Underground Railroad–YAH Day Trip

Today, we did a new trip, again! This time we went down to Cincinnati to the Freedom Center – Underground Railroad Museum Exhibits.

This is a very worth while trip. It is a serious educational experience. I know that I personally learned a lot about this period of our history. There is a lot to learn. I suspect we could all learn something from this. Since it is in Cincinnati, you would expect it to tell a lot about this part of the country and our involvement in this nasty part of our US history. Fortunately, much of this involved the efforts to free the slaves. For example; how many would know that Oberlin College played a role by being the first college to integrate and and also support the abolition of slavery?

Bob Turner was our driver for this trip and did a good job of maneuvering the yellow barrels and handling the roadwork, on the way down and back. He even found a parking spot right in front of the museum, when they suggested the best place would be several blocks away, on the other side of the football stadium! Thank you Fireman Bob!

The museum covers three levels. The lower level provides for the entry hall, gift and book shop, and lunch room.

Theaters and exhibits covered the second and third floors. The second floor mostly covered the issues of slavery and the “underground railroad” to free and emancipate the slaves. It is worth noting that some freed slaves (even those who paid for their release) were later re-enslaved.

The third floor added more information about other types of slavery that continues to this day. These include slavery of workers, even as our own slavery in the past, and also enslaving women and younger girls as prostitutes. We support a missionary and agency to rescue these people. Becky McDonald heads  up know as Women at Risk, International, and was here in our church this spring.

There were also some nice balcony areas overlooking the Ohio River and into Newport, Kentucky. The second floor balcony included an Eternal Flame.

We could also look down on a reminder of another kind of emancipation. There is a section of the Berlin Wall in front of the building making up a nice garden. This is a reminder of the freeing of many Germans from the bondage of Communism.

We departed the museum for lunch. This was a change for us because we were planning to eat in the museum cafeteria. Unfortunately, it is temporarily closed. So, with Lisa’s help, we selected a Tom + Chee, north of I-275.

I whole heartedly recommend this museum. It is a very good educational experience. Bring your grandkids and make a day of it. I think they would like Tom and Chee, also.

Don’t forget, you can click on any image to see a larger version!

Buffalo Bill Cody

Yes, you are reading this correctly! Buffalo Bill, also known around here as Stephen Hollen, joined us for our July luncheon program.

Our program started with a beautiful piano and organ musical interlude. Grace Averitt, at the Piano, and Nancy Jensen, at the Organ, entertained us for the prelude period, immediately preceding our program.

Following our introductions of newcomers and birthdays and anniversaries, I introduced Stephen Hollen as Buffalo Bill Cody. We’ve enjoyed other programs by this talented storyteller: Mark Twain and Appalachian Tales.

I noted that one of the featured performers with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show was an Ohio native from Greenville. She was with the show for 17 years, I think he said. I also noted that people often mistake him for Wild Bill Hickok because of the name and era. Actually, Buffalo Bill did use Wild Bill in his show for a year.

In addition to his family and his life, he talked about Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane and Sitting Bull. I thought the program was as informative as it was entertaining.

I’ll also include a link to a YouTube video of part of the program. This is where he talks about Annie Oakley, her husband, and Calamity Jane. I also liked the story about Sitting Bull and the riverboat ride from Cincinnati to New Orleans, but you need to see the live show to get that part.

Here’s the link to the video. You are welcome to share THIS LINK. Of course, you can also share this Blog post with your friends.

It couldn’t be a luncheon program with a fine meal (not provided by Buffalo Bill’s Chuck Wagon) by our own Lisa Poe and her talented team of Cooks, Servers and other staff. It was a great meal of salad, baked breaded chicken, baked mac and cheese, and a big home made cookie! That went very well with a good cup of coffee!

Notice that few kids joined us for this fun program

Remember, you can always click a photo to see the larger version

Next month, we will enjoy a musical program from John Jacobs. This will include a nice variety of gospel and popular music. We will also feature another fun and fine eating experience. Lisa will be preparing grilled hamburgers and the fixings! Don’t miss this one!