John and Jackie's Midwest Journey: Day 22 ~ Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Where to begin???? What a fun day we've had! First of all, we picked up the boys this morning. We were certainly happy to see them and they were happy to see us! We left the Kennel and drove over to the hotel where everyone was staying to say goodbye. We made plans to work on a family reunion for 2014! I'm looking so forward to putting this together! It would be so Great if all the kids could make this one in 2014....What a fun bunch!

After our hugs and stories, we left to go to Barb & Dave's house, this is where we are meeting up for our drive to Ottumwa, Iowa! Beautiful home in a Beautiful neighborhood! Off we went, caravanning to Ottumwa. What a fabulous trip! Both John and I are getting somewhat tired, but know that our lazy day will be tomorrow.

Once we arrived Ottumwa, it was like going back in time! We can't believe the size of the homes here. I just wanted to wrap my arms around these homes and restore them. I would say 80% of the homes here in Ottumwa are deteriorating which is so very sad because these homes are a part of America's history. I have always wanted to have one of these homes, but I can see the much needed work in them which the thought of restoring one exhausts me!

The temperature today in Ottumwa was 99 degrees, and it felt awesome! We finally made it to the Canteen in the Alley! Jack and Madalyn shared so many stories about the Canteen. We all enjoyed Maid Rite Burgers, Delicious Pie and some of the family had Milk Shakes! (John of course had a Malt!!) It was so delicious! What amazed us was they would not write up an order for you, they would just ask what you had at the cash register and charge you there. They still use the honor system here. Just a GREAT place!

After lunch we walked to the Ottumwa Town Square Park where the Central Park Performance Stage is at. Aunt Pearl shared stories of how the lawns in front of the Performance Stage would be packed with people on hot summer nights listening to music. Ottumwa is certainly a very old Midwest town. It was first settled in 1844. Ottumwa is an Indian term translated as "Rippling Waters." This portion of the Des Moines River was a favorite Indian campground.

Later we drove to all the Nolte and Bristow Homesteads in Ottumwa. We were able to get a couple of bricks from the Bristow Homestead for Barbie. It was so much fun to see these homes and to reminisce on the memories of good days gone by. We listened to Pearl in amazement of her memory, such a fantastic day.

After a visit to the Cemetery to pay our respects to Grandma and Grandpa Nolte and Uncle Jim, we left to head back to Cedar Rapids. It was a 2 hour drive, but worth every inch of the way! Thank you to the Bristow Family for taking the time to show us the way to "Back in The Day!!" A day both John and I have looked forward to experiencing for over 23 years.