Stuhr Museum / Grand Island, NE

We got a chance to visit an excellent museum in Grand Island, NE.  Called the Stuhr Museum after its biggest benefactor, this museum was mostly a reconstruction of a 1890's railroad town.  Most of the shops in town and a few of the houses were staffed with folks dressed in period clothes.  We had a great time in the town.  We enjoyed the homes most of all.  The homes were actual late 1800's construction and were moved to the museum site from various locations.  One of them was the home where Henry Fonda was born in. All the homes had cast iron stoves and none of them had an indoor privy.  Also, there was a piano or pump organ in each home.  As one of the staff mentioned, this was a primary source of entertainment in that era.

Girls observing a blacksmith in action.

The whole family on "Front" street (the street facing the railroad tracks and station).

In front of one of the residences.

Our 'outlaws.'

Before arriving in Grand Island, we stopped in North Platte and got to view the largest railyard in the country.  We took this shot from the top of the "Golden Spike" tower outside the yards from the 8th floor.  Even then, you would need probably 4 panaramic shots to get the whole yard.

We finished out our time in Grand Island by going to a local water park.  The girls had a great time going down the slides and keeping cool.  They are much more relaxed about age requirements on slides outside of Washington state, something we appreciate greatly.  Now we are on our way to St Joe's with a stop at the National Homestead Monument on the way!

Ron