Steamboat Arabia

We went to Steamboat Arabia in the City Market in Kansas City. It was a pretty amazing museum. Kansas City was a very busy port with lots of steamboats going through--in fact, many, many Mormons traveled this way. On a September afternoon in 1856, this steamboat was loaded with over 200 tons of brand new merchandise, including European dishware, jewelry, guns, tools, food products and clothing. As the steamboat was leaving the port for Council Bluffs, the hull was pierced by a submerged tree. The steamboat and her valuable cargo sunk in minutes. Fortunately, there were no lives lost but all else disappeared. It was buried for 132 years. It's an interesting story how it was discovered, unearthed and the treasures retrieved.

The paddle wheel

Below are some of the treasures

A Map of the Mormon Exodus

The City Market -- enjoyed a nice lunch here.

Kansas City - Hallmark, World War I Museum, etc.

Another Saturday excursion into Kansas City. We (Lynn, myself, Ann and Lavonna) started out at the Hallmark Visitor's Center. We really enjoyed seeing how cards are made -- including artists, how verses are written, actual cards being made, etc. It's quite a process. Also, I enjoyed hearing the history of how Hallmark was started and that it has remained in the hands of the same family through the generations. I'm a confirmed Hallmark card fan.

Here's Ann with her good friend, Maxine. She loves the saying and I agree "Attitude is Everything"

This is myself, Lynn and Lavonna on top of the Liberty Memorial Tower. What a great view. Ann was there too -- taking the picture.

The Liberty Memorial Tower and entrance into World War I Museum. I really loved the museum and learning about World War I, especially the chronology of the war and the story of why America entered the war. Great museum.

This is a view of Kansas City from the Liberty Tower and a view of Union Station, which we also went to see -- after going through the Crown Center Mall and having lunch and frozen custard. Again, we love our 5 days a week work at the Library, but also our Saturdays to take in some of the sights.