Dateline Dayton – Last Saturday I went on a road trip, this time to the Cleveland area for a Las Vegas collectibles’ show in suburban North Olmstead. I wanted to see what it was about since the advertisement promised Silver Strikes. I had asked my brother-in-law Willie to go with me, but he had to work
The conference room of the hotel wasn’t large, but it was full of tables with all kinds of Vegas items. And yes, there were Silver Strikes. Unfortunately, I did not bring my strike listing, only a paper with ones that I needed to complete a set. I was able to find one strike I needed, and I negotiated a trade.
After checking all the tables a few times, I dove into downtown Cleveland, to check out Ohio’s first casino, the Horseshoe Casino, on the site of the former Higbee department store. That was where they shot three scenes from the film “A Christmas Story.”
The first department store in the greater Cleveland area, Higbee Co.’s 12-floor building was the anchor for Cleveland’s Public Square, from its opening in 1931 until it closed in 2002,
The casino is very appealing for two reasons: It is in a beautiful building, not a bland cement structure, and secondly, it is smoke free. What a treat to enter a casino and not have to deal with someone next to you smoking, or the haunting smell of smoke throughout the building.
I played the slots, starting with $5. After an hour and a half of playing various machines and checking out the building, I left with $20. After my first win, I put $20 aside, since I might have to pay $6 for parking. I had paid $5 for admission to the Vegas Collectible Show, and my original bet of $5. Thus, I would end my visit $4 ahead. As it turned out, I accumulated enough points on the player’s card – which I acquired upon arrival, as I collect them – that I didn’t have to pay for parking.
Changing Roles
Sunday was a special day for our granddaughter, Madi, who lives in Cincinnati. She was receiving her First Holy Communion. We were invited to our son’s for a brunch, prior to the 2 o’clock Mass. After a delicious meal prepared by Julie and her mom, it was time for Madi to get dressed for church. She looked like an angel, dressed in her beautiful white dress with a white veil and white heeled shoes.
The Mass and First Communion, were the best I’ve ever attended. The priest kept his remarks short, geared toward the children. Each child, and his or her family received Communion from the priest before anyone else in the congregation. With the large video screen above the altar, you were able to see each child as he or she received the host.
On the way home from Cincinnati, we stopped in Waynesville for supper. A little restaurant there has a great chicken hot shot. Pauline and our son Chris, who joined us for the day’s activities, had beans and corn bread. As we drove closer to home, we stopped in Bellbrook for ice cream at the Dairy Shed.
Monday and Tuesday were spent grandparenting, attending granddaughters’ soccer games. Madison played on Monday, and it was, by far, the best game she has played to date. She was aggressive, moved the ball and set up goal shots for other players. The coach must have recognized the improvement. She played most of the game. Normally, she spends a fair amount of time on the sideline.
On Tuesday, it was Julia’s turn. She also gave an outstanding performance, scoring three goals and assisting in at least two others. Julia is one of the younger players on the team, but she always seems to be in the thick of the action.
Wednesday being my day off, Pauline and I went to Carillon Park to view the Great 1913 Flood exhibit. They did an excellent job, with many photos and other objects on display. They even reconstructed the attic of a home where many had to go to escape the raging water and had a replica of one of the boats built by National Cash Register to rescue people stranded in their homes.
It has been a great week.
Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net
