Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in Buffalo New York

On September 6th, 1901 the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley, was shaking hands with people at the Temple of Music at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo New York.  He was shot by mad man Leon Czolgosz.  He would die 8 days later on the 14th.

His Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt was called to Buffalo.  He was sworn in on the day McKinley died.  The Oath of office was done inside of the Ansley Wilcox House.

It was a very non-traditional event, as photographers were not allowed to take photos (they were kicked out of the room).  Also, a Bible was not used.

The home is now managed by the National Park Service, and they give tours.

A very nice fellow named Jan gave us our tour.  There are several displays on the Exposition where the shooting occurred.  I really enjoyed seeing the trinkets sold at the event.

The home was still ornate and lovely.  Of course, the main attraction is the room where the actual oath of office was taken.  That room is a very cozy library.

We talked to Jan for some time after the tour about Presidential sites, specifically relating to Teddy.  This was probably our favorite place we visited in Buffalo.  This is a great historic site and we really enjoyed it.

Not too far away is a rock in the middle of a street marking the site where President McKinley was shoot (see bottom photo).  The area once used for the Expo is now a residential area.

Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo New York.

Check out Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo New York! 

As we drove by following directions given to us by our GPS, I saw a small deer grazing casually.  Squirrels and birds were everywhere too.  The grounds were completely relaxing and peaceful.

This cemetery offers tours, which would have been great.  Unfortunately, we planned our trip through Buffalo during a brief period when tours were not available.


It was OK though, as a very nice and easy to use map of the site is available at the front entrance area.

There were a few specific spots I really wanted to see.

Several significant Civil War and Native American historic figures rest here.

The main reason that most visit here are probably for a former President of the US, and a former rock star.


President number 13, Millard Fillmore's grave is marked by a pink obelisk.

Legendary musician Rick James rests not too far away from Fillmore.

Willie's Locally Known in Lexington Kentucky

I wanted to give a quick mention to Willie's Locally Known in Lexington.  They just moved to my neck of the woods, and I have been going there for lunch a LOT lately!  They have concerts here and all, but I have only been able to stop by during the day.

They draw a good crowd, but they are quick.  If there is a line, it moves fast and I have never had trouble getting a table, even on a busy day.  You place your order, take a number, and then they bring your food out to your table.  Again, I have never had to wait long.

But I have been going there a lot lately because these guys have great food and the portions are big!  Their prices are great for what ya get!  I have been getting their pick 2 deal ($7.99) or their pick 3 deal (for $8.99).  Both deals come with a drink, AND their fountain drink options include Cheerwine (I am glad that drink is making its way into the area, by the way).  I love their salad and turkey club.  They also serve burgoo, which isn't anything like the burgoo I grew up on in the western part of the state, but it is still very tasty.

Check out Willie's when you are in Lexington!

The Anchor Bar in Buffalo New York

The Anchor Bar in Buffalo New York was established in 1935.  There is not much to say about the places history for its first thirty years, but in 1964, things changed.  Owner Teressa Bellissimo deep fried some wings in hot sauce and butter.  On that day, Buffalo Wings were born.

I don't know about you, but I can take some wings out.  I like them with a little kick, but not too much.  I want my eyes to water, but I don't want to have to take a drink of water after every bite. 


So, we were able to make the pilgrimage to the original Anchor Bar on this trip to Buffalo.

The place is very cool.  Check out the photos.  I love all of the "hit the road" style décor.  The Anchor Bar is legendary, but it is still caught between being a cool local hang out, and a must visit road side attraction.  It felt like a local bar with a very good crowd ordering food..... while others ordered shirts and collectibles at a corner souvenir area.

The Anchor Bar was crowded.  It was so crowded, I decided just to order some wings and go back to the hotel.  Many others were doing the same thing.

There was a bit of a wait for the wings, but it was fun hanging out at the bar.

The wings were great!

Spot Coffee in Buffalo New York

We found one very cool coffee shop in the Buffalo area- Spot Coffee.  We stopped by here a couple of times and really loved the atmosphere.

There are several Spots, centered around Buffalo.  The one we visited was the one on Delaware Avenue and we had a nice, relaxed time.

One thing I noticed immediately was that there was plenty of seating.  They had a good crowd coming and going, but you should be able to find a seat if ya needed one.

We also noticed a major chain coffee place literally right across the street.

