Streator

Hello again! This is our post from our trip home to Derek's hometown of Streator, Illinois. We were there for only 3 days but we were fortunate to fit in as much time with family as possible. Enjoy!

This is Grandpa Beckman's house on the farm. Derek's great Grandpa Beckman once farmed this land and his Grandpa and Grandma built a house and moved out here in the 1970's.

This is a view of the old Duoline station that was built right in the middle of Grandpa Beckman's farm land. It was a training facilities for recruits that would work the actual station in the arctic. It is supposedly the exact central location between Quebec, Canada and Miami, Florida. It was vacated back in the 1970's and the Federal Government left us with this lovely parting gift...ha.

There he is, the man himself. Derek and Grandpa Beckman.

There is something so unnatural about this picture. Let's just say that it is a good thing that Leah is not responsible for heading out and gathering up the grub. Though we do hear that Prada flats are all the rage with hunters this season...ha.

Here is a lovely shot of Streator High School. My dad made that sign to replace the old one that was there for years. Many good memories inside those walls!

Here is a picture of Grandma Poundstone and Derek. We are fortunate that both Grandpa Beckman and Grandma Poundstone are in such great health. It was very nice to see Derek's Aunts and Cousins on the Poundstone side as well.

Here is a picture of Derek's folks house. They have done a wonderful job restoring the house and property.

In addition to posing for a picture with a shotgun, Leah also had the opportunity to drive a piece of John Deere equipment. Two things that she probably never thought she would do in life. Here she is manning the Mule.

Here is a picture of Drew and Derek down by the creek on the backside of the property.

We found the source of Derek's innovation. Can't you just hear Jeff Foxworthy saying "You might be a hillbilly if...you have a vacuum from 1956 with a 10 foot hose that is made up of hoses from three other vacuums and held together with electrical tape". I think Bean has her eye on it - maybe a Christmas gift...ha.

Grandpa Beckman is still raising turkeys. This male was actually quite protective of him and chased Derek back a bit.

Here is a picture of the Beckman family at a favorite dining spot called Chippers. It was great to see everyone and catch up.

Here were a couple of old cars on display outside of the restaurant.

Sadly, it was soon time to go. It was a really great trip home and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon!

Love and God Bless,

Derek and Leah