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:
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
And here is the “barker” encouraging people to visit the exhibit. Soon to be Prof. RAB.
And, in this gallery is a sample of what I saw – 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, I am thinking that I must add significant Walpole Historical Artifacts.
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- Tea from Boston Tea Party, and Lewis and Clark’s Compase
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- Jack’s Pail — Lizzie Borden’s Axe
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- Part of Humpty Dumpty’s wall
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- Snow White’s Apple and Tom Sawyer’s fence
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- George Washington’s Axe and part of his cherry tree.
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- Paul Revere’s lamp – the other one is in the Concord Museum
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- Jack’s Candlestick
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- Betsy Ross’ Sewing Basket
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- Little Red Riding Hood’s hood.
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- Marco Polo
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- Amerigo Vespucci
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- Lucifer’s Hoof Print
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- Unidentified Mummy – Carolyn?
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- 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, this is the year, and I have to get to work now for the end of June for the world premier of PROF. RAB’S WAGON OF WONDERS – possibly complete with popcorn, and two new Walpole history books.
If you have an idea that should be featured in Prof. RAB’s WAGON OF WONDERS, send along a nomination. Let the fun begin — thank you, Prof. RAB.
Shunpiking with Ray 