{"id":19907,"date":"2018-08-01T14:43:16","date_gmt":"2018-08-01T20:43:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.flovalleynews.com\/?p=19907"},"modified":"2018-08-01T14:43:16","modified_gmt":"2018-08-01T20:43:16","slug":"tall-tales-a-tall-man-and","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flovalleynews.com\/?p=19907","title":{"rendered":"Tall Tales, a Tall Man, and . . ."},"content":{"rendered":"

Tall Orders For Summer Fun in Alton<\/em><\/span><\/h1>\n

Story and photos by Nichole Richardson<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"\u201cIs<\/a>
\u201cIs it dry up there Robert?\u201d Adults and children alike love to stand next to the giant Robert Wadlow statue located on College Avenue in Alton.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>You know you’re in a good spot if the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration registers it as a National Scenic Byway. The qualifying Great River Road runs just north of the equally beautiful and historic Alton, Illinois. Nestled within this remarkable town are hidden treasures galore. From the haunted to the legendary, from folklore to fantasy, one thing’s for sure: There’s plenty of summer (and year-long!) fun to be had in Alton.<\/p>\n

For those wanting to dig deep into Alton’s integral, \u201cking-pin\u201d history, it’s worth a trip to the Alton Museum of History and Art, located at 2890 College Ave., on the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine campus. This quaint and charming little museum opened its doors in 1971 and holds hundreds of fascinating facts about the area. Every room has a different theme and something to teach any age. The exhibits run the gamut from early explorers and the legend of the Piasa Bird, Lincoln and Civil War history, Alton’s trains and steamboat era, to Alton pioneers and African American history, Alton’s educational story, and the Lost Alton Collection. <\/em><\/p>\n

Here, visitors can also find the largest collection of Robert Wadlow- the World’s Tallest Man, memorabilia. The artifacts are rare and include many photos, correspondences, Wadlow’s actual third grade desk that had to be raised onto wooden blocks to accommodate his colossal size, and a casting of his hand. Next to it is his size 25 Masonic ring, large enough to hold a half-dollar coin inside it.<\/p>\n

Conveniently found across the street from the museum is the life-size Robert Wadlow statue and a replica of his exact sitting chair. Folks can get a shock from standing next to the iconic monuments along with great photo ops. Even Wadlow’s childhood home was moved and now sits behind the statue.<\/p>\n

Along with a plethora of history to keep you learning over the summer break, Alton is home to many entertainment avenues. At Alton Room Escape, located at 319 Ridge St., patrons can enjoy team-building skills while having a good time. An escape room is a live action adventure played out in a themed room where your team will work together, search for clues, and solve puzzles that ultimately lead to a way to “escape” in 60 minutes or less. All ages can delight in one of two themes: currently Captain’s Quarters or Trail’s End. It is important to note you will never be locked in the room and are free to leave at any time throughout the game.<\/p>\n

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\"The<\/a>
The Lucy Haskell Playhouse boasts wonderful architecture and brings wonder to many children. This playhouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and was built by Dr. and Mrs. William Haskell for their five-year-old daughter Lucy. Unfortunately, Lucy died at age nine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another fun spot to visit is the Haskell Playhouse at 1211 Henry Street. This playhouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and was built by Dr. and Mrs. William Haskell for their five-year-old daughter Lucy. The incredible structure is a rare architectural prize containing many Queen Anne style characteristics such as cartwheels, brackets, spires, diagonal sticking, fish scale shingles and stained glass windows.<\/p>\n

The playhouse, along with six acres of land, and the Haskell mansion was willed to the City of Alton stipulating that the land never be subdivided and always be called Haskell Park. The playhouse is open for special occasions but there is a kiosk next to it that depicts pictures of the inside. For fifteen years now, the City has celebrated Lucy’s birthday with a community party, complete with pony rides, ice cream, cake and even a young actress portraying the late Lucy. There will be an open house on Sat., Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.<\/p>\n

Touching upon these few places doesn’t do justice to all this area has to offer. Quite a few nautical activities subsist like river cruises, the Spirit of Peoria paddleboat, ferries, and canoe trips. Seeing the splendor of the region from the influential Mississippi River is a joy unto itself. Land or waterway, this town has something to interest everyone.<\/p>\n

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INTERESTING ALTON FACTS:<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n