I had one free day between the end of my Holland photo workshop and the arrival of my friend, