Observation Tower

Monkey island

Washington Park Observation Tower is distinctive, four story 80-foot, Art Deco Style built atop a sand dune to offer panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

Origins

Washington Park was established in the 1890’s to give the growing industrial city public access to Lake Michigan. By the 1930’s, the park had limited amenities, with most of the land still open dunes and undeveloped areas. The Depression halted improvements.

New Deal Construction

Federal relief programs–first the CWA and FEMA, then WPA brought large scale public works to Michigan City. The observation Tower was one of these projects completed in 1937.

It was built from a from a steel tower donated by the South Shore Railroad Line. The tower was faced with limestone. There was spherical ornament on the top said to be salvaged from the city’s first fire engine. The tower’s design and construction were part of a broader WPA effort to create leisure facilities and is considered one of the most prominent WPA structures in the park

Design and Purpose

The tower’s Art Deco Style and elevated position make it a landmark for both the park and the town. It provided 360 degrees views of the Lake, the Dunes and Michigan City and served as a focal point for visitors. It’s construction also employed recycles material and local labor, consistent with the WPA’s resource efficient approach.

The Tower was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Engineer Castle

Engineer Castle was built in 1937 by the WPA, a New Deal agency that provided jobs and funded public works during the Great Depression. It was designed as a scaled replica of the official emblem of the U.S. Corp of Engineers. It featured limestone battlements, parapet walls and medieval turrets. The structure is a literal stone castle and was part of a broader WPA programs that transformed Washington Park and Washington Park Zoo into a comprehensive public leisure complex

Designs and Materials

The Castle’s design blends medieval architecture with the Corps of Engineers emblem. Many WPA buildings in the park including the Castle incorporated salvaged stone, concrete and steel. The climate-controlled interior now houses small mammals and reptiles and other cold blooded species.

The Engineer Castle was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

The building underwent a full historic preservation and rehabilitation in 2019

History of Monkey Island, Washington Park Zoo, Michigan City, Indiana. +

Origins and Early Development

The Washington Park Zoo began in 1925 when a retired animal trainer brought his pet brown bear Jake to the Lakefront Park. Public interest addition of other animals and by 1927 city leaders began planning formal zoological garden. The zoo was move from the lakefront to its current location and the first official board formed in 1928

Great Depression and WPA involvement.

The great Depression halted much of the zoo expansion, but federal relief programs first CWA and FERA then WPA brought large scale public works to Michigan City

Construction of Monkey Island

The first major WPA project was Monkey Island, completed in 1934. It featured:

Center moated island with a high exterior wall and an access tunnel

Recycled and salvaged material consistent with the WPA resource efficient approach

A design that was innovated for its time

The island was built by the CWA workers with WPA oversight with local labor and donated materials. It became a landmark of the zoo symbolizing the New Deal blend of public employment, recreational improvement and creative design

   

  Washington Park in Michigan City, Indiana once featured amusement attractions including thrill rides, concessions and entertainment facilities, making it a popular destination throughout the early to mid 20th century.

     Early Recreational Development.

    .     Washington Park.was founded in 1891 along Lake Michigan to provide recreational space.  By 1913, the South Shore Amusement Company operated entertainment amenities such as a dance floor, skating rink, bath house,.boat rentals, concessions and Thrill Rides.  This effectively made it an amusement destination for locals and visitors coming from nearby cities like nearby cities like Chicago

     New Deal Enhancements

     During the 1930’s, federal.programs like the WPA and its predessor agencies built new park structures and features.  These included the observation tower, the monkey island, and brick shelters for animals, picnic shelters, a rock.garden, tennis courts, and pathways connecting these attractions.

     The zoo and landscaped areas added whimsy, resembling an amusement style park, while providing  public recreation and entertainment.

     Mid 20th Century Amusement Activity

     Video records and home movies from the 1950’s and 1960’s confirm that thrill rides and beachside amusement attractions were active in Washington Park during that period.  Short 8mm film.clips show rides, concessions and family entertainment, indicating the park functioned as a seasonal amusement location down by the beach.

     Legacy and Modern Status

     Many of the historical amusement features no longer operate today, but significant  WPA-ERA structures like the observation tower, rock gardens,  and zoo facilities remain. Modern.Washington Park.coninues as a public park with a beach, playgrounds,marina, zoo, picnic areas and historic landmarks, pserving the legacy of its past entertainment offerings.

