The Union Depot, 610 Western Avenue, Muskegon MI

The railroad depot opened in 1895 and the historic marker credits only architect Amos W. Rush for the design. But architect Sidney J. Osgood drew up the original plans. The project later went to Rush who simplified the original scheme. So kudos to them both because the structure is magnificent. Closed in 1971, the building was later restored and opened as a visitor center and museum by Muskegon County.

We would have loved to see the interior but the building was closed the day we were there.

A walk around the back reveals a Pere Marquette A950 caboose that was cosmetically restored by the Muskegon Railroad Historical Society. Muskegon County now owns it and placed it here in 2001.

The rear of the building needs a little upkeep.

A few famous people stopped here as the marker indicates: Nixon, as a Vice Presidential candidate, and President Truman were both at the railroad station in 1952.

Stop by next time you're in Muskegon!

To Kowloon, Hong Kong, Day 1 - 4/1/12

It took a plane,
(Video: Waiting at the Beijing Airport)
train, bus, and most of a day to get to Hong Kong from

Beijing, and we just had time to check in,

have drinks in the bar,

 

 a brief walk around Kowloon,

  

and dinner, complete with saki, grilled eel, sushi, and tempura.

 Tomorrow we'll get to see the area in daylight &

visit the Avenue of the Stars.

Art & Architecture in Chicago IL - June 2011

My cousin and I took the South Shore Line into the city from Indiana,

which avoids all downtown driving and parking, and was a pleasant way to travel.

Our walking in the city brought us to the Palmer House, the

Cultural Center, and Navy Pier with its Stained Glass Gallery.

Walking and having lunch along the beautiful lakeshore -   

Art is everywhere - 

 Chagall's Wall

 The Picasso

Jean Dubuffet's Monument with Standing Beast

Quite by accident, we came across a small art gallery that featured work by Dali.

We treated ourselves to an Architecture Boat tour on the Chicago River

and saw a unique side of the city.

 The Pez Heads

A short subway ride gave us another view of things.

Chicago is a wonderful walking city - 

and beautiful, day or night.