Monthly Archives: June 2008
Soap Box Derby
At the top of Derby Hill, two racers prepare to coast to victory.
Confidence
We attended the Soap Box Derby races near our house on Saturday morning. There were 32 cars in the race at Derby Hill in Big Run Park. This particular driver appears to be showing his confidence as his father gives him some last minute advice before going down the hill. The first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio on August 19, 1934. World Championship finals are held each July at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio. Cars competing in this and related events are unpowered, relying completely upon gravity to move.
European Cabbage White Butterfly
Accidentally introduced into Quebec, Canada around 1860, this European species rapidly spread throughout North America. Its spread through Ohio is well documented. It was first reported in the vicinity of Cleveland in 1873, where it was considered common by 1875. This butterfly reached western Ohio and the vicinity of Cincinnati by at least 1875. By 1878 it was regarded as very abundant in Southwestern Ohio. By 1882 this butterfly was already considered a serious economic pest.
Identify this duck
While at the Lincoln Park Zoo, these ducks (ok, may not be ducks) were with the flamingos. Can you identify the name and species? First correct commenter gets all the glory that goes with being first, and correct.
Chicago Harbor Lighthouse
The Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is the only surviving lighthouse in Chicago and one of only two remaining examples in Illinois. Built in 1893, the Lighthouse symbolically marks the Chicago Harbor. During the 1917 renovation of the breakwater, the lighthouse was moved to its present location, and its attached fog-signal room and boathouse were constructed. It is a familiar sight along Chicago’s shoreline just east of Navy Pier, where the Lighthouse continues to mark the harbor entrance.
Fountain girls
Girls enjoying themselves at the fountain in Columbus Park of Roses. It was the perfect place to be, considering the temperatures in the high 80’s and bright sunshine.
Multi-colored Roses
Emilia and I went to the 22nd Columbus Rose Festival in Whetstone Park. Over 11,000 rose bushes were in bloom of every color imaginable. The formal opening of the Columbus Park of Roses was in June 1953. In January 1954 the American Rose Society Headquarters relocated from Hershey, Pennsylvania to Columbus, staying until 1974 when they moved to Shreveport, Louisiana where they are today. The park is 13 acres and well maintained by several local rose societies.
Draw Bridge Tower
One of the Draw Bridge Towers along the Chicago River. The color from the street lights adds a nice ambiance to the scene.
Chicago Panorama
Looking North from the Shedd Aquarium at the Chicago skyline and marina. This photo was stitched together from 24 separate shots. Still trying to figure out the best way to show the panoramas here, maybe a separate page so that they are larger and easier to view.
Chicago River
Looking North down the Chicago River at night. We were waiting for out bus to arrive outside Union Station.