Wheeling, WV. 3-20-2013

On the road again Wednesday March 20


Independence Hall, Wheeling, WV. opened in 1859 as Custom House.


It was the site of pro-Union conventions in 1861. In 1863 West Virginia was named the 35th state of the U. S.


Trompe l'oeil is painting on a flat surface to make it look three dimensional.


Original chandelier.


Staircase spinals and railing are ironwork.


Even the inside shutters are iron.


The building went through many owners over the years. In 1988 it opened as restored West Virginia's Independence Hall.


The Washington Steamship was built in Wheeling and first traveled the Ohio River on May 12, 1816. It is said this was the birth place of the American steamship.


The first glass house in Wheeling opened in 1820. Wheeling was at the confluence of the Ohio River, the National Road and B & O railroad. It was the gateway to the West in the 19th century and major industrial area.


M. Marsh and Son Tobacco Company opened in 1840. It was the oldest cigar manufacturing company in the U.S. Opened as Beck Brewing in 1847, then bought by Reyman Brewing Company, this was one of the largest pre-Prohibition breweries.


Many pottery, tile and china factories were in Wheeling.


In 1820 the first steel factory in Wheeling started. Star Foundry was started in 1939. They were called the Nail Center in the U.S.


Cyrus McCormick invented the reaper which helped the harvest of wheat. Unfortunately it worked best on flat terrain. West Virginia is not flat terrain.


A display on restoring flags. It can cost $20,000 to restore a flag.


Good definition of the different flags used during the Civil War. There are 13 Civil War flags on display but due to the dimmed lighting to preserve the flags photos did not turnout good.

We stayed at Flying J Truck Stop at Spiceland, IN.

On the road again Thursday March 21. Brrr. It was 16 degrees overnight. Another RV stayed overnight, 2 school buses, a U-Haul truck and several other travelers.

We are home again. We traveled 5,265 miles in 56 days. The reason to head to Florida was to celebrate our nephew's wedding. What a great time we had. Through our journeys we visited many family members and friends. We learned so much about the founding of our country, Revolutionary War and the harshness of the Civil War. What a vast and interesting country we have.

We thank God and all who prayed for us on our journey. Thankful a kind soul turned in our iPad when we left it behind. Thanksgiving for awareness to get a new tire, new brakes, good places to stay and safe traveling.

We look forward to exploring again soon.

Location:Wheeling, WV and Spiceland, IN.

Emmetsburg, PA. 3-19-2013

On the road again Tuesday March 19. Nice and sunny morning greeted us. The snow was slowly melting. We knew we'd be going into cold weather so we winterized the rv before leaving the campground.


Memorial at Gettysburg National Military Park.


Eternal flame.


When we talked to the Pastor after Mass on Saturday he suggested we go to the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Seton. After all the heaviness of the battles of the Civil War it sounded like a good idea.


Widow Elizabeth Seton founded the first new community for religious women in the U.S. She also began St. Joseph's Academy and Free School, the first free Catholic School for girls staffed by Sisters in the U. S.


She opened her school in Emmitsburg, PA. in this "Stone House" in 1809.


Room used for classes.


Chapel


Kitchen was also used for laundry.


"White House" was the first motherhouse of the the Sisters of Charity and used as a classroom.


Chapel in the White House,


Stations of the Cross in the Chapel.


This Italian artwork was given to Mother Seton by her Italian friends.


All three bells had distinct sounds and called the congregation to different activities.


Main altar in the Basilica.


Everything in the church is marble, glass mosaics or wood except the painting in the Dome.


Mary appearing to Catherine Labourne, a Sister of Charity in France.


Mary of the Miraculous Medal.


One of the 10 angels around the altar.


Side altar of Mary.


Side altar of St. Joseph.


Dome painting of the Holy Family is 12 feet across.


Elizabeth Ann Seton was canonized on September 14, 1975. She is the first American born person canonized.


Seven Corporal Acts of Mercy.


Seven Sorrows of Mary.


Stations of the cross.


King David, Pope Gregory and Pope Pius X, three influential people in worship music.


Small Chapel with St. Elizabeth Seton in front of votives, the Stone House and White House.


On the left: The original dress of Mother Seton, black dress, cape and bonnet worn by widows. On the right: 17th century traditional peasant dress and Cornette. Cornette was symbol of charity and compassion.


Cemetery.


National Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg on the FEMA campus.


Eternal Flame.








Annual Plaques list firefighters who died each year. This one is just those from 9/11.





Mount St. Mary Seminary is the oldest seminary in the U. S.


National Shrine of Lourdes created in 1875. The oldest replica of Lourdes.


Stations of the Cross


It is a true pilgrimage to walk the hill.


Mosaics of the Rosary.





Mysteries of Light. We had not heard of these mysteries before. Baptism of Jesus.


Feast at Cana.


Proclamation of the Kingdom of God.


Transfiguration.


The Eucharist.


St. Francis of Assisi.


Mary appearing to the children at Fatima


Mary of the Poor.


OurLady of Lavong. (Vietnam)


Pope John Paul II.


Mary towers over Mount St. Mary.

Phil battled strong winds through the Appalachian Mountains on our way to Flintstone, MD at Pilot Truck Center. Brrr. It's cold already at 7 pm.

Location:Emmetsburg, PA.