MILL RACE VILLAGE...

What an interesting (and HOT) day we had yesterday! We left early to go visit our Gannon in the hospital and meandered our way there. We drove into Northville, Michigan and found Mill Race Village (the home of the Ghoultide Gathering in October). What a beautiful place! We only had 10 minutes until they were closing the buildings, so we had to hurry to get in to see two of them - but you can bet we will go back. The Barr Sculpture at the entrance was designed by renowned local sculptor, David Barr, in 1992. It represents a Victorian-era boy at play with a stick and hoop.

The Cady Inn, a saltbox style structure is believed to have been a tavern and early stage coach stop. According to local legend, the building served as a stopping point for the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War.

The J.M. Mead General Store was the last standing timber frame-constructed commercial building in downtown Northville.

The Hirsch Blacksmith Shop is a replica of one of Northville's early shops, based on a photograph of the building. It houses a working "smithy."

Wash Oak School is one of the few surviving one-room schoolhouses in Michigan and is still used as a classroom for hundreds of elementary children who visit each year as a part of a special history curriculum sponsored by the Northville Historical Society.

The New School Church was built in 1845 by a splinter group of the Prebyterian Church of Northville. It is currently used for weddings, workshops and meetings.

The Hunter House, a classic Greek Revival home with half-gabled wings, was built by Stephen and Mary Hunter in 1851. This home serves as a museum, furnished with items typical of the period in which it was built.

Beautiful Yarrow growing in The Hunter House gardens.

The Cottage House was built in the 1890's, it's exterior is typical of the era. It is used as a studio by the Mill Race Weavers' Guild.

The Yerkes House was built in 1873 by William Purdy Yerkes, son of one of the earliest settlers of this area, and his wife, Sarah (Cady) Yerkes, daughter of one of Northville's founders. W.P. Yerkes was an attorney, a probate judge, and served as the first Village present of Northville. The nine room house features traditional Carpenter Gothic style and is furnished in the elaborate style of the mid-Victorian era.

The gardens throughout the village were just gorgeous and I'd like to take more pictures when we get a chance to go back - soon I hope!

Just past the houses and buildings there was a reenactment going on and this player was out fiddling for the crowds.

Very interesting to see how these people "live the old life" for all to see.

For the life of me, I just can't imagine how hot these folks were in their period costumes! So back to the car we went for some cool a/c! I really hope to have more pictures to share the next time we visit.

Have a great week and try to keep cool - wherever you are!

Until next time...