ENDOWED EXPEDITION

 Dow Gardens  (www.dowgardens.org) were initially developed by Herbert H. Dow, founder of Dow Chemical Company, on the estate he shared with his wife, Grace, and their family.  Since the 1899 development by Herbert H. Dow of an 8 acre plot of land, the facility has grown to encompass 110 acres of stunning garden landscapes that are nestled within the city limits of Midland, Michigan. 

 This rose garden is an example of Herbert Dow's original philosophy to "never reveal the gardens' whole beauty at first glance."

 There is an interactive Children's Garden where local families can learn the basics of home gardening for the purpose of food production.  These homemade scarecrows  illustrate the creativity the kiddies can imagine and construct, to scare away any crows that might be trying to "harvest" the children's crops.

 In addition to the areas devoted to home gardening, flowers, and ornamental grasses, there are spectacular displays of trees.  I especially enjoyed seeing the white bark of this species, contrasting against the vibrant green of the lawn. 

 Herbert Dow was an early "recycler".  Some of the original bridges in the garden that date back to the last century, were made from "clunkers".  These were the leftover, nonburnable pieces of coal that had to be removed from the numerous coal-fired furnaces, used in the early days of the Dow Chemical Company.  The black stones used to make this bridge are an example of the "clunkers". 

 Decades later, Alden B. Dow, the famous architect son of Herbert and Grace, added many architectural elements to the Gardens.  This Sun Bridge is an example of his design.  His intent was for the reflection of the bridge, to unite with the real bridge, to form an image in the eye of the viewer of a round sun, with rays projecting off of it.  I see it, do you?!

 With all the water features in the garden, there is plenty of work to be done, keeping them clean.  On the very hot day that I visited, these workers may have had the "coolest" task of any that we saw!

 These unusual stepping stones lead to the area showcasing Summer Annuals. 

 Since the originator of the gardens was named "Herb", it is only fitting that there is a special section growing plants to be used for food preparation, that,  of course, is called the "Herb Garden"!  This photo is also a reminder to mention that motorized chairs can be arranged for guests who need them.

 This gorgeous weeping willow tree reminded me of a parasol, spreading out to to provide cover  for any who seek  shelter under its branches.  In fact, our guide told us that people are ENCOURAGED to get off the marked paths, and onto the grass.  Likewise, they are allowed to bring a picnic with them to enjoy some "al fresco" dining!

 There were so many visual delights in the garden, it was hard to pick which ones to share in this blog.  I liked this photograph, because it illustrates how it is obvious that the large boulders were artistically placed to provide a pleasing reflection in the water.  I guess it could be like the ink blot images, used by psychiatrists to see what is on the mind of their patients.  I see a row of vertebrae, making up a spine, laying on its side.  What do you see?

 Alden Dow designed some Chinese red, multilevel bridges.  Two of his "signature" colors are the combination of the complementary colors of red and green.  Our guide told us this related to his being raised around the apple orchard of his father, where bright red apples contrasted against bright green tree leaves. 

 Speaking of red, the Dow Gardens are a popular spot for outings of various  "Red Hat Society" groups.  If some of the ladies are not able to walk for extended periods, an electric cart can be arranged for their visit. 

 This is what I would call a real "Bench Mark".  There were benches throughout the gardens, but this design is one I had never seen before.  It was beautiful!

 Herbert Dow met his future bride, Grace Ball,  in the 1890's, when she was a teacher at the Post Street School, shown in this photo.  They became friends through their mutual participation in the Midland Temperance Society.  Some historians think that one reason that Herbert Dow originally invested in this particular piece of property, was its proximity to the Post Street School, and the nearby pine forest where he and Grace "courted".

 But Dow Gardens is just one of MANY legacies of the Dow family in Midland, Michigan.  Another is the Midland Center for the Arts ( www.mcfta.org ), shown in this photo.  Besides the bright red, sculptural format used for their sign, I was so impressed by the MILES of red and white flowers, adjacent to the curb, that lined BOTH sides of the main thoroughfare in Midland. 

 The overlapping metal circles that cover the front of this Alden B. Dow-designed building, are once again an eye puzzle, to see what image your brain will perceive. 

 My favorite section  of the art gallery was the "Abstracting the Concrete" photography exhibit by Bill Jackson Photography.  However, since guests were asked not to photograph that section, I photographed other  examples from the Art Gallery, such as these unusual sculptures. 

 There are several different group venues inside the Midland Center: A 1,500-seat auditorium, a 400-seat theatre, conference rooms, and dining rooms.  Once again, Alden B. Dow used his signature red and green color combination to furnish the spaces.

