the Grabers: 8/12/18

The wedding wasn't until later that afternoon, so our friends, Dave and Marilyn, and RJ and Mary Ellen and us went sightseeing during the day.

First stop: The Dahl Museum

The Dahl family has been involved in automotive dealership for over 100 years and 5 generations.

The museum features the history of the automobile through the eyes of Ford Motor Company, with many beautifully restored classic automobiles from the turn of the
century to present.

The 5th generation Mr. Dahl was passionate about his showroom and interesting to listen to!

This is the 1911 Mother-in-law roadster. See the seat on the back?

Next on the agenda, was the Hixon house. The historic Hixon house was built in 1858 by lumber baron Gideon Hixon. 90 percent of the furnishing are original. This house offers a window into early La Crosse life and the Victorian era around the country.

We weren't able to take photos in the house, but I did find some online.

Entryway

Mr. Hixon's study

Mrs. Hixon

Every thing in this picture was still in the room, as is. Well, except for Mrs. Hixon!

The photo below is the Turkish nook. Ellen Hixon traveled abroad and had many souvenirs from her journey. She wanted this nook built for her. It was the height of fashion in her day. Quite an exotic space.

The kitchen

In Victorian times, the word "chamber" was used for any bedroom that was not on the first floor. But, later, all sleeping rooms were referred to as bedrooms, regardless of the location. Below is the master bedroom.

Subway tile, which has become popular once again.

One more place to tour was the Grandad Bluff Park, where Owen proposed to Jackie!

What an enjoyable day of sightseeing!

We arrived in La Crosse, a large historic city with a population of over 50,000, in the early afternoon.

Many of the historic buildings and downtown district date back to the 1800s, when La Crosse was one of Wisconsin's most important centers for trade and commerce.

We checked in to our room and relaxed before needing to get ready for the evening.

We spied a family of coons below the window.

We were invited to join the wedding party for a private party on the La Crosse Queen Cruise. When we arrived, it began to pour! Luckily, there was a canopy while we waited.