Our first stop after leaving the Cabela’s in southern Michigan was Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial in Put-In-Bay, Ohio. Park number 299. The park is on an island in Lake Erie about where Perry’s fleet was harbored. The battle that took place during the War of 1812 happened about 6 miles off shore. It was an amazing victory for the young navy of the United States. To get there you drive up a peninsula to Miller’s Ferry. Parking near there in a private lot. Then buying two round-trip tickets for walk on passengers, you are off on the 15 minute ride. At the dock you walk up a short, steep hill to the main street. There we found a converted school bus that took us the 2.2 miles to the park Visitor Center. The monument is a tall tower - about the height of the Arch in St. Louis but because of COVID the observation platform on the top was not open. Still, a beautiful day and a gorgeous place to visit - so no disappointment. Then, of course, we retraced our trip back to the car. A short stop at a farm stand, there were many, and off to Mentor, Ohio and park number 300, James A. Garfield National Historic Site. It really does seem like a milestone is this journey and it was kinda cool that it occurred here, not by planning, we were originally headed through Canada. Garfield, the 20th President served only 200 days as he was assassinated by a disgruntled office seeker, still was an important figure. He served heroically in the Civil War obtaining the rank of Major General. His campaign from his front porch, literally, was unique and changed perceptions about seeking office. It also engaged his whole family and that was very different for the age. There are a lot more facts about him that are intriguing but for me the connection is that he is the only president who was an ordained minister and in the same family of churches that I served.
We will celebrate with ice cream sundaes - watch for your invitation in the mail soon.
A 1928 Ford Tri-motor was doing flights around the island
The Garfield Home
Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans
My Presidential Endorsement for the National Park Service and the Important Number 300!
At first I was outraged. Why was I being asked to promote a fat, cartoon cat who eats lasagne, a horrible concoction of, well, I don’t actually know. As a majestic Moose of the First Order of Antler and a movie star that was well beneath me. Yet as a professional I was ready and prepared to do my best it these trying circumstances. I was worried about what this would do for my career. Then at the site I found out I was to endorse the National Park Service once again, it was actually for a major presidential personage. And it was something to do with a big, very special number. That is prestigious and fitting for my status. Once this reaches the national press the movie roles will blossom. I will instruct both my agent and my PA that no roles are to be accepted until I review the part. It is important that I get the right placement now. My antlers are tingling with anticipation.