Posted on by Michelle Anderson

Florida!

I love to go to Florida. The ocean, the warm breezes and sunshine, lots and lots of sunshine. During the winter Kermit and Eunice liked to go to Florida too. They started to go to Florida with their friends George and Lorraine McDonald. When they would go, usually Don and Ruby would stay with the kids. But one year, they all went for a wonderful week spent in the sunny shores of Florida.

Their trip started in Oregon, Illinois where they took the train to downtown Chicago. Once in Chicago they made their way to Midway From Midway, they flew on a DC7 aircraft which could carry 90 people to Miami. Then from Miami they rode on a Greyhound Bus to a place called The Greyhound Keys. This key is located half way between Miami and the Florida Keys. I found an aerial photo which I found interesting. It looks like a wonderful place to rest, relax and enjoy the sunshine that one so desperately seeks in the winter months.

The Greyhound Bus Company received permission from the interstate commerce commission to purchchase all of the Florida Motor Lines and changed the name to the Florida Greyhound Lines in 1945. Sometime in 1947 they began construction on the terminal and restaurant/rest stop facility. In 1955 the US Postal Service authorized a station post office with the name Greyhound Key. The postmaster was the restaurant manager.

In 1966 Kampgrounds of America purchased the island from the Greyhound Company and gave the island a new name, Fiesta Key. This island has been known as such ever since.

There were more photos then I usually work with for a posting so I took them and turned them into a movie. The year that the whole family went, George and Lorraine’s daughter went with them to Greyhound Key, she is in a photo with Wava. Even though spring is right aound the corner, I sure would like to be in Sunny Florida right now.

Posted on by Michelle Anderson

Tent Fun

This weekend many of us or our friends will take to the wilderness to celebrate the Fourth of July. There’s something about sleeping out under the stars with no other light pollution that is exciting and relaxing. To get away from our normal settings and feel like we are “roughing it” has been a favorite pastime of many. I’m all for being in the wilderness I just want to camp with my bed and comforts of home.

Several years ago, I brought you a photo of Raymond, Wava and Wayne outside a tent looking every bit camping enthusiasts. While I was scanning negatives, I found these precursors to that camping fun. I just love this tiny tent. I am very entranced with the tent door. There’s not bug netting or even floor, but this tent would be great cover when needed. I bet it was Kermits as I have found many photos of him fishing.

In the first photo we have Eunice holding Wava and Wayne with Raymond next to them. Then we have a great photo of big brother Raymond and little sister Wava. You can really see the door to the tent and even a little inside the tent. How exciting for the kids to see the tent and get to play in it. Imagining that they too were camping or perhaps traveling to distant shores. Learning that a tent is really a portable house and with a roof over your head one can go anywhere. If you have chosen to rough it this weekend may your travels be safe and your bug bites few.