Category: USA

West Virginia State Capitol

Charleston WV – August 2021

When we came through here last fall, the dome was covered for repairs and the building was closed to visitors. This time, we could see everything. Beautiful gold dome!

President Abraham Lincoln created the state of West Virginia by Presidential Proclamation in 1863. He cut it out of Virginia, which was in the Confederacy during the Civil War.
This was a cool shot with the moon visible to the west in the morning sun.
The rotunda. There is a chandelier hanging from its center.
Here is a view that shows how the light hangs from the top of the rotunda.
Senate chamber. The House chamber was closed.
Stonewall Jackson was born in Clarksburg, Virginia (now Clarksburg, West Virginia), so his statue is on the grounds here and his bust is inside the building.

President Eisenhower’s Farm

Gettysburg PA – August 2021

President Dwight Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower lived on this farm in Gettysburg PA. He was our 34th president, serving 1953-1961. He was president when I was born. My mother watched his inauguration and parade in Washington DC.
This was the landing pad for the presidential helicopter whenever Eisenhower would fly home from Washington.
Gas pumps at the farm.
Check out the gas price per gallon!
The barn.
Ike loved golf, so he had this putting green installed behind the house and barn.
The red flag has 5 stars. Only 5-star generals were allowed to fly this flag.
The barn.
Front of the house. Eisenhower entertained world leaders here. Tours of the house were suspended due to COVID fear.
The rear of the house. Ike loved sitting and entertaining in the sun room and looking out over the vast meadow.
Guest house.
Inside the guest house.

Peach Festival

Biglerville PA – August 2021

This is the big Peach Festival at Hollabaugh’s in Biglerville PA (a few miles north of Gettysburg PA). I have never seen so many different peach products!
Live Irish music.
Free samples!
Peach pie and peach ice cream.
Peach milkshake!
Full peach trees.

Hershey’s Chocolate World

Hershey PA – August 2021

Hershey’s Chocolate World is primarily for children – lots of activities and colors and candy! But we enjoyed it anyway.
This is the only activity we did. It was fun, but definitely geared toward children.
I took a picture of Hershey’s taking our picture!
The curved roof building is Hershey Arena, where Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in an NBA game in 1962. It is the record for most points in an NBA game.