 In addition, the Midland Center contains a historical museum, as well as the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art, shown in this photo.  Both spaces have numerous interactive exhibits that children will love.  And of course, both Dow Gardens and the Midland Center for the Arts have gift shops, stocked with lovely and unique items of all types.  The Dow family has certainly lived up to the original meaning of "dower", which means a gift (as in "dowry" and "endowed")  I was reminded of one translation of the verse I Peter 4:10 that says "As each one has been endowed with a gift, use it to minister to one another".  I am thankful I was able to enjoy the many gifts that the Dow family endowed to the city of Midland, Michigan.  If you would like to learn more about these attractions, and many others close by, just click on www.VisitGreatLakesBay.org, to start enjoying miles of (enDOWed) smiles!   Tricia

CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER

When I am visiting areas away from home, I am always thankful for the opportunity to visit a designated "nature center" of that location.  Such was the case recently when I was able to tour the Chippewa Nature Center in Michigan  ( www.chippewanaturecenter.org ) .  The round silo-type structure at the entrance pays homage to the many silos that punctuate the Michigan landscape. 

 Inside the spacious Visitor Center (which is free of charge to visit) one could spend hours exploring all there is to see and learn there.

 In the Bur Oak Theater, there are a variety of short, interpretive videos to watch. 

 The River Overlook area is a great place to unwind, by watching the river and surrounding countryside go about their life-sustaining patterns.  The gentleman using his notebook computer is a reminder for me to mention that the facility has free WI-FI throughout. 

 With such a beautiful setting, protected from the elements, it is not surprising that the River Overlook is a popular  year-round place for weddings.  In fact, this and many other areas of the Chippewa Nature Center can be rented by individuals or groups for various private functions, such as weddings, birthday parties, classes, corporate retreats, etc.  (For more information,  email   rentals@chippewanaturecenter.org  .

 The comfortable furniture and abundance of reading material makes this area ideal for relaxing conversation or study.  One can even purchase a cup of coffee in the building to enhance your "coffee house" experience!

 The younger visitors can indulge their "inner scientist" by participating in the many nature-themed activities, crafts, and equipment that is available for them to use free of charge. 

 Visitors are able to stroll through the excellent exhibits of the Ecosystem Gallery to get a better understanding of all the components of nature that come together to make this such a beautiful part of the Great Lakes region. 

 You can also learn about the native American people that were the first inhabitants here.  Not surprisingly, canoes were a very important part of their civilization.

 This room was a unique "Wildlife Viewing Area" because the window wall on the left side of the room is of special construction to make it soundproof and "invisible" from the outside.

 In spite of the window coating, however, I was able to not only see, but photograph, this black squirrel through the special glass.  It was the first black squirrel I had ever seen!

 The inter-active displays of the Ecosystem Gallery and Nature Discovery Area enable the curious individuals who so desire, to feel the fur of a skunk, without having to endure the awful smell of a skunk!

 "Maple Syrup Day" occurs annually in March, and gives visitors an opportunity to actually observe and participate in the remarkable process of turning the sap that comes out of maple trees, into the delicious liquid we put on our pancakes.  I think this is a great opportunity for folks who are curious about this sweet "farm to fork" process to experience it in the middle of the United States, without having to travel to one of the New England states where this activity is a major tourist attraction. 

 For those who think that no day is complete without a little "retail therapy", there is a well-stocked Nature Center Store where one can purchase a field guide, gift, or nature-themed toy. 

 I was really glad to see so many children taking advantage of educational areas in the nature center.  There is a tremendous amount of programming that is specific to children (as well as many for adults), so I would encourage people to keep checking the nature center website to see what they can sign up for.  For example, besides the Nature Preschool and Nature Day Camp for kids, there are kayak trips for adults, some of which are multi-day trips, such as the Voyageur Canoeing at Grand Island and Pictured Rocks, that was scheduled for August 16 - 19. 

 As fascinating as the interior of the Chippewa Nature Center is, there are even more wonders to be found beyond its wall.  I think I am telling my age when I admit that I see "pac man" outlines in this lily pond, as well as the beautiful pink bloom!

 The trails that go through the wetland areas of the park stay wheelchair accessible by the use of boardwalks. 

 The Chippewa Trail (which is paved and wheelchair accessible) is a convenient pathway linking the nature center with the TRIDGE in downtown Midland (www.MidlandOnline.com) .  I am proud to write  that "Tricia Trudged the Tridge" so that I could   say I had crossed my first-ever, 3-way pedestrian footbridge!

 The two rivers that flow through the 1200 acres,  are the Pine River and the Chippewa River. 

