Our first stop is the Lewis Miller Cottage, a National Historic Landmark. This was the home to Miller who was the leader of the Chautauqua movement, an adult education thingy during the 1920's.
The Chautauqua brought entertainment and culture for the whole community, with speakers, teachers, musicians, entertainers, preachers and specialists of the day. Wikipedia
So we hung a right onto Stone Chimney Rd, passed the Elkdale Country Club, the road went from nice tar, to choppy tar, unpaved and ended at a Stop sign, which I complied with. Didn't really have a choice, there was no more road.
Crystal "I don't have a clue where the cottage is"
Crystal pointing to the way back. Like I know that since we couldn't go forward.
We did stop at the golf course to see if anyone knew where Lewis's cottage was. As I walked into the pro shop the Pro said, "You that bad you have to wear a helmet". To which I said, "It's a tough game out there". I explained what I was looking for and he gave me that kind of look, you know the look. There was a cabin up there at one time, all that was left was a chimney thou. That just had to be it. I thanked him and left the shop.
Come to find out the waypoint was way off the mark. The National Park Service does have a disclaimer on their site about some of the places are mere estimates. If I had checked Wikipedia or read the nomination form, I would have found the cottage to be in Chautauqua on Whitfield Ave. Next time we will know and I have fixed my MapSource file of NHLs.
All part of the treasure hunt.
It's gotten pretty hot, only 10:30am and time for water. We also complied with this sign in Salamanca
The Zippo Museum is located in Bradford PA along US219 just north of US6. This was one of the Americana Grand Tour stops. Today there is a ton of people there since they are having a fair like event, with vendors, BBQ, and other concessions going on. They had the gates shut off to traffic, I told one the guys at the gate I was participating in a motorcycle rally and really needed to get a picture of my bike at the front entrance. He cleared the way and said follow me. I thanked him for his indulgence.
Come to find out from a fellow participant in the Americana Tour, I took the wrong picture, I was suppose to get the parking lot lights with the Zippo lighters on top. Another BUST. I just might ride back out there to get the right picture if I have time. It would just be shy of 1000 miles. Hmmm add a little bit, leave home around 4am, quick picture, some signatures, back home around 12pm that night and I have another IBA SaddleSore 1000 completed. I feel a plan coming together.
I parked the bike, hobbled back to the museum and we took a look around.
Since its invention Zippos have been sold around the world and have been described "a legendary and distinct symbol of Americana". In 2012 the company produced the 500-millionth unit. Thousands of different styles and designs have been made in the eight decades since their introduction including military versions for specific regiments. American George G. Blaisdell founded Zippo Manufacturing Company in 1932, and produced the first Zippo lighter in early 1933, being inspired by an Austrian cigarette lighter of similar design made by IMCO. Wikipeidia
I remember as a little tot, my father using a Zippo lighter, where he kept the Ronson lighter fluid, and the occasion stain in the paints pocket when the fluid leaked out of the lighter. Also remember loving the smell of the fluid. Must of gone along with the airplane glue (pre health hazard warnings). His was a plain stainless steel case Zippo lighter. I see brushed chrome ones are available to 18.95 at the Zippo store.
Toward the back of the museum they had this contraption. This is one of those things you could stare at for hours. Simple things for a simple person.
Very cool neon.
Back outside Crystal was kind of enough to go get the Spyder. She pulled in front just in time for a motorcycle parade going by that lasted a good 20 minutes. Lots of bikes.
This one caught my eye, a Honda Pacific Coast, PC800. Honda built there between 1989 and 1998, making about 14,000 in total. One can see the makings of the Gold Wing, ST1100 and ST1300 in the lines.
Out of the 100's of bikes that went by, only 1 Spyder.
About half way across PA rests the town of Wellsboro and the Wellsboro Diner, a great place for a snack.
I had the simple blackberry pie, but Crystal made the right choice. She had the banana, black berry, and strawberry pie. I had a small bite and this is the one to have.
At the intersection of US 6 and SR 4008 (Porter Rd) in Troy PA is this giant gas pump. This is one of the Americana Grand Tour stops. The gas station where this is located dates back to the 1940's. There are matching regular size pumps by the entrance.
Our last stop of the day is one of those that you pass by and have to turn around and go back. Crystal was piloting and I tapped the Sena10 and said, you have to turnaround. This is Sanford & Sons in Wyalusing PA. Also on US 6.
While we were walking around I started to get landscaping ideas for home. Our front lawn is really only crab grass, which does stay somewhat green during droughts, and I could see the potential of this art (maybe kitsch) for the lawn. I keep threatening to put flamingoes out front. Now I know where to get them. I wonder if they will send via UPS.
From here it is about 50 miles to the Red Roof in Wilkes-Barre. A great day of riding, more leisurely than the last 2 at 283 miles.
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