July Rally Roaring Success

Jack and Mae Stevens planned an excellent rally that was enticing to all who attended.  They had activities for senior members and for grandchildren who attended.  The coaches began to roll in on Wednesday and continued through Friday.  The first scheduled activity was a visit to the Ropkey Armour Museum.  This is a private collection of equipment and items used in WWI through present day.  Many of the members who have served in the armed services remembered many of the artifacts displayed. 

The Tilmann grandsons were fascinated with the tanks and were allowed to climb in and experience what it was like to be inside a real armored vehicle.

Friday afternoon,  members took a walking tour of the historic homes in Crawfordsville.  We toured the Wabash College President's home which was built in the 1800's.

Our tour guide also shared information about the exploits of Lew Wallace who served as a U.S. soldier and a General in the Civil War.  He later became a lawyer who prosecuted the conspirators in the Lincoln assassination.  He was the U.S Minister to the Ottoman Empire, but is probably best know as the author of Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.   Lew Wallace had a study built where he wrote and studied.  It was interesting that originally the structure had a moat around it where Lew would often go fishing from the windows in the basement.

That evening we shared food at a carry-in.  And as usual the food was outstanding.  No one went back to their coach hungry.

The next day, members traveled into Crawfordsville to tour the first and only rotary jail that is still operational.  The entire circular structure of cells rotates on a column.  When it was first opened there was only one door into the cells.  The cells were rotated to allow admittance or exit by the prisoners.  The front of the jail was the home of the sheriff.

Saturday afternoon, several members went tubing down Sugar Creek.  What a beautiful day!  The sun was out and the creek was swift.  No one had to get out and walk.

The day ended with a excellent meal at the Elks Club where we were treated to catered dinner what was enjoyed by all.  Food and fellowship, what could be better.

You know that a rallly is a success when the rally masters are still smiling at the end of the weekend.  Mae and Jack extended their sincere appreciation to all those members who helped orchestrate a rally full of activities and fun.