The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village

Years ago, Henry and Clara Ford set up the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. Although they initially funded it, they left no provisions for the upkeep of it. At one point, a few years ago, the area fell into disrepair so badly it appeared it would have to be demolished. So, a foundation of volunteers and benefactors raised funds and have restored it to a magnificent reflection of not only Ford's history but 19th and 20th century America itself.

Greenfield Village provides a walking history tour of everything from railroads, aviation and automobiles to glass blowers, printing presses and farming. One impressive demonstration was the vintage Jacquard loom that was capable of weaving any image directly into the fabric. What's so impressive about that? Well, it was a programmable loom, invented in 1801 that took it's cues from cards with holes in them. In other words, it was the first punch card system which ultimately, led to IBM developing the first computer. Bill Gates, Michael Dell and Steve Jobs wouldn't be who they are today were it not for Joseph Marie Jacquard.

The Henry Ford Museum is not necessarily a pat on it's back to the Ford Motor Company. Sure it has a slew of old cars but also tells the story of American ingenuity in steam engines, electricity, farming, aeronautics and culture.

By the end of the day, my feet felt flatter than the streets I walked on for most of the day so I hobbled off to the car and checked into the Marriott Courtyard.