Downtown Waterloo

I think everyone had a good night sleep.  It was so cool that we turned off the air conditioner and had the windows open...so nice.   Up at seven and leisurely ate breakfast, took showers and then around 10 headed for the downtown area to visit the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Military Museum.

This was the last picture of the evening.  After having Smores, we enjoyed sitting around the fire ring.  

During WWII, the five Sullivan Brothers from Waterloo, Iowa joined the Navy and all served together on the USS Juneau.  Early in the battle of the Pacific, their ship went down and all five brothers were lost.  After this incident, policy was made to not allow brothers to serve together on the same ship.  This museum contains a room dedicated to the brothers and has displays and information about soldiers from Iowa who served in all ward from the Civil War to the Gulf War.

Following COVID guidelines, we all had to wear our masks.

Keegan and Hunter were able to climb inside this WWII tank for a birds eye view.

In the WWII area, there were several posters that were used to sell war bonds, including this one with the  Sullivan Brothers.

Here is our group in front of a statue of the Sullivan Brothers.

A reproduction of what a pharmacy would look like in the early 1900's.

This is a poster about the Salvation Army and WWI.

The guys standing on a point of the Air Force Star at the entrance to the Museum.

There were stars for all branches of the armed service.

We ate lunch at Newton's Cafe in the old downtown section of Waterloo.  I don't know the history of the cafe and this building but I would say that it dates back to at least the 40's or 50's.  Like most other cities, the downtown area is a shell of itself.  It is sad but I guess that is the way of progress.

The food was delicious and the portions way too big.   Carol got a pork tenderloin sandwich which was the size of a dinner plate.  We all got Parmesan french fries and they were delicious.

Keegan ordered the kid's plate of chicken tenders  It looked at an adult version  Needless to say, both Carol and Keegan had a take-home box to bring back to the motorhome.  After eating, we found a Walmart to restock a few items.  We found Caffeine-free Diet Cokes which we have not been able to buy for a month or so.  We brought a couple of 12-packs to take back to Decatur.  COVID strikes again!!  

We found a cupcake specialty shop on the way back to camp so we  brought some cupcakes to celebrate Carol's 75th birthday tomorrow.  Got back to camp around 3 and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing.  Hunter fixed supper for us...his specialty is grilled cheese sandwiches.  It was delicious.  I told him that we will make his cooking a meal for us a tradition.  Tonight we are loading the car before we build a fire to make Smores.  I don't think it will be as cool tonight as last night but it will still be enjoyable.