On July 25th, I saddled up my Chevy Equinox and headed west to Abilene, a town rich in Old West history and legends, and the boyhood home of Dwight D. Eisenhower, former World War II Five-Star General and President.
The focus of this excursion was a book talk at the Abilene Public Library. The original plan was to make this a “girl trip” with a friend: go out on Friday to shop the antique malls and stores, stay over and tour the museums and other historical sites after my talk. But due to the forecasted extreme hot and humid temperatures, we scrapped those plans until cooler weather. I left home at 7:30 Saturday morning, arrived in Abilene around 9:00, scoped out the downtown area, then headed to the library, also downtown, to prepare for my talk.
This is another of the libraries established with a grant from Andrew Carnegie. The current building was opened in 1908 with additions in 1934 and 1977, and renovation in 2009. I love the stately architecture!
The focus of this excursion was a book talk at the Abilene Public Library. The original plan was to make this a “girl trip” with a friend: go out on Friday to shop the antique malls and stores, stay over and tour the museums and other historical sites after my talk. But due to the forecasted extreme hot and humid temperatures, we scrapped those plans until cooler weather. I left home at 7:30 Saturday morning, arrived in Abilene around 9:00, scoped out the downtown area, then headed to the library, also downtown, to prepare for my talk.
This is another of the libraries established with a grant from Andrew Carnegie. The current building was opened in 1908 with additions in 1934 and 1977, and renovation in 2009. I love the stately architecture!
The interior is also reflective of the period with original oak woodwork, and columns that divide sections in the original building.
The people who attended my book talk were a lively group, asking questions and sharing some of their own experiences.
The people who attended my book talk were a lively group, asking questions and sharing some of their own experiences.
The gorgeous kimono displayed on the wall behind me is from Abilene’s sister city, Omitama, Japan.
After the book talk, I set out to troll for treasures in the antique malls and stores. Here are a few of my finds:
An enamelware kettle and lid
After the book talk, I set out to troll for treasures in the antique malls and stores. Here are a few of my finds:
An enamelware kettle and lid
A group of colorful reproduction “fish” liquor bottles. Even though they are repros, they were inexpensive and will add pizzazz to my bottle trees.
I already own an authentic fish-shaped wine bottle, purchased several years ago.
Many thanks to Kristine Sommers, Outreach Coordinator for the library, and to the patrons who attended my talk and made it such a fun experience!
I’m looking forward to a return trip, this time with my friend, to hunt for more treasures and tour the historical sites.
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