| 04/19/09, 06/25/20 |
| Quest For Freedom Tour - Page HH |
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On April 18, 2009, Elton and I went to Lancaster, Pennsylvania on a different Penn-Dutch Tour. This tour would include an explanation of the Underground Railroad that took place in Lancaster. Our first stop was the Plain and Fancy Restaurant where we ate family style (round tables instead of rectangular). The food in this restaurant is very similar to Good 'N Plenty. I had not been here since the 80's and must say the place has changed a lot. The barn where the restaurant is located is now two stories instead of one. There is an Inn, a gift shop, a replica of an Amish house (was there in the 80's) and a theater. After lunch, a local guide came on the bus to explain to us the terms used to identify the families assisting the slaves and the items used to identity safe houses. The guide spoke to us as we drove around the county side, enjoying the beautiful farms. Eventually, we picked up an actor who was portraying Mr. Will Parker. Robert, the slave actor, discussed the lives of the slaves at the time and what it was like in the area and how the slaves were protected by Quakers from bounty hunters, etc. We were shown where the Gibbons family, Quakers, were buried. They assisted many slaves obtain their "freedom". Robert went on to explain the meaning of some of the spirituals sung by the slaves. Most songs contained messages that only the slaves understood. The Gibbons farm still exists though now owned by a different family. We also made a stop at Eli's store. Below are the photos I took. |
| For more information, please click here. |
| Farm behind Plain and Fancy. |
| The actor explaining to us more about the Gibbons family. |
| Meeting Hall, next to cemetery where Gibbons buried, Bird-In-Hand |
| Eli's Countryside Store. Was once a small stand! |
| Bird feeder and houses! |
| A farm as seen from the back of Eli's property. |
| Cows, horses and mules |
| J o r g e |
| E l t o n |
| Group Photo - Property of L & M Tours |
| Taken at Plain and Fancy |
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