Meadville

We made it to Meadville, Pennsylvania, woohoo. The final (proper) stop on our epic American adventure. A ten-hour drive from Dorset, Vermont (including stops) so I was ready for a nap. Amy is Anne’s oldest American friend and we have known Amy and Dan for 36 years! As often happens with old friends, we were welcomed and then fell into a relaxed homely visit.

Meadville is the home of the zip. Invented in 1893 by the Talon company. Such was the demand for the new ‘Universal Fastener’ that Meadville grew rapidly through the expansion of the Talon Zipper. Allegheny College is also in Meadville. Allegheny is actually a University, in the USA they are called Colleges. Dan is a Professor of Physics at Allegany.

Every year the Crawford County Fair takes place in Meadville and we were lucky enough to be there for the final day. Anne was especially interested in the pigs and cows. Having been such a big hit with the dogs at the last two places we have visited she thought it was about time she upped her game to see if she could befriend a cow. Unfortunately, Esmerelda the prize-winning Brown and White Dairy Shorthorn was having none of it. With a haughty snort and an annoyed mooo she wandered off. Esmerelda walked away as well.

Dan and I and his cousin’s family opted for the demolition derby. Eight cars smashing into each other recklessly until the last one was left standing. Health and safety totally abandoned. The Meadville Tribune front-page article summed up the event far better than I possibly could:

“The scene resembled a desolate post-apocalyptic landscape populated only by drivers and the broken automobiles mutilated beyond recognition, that provided their only hope for survival.”

The winner was not even wearing a seatbelt let alone a full harness! Her name was Jen Boyle, she and her husband had entered the competition:

“I just kicked my husband’s butt and won first place,“ she said. Only in the US of A!

Back home to Amy and Dan’s for spag bog American style. (Yes, spag bog has entered the English language, thanks Sam)

Our last day in Meadville was a rest day so very little to report other than we rested.

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