Temple of Tolerance

Believe it or not this large stone man made temple called the Temple of Tolerance lies hidden in the backyard or should I say several backyards of this house -- 203 Wood Street in Wapakonetta.



I first found the Temple on Roadside America when I was researching interesting places in Ohio. What I didn't realize was that I passed it every time I visited historical downtown Wapak.



On my last visit I finally took a good look at this house as I passed it by and said to myself "OH My God that's the Temple of Tolerance I read about on the Net." Of course I had to stop and take a few pictures.



The main structure is massive and impressive. I have no idea how he managed to create it. The Temple of Tolerance complex artist/creator is Jim Bowsher. The temple was built in the late 1990's to present.



There are numerous other smaller monuments and temples that make up the complex and plenty of bricker brack. This Sun was my favorite capture of the day.



I'll use this definition of Tolerance posted on the artists backdoor to go with the rest of these pictures.



TOLERANCE - The person who has a tremendous reserve of patience and tolerance has a certain degree of tranquility and calmness in his or her life.



Such a person is not only happy and more emotionally grounded, but also seems to be physically healthier and to experience less illness.



The person possess a strong will, has a good appetite and can sleep with a clear conscience.



The Dalai Lama

I just scratched the surface when it comes to fully exploring and finding all the hidden treasures of this wonderful place. I am looking forward to coming back with my tripod in tow to take some longer exposures.

Check out this You Tube Video to meet the artist and to get some insight as to what this is all about.

Wapakoneta At Night (Winter)

I haven't had a chance to take any pictures for the My Hometown Ohio blog so I thought I grab a few from my archive. These are from last winter.

Tri-County Field of Honor

This patriotic display can be found at the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta.



What is the Filed of Honor? (From brochure)

The Tri-County Filed of Honor will be held to honor our heroes. 3'x5' American Flags will be strategically displayed for 8 days and will receive proper flag etiquette at all times.



WHY?

The Field of Honor is an opportunity to honor our heroes who have served, or are currently serving, in our military, as well as Firefighters, EMS, Law enforcement and First Responders. To Celebrate and honor those who defended our freedoms and reflect on the sacrifices of those brave and men and women.



There are 501 flags on display. Individuals or businesses purchased the flags for $30 to honor a hero. The flags are mapped and tagged so the sponsor can find their flag.



The display is from July 13th through the 20th.

Armstrong Air & Space Museum (Wapakoneta)

July 20th 2009 will mark the 40 year anniversary of Neil Armstrong's historical first step on the moon.



I have passed by the museum many times but had never visited it until now.



The museum chronicles Neil Armstrong, who is a Wapakoneta native achievements.



There is plenty to see and appreciate. There are interactive displays as well as a theater. This moon rock is one of the largest I've seen.



There are numerous Apollo 11 artifacts, a Gemini VIII Space craft and the experimental F5D Skylancer Plane that Armstrong flew in preparation for space flight.





I was surprised to find the amount and quality of material on display at the museum and was glad I went.