Visit the Amish Community at Arcola, Illinois
We set our sites for Arcola, IL about 150 miles South of Chicago, IL. Arcola is the beginning of Amish Country in Illinois. We found little difficulty finding the Amish community. There are more buggies on the roads than autos. The Amish settlement begins approximately at Tuscola on the Northeast to Sullivan on the Southwest, about 400 square miles. This was a larger settlement than in Michigan or in Indiana. Travelling the back roads is truly an adventure. We found a store called Family Health Foods, which carried a greater variety of food supplements and homeopathic remedies than most of the large health food stores in major metropolitan areas. There is an Amish Interpretive Center in downtown Arcola, at which you can learn about their religion and lifestyle. We had visited Menon-hof in Shipshewana, IN, so we passed on this one.
While you are in Downtown Arcola stop at the Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum and gift shop. These loveable dolls were developed by native son Johnny Gruelle in 1918 after the loss of his thirteen year old daughter. He wanted to make something loveable and cuddly for children to embrace. Also downtown is the train depot along the Illinois Central tracks. Built in 1886, it now houses the Visitor’s Welcome Center filled with memorabilia from the station, along with an extensive broom collection and homage to Raggedy Ann. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable about many of the attractions in the area, especially if you are interested in learning about the Amish.
A few miles West of town is a small gem of an attraction, Rockome Gardens. This is built for family fun. Admission is free, but be prepared to part with your quarters to feed the goats, chickens, deer, ponies and other animals. The adults also can find ways to leave their money behind at the numerous craft and gift shops throughout the park. Some of the cool things there include houses made out of soda bottles (usually 7-Up or Fresca). They are held together by mortar. There are also many decorative stone fences, some with mythological motifs. For the railroad enthusiast, the outdoor model railroad, at least 4000 square feet is quite a sight. There are even boardwalks so you can walk onto the interior of the plat. Rockome Gardens appeals to the child in all of us.
About the Author
John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy. He is retired from the rat race of working. He is a full-time RVer, who ran away from home. He began our travels on the East Coast and, like the migrating birds, seek the warmth of the seasons He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System. He has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music., A Day with Kokopelli. For pictures, links, and more information visit http://www.jmpelley.org.
Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure (1/9)
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GOLDEN BOOK – RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY – 1978 – #139 $8.55 |
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Otagiri Cats Watching Raggedy Ann & Andy Cup / Mug $6.95 |
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Raggedy Ann And Andy`1970s` Aladdin Industries`Plastic Thermos`Free Ship To US $14.25 |
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2001 Hallmark Ornament Raggedy Andy Rag Doll Brand New Gift Raggedy Ann Series $12.99 |
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(((((((VINTAGE 1973 RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY LUNCHBOX))))))) $27.73 |
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Wood Raggedy Ann & Andy with small shelf (Lot) $0.99 |
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GLASS VASE RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY 1976 $3.00 |
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Raggedy Ann & Andy Dolls Christmas Gruelle 1997 Hasbro $9.99 |
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Classic unused Raggedy Ann & Andy coloring & Activity Book $2.99 |
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POTTERY DISHES RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY 1994 $6.00 |
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PRMIMITIVE LOOKING HAT BOX TYPE WOOD RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY BOX $22.00 |
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9 Vintage Raggedy Ann’s & Andy Dolls Need Some Lovin’!!! $9.99 |
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RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY FABRIC DOLLS 8″ *NEW* $13.99 |
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~ Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls Needlepoint Embroidery Wall Decor Picture 1970′s $24.99 |
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SIMPLICITY RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY COSTUME PATTERN 5425 Sz XS-XL OOP $15.99 |
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Raggedy Ann and Andy large w/S&P Cookie Jar Mint $400.00 |
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Raggedy Ann & Andy Party Hats Hallmark 1978 $9.99 |
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Vintage Raggedy Ann & Andy plate cup set Bobbs Merrill $14.99 |
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NEW Raggedy Ann & Andy 1994 Heart Ornament by Adler $2.99 |
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AN ADORABLE RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY RIBBON 7/8″ BY 3 YARDS $8.49 |
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Primitive Look Raggedy Anne Doll Hearts Andy $8.50 |
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VINTAGE McCALLs 5254 PATTERN Raggedy Ann & Andy Sz 6-8 $18.99 |
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Towels Hand and Bath appear to be unused. Raggey Ann & Andy $5.00 |
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Lot Brown Bag Cookie Art 1985 1986 Raggedy Ann & Andy Stoneware Molds $9.99 |
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Raggedy Ann and Andy $50.00 |
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RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY WALL HANGERS VINTAGE 1977 $12.99 |
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RARE VINTAGE RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY COLLECTOR PLATES $24.99 |
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Impressive Mirror…….Raggedy Ann & Andy -purchase from Sleepy Hollow $24.00 |
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McCalls Raggedy Ann & Andy Christmas #8997 $7.00 |
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Bob Timberlake “Friends” Raggedy Ann and Andy Replica, Signed… $12.95 |
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Signs…..Raggedy Ann & Andy – GRANDMAS/GRANDPA ANTIQUE BOYS / GIRLS $22.00 |
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Raggedy Ann and Andy Rotating Music Box Plays School Days $21.99 |
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OLD RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY CHALK OR PLASTER PLAQUE, WALL DECOR, ADORABLE $14.99 |
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MIB Vintage Knickerbocker The Original Raggedy Andy Ann Rag Doll New in Box +Tag $39.95 |
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RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY 70′S CHRISTMAS FIGURINE LOT $16.99 |
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Raggedy Ann & Andy, the Little Gray Kitten-Little Golden Book $4.35 |
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Raggedy Ann & Andy Smelling the Flowers Figures 1981 $3.00 |
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RARE Raggedy Ann & Andy Executive Desk Set Bobbs Merril Jaymar Vintage in Box $99.95 |
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