  

 The Driskill Hotel, opened in 1886 by cattle baron Jesse Driskill, stands as Austin’s oldest hotel and a historic Texas landmark, renowned for its architecture, cultural significance, and legendary forms of hospitality.

Origins and Conception

Colonel Jesse Driskill, a wealthy cattle baron from Tennessee who moved to a Texas in 1849, built the Drisckill Hotel to rival the grand hotels of New York, Chicago and San Francisco, aiming to showcase Austin as a flourishing capital city. In 1884, Driskill purchased a lot at 6th and Brazos Streets for $7500, and the hotel opened on December 20, 1886, at an estimated cost equivalent to 92 million today.  Less than two weeks after opening, it hosted its first inaugural ball for Governor Sil Ross, beginning a tradition of hosting Texas governor’s inaugural celebrations (1886 Cafe and Bar events)

Architectural and Design Highlights

The original design by Jasper N. Preston & Son featured over six million pressed bricks with white limestone accents, Romanesque Revival style, and large Richardsonian arches.  The four story.building initially had 60 rooms, including 12 corner rooms with attached baths,and a four story central rotunda capped by a skylight.  Special entrances for men and women were designed to cater to social norms of the period. In a 1930, a 13 story annex designed by Frost & Frost added 180 rooms, a bungalow penthouse, and the Maxi million Rooma adorned with Austrian gold leaf framed mirrors

Ownership and management changed several.times through the 20th century, including Edward Seeling, (a relative of this author), W.L. Stark, Braniff International Hotels in 1972,:and Great American Life Insurance in 1995, each contributing restorations and preserving historical features.

Cultural Significance and Notable Events

The Driskill Hotel has hosted U.S. Presidents, including Lyndon.B.Johnson, who and Lady Bird Johnson had their first date there in 1934, and later watched election results from.the presidential suite. It also served as his campaign headquarters and a base for the White House Press Corps during his presidency.  Other notable guests include Bill Clinton, Louis Armstrong, Jack Dempsey,Bob Hope, and various cultural icons.  The hotel has also been central to civic events including debates over the Alamo’s preservation in 1908, inaugural balls, election watch parties, and grand galas.

Architectural Legacy

Designed by Jasper N. Preston & Son  in a Romanesque Revival style, the original four story building features over six million  pressed bricks, white limestone accents, large Richardson Ian arches, and ornamental limestone busts of Driskill and his sons. The annex, designed by Trost and Frost complemented The original structure while modernizing facilities.  The Hotel has undergone several restorations to preserve its historic character, including a major 30 million dollar renovation purchased by Great American  Life Insurance and reopened in 1999, as well as updates under Hyatt Hotel after 2013.

Preservation and Modern Era

The Driskill  faced potential demolition during the late 1960’s, but a successful Save-the-Driskill campaign by the community , raising over $700,000, preserved the historic hotel.  Today , the Driskill continues as a working hotel, combining historical elegance with modern hospitality, living up to it’s reputation as a cornerstone  of Austin’s history and culture.  It remains a destination for visitors  seeking a connection to Texas Heritage  with rooms and spaces like the 1886 Cafe and the Maximilliam Room celebrating its storied past.

     In summary , the Driskill Hotel is not only Austin’s oldest operating hotel but also a testament to Texas ambition and hospitality , having hosted generations of distinguished  guests and pivotal events while preserving its architectural and historic significance

     The Texas Capitol in Austin is the seat of state government and a National Historic Landmark renowned for its pink granite exterior, Renaissance Revival architecture and historic significance.

Location and General Information

     The Texas State Capitol is located at 1100 Congress Avenue,Austin, Texas 78701. It is situated on a prominent hilltop in downtown Austin overlying  the  Congress Avenue Historic District. The building serves as the offices and chambers for the Texas Legislature and the governor of Texas and covers over 900,000 square feet, including and under ground extension. Its dome rises 302.64 feet, making it taller than United States Capitol.

     History

     Construction of the Capitol began in 1885 and was completed in 1888.It was built  to replace an earlier smaller statehouse and reflects the growth and aspirations of Texas after its independence and annexation into the United States.  The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986 due to its historical  and architectural significance.

