Today, Richard and I drove about 40 away to Longleaf, La., to visit the Southern Forest Heritage Museum. We were pleasantly surprised to discover a place that gave us information about the forest industry; how, why, and when the industry helped to change the course of World War II; so much about WWII; and (for me) how mechanical things worked in the early 1900s. I mean, this was a three-hour, self-guided tour that boggled my mind.
Foreign currency that some of the WAACs brought home from the war.
The sheer size of some of the equipment is amazing. There’s a saw blade as wide as I am tall. Huge steam boilers and engines with metal wheels that really sort of shocked me. I’ve seen boilers before, but not this big. Of course, Rich was able to explain just about anything to me. And I have lots of questions. All the time. About everything. (I probably drive him crazy.)
About 1/3rd of the buttons and medals that were hanging on the wall.
Anyway, I had a great time. Since it’s a bit hot in the mid-90s, I had to take photos of the information signs. Standing around waiting for me to read ALL of the signs was just too much to ask of Rich. Besides, I’d have had a heat stroke. All of that mechanical information is going to have to wait a few days. I took 180 pictures. But, I have a surprise for you! In all of those pictures I have a few little nuggets that I couldn’t wait to share.
The office in the museum commissary. The telephone switchboard in the commissary. Can you see that manniquin on the right side? There were lots of manniquins, but this one gave me a surprise every time I caught a glimpse of her. Here we are! What a lovely little hand-crank sewing machine. I would have so loved to bring it back home and give it a little TLC.Another sewing machine, but a newer model. The table is gorgeous. It’s the first time I discover anything about a Graybar sewing machine.And lastly, this stunning mirror. Look at the woodwork on this beauty. Ignore me and the handsome guy beside me. This is the beginning of the tour, still in the air conditioning. We were not this pretty when we left the place.
I hope you enjoyed our little trip to this unusual museum. I’ll post additional photos once I am able to process them. Thanks for visiting!Do you have a gem near your house that you have yet to discover? Make plans to see the places in your own backyard. They may surprise you.
