Gleaming and Elegant

We visited my girl's family for her dad's birthday. Ideally, we'd have taken the boat out to Waupaca and spent the day on the lake, but the forecast threatened thunderstorms in the afternoon - right about when we'd have gotten everything ready to go for a cruise. So it was on to plan B.

We had no plan B, so instead went to the History Museum in Appleton. Not coincidentally, Appleton, WI is where Harry Houdini called home. Even further not at all coincidentally, the History Museum has an exhibit on Harry Houdini. Shocking, but true. My girl has a fun blip from that exhibit. Mine is not.

Another exhibit at the museum takes a look at the history of Appleton during the Progressive Era (1890 - 1920) via the photographs of W.D. Schlafer. So fantastic to see the art and craft of one man, and the historical value of those pictures later on. Never mind the skill, science and dedication that photography required at that time. Seeing his frame logs, describing where and what was in each frame on every roll of negatives, helped me appreciate just how easy we digital photographers have it. (Not that I needed it - my photography class was handled all analogue, so I got very experienced at it)

One lovely little piece that struck my eye was a lovingly restored Evinrude Detachable Row Boat Motor. The enjoyer of all things steampunk thrilled at the chrome, copper, steel and rubber that came together to make such a beautiful machine. While this picture is geared more to highlight the detail of the motor, you can see a similar motor from the same era here (though not nearly as well-restored).