    Architecture and features

     The Texas Capitol is notable for its Renaissance Revival and Classical Revival Architecture. It is constructed primarily from sunset red granite, giving the building its distinctive pinkish hue.. Key features Include:

     Dome : The Capitol’s dome rises.311 feet, making it taller than the United States Capitol in.Washington, D.C.

     Interior: the rounds features murals depicting Texas history, elaborate staircases, and decorative ceilings.

     Grounds:

     The surrounding 22 acre grounds include monuments, memorials, walking.paths, and gardens accessible to the public

    

 

   The Harbor Country Museum of History and Rail in New Buffalo, Michigan preserves the region’s rich railroad heritage and local history and through interactive exhibits, historic train cars,and community–focused displays.

     Highlights

     Shows New Buffalo’s history as a railroad hub with  exhibits  in a reconstructed replica of the New Buffalo Railroad Pete Marquette Depot..

     Visitors can explore authentic railroad cars, historic  artifacts and miniature trains representing the 1920’s railroad yard.

     The address of the museum is 530 South Whittaker Street,  New Buffalo, MI

     History

     Founded in 1989 and formerly known as the New Buffalo Railroad Museum, the Harbor Country Museum of History and Rail is situated on the grounds of what was the largest.train yard in Southwest Michigan. It is housed in a restored. replica of train station from.1882. It highlights the town’s development influenced by the railroad industry and commerates  historic rail lines, including  CSX freight lines passing behind the museum.

     Exhibits and Attractions

     Authentic Railroad cars

    Chessie  Box Car

     World War II Pullman Troop Sleeper

     C and O Caboose

   Miniature train layout to reflect the appearance of the old tracks yard

     

Saint John the Baptist Basically Saint John Newfoundland

     The Basilica- Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in St. John’s Newfoundland, is a grand 19tj h-century Roman Catholic  cathedral , renowned for its Lombard Romanesque architecture, historic significance  and artistic treasures.      Location       Address: 200 Military Road,St. John’s,NL, A1 C 5G9, Canada        Situated on an elevated ridge, The Basilica overlies the city of St.John’s and its harbor,.offering a commanding view from almost anywhere in the city.      Historical Significance      Construction began in 1839 under Bishop Michael Anthony Fleming  and was completed in 1855, , marking it as the largest building project in Newfoundland at the time and a major North American Cathedral.      It survived the Great Fire of 1892 and remains the second largest church in Canada after Saint Joseph Oratory in Montreal  Pope Pius XII elevated it to status of minor Basilica in.1955 during its centennial celebration.  Recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1983 for its architectural and cultural importance.      Architecture and Design      Style: Lombard Romanesque Revival, inspired by 12th century Italian churches      Architects: John Philpot Jones (Ireland) and consultations with Ole Joergen Schmidt and James Murphy, among others.      Construction Materials: Grey Limestone and white Irish granite, local Newfoundland sandstone, Italian marble and Egyptian travertine.      Form and Dimensions: Latin cross plan,East facing facade 85 M long, 65 M wide, , naive width  16m,, maximum height 48m, seating capacity approximately 2,500.     Features: Twin towers (approx 45m tall), studios nine bells including the two ton St. John  Bell cast in Dublin, and 63 stained glasses windows from.France,England,,Ireland, and mid 20th century Irish Arts and Crafts      Interior Highlights      Altar of Sacrifice: Enshrined The Dead Christ , a Carrara marble sculpture by Irish neoclassical artist John.Hogan, the only example in North America     Other Artworks: Sculptures and bass relieve by John Edward Cares and Filipino Ghersi, decorative ceiling by Dan Carroll, and Egyptian travertine altars.sourced from Rome.      Pipe Organ: Cassavant Freres,  66 stop organ with 4050 pipes, the largest in Newfoundland.

     Crow’s Nest Restaurant in Venice, Fl has been a waterfront landmark since 1976, evolving from a small sandwich shop into a signature  dining and marina destination.

     Origins in the 1970’s

The property was originally part of the Tarpon Center Marina on the South Jetty.   The future aowner of the Crow’s Nest, Steve Harner, attended a college in.Michigan. He worked  in the restaurant business , bar tending and running a bar and grill. On July 4 ,1976, Steve Harner,  moved  his family to Florida. He became aware of restaurant space on the second floor of the marina..  He  and his wife Janis Payne, his father, Harp Harner and a Detroit friend Larry LaRoca entered in a 4 year lease for the property.–1500 square feet on the second floor.  

