Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Time slips away

No, it's not an impending plane crash with hundreds of potential victims waiting to get smacked by a Northwest Airlines plane. It's part of the aeronautical exhibit at The Henry Ford. I love the right corner of the photo where my son captured a dad holding his baby while mom kissed the baby's feet. There were people of all demographics waiting and lots of youngsters. I wish I'd taken a picture of of the three children sacked out on the hot dog sofa near the Weinermobile. They were adorable. Aren't all sleeping kids?

I meant to post this photo yesterday of one of the lines of people taken early Tuesday morning around 1 AM, all waiting patiently to see the Emancipation Proclamation. When we arrived, we made a snap decision not to wait the five hours ourselves, and instead strolled the museum and looked at the Civil War exhibit that housed many other important documents from that time in history. It was impressive--including the census book that showed a household servant belonging to Ulysses S. Grant. Interesting. On our way out of the exhibit, we found ourselves about 10 feet from the document we'd originally come to see. So many people, who'd waited so very long on line, were being rushed past the document and I think we saw as much of it from a distance as they got to see up close. I was more than satisfied with what we did get to see without the wait.

I will go back when crowds die down to see this exhibit (on display through Labor Day), sans the famous document which has gone back to the National Archives. I'll wait for a day off when I'm not so tired. While I love looking at all of the artifacts THF has acquired in the museum, my favorite part of a visit there is to tour the village.

Photo courtesy of Bribabe's really good smart phone.


12 comments:

The Bug said...

You know Detroit isn't that far away - Mike & I really should head up there to check out that exhibit :)

Taking Heart said...

What a sweet moment captured... love it.

Rudee said...

Yes, Dana, you should. If you never been to The Henry Ford, you may want to plan on more than one day because there is so much to see and do. A most excellent time to visit is over the Fourth of July weekend where you can wind up a visit with an outdoor concert by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and an outstanding fireworks display. It's held on the grounds and provides an excellent taste of Americana. The concerts are held over several nights.

Brenda said...

Sounds like fun Rudee! I think I almost went there when I had a friend living in Detroit years ago...but I think we ran out of time. I know my husband would love it.

Unknown said...

A great post about a very interesting day. BTW your comment on my Doing My Thing Day. That post does not mean things I did in one day just that I choose to blog and post them on that day. LOL Look at you work and create all the time and travel around too. Amazing
QMM

Gail said...

I would love to see that exhibit.

I agree with Scribe, a sweet moment captured, indeed.

Many Northerners, who were against slavery, owned slaves themselves. A big difference in working cotton fields and cleaning house, I have done both and prefer cleaning house.

Knitty said...

I thought of you when I heard that if you weren't in line by 10 pm, you shouldn't count on seeing the document before its prompt removal in the morning, line or no line. Too bad it couldn't be here for more than 36 hours.

Stephanie V said...

Oh, I love that little detail in the photo.

Good call on the line-up and interesting that you could see it at all - even from a distance.

Alice said...

My brother and I went to the 1st lecture of the civil war series they are having at the HF.

4th of July, I really want to go just to see and hear the River Raisin Ragtime Revue, (just before the Symphony).

Mimi said...

That IS a long wait!
You made the right decision. And didn't really lose out, which is good.

unmitigated me said...

I have since learned that the National Archives limits the actual light exposure of the document to 60 hours PER YEAR! and they let us show it for 36 of them. The total attendance in 36 hours was just over 21,000 people! I love your picture.

Jane said...

Great picture capturing a great experience. Good for you!