Buffalo

I was excited the first couple of times I got to go through the EZPass line at the toll booth with the new transponder I ordered, but then it sounded like "cha-ching" in my head as I realized how much it was costing just to drive around the city.  It is definitely worth having as it saves time and is convenient and accepted on all the toll roads down to Florida.  I have one on my coach as well.

So, what did I see in Buffalo?

These giant stone columns are all that remains of the former Manufacturers & Traders Trust Bank, originally built in the early 1900s. It was planned for demolition, but its columns were saved and now serve as a landmark on the campus of the University of Buffalo.

The shrines date from the 1920s. There are two main shrines (dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Conception), a central altar, a church building, and numerous statues. The shrines were designed by Father Ott and built by the parish members who sometimes brought rocks from their own property to incorporate into the structure.

 "Stainless Steel, Aluminum I, Built to Live Anywhere, at Home Here"  Like its name, this statue is visually quite bizarre. It consists of dozens of full-size canoes seemingly glued onto a pole and tied together with string (or steel cables), resulting in one giant bundle of boats. The sculpture is located outside the Albright Knox Art Gallery, in the heart of Buffalo's art district.

And here I have to put my disclaimer ....my phone died (again) and I wasn't able to take any pictures for the rest of the day.  I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get a new phone, but I keep putting it off because they are so expensive now.  What happened to the "good old days" when they "gave" you the phone? 😀 But for now, the rest of the pictures are someone else's.  Unfortunately, most pictures on the websites are protected, so I had to cut/paste some into this blog.

The next stop was the  Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum.   Relive childhood memories aboard the museum's two operating Allan Herschell carousels -- a full size, three-abreast machine manufactured in 1916 and a children's carousel made in the 1940s. These restored beauties, complete with Wurlitzer band organs, will tickle young and old alike. A collection of carousel animals illustrates the changes in style that took place over a period of 60 years. The museum also offers woodcarving classes.

The Masters Carver's shop

It was interesting to learn how the music sheets were made for the Wurlitzer organs and how the animals changed over the years.  They didn't always "jump" and when that technology came about it was thought to be the first roller coaster ride.  Also, did you notice that the animals are not painted the same on both sides?  The outside is detailed and ornate; the inner side is plain, as a cost-cutting measure.  Look the next time you ride a carousel. 

I also took a tour of the Lockport underground caves; the Erie Canal Locks underground tunnels. Dating back to the 1830s, the tunnels contain remarkable rock formations such as stalactites and flow stone, as well as artifacts left behind by the workers who built the tunnel. The tour also consists of the longest underground boat ride in the country, which is just a few minutes, but still ... Since it rained the day before, we had our own "falls" on the tour, especially the boat portion, so we got somewhat wet.

Since I didn't have a working phone for pictures, I passed on the last 3 "oddities" stops on my list, but my next stop was better than anticipated.

The actual room for the swearing-in

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site preserves the Ansley Wilcox House, where, here, after the assassination of William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office as President of the United States on September 14, 1901.  

Usually, these sites are pretty dull with historical plaques and a ranger if you have questions.  But this site did an excellent job with volunteer docents who were interesting and interactive and displays that came alive with information you really cared about.  It was a great stop and I wish I had allowed more time. 

I hope I can get my phone to work tomorrow at the Falls.

I spent the day with a sore throat and an anvil sitting on my chest.  I can't imagine I got that from getting wet in the rain and again in the tunnel, but I'm miserable non-the-less.  Hopefully, it will pass quickly.