  Previously,  waterfront  restauants in Venice were Happy Land Seafood Restaurant and and Johhny Walker’s Fish Camp and Admiral’s Wardroom. 

  Mr. Harner opened a small sandwich shop with a temporary menu that included items like grilled cheese for 85 cents and a Traditional Club sandwich with fries for $2.75  The menu promised a ” wide selection of beer and wine” and reflected  Harner’s early commitment to hospitality. ” Enjoy your meal and please stop back”

     Early Years and Growth

The restaurant opened 10 weeks after the leased was signed..  They put in a kitchen and worked with.3 employees. His Wife Janis Payne waited 40 seats and a handful.of bar srools overlooking.the neglected marina

   It quickly became a local favorite, serving the now famous Fish Sandwich, classic Reubens, burgers, and 50 cent beers.  Venice in the 1970’s was a smaller, more laid back community and the Crow’s Nest was one of the few waterfront dining spots alongside other early establishments werthe Buoy Bar (today’s Pop’s Sunset Grill) Fisherman’s Wharf (now Dockside Waterfront Grill) and Admiral’s Wardroom (now Pelican Alley). 

     In 1981, Harner purchased a 99 year lease for the building and the marina

     Evolution Over Four Decades

Over the  Crow’s Nest has expanded from.a modest sandwich shop into a full service waterfront dining and marina.  It now features: 

     Upstairs dining room and porch/bar with views of the  Inlet  

     Downstairs Tavern with a raw bar and a pub style menu

     Full service marina offering overnight dockage, gas/diesel pumps, supplies and rentals like paddleboats, kayaks, and bicycles

    Initial seating only 45 guests,the restaurant has grown to accommodate  around 150 patrons across two floors, retaining its charm and waterfront aooeal.

     Continuing Legacy

     Today’s Crow’s Nest remains committed to hospitality, providing memorable dining experiences and maintaining its historic position as Venice’s premier waterfront restaurant and marina.  It reflects a balance of tradition  and evolution, , combining decades of local heritage with modern dining and marina amenities.

     In 2017, Harner sold the business to buyers Alain Tall are and Phil Roux.

Signal National Historic Site is a landmark of Saint Johns , Newfoundland.  It is recognized for its crucial roles in military defense and communication  history from 17th century fortifications  to Marconi’s first transatlantic wireless signal.

      Early Military Significance

Signal Hill overlooks the narrows , the only entrance into Saint John’s Harbor , making it strategically important from the mid 17th century onward. This hills prominence allowed. for early fortifications and defensive posts to be constructed to protect the city.

     The first batteries along the narrows date back to the 1600’s and throughout the 1700’s

     Signal Hill saw several militia engagement between British and French forces.  Most notably, the Battle of Signal Hill in 1762_was the final engagement of the Seven Years War in North America where the British Soldiers under Lieutenant Colonel Amherst captured the hill and renamed it Signal Hill and established flag signalling from the hill.

     During the 18th and 19th Century, Signal Hill served as a citadel and was actively manned during the Napoleonic Wars and Civil War.

     Defensive structures  such as the Queen’s were constructed and upgraded over time to protect the harbor, although the guns were never engaged in actual battle.

    During World War I I, Signal Hill hosted American Anti Aircraft Defenses and batteries, including 8″ railway guns and 155 millimeter guns on Panama months further underscoring its  ongoing military significance.

     Communication and Maritime Significance

From 1704–to the late 1950’s Signal Hill functioned as a key signalling station.  Flags,, canons and other signalling mechanisms conveyed messages to ships and alerted the town about approaching vessels.

    Noon Day Gun

Is a gun fired on a platform next to the Cabot Tower daily at noon.  This was tradition for 150 years

     The site gained international prominence in communication transmissions when Marconi receive the first transatlantic wireless signal there on December 12, 1901 using kite mounted antenna.  Marconi picked up a Morse code letter as transmissions from  transmitters in Poldhu, England .  This was a transformative in global telecommunications.

     Cabot Tower and and Commerce give History

Cabot tower, completed in 1900 ain late Gothic Revival style commerates Queen Victoria’s  Diamond Nubiles (1897) and the 400th year anniversary of  John  Cabots landing in 1497.

     Originally used for flag signalling and Marconis wireless station, the tower now houses exhibits on communication history and features active amateur radio stations.