Illinois Freedom Bell, Mt. Morris

Illinois Freedom Bell, And Plaque

Mt. Morris, Illinois

Fine Art Prints Available

Purchase Buttom Below

This past week end proved eventful for me. Saturday, I was hoping to take in the Homestead events at Muller Lane Farm . As Mother Nature would have it, rain prevailed. I was, however privy to the Twin City Market in Sterling, IL. This was more than I had expected! Local farmers and artisans were well represented with their produce and wares. I ate a delicious bison burger from a local husbandman, and was able to take in the fine banjo playing of a man who had a love of bluegrass music.Had it not been raining steadily, I know that photos would have been spewing forth like a cornicopia. Alas, my picture safari would have to wait another day...

Sunday dawned with a typical overcast "Illinois Grey" sky. At least the rains subsided, and I was able to travel the 12 miles to Mt. Morris. I had hoped to capture some images of the Illinois Freedom Bell, along our famous Black Hawk Trail. I was not disappointed.

That illustrious bell rings loud and proud every fourth of July at the climax of the Let Freedom Ring Festival. Ronald Reagan, president of these United States dedicated the first bell in 1963. Later, in 1984 he invited the most ardent supporter of its appeal --apology for the pun-- to the White House.

Even with the images of the Illinois Freedom Bell lodged securely within my camera, I wanted more. I took off for Leaf River. A village barely north of Mt. Morris in search of a few shots of the history museum located there. Regretably, these were not to be had. A car in the parking lot along with the heavy lay of precipitation negated my chances of capturing acceptable images.

Not to be disheartened, I returned to Mt. Morris, and found Mike Norman of Mt Morris Country Crafts manning his shoppe. This quaint crafter's paradise is open to the public and awaits you on the west side of village square. Mike is a wood worker. His wife is a weaver. They have some of the most beautiful examples of home-made items I have ever seen. Of course other crafters also occupy booths within their walls; perhaps my work will be there too? I hope so.

After all this, I was off to Amboy, IL. for the inaugural (first birthday ) of my serugate nephew, Gabriel. It was a grand affair where I took nearly sixty pics of the tyke, along with other family and friends; the innocence of a baby coupled with chocolate cake smeared across a face never ceases to astound, amuse and inspire me.

I hope that your week end was a good one and that you were able to find time to capture your share of memories!

All best,

-Wayne