PROF. RAB’S WAGON OF WONDERS

On 5 October 2014, on my way to a Roycroft Road Scholar adventure in East Aurora, NY, I finally got to visit the Genesee County Village and Museum in Mumford, NY

I loved it, but as you will read below, my lasting memory (copied from that post) is:

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But, most importantly I made a career changing discovery there.  Here is what I excitedly posted on Facebook. “I am so, so, very, very excited.  Today I saw a vocation/avocation that I wish to pursue for the next twenty or so years.  It will combine my penchants for collecting, researching, and presenting with an exceptional flair of showmanship. The collecting possibilities will be broad, and may be limitless. I will need everyone’s help with suggestions for my worldwide hunt to bring historical, timeless wonders under one traveling tent show.  Details to come on ShunpikingwithRay. I will need you to think and contribute. Coming soon? — Prof. RAB’s WAGON of WONDERS — Lost Literary Treasures and Historical Artifacts of Note. In fact, upon cogitating some more, jelling in my mind (with some jiggle – remember I went to the Jello Museum) I see the spin-off book topping the New York Times Best Seller Non-Fiction list.”

The Tent of Wonders in the Town Hall
The Tent of Wonders in the Town Hall

And here is the “barker” encouraging people to visit the exhibit. Soon to be Prof. RAB.

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September 2026 – SORRY TO INTERUPT, but you can continue to scroll and you will get to Prof. RAB’s WAGON OF WONDERS featuring WONDERS of WALPOLE which arrived, and exhibited at the Walpole Historical Society on the 19th to an amazed and amused crowd. The Professor was so pleased, and if you continue down you will see the exhibit and also the exhibit booklet in a gallery you can open up to read the history as represented by rare possible remnants, relics and remains the Prof. secured.

And below in this gallery is a sample of what I saw in Mumford in 2014 – both literary and historical. Remember to see larger images, click on one to get a larger size that you may examine in closer detail. As I have been preparing this to convince the Walpole Historical Society to feature this exhibit on the lawn during Old Home Days 2017, and as you read above the exhibit was ready for show and presented nine years later September 19, 2026.

Tea from Boston Tea Party, and Lewis and Clark’s Compase
Jack’s Pail — Lizzie Borden’s Axe
Part of Humpty Dumpty’s wall
Snow White’s Apple and Tom Sawyer’s fence
George Washington’s Axe and part of his cherry tree.
Paul Revere’s lamp – the other one is in the Concord Museum
Jack’s Candlestick
Betsy Ross’ Sewing Basket
Little Red Riding Hood’s hood.
Marco Polo
Amerigo Vespucci
Lucifer’s Hoof Print
Unidentified Mummy – Carolyn?
Waters of the World

March 2022 UPDATE — Having just pulled my TENT OF WONDERS folder out of a file cabinet I have a renewed interest to bring this educational and historical show to the public. Sadly with COVID, Walpole’s OLD HOME DAYS has been postponed for years – BUT should be on for 2022. So, is this is the year/?

Sadly, no. it was not.. BUT – rolling into 2026, preparations and searching for appropriate artifacts to illustrate incidents in almost 12,000 years of Walpole, NH, history resulted in the first of hopefully many exhibits to inspire and educate – hopefully so youngsters to become fascinated that HISTORY CAN BE FUN.

AND NOW — Prof. RAB’s WAGON of WONDERS presents
WONDERS of WALPOLE

and below the exhibition booklet presented to guests with color illustrations of the items exhibited possibly representing the historical events shared with the adoring public. You may click and image for larger views to scroll through.

If you have an idea that should be featured in Prof. RAB’s WAGON OF WONDERS, send along a nomination. Let the fun continue– thank you, Prof. RAB.