Starting at the Missouri Botanical Garden
This morning, the weather was perfect for a bike ride. I loaded my Giant Halfway folding bike into my '69 VW Bug and drove to the Tower Grove area. I started at the Missouri Botanical Garden. It is a good, safe place to park and no one bothers the vehicles in this parking lot.
Unfortunately, this beautiful area has been in the news in recents weeks, because of a shooting just down the block. For days following the shooting, there were numerous protests in various areas surrounding the Botanical Garden. Things seem to have settled down a bit and I had no problems this morning.
You can learn more about the Botanical Garden HERE
The map below shows the 15 mile loop I made through the neighborhoods. Beautiful, interesting, historic riding.
I did make a quick stop at the Tower Grove Farmer's Market to pick up some honey. Even though the Market is beginning to wind down because it is late in the season, it is still a great place to visit on Saturday morning. It will continue to be open until November 22, the last Saturday before Thanksgiving. If you have never visited this Market you really ought to check it out. You can learn more about it HERE.
 |
| Water Tower with Naked Truth Sculpture |
Next stop, was the Compton Heights Water Tower Park. This beautiful little area has seen major renovations in recent years. Mindy and I love visiting this tower. It is a historic structure and a landmark in St. Louis. We have climbed to the top a number of times and the view is magnificent!
Also in the park, is a historic statue named Naked Truth. A closer view of the statue reveals that no imagination is necessary to see how it got its name. This statue has been recently restored and new landscaping beautifies the area.You can learn more about this park HERE.
 |
| 3536 Russell Blvd. |
Former Home of Berean Mission, Inc.
Just across Russell Blvd. from the Tower, is this beautiful old house. It once served as the world headquarters of Berean Mission, Inc. This Missions organization has been instrumental in sending scores of missionaries to the foreign field carrying the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. A number of years ago, this organization merged with another missions organization and is now known as CrossWorld. You can learn more about this international missions organization HERE.
This location played a very important role in my life early in my spiritual experience. It was here that I spent many hours with Rev. Joseph McCaskey, Rev. Doug Howe and other staff members learning of the work of missions around the world. These gentlemen, and others, helped me grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and helped me kindle a passion for the lost around the world. I will be eternally grateful for the things I learned in this place.
The name Berean comes from Acts 17:11 - These [the Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Lafayette Square
Next, I headed East to Lafayette Park. This beautiful old park is actually older than Forest Park. It is St. Louis' oldest public park, established in 1836. It is not as large or well visited as Forest Park, but the community works hard at maintaining this beautiful, historic landmark. I made a quick loop of the park and stopped just long enough to take a picture of the lovely building situated on the Southeast corner of the park. This historic park is worth your time if you are in the area. Soulard Farmer's Market is about a mile east of this park. Learn more about Lafayette Park HERE.
 |
| My youngest grandson, Raleigh, guarding my bike! |
On the way back to the car, I was very surprised to hear a little guy say: There's Papa! Coming down the sidewalk with his Dad, was my grandson Raleigh. He is not normally up and around early on Saturday morning, but they were just returning from the Tower Grove Farmer's Market. I visited with them for awhile before they headed home. It was the highlight of my morning!
Faust Park
 |
| The Butterfly House |
 |
| View of the Butterfly House across the lake. |
Since the park looked so interesting, I stopped here on the way home to see if there were any bike trails. There are not, however, I did unfold the bike and while cruising around the park, made a discovery. I did not realize that on the premises of Faust Park, is the home of the second governor of Missouri, Frederick Bates. Tucked back in the wooded area of the park, is this beautiful old home, farm buildings and cemetery. I took the bike through the gate and meandered down the old road to explore this quaint little area. It really is like stepping back in time. With the leaves changing into their splendid colors, a number of artists were out with easels, canvases, and brushes trying to capture the beauty of this area. I did it the easy way and snapped a couple of pictures! You can see them below.
Thornhill Home and Historic Village
 |
| Plaque at the entrance of Thornhill. |
 |
| Thornhill Home with beautiful fall leaves. |
 |
| Thornhill Home - Oldest Governor's home still standing in Missouri. |
 |
| Sometimes the path less pedaled is more beautiful. |
 |
| Gravesite of Frederick Bates |
 |
| A closer view. |
 |
| Quiet, peaceful cemetery. |
 |
| Very well preserved and maintained farm buildings. |
 |
| A quiet, peaceful setting on a beautiful fall day. |
I did not cover a lot of miles today, but it felt like I took a ride back in time and discovered an interesting piece of history. You never really know where your bike will take you!
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Psalm 90:1-2
No comments:
Post a Comment