As we were leaving Minnesota, DH thought I should have my picture taken by this pile of snow in a parking lot. The snow was beautiful, but in late April?!?!? We saw many cars in the ditch, but our car is all wheel drive with snow tires, so we were fine.
We went to Galena, IL on our way to the Chicago area. When I was a child, my family would drive to Minnesota to visit my mother's many relatives and on the way we would drive through Galena and my Dad would point out President Grant's home there. I have always wanted to visit the town. This plaque gives some of the history and I learned a lot while there. It is a very old town and is very interesting.
So many victorian homes on the hills above the downtown and river area.
A view from the hill looking down.
We went to this museum and I spent some money in the gift shop.
I went to about 5 quilt shops on the trip, one in Minnesota, 2 in Des Moines, Iowa, 1 in Galena and 1 in Sisters, Oregon. Here are some of the things I bought. First 2 panels.
These will be for table runners possibly.
There was a vintage shop in Northfield, Minnesota that was really good and I bought these items there. 3 yards of the toile fabric and the table runner which is in perfect condition.
There was a huge button section which I could have a couple hours in, but I didn't have time to do that. I wanted to go back later, but the blizzard was going on. I only purchased 2 buttons because I'm wanting to make jewelry with buttons. We'll see if and when I do that.
Now to get back to reality!
A very interesting post! It's ironic that at the moment I read this I was watching a Civil War series on TV. Lots of fantastic structures in Galena; I'd love to go there sometime too, but I'm sure your pictures will have to suffice. You made some great purchases. I love that table runner, and that cat fabric is just too cute! That picture of you looks like it might have been taken in Alaska! I'll be glad when you get home; know you will be too! ---"Love"
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a youth our local parking lots would get snowbanks like that. Not so much anymore.
ReplyDeleteLove the views of the cool homes in Galena. Great historic vibe!
You did have fun shopping. Some good vintage finds.
That is one huge snow bank! Chessie and Me designed a piece featuring Grants home--quite an interesting history. Nice find with all the quilt shops
ReplyDeleteBeautiful homes! And quilt shop treasures! One of my guild friends chopped up a bunch of those big flower panels and made a giant dhalia quilt. It won viewers choice at our show in March...I'll have to remember to share a photo soon - it was amazing! I look forward to seeing what you make with your new treasures and wonder if that snow pile has melted yet? (We see those in shopping center parking lots here every winter and it amazes me how incredibly long they take to melt!)
ReplyDeleteLove the beautiful homes - and the buttons.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we've ever driven through Galena though I've seen photos of the beautiful architecture there. Your purchases, especially those panels look like a lot of fun. Too much snow all across the country for April. We had snow in the air yesterday morning, though thankfully no build-up on the ground. Today we reached 63, a nice change.
ReplyDeleteI love history and love learning new things when I travel!
ReplyDeleteThat snow pile is crazy!!