I'm lifting a couple of posts in their entirety from an ETS thread from 11/08, just in case anyone is interested.
From Martin Focazio:
Now I'll share a spouse story.
It was back before we were married, and we were in Doylestown, PA.
There's this cool place called the Font Hill Museum, made by Henry Mercer an eccentric genius (aren't they all). His home was a castle made of cement.
(link:
http://www.mercermuseum.org/fonthill/index.html ).
One evening, we were walking in the park by the museum and we noticed that it was open. We went over, and asked what was going on, as usually the museum was closed at night.
There was a once-a-year tour of all the furthest reaches of the home, but in order to participate, you had to have a flashlight because there was no lighting in the far reaches of the building.. Paula (then my girlfriend, now my wife of 9 happy years), said, "Oh, well, maybe next year" and I said "I have a flashlight!" and from my pocket came an "AA" Maglight and we went on the tour. To this day, I feel naked without a flashlight.
From ParamedicPete:
That is without a doubt, one of the neatest places in the world. Henry Mercer, had the foresight to see that with the advancing industrial revolution, that many of the tools associated with traditional trades and crafts, were becoming quickly obsolete and becoming scare. He collected everything and setup his museum by trades/crafts, as well as items associated with everyday living. The place is truly unique and worthwhile visiting, especially if you have children, as they get to see many of the actual tools used for many trades/arts, which are rarely practiced today. From a survival/self-reliance point of view, they can see how tools were constructed, so if the need arises they may have a visual memory of how to build the tool.
Martin, if you hear of the extended tour coming up, could you please post the date(s) and time(s).
* * * * *
I ran across those posts on a search for CERT info, and out of curiosity, clicked on Martin's link (now incorrect, but it will get you there eventually). I looked down the Calendar of Events and discovered that the flashlight tour that Martin referred to will be taking place this coming Saturday night, October 27.
I know that's short notice, but if you'll just happen to be in the area, it looks like an interesting place to visit.
From the site:
Saturday October 27th, 2007 - 7-9 pm - Behind the Scenes Tour This evening guided tour travels up to Fonthill’s tower and down through its back passages. Fee: $15 ($12 BCHS members). Bring a flashlight! Registration required, 215-348-9461, ext. 10.
For more info:
http://www.mercermuseum.org/I wish I could go!
Sue