Day 4, Sunday, January 28, 2018

Sycamore Lodge, Jackson Springs, NC

Rained all day today, not hard but constant.  Due to the rain, we decided to go into Ellerbe and visit the Rankin Museum of American Heritage.

Nanette & Bob at Rankin Museum

What a terrific museum.  Little of everything.  I do believe Dr. Rankin was a hoarder, much to our delight.  This nice little museum is a bargin, $4.00 to get in, only $3.00 with AAA membership.
Has exhibits on geology, paleontology, ancient civilizations of South, Central and North America - includes tribes of the Rainforest, ceremonial dress, primitive hunting weapons, ancient tribes of the artic and everything in between. 
Heritage of this region of North Carolina included exhibits on early farming, turpentine distilling, early doctors office, fashions of the times, etc.

Nanette in front of the sewing exhibit

One very interesting exhibit was on Andre the Giant.  Apparently he owned a ranch just outside Ellerbe and called Ellerbe his home.  Seven feet, 4 inches tall, weighing 540 lbs, I don't know about you, but if he was on the other side of the line in football, I think I would run.  His boot was enormous.  They had one of his NFL rings and one of his WWF rings.  They were the size of a shot glass!  He also was an actor, most known for playing Bigfoot on the Six Million Dollar Man.  Though he was born in France and died there (10 days after attending his dad's funneral), his wish was to have his remains returned to Ellerbe and his ashes spread over the ranch he so loved.  This was done. 

Nanette also found an exhibit on early North Carolina sewing.  I tell you this place had a little of everything - including mammoth, mastodon, bears, etc.

Bob & Zeke Planning next few days

After the museum, Nanette and I hit the grocery store for some supplies.

Afterwards, Zeke helped Bob plan out the next few days, where to stay, routes, etc.  He is such a good helper.