Spot had a strong community vibe though.  They had a huge selection of free local magazines and a nice community board where flyers were posted about upcoming concerts, plays, and other events (I bet the chain coffee shop next door doesn't have the magazines and board!).

The coffee and pastries we had were great too!

The Creme's SECOND location in Ownesboro Kentucky!

HEY!  I just wanted to take a second to mention that one of my all time favorite coffee shops, The Crème in Owensboro Kentucky, is going to open a second location at the mall!  it looks like they will be opening in the old Spencer's location from the 80s and 90s.  I expect this will go over well.  Towne Square Mall in Owensboro is still hanging on, even after Sears and other stores have moved out.  I have been in a couple of times recently, and I like the fact that there are some more smaller, independent type businesses around.  The Crème will be a great addition.

Buffalo New York

What can you say about Buffalo?  Well, I can think of one thing.  Buffalo Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo (that's a real sentence- look it up!).

Seriously though, Buffalo is a big city.... with issues (and I have to be honest- they have terrible roads).  We have been through Buffalo several times, mostly on our way to Niagara Falls.  I remember catching concerts here.

Its not exactly a city you go to because of its museums or attractions.  There were a couple of things we wanted to see in Buffalo that we had missed before.  More on those things later... but we did have a lot of fun in Buffalo.  here are some random photos for now.

Entrance to Hotel Statler, Cleveland Ohio

Sent from Cleveland in 1950.  The back of this postcard notes that the Hotel Statler is "one of the city's many fine, modern hotels.  The Lounge Bar is a recenet addition for the patronage and entertainment of visitors and residents."

The Union Terminal Tower in Cleveland Ohio

Sent in 1936, this postcard notes "The Union Terminal Tower and Hotel Cleveland.  Cleveland's new railroad station is located on the Public Square.  It is fifty-two stories high and is Cleveland's tallest building.  From the tower one can have an ideal view of the city and surrounding country.  At the top of the tower is a large beacon to guide aviators at night.  At the left is the new Higbee Dept. Store Building one of the finest in the country."

Horticultural Gardens Stadium and Boat Docks, Cleveland, Ohio

"The Horticultural Garden, located on Lake Erie in front of Cleveland Municipal Stadium, is a display of unusual beauty.  The exhibit consists of some of the finest flowers and shrubbery in existence.  It also contains beautiful statues and the water displays are especially picturesque when illuminated.  This garden is a permanent display."

This area is still amazing.  The stadium is not there, but the football stadium, Rock Hall, and other buildings are there.

East Ohio Gas Company's Building- Cleveland Ohio

Sent from Cleveland to southern Indiana in 1917, this nearly century old postcard shows the East Ohio Gas Company's Building in Cleveland!

Cleveland Museum of Art- Cleveland Ohio 1938

A one cent stamp was on this postcard in 1938, as it went from Cleveland to Louisville.  The sender talks about how it rained all the way from Cincinatti to Cleveland.

 

The card shows one of my favorite places in Cleveland, the FREE ADMISSION Art Museum!!!

Hotel Statler- Cleveland Ohio

The back of this unused postcard says-

 

Hotel Statler, Cleveland

 

1000 Rooms with Bath and Radio Reception

 

Euclid Ave., at East 12th St., with the city's finest clubs and retail stores grouped nearby.  Operated in connection with Hotels Statler, Boston, Buffalo, Detroit, St. Louis, Hotel Bufflo, Buffalo, and Hotel Pennsylvania, New York.

Interior of Euclid Arcade, Cleveland Ohio

This postcard was sent from Cleveland Ohio (showing the Euclid Arcade) to Michigan in 1906.  It was postmarked in each area!

The Citizens Savings and Trust Co. Building, Cleveland Ohio

Here's another cool Cleveland postcard.  It was not used and I don't have a lot of info on it other than it shows the Citizens Savings and Trust Company building.

Luna Park in Cleveland Ohio

I don't know if you can see it or not, but the top postcard of Luna Park in Cleveland is highlighted with glitter.  It was sent from Cleveland in 1908!

 

The bottom one was sent in 1906!

East Coast Custard in Painesville Ohio

I MUST give a quick mention to East Coast Frozen Custard.  We stopped here for some custard in waffle cones and it might have been some of the best stuff I have ever had.

 When we lived in this area, we realized that custard is a big deal here.  Especially on the east side of Cleveland, people remember custard that you could get at the old Euclid Beach Park.  Though that place closed in 1969, people still talk about their custard.