Betsy Ross House

The story of Betsy Ross life and the making of the first flag was very interesting. There is some evidence that Betsy Ross did make our nation's first flag though it cannot be totally proven.

Sworn affidavits by her grandson, William Canby, and a number of Betsy Ross's family say they heard the story from her own mouth. As they say on the Betsy Ross website, "So, historical fact or well-loved legend, the story of Betsy Ross is as American as apple pie."

Down the same street that the Betsy Ross House is located is one of Philadelphia's tallest skyscrapers. What a contrast!

Had to go to the Jersey Shore

Welcome to the Jersey Shore -- Cape May to be exact. My friend, Sally, and her husband, Bruce, gave me the tour. Now I can say I am a Jersey Shore girl!!!!



Got exciting too!!! While we were there the lifeguard blew his whistle and told everyone to come in. We thought it was a shark siting. Sally tells me anything you have ever heard about shark attacks are usually in New Jersey -- like even Jaws!!!!

8-28-10 - A Firefighters Procession on Highway 295

A few tears for those who give their lives for us.

Philadelphia - The Beauty of the Old and New

I was awe-struck when I saw Philadelphia. It has the most beautiful old buildings as well as new ones. It was truly amazing.

This is the Philadelphia Art Museum where you can see the statute from Rocky.

Atlantic City New Jersey

If you have been to Las Vegas or Reno, Atlantic City might be a little bit of a let-down. Yes, it had some magnificent hotels. Yet, right in the middle of it was rundown homes. Not quite what one would expect for an gambling and entertainment city.

Old and run down among the new and rich.

Valley Forge - Pennsylvania

The day we visited Valley Forge there had been a storm. Apparently, a tree had falled down so part of the road had been closed down. We think we got the essence of the what history has left for us to see at Valley Forge. One interesting fact was that Washington's army was the most integrated in any American war until Vietnam with 5,000 soliders of African decent. American Indians also fought with Washington.

Washington's Headquarters

Washington Memoial Chapel -- There is a beautiful tower next door but it was raining and I was sure I would melt if I got out of the car!!!
These are replicas of the cabins built to keep the soldiers warm during the winter of 1777-1778. There were no battles during that winter. On average 25% of the military was sick and many died.

A memorial dedicated - "To the Officers and Private Soliders of the Continental Army December 19, 1977 to June 19, 1978"

The repair area for canons.

A covered bridge - one of the first ones I have seen on the East Coast.

Washing DC Tidbits

For me Washington DC was the highlight of our three years traveling in our motorhome. I wish now we had scheduled two or three months in the area. There is so much to see. Here are a few more of the places we saw in this wonderful city.

Capitol Hill

I wanted to take a tour of the White House. This is as close as I could get. Your request must be filed at least 30 days in advance. Darn. Well, will know next time.

The Supreme Court

Ford's Theater where Lincoln was assassinated.
The one thing I always notice is the architecture of the homes. In Washington DC there are a lot of row homes. The bottom picture was a very unusual type of row home.

The Smithsonian Castle

The Smithsonian Museum is more than just one museum -- I counted 17. We chose four we want to see. One was the Castle. Turns out the Castle is not really a museum. It is just a information center. Plus it was one of the most beautiful buildings in a town of beautiful buildings.

They did one exhibit. It was former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright Pin Collection. These pictures are just a very few.

There were pins with attitude!!!

There were hearts.

Apparently, Madeleine is a Star Trek fan -- these were pins from outer space.

There were musical pins.

And, wild animal pins.

Fruits and Veggies.

And leaves and mushrooms.

P. S. I discovered halfway through we discovered we were not supposed to photograph her pins. Oops!!!!

The Smithsonian - National Museum of American History

The two most popular exhibits in the National Museum of American History are the Flag exhibit and the First Ladies Dress exhibit. In the flag exhibit is a national treasure - the actual flag that inspired Frances Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner. In front of the exhibit is a huge two floor flag made in metallic gold and silver. Quite spectacular.

This was the huge flag that was raised at Baltimore's Fort McHenry on September 14, 1814, to celebrate an important victory over the British in the War of 1812. It is said the sight of those "broad strips and bright stars" inspired Francis Scott Key to write what would become the United States national anthem.

(Note: This flag is in a environmentally-sealed chamber and photographs are not allowed. This picture is from the Smithsonian website)

The First Ladies Dress exhibit was also fantastic. I can see why it is so popular.

Martha Washington's Dress

Mary Lincoln's Dress Maimi Eishenhouer's Dress Jackie Kennedy's Dress
Rosalynn Carter's Dress Michelle Obama's Dress