“We are about ready to pass over the mighty Schuylkill River,” said Mr. Binns.

“It looked larger yesterday when we passed it on the way to the dock,” said Bertie.

“That is because you are a small person and everything looks large to you,” said Arthur chuckled.

“That was just an illusion. The mouth of the river could look larger without anyway to measure the scale of it.” Kate paused and smiled. “But that is not the most important thing. We just crossed our first river on our way to Texas.”

“Texas cannot get here quick enough. I want to get to where we are going to live and get the Farm started. Then I can come back to Virginia and work in that factory and learn all about their machines,” said Arthur.

“Why not work in a textile factory closer to Texas? They are bound to be out there, maybe in St. Louis, and thee would be closer to your family,” said Mr. Binns.

“I guess I could do that. But I do not know of any textile factories out west,” said Arthur.

“We are going out west. When we get there, you can ask around.” Kate rolled her eyes.

“I am sure that you will find something out west. There are bound to be lots of cloth factories out there.” Vicki smiled. “But me, I just want a big herd of pretty sheep. We will have a sheepdog that will protect our sheep and a beautiful house with roses and lots of other flowers.”

“I do not know about ‘lots of clothes factories’, but we will definitely have lots of sheep. Where we are going there is going to be a lot of open land. At least that is what I have read. Am I right Father,” said Bertie.

“Yes Bertie, there will be lots of open land where we can build a house and raise a herd of sheep.” Father turned to Mr. Binns. “I noticed that we are not going west. We are going north. Where are you taking us?”

“I am taking thee to the Art Museum in Fairmont Park.” Mr. Binns looked at Kate. “I promised that we would have lunch at Franklin Square next to the fountain, unfortunately that was out of our way. So to make up for that, we will have lunch at the Art Museum.”

“That sounds lovely! It has been a long time since I last went to a museum. Do you know which artists are showing their work? Do they have any works by Grimshaw,” said Kate.

“I do not know. Most of the works were recently donated by a Mrs. Clara Jessup Moore. So I do not know what is on display. She could have international pieces, like your Grimshaw, or she could have local artists, like Eakins. We will just have to wait until we get to the Centennial Grounds in Fairmont Park,” said Mr. Binns.

Just then they heard a train whistle. “Is that the train that we are getting on to go to Texas,” said Vicki.

Father smiled. “No, that is not the train that we will be taking to Texas. Right now we are going to the Art Museum in the Centennial Grounds.”

“That is the train that goes to the Centennial Grounds. But we are going over there to the museum.” Mr. Binns pointed at a tall, glass domed building. “It is quite impressive, if I say so myself.”

“That is a gorgeous building! I want to go to all of the exhibits,” said Kate.

“We do not have time for that today unfortunately. We can take in one exhibit, eat lunch, and then we must leave,” said Father.

“That is correct, we do not have a lot of time. I suggest we eat first, then look at the art,” said Mr. Binns.

“I agree. I am hungry now. I want to eat. Further, when we are done eating, I will stay with the buckboard. I have no interest in a bunch of tired old paintings,” said Arthur.

“That sounds fine to me. But instead of eating in one of the restaurants near the museum, where it can get a little pricey, we can get picnic food at one of these local shops just outside of museum and have a picnic. We can try Martindale’s store right here. I know that they have good food at their shop in Center City so this should be no different. We can get some bread and meat to make a sandwich. Plus we can get some of their tomato soup,” said Mr. Binns.

“What is so special about the soup,” asked Bertie.

“It is very good soup that is a secret recipe that was developed by Mr. Martindale and Mr. Campbell. It is another local delicacy that is sure to go big,” said Mr. Binns.

“Yes, let us do that,” said Father.

So Father and Mr. Binns went into the store. They soon came back out with a large bag and two jugs and got back into the buckboard. Mr. Binns took the reins and led them into Fairmont Park. There they had a small picnic.

“What is in these jugs,” said Vicki.

Mr. Binns took a cup, opened a jug and poured out some tomato soup. He gave it to Vicki.

Vicki took a small sip. Then she took a larger sip. “That is tasty. Can I have more?”

“Yes, but after everybody else has had a chance to have some,” said Father.

The tomato soup went quickly and the picnic was over soon. So Mr. Binns took them all to the Art Museum. When they got to there everyone got out of the buckboard except for Arthur.

“Arthur, look over there. Is that the love of your life Julia from the ship going into the museum? You should go over there and try to talk to her again,” said Bertie who chuckled.

Arthur’ face lit up as he looked at Julia and her friends.

“You have high tastes. The woman that Julia is walking with is Clara Jessup Moore. Good luck getting Julia to even talk with thee,” said Mr. Binns.

“He has been trying to do that on the entire cruise with great success.” Kate rolled her eyes.

“Father, I’ve changed my mind and would like to join you in the museum. Can I go with you,” said Arthur.

(Map of Centennial Grounds courtesy of Boston Public Library – Flickr: The Adams & Westlake non explosive oil stove. No. 2 Stove – The Adams & Westlake Stove for 1882 is a complete change from all former patterns. (back), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26553064 )