Illinois & Iowa

 

Saturday, October 18th, 2025 

Only my 2nd time in Galena, Illinois.

Yes, there were bakery stops.

Such a historic and charming town.

It was a major boom town from lead mining and the Galena River linking to the nearby Mississippi.

Quite the hilly area.

The curves in Main exposing ripples of time in architecture.

Oldest still in use Post Office.

Crossed the Galena River, walking across Grant Park and heading to Ulysses S Grant Home.

Ulysses and Julia Grant first moved to Galena in 1860 renting a home. Soon, the Civil War tore the nation apart with Colonel Grant rejoining the army, winning battles and becoming the General to command all Union forces. 

In 1865 local supporters bought this home for the Grants where they raised their family until he was elected President in 1868.

 

90% of the items are original. 

 It was in this parlor local lined up to congratulate the President-Elect.

 

Their bedroom, again their bed and furniture.

Kids' bedrooms.

 

Galena Station

 

Crossing the Galena River back into town.

Beautiful day to stroll.

 

A root beer flight at Root Beer Revelry.

Galena & U.S. Grant Museum traces the history of the town and its most famous citizen.

Items owned by US Grant.

 

The Log Cabin opened in 1935.

Filet Mignon and the usual supper club accoutrements

  

 

Sunday, October 19th, 2025 

Breakfast #1 Having been to Dubuque so many times, it wasn't in consideration for a stop. Until learning of this jewel.

 

Breakfast #2 

Kalmes was on the list, timing having missed it last time in St. Domatus, Iowa (pop 117).

Walking in, found this group of gentlemen stop mid conversation to see who the stranger was. Feeling conspicuous, I siddled up to the end of the bar and was asked if I want coffee. "No thanks. I see you have a meeting of the minds here." Chuckling, he explained, "Far from that. Just a daily coffee klatch." I countered, "We need more of that." 

Stayed and talked.

  

 

Bellevue

 

Jackson County Freedom Rock overlooking Old Man River.

America!

What's a Blarnystone? Go to Clinton and find out.

 

Morrison, Illinois. Only path today not done before.

31 years of annual (OK, some years were missed) pilgrimages to President Reagan's Birthplace in Tampico (population 664).

  

And the tradition of the self timer pick. He was born in the room above 'K'.

February 6th, 1911. Jack Reagan declared, "He looks like a fat little Dutchman."  And the nickname started.

Looking over at the building that housed Putney general store where Jack worked.

   

Statue of Dutch Reagan and the home they rented in the background from May 1911 to December 1914.

Jack and Nelle rented six homes in Dixon.  Again, routine trips here since 1994.

  

He was a lifeguard at Lowell Park. 7 summers (1926 to 1932), 7 days a week, 8 to 12 hour days, saved 77 lives.

  

1920 to 1924

Downtown Dixon

 

Until next year.