Art Hill > October 20, 2009 Red
We took a walk by Graue Mill and through the forest preserve. The best color though, was in the parking lot. :-)
Art Hill > September 7, 2009 Windmill
We took the Batavia Illinois riverwalk yesterday and learned that from the late 1800's until 1940 or so Batavia was known as the windmill capital of the world. In the early 1900's nearly every windmill running a pump on a farm was manufactured by one of three companies in Batavia.  The buildings still sit on the river but have been converted to other uses. Several of the old windmills are in operation throughout the park.

And thanks so much for the wonderful response to my last two posts. We were gone all day yesterday so I didn't have a chance to comment.  We're heading out this morning too but I'll try to catch up some tonight.
Art Hill > Daily Photos >  wright house IMG_7275
Art Hill > May 18, 2009 Frank Lloyd Wright House
Oak Park, Illinois is home to the world's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings and houses, with 25 structures built between 1889 and 1913. It was in Oak Park that Wright developed and perfected his signature Prairie Style architecture, emphasizing the use of interior light and open spaces in low, earth-hugging buildings. His designs changed the course of 20th century architecture. Many of the Wright houses and buildings in Oak Park and River Forest are registered National Historic Landmarks. 

We took a walk through Oak Park and saw quite of few of the Wright homes.  This was our own favorite.  The Heurtley House, built in 1902 right donw the street from Wright's own house and studio.  I have a few other shots here
http://arthill.smugmug.com/gallery/8248565_nVtTg#539547685_rexat
Art Hill > May 4, 2009 Chocolate cup
We had dinner at the Perry Street Brasserie in Galena.  We were NOT planning to have dessert but after our server described this we caved in. "A bowl of solid Swiss chocolate, filled with creamy dark and milk chocolate ganaches. Topped with fresh whipped cream , chocolate butterfly."  The chef came out and explained how he makes this.  He dips a balloon in warm dark chocolate, puts it in the fridge and pops the balloon when the chocolate hardens.  He also showed us the patter he uses to make the butterflies.  I'm telling you this was good!
Art Hill > May 3, 2009 U S Grant Home
We walked across the street from our inn to the Ulysses S. Grant home and went on the tour. The house was built in 1860 but the owner had gone away and never lived in it.  A group of Galena citizens purchased the house and gave it to Grant in 1865 appreciation for his Civil War leadership. Shortly thereafter he was elected president and moved to Washington so the family did not live in the house very much.  They would stay in it for short periods while he was president and they did live in it for a short time after he left the presidency.  The house is well preserved and filled with items from the period.  Unlike most places you can take pictures indoors so I did get some interior shots at
http://arthill.smugmug.com/gallery/8057356_vu9dD#524652514_9uvC7
Art Hill > May 2, 2009 Desoto House, Galena, Illinois
This amazing old hotel was built in 1855.  Abraham Lincoln spoke from the balcony in 1856. Thousands assembled here to welcome US Grant home after the Civil War.  It was originally a 5 story hotel but at some point the top two stories were removed.  We had lunch at the Green Street Tavern in the corner.  Neat place a must see in Galena. At some point in the early 1900's the place had deteriorated so badly that it was condemned.  Thankfully it has been wonderfully restored.
Art Hill > May 1, 2009 Galena Illinois Post Office
Built in 1858 as a Customs House and later converted to a Post Office. First post office in the US to be named "Great American Post Office" by the Smithsonian. Said to be the oldest (or second oldest) continuously operating post office in the United States.
Art Hill > April 30, 2009 Bernadine's Stillman Inn
This 1858 mansion is a bed and breakfast where we are staying.  It is wonderfully restored.  We have a two room suite on the first floor with a porch.  Our living room is the original parlor and the bedroom is the original dining room.  We have two fireplaces.  It is located across the street from Grant's Home in Galena.
October 20, 2009 Red
We took a walk by Graue Mill and through the forest preserve. The best color though, was in the parking lot. :-)
Art Hill > October 20, 2009 Red
We took a walk by Graue Mill and through the forest preserve. The best color though, was in the parking lot. :-)
October 20, 2009 Red
We took a walk by Graue Mill and through the forest preserve. The best color though, was in the parking lot. :-)
See photo in gallery

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