Janesville, WI

Janesville, WI
We arrived at the Blackhawk Campground in Milton, WI early Sunday afternoon and it was “rather warm” to say the least. We settled in and drove to Famous Dave’s to “pig out” on their BBQ. After supper we were treated to the Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show along the Rock River in Janesville. WOW! Those kids have talent! To ski is one thing, but to ski with people on your shoulders is another. “Barefoot skiing” was also demonstrated. (Don’t even think about that, Chris!) Water Ski shows are big around there as there are so many rivers and lakes throughout the area.
The next morning we toured the very beautiful Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville. What a beautiful place with walks winding through garden paths and around the lake. The Garden is constructed on abandoned
grounds on which trash etc. had been strewn for years. Twenty years, many volunteers, and lots of hard work have created this beautiful park. The formal Rose Garden is a site for many weddings. There is also a Japanese Garden, Sunken Garden, and an Italian Garden.
The “Speakeasy” Restaurant hosted our lunch. It was a fun place, reminiscent of the days of Elliott Ness, and made us wonder if we should be “watching our backs”! Great atmosphere and yummy food!
After lunch we toured the Wisconsin Wagon Co. which is still in business making the wooden wagons with ball bearing wheels. Fire Island, NY is a big customer as they use the wagons to carry folk’s luggage to their cottages when they get off the ferry. Custom lettering is put on the wagon, and they come in several sizes. I bought a little “tag a-long” for my teddy bears. It was good to see a manufacturing company still in the USA!
Our final tour of the day was the Lincoln Tallman House which was a beautiful Italianate style home built by a wealthy lawyer named Mr. Tallman over one hundred fifty years ago. Abe Lincoln stayed in the home for three days prior to his election. The house had running (cold) water, and an indoor privy. The contents of the house were 75% original and the remainder had been duplicated. It was fun to be in a home with the “actual” things the family had used, and to be in the rooms where Abe Lincoln had been.
Our Group enjoyed our “final banquet” at a restaurant named HHFFRRGGH-yes, that is really the name. Go figure!!! We had a great time, and have really enjoyed being together on this Caravan. In the morning, we will head to Madison, the site of our International Airstream Rally. We sure hope it cools off!!!!