Blennerhassett Island Tour

Left the parking lot at 9:45 to wind our way downtown Parkersburg to the Blennerhassett Museum; easy trip. I rode on the back of Don’s bike to navigate the streets. The building was built in 1904 and operated as Star Grocery Company until 1940 but it was well maintained and held loads of interesting items from the Blennerhassett family as well as artifacts from earlier history in this area. Getting back on the bikes we rode about 3 miles to Belpre where we boarded the paddlewheel boat for the short trip across the Ohio River to the island. The boat captian motioned for Lucy to come to the front and she was given the wheel to steer the boat. The Blennerhassett’s were very wealthy and the mansion was a showpiece in the area. But he became involved with Aaron Burr and was labeled a traitor and lost everything and ended up moving back to London to live with his sister. After touring the house we took a wagon ride around the island and the young lady handling the horse was a bundle of information. A sign said you can tip the driver and kiss the horse so Bernie got to kiss the horse. Back on the boat we headed to the shore for our ride back to the hotel where some of the ladies plan to go shopping, a few men want to take naps or share stories over a cold beer and one game of cards before dinner. I think it was a good day; most of our group enjoys museum trips once in awhile.