 One of the trails leads to this lovely pavilion where you could sit and reflect on the beauty of God's creation.  It is appropriate that when I was visiting a city called "Midland", that the verse would come to mind that says "And God said, 'Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.'  "   (Genesis 1:6)  If you would like to learn more about visiting this "expanse between the waters", just click on www.VisitGreatLakesBay.org to prepare for an experience that will bring you miles of smiles!  Tricia

DOW ARCHITECTURE EXPEDITION

 I recently had the opportunity to tour a National Historic Landmark in Midland, Michigan, known as the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio.  I was very interested in Mr. Dow, because he is the architect credited with designing the town of Lake Jackson, Texas, where my husband grew up.  Alden B. Dow (1904 - 1983) was the son of Herbert Henry Dow, founder of Dow Chemical Company.

 I was with a group that was visiting the area to learn about popular tourist attractions in the Saginaw Valley area of Michigan.  This photo shows our group going through the very "modern" looking gates that lead to the home.

 Although you can't tell it from this photo, it actually has 20,000 square feet of living and working space. 

 This landmark of architecture can be toured by groups or individuals, plus it has an extensive program of youth and adult educations classes, day camps, and lectures that are available. 

 Photography is not allowed inside the home, but you can see many photographs of the interior on their website, www.abdow.org , where you can also find a listing of activities being offered at the facility.  This photo of the magnificent front door, is just a teaser, as to the incredible design features that you will find on the interior.

 These unusual planters have been especially designed to harmonize with the unusual roof line that is above them.

 This photo shows the exterior of the room where we had the opportunity to sit down and listen to our tour guide as she told us about the Alden B. Dow family.  As we sat inside, we had a view of the surrounding lily pad pond, right at eye level.  It reminded me of sitting in a houseboat, that has its living room below the water level. 

 There is a door that opens out from the sunken room,  onto the pond.  Depending on your courage, you can walk across the pond on the strategically placed stepping stones.  The water is only about two feet deep, and as you might imagine with all the school group tours that go through the landmark, one or two kids have "fallen" in to the pond.  Our tour guide said that towels are provided for such mishaps.  This is just one example of how the Dow  Foundation that operates the tours has encouraged exploration in the same way that Alden B. Dow himself encouraged it.

 This trellis, with its bright red translucent overhead panels, adjoins the sunken room.  Notice how the red reflections give the appearance of red blooms on the otherwise, green plantings.

 Alden B. Dow  is famous for  his signature style in residential spaces, called Unit Block construction, which he patented.  The design uses white unit blocks (all of which were made by hand, at the building site) which, although they appeared to be a cube, are actually six-sided rhombuses.  The rhombuses gain strength as they are stacked together.  From the front, it looks like cubes stacked one on top of another.  However, actual cubes stacked on top of each other would be unstable, and allow water seepage through the straight line of joints.

 This veranda between the home and the garage, shows examples of the Unit Block construction forming pillars and walls.

 Alden Dow's philosophy of architecture went beyound just the front face of the building.  He said it also included the landscaping of the building, which is illustrated here, in the way that the portico is designed to create square shadows on the ground below.

 I remember years ago when I was involved in a home building project, the builder said every time you add a corner to a house, it increases the cost by thousands of dollars.  Suffice it to say, this house has HUNDREDS of corners!

 Some of the rooms are completely surrounded by earth, with the only light coming in from built-in openings along the roof line, or through skylights.

 The home incorporates a rooftop garden, which can be seen on the left side of this photo.

 Alden Dow believed in a home blending into the surrounding environment.  You may remember this philosophy was also taught by Frank Lloyd Wright, and Alden Dow did an apprenticeship under the famous architect, during the summer of 1933, at Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin.

 The long, low section on the right side of this photo contains the architecture studio, where Dow's apprentice architects did their drafting work.

 I was glad that photography was allowed on the screened-in porch, so that I could capture a memory of the vibrant colors of furniture used throughout the home.  One thing that is unique to this home, versus others I have toured, is that we were ENCOURAGED to sit on the furniture (including an original Charles Eames chair).

 Another feature that was encouraged was to discover hidden spaces and passage ways, that run throughout the interior and exterior, of the home.  This photo shows a "hidden" sidewalk along the home under the roof line, that is an exterior connection between the back of the house and the sunken room in the front of the house.

 Alden B. Dow is quoted as saying "Each idea must be an expression of intimate care, a personal concern that all the details of the 'Big Idea' meet a standard of QUALITY."  I saw this as a paraphrase of Colossians 3:23 that says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."  This photo illustrates that concept, as the architect used a corner of ground adjacent to the pond, to create a "work of art" in the form of lines and spaces.  The creation is functional, as well as visually pleasing, because it can be used as an "amphitheater" to view the lily pond activities.  If you would like to learn about visiting this incredible landmark, as well as other attractions in the area, just log onto www.VisitGreatLakesBay.org to see how you can get miles of smiles in this beautiful region!  Tricia