back in 2020 before the pandemic, we had our own private tour given by Rebecca Caden, General Manager of the place who graciously told us the many stories of hauntings on all three floors of the saloon.

Jalapeno poppers, loaded nachos and stuffed potato skins

Basket of hand cut piping hot fries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The food at the Oxford is known throughout the area as some of the best bar food.

My favorite: 3 piece Fish and Chips w/hand made slaw

Half a French dip w/fries, au jus on the side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We discovered the Oxford back in 2014 when we were antique shopping. We were in Seattle to celebrate the birth of our grandson, and thought the Oxford looked interesting. Thus our enjoyment of the Oxford began and continues every time we visit our Seattle family.

My “Lemon Drop” cocktail

Sher’s Hot Buttered Rum

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Oxford offers live music every evening except Mondays. We checked prior to our last visit and were glad to see that the Battista Brothers would be on stage. The Baittstas are local favorites and perform marvelous acoustic rock music.

The Battista Brothers on stage at The Oxford Saloon

We were certainly not disappointed with our evening at the Oxford. Our Seattle family was with us and also enjoyed the food and entertainment. We have been to several places during our travels that have been very enjoyable and ones where we would enjoy a return visit. The Oxford Saloon in Snohomish is still our favorite place to eat, drink and enjoy live music. This old historic haunted bar is a joy to visit, is always filled with good live music, friendly patrons and an excellent staff.

 

 

What we saw in 2022

/ Roadtirementvintage / 21 Comments

The year 2022 was a very unique time for Roadtirement and, frankly, the entire country. The pandemic fears had greatly decreased and in lots of ways daily life seemed to be back to close to “normal”.  We did have many enjoyable trips in 2022. Here is a quick snapshot of some of those adventures.

Mom says it is time to go

As we predicted last year in July, our travels were altered to include more trips closer to home, and of shorter durations. We did, however, truly enjoy these shorter jaunts and like many,  we discovered many interesting attractions close to home.

Round barn built in 1910

This barn’s Mail Pouch paint job is fading fast.

 

 

 

 

 

Maj really got into visiting historic covered bridges. Indiana is known for the large number of these beautiful structures. There are several different types of bridge truss systems, and we found several different ones as we ventured around central and southern Indiana an Ohio. Some of the old iron bridges are also interesting pieces of history, and they are disappearing quickly.

Beautiful white reconstructed bridge

The Burr-Arch truss system

Closed to road traffic in 1996, it is now open only to foot traffic.

Howe truss system

Abandoned iron bridge

We also enjoyed going to cemeteries. The history represented in both large and small cemeteries can be very fascinating. Some are part of church properties, others are on land not part of any structure at all. We came across several interesting cemeteries as well as many many fascinating monuments and headstones.

White Bronze metal monument

View through a gate

Hope you enjoyed this look back at Roadtirement’s 2022. We’ll keep you updated as 2023 progresses. 

Classy upscale brunch on the water

/ Roadtirementvintage / 8 Comments

A little while back we shared a visit to Arnies Edmonds that we had over a year ago and we stated we were planning a return trip . That trip happened on Sunday with our Seattle family before we went to see The Nutcracker ballet in Seattle.

The restaurant building

Lovely views of Puget Sound

Delicious chilled fresh fruit with creamy yogurt for dipping

We got to Arnies at 10:00 AM to allow us a leisurely brunch before the matinee at the ballet. As usual, our service was wonderful and most attentive. Within a short time of seating our fruit plates were delivered to our table. The yogurt dip in the cup is such a wonderful added touch to the fresh fruit.

Sparkling mimosa

Decadent cinnamon roll

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next comes your choice of OJ or mimosa, included in the brunch meal. Our grandson of course liked his OJ that came in a differentiating  champagne glass. Following on the heels of the drinks everyone is served a warm “fresh out of the oven” cinnamon roll. Can you say delicious?

Sher’s Belgian waffle

Maj’s scramble, including potatoes and Sher’s bacon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The menu for the Sunday Brunch is remarkably varied. There are three kinds of waffles, many different omelets, salmon dishes, and of course Eggs Benedict. The chefs will prepare them to order, and will even without hesitation change or add ingredients of your choice.

Glad to be back at Arnies

The service at Arnies Edmonds is wonderful. The menu has something for anyone. The chef made a special order brunch plate for our 8 year old grandson and a special order scramble for our daughter as well. Arnies Edmonds Sunday brunch remains one of our favorite dining experiences of all of our travels. We were delighted to have yet another wonderful brunch featuring “Pacific Northwest Favorites”.

 

Nutcracker ballet good beyond words

/ Roadtirementvintage / 19 Comments

Since 1892 audiences have enjoyed the music and ballet renditions of The Nutcracker. Sher and I and our Seattle family were blessed with the opportunity to also attend such a performance today put on by the Pacific Northwest Ballet in McCaw Hall in downtown Seattle.

The lobby, multi level complete with refreshments at each level

A fun photo op set for memory making photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No photos were allowed during the performance, and honestly photos would not do it justice anyway. You have to understand the scope of this production. Over 300 people make up the cast and crew. Costumes were made in theaters all over the Seattle area, it took so much time and effort. The sets are just magnificent. Wait till you see the snow scenes!

inside McCaw Hall awaiting the start of the show

As we discussed the performance later we discovered that we thought all aspects of the show were simply excellent in quality. What first struck me was the beauty of the costumes. The opening scene in Act 1 takes place in the Victorian mansion, and all characters are in gorgeous 1890’s era party wear. This is where the audience is introduced to the elaborate sets and lighting as well. The mice costumes are just incredible, and battle of the Nutcracker and soldiers vs the mice and King Mouse is awesome to behold.

The ballet company is talented beyond description. All of the individuals show their dedication to their craft in every scene. The youngsters in the cast, all students at the PNB School of Ballet, were highlighted in Mother Ginger and her Polichinelles scene. Each separate scene in Act 2 showcased both solo and group choreography. These artists made you react in wonder at their skill on stage. Of special note were Juliet Prine as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Christopher D’Ariano as the Cavalier. Words are inadequate to describe their beautiful duet.

The finale (on a flat screen in the lobby)

And of utmost importance to the performance is the large orchestra. PNB’s principal conductor and music director Emil de Cou is quoted in the program “We have 54 musicians in our Nutcracker orchestra, and every part that Tchaikovsky wrote is played and covered.” There are so many marvelous and familiar pieces in this production, and the orchestra brings life to them all. You’ll find yourself smiling when your recognize a number being played.

Our grandson took this shot of us at intermission

What an outstanding performance in an outstanding venue. Seattle is fortunate to have the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Yes, we most assuredly recommend The Nutcracker.