Mason City, Iowa!!

As most of you know, we had my nephew Dan here for a month this summer! We sure had fun with him hanging out with us. We tend to try to do fun stuff when we travel, so that traveling doesn't get to be too much of a drag. One of the places we went was Mason City, IA. Not only is it home to one of our favorite missionaries, but it is the home of Meredith Wilson (well, he's dead). Can anyone tell me who Meredith Wilson is? You may not know off the top of your head, but I guaratee by the time you finish looking at this blog, you will know who he is! Meredith Wilson is the composer of the musical, "The Music Man". He based his play on a small town - Yup, Mason City, Iowa. The city has a beautiful museum and park next to Wilson's house. So, since we had already visited the Comic Book shop, we decided to go to Music Man Square!

The outside is really cool. The words to the song "Seventy-Six Trombones" are carved around the top of the building.
The museum sign.

The street of River City - This is a replica of the movie (the original) set. It is really neat.

And of course, the pool hall - "We've got trouble, right here in River City".

Doesn't it just make you want to burst into song? (okay, Kristine...go ahead!)

The livery stable where Professor Hill's friend worked.

Band uniforms from Mason City High School.

Remember the "Ye Gods" girl? Edith Tofflemier!

A replica of the high school. Inside it looks like the one in the movie set. Our friend's daughter got married here and had her reception outside.

When you walk out, the gardens are really neat.

Meredith Wilson's house. It is really cool. It is a museum too.

Brett, getting back to his roots. (really, he has a Native American heritage)

The Grand Finale!

Andrew, Sam, Brett and Dan.

You may ask why this is such a fun place for us to go. Well, I love musicals. The Music Man is one of my all time favorites. I did this play in High school back in 1980. Sam did this play last year. He played in the pit orchestra. It was really fun just to do something different that day. We had been working hard at VBS and were performing in the park later. Dan summed it all up in a conversation I had with him...Me: well, we do some weird things." Dan: "nope, you just do Unique things." So, if you are ever in Mason City, IA - go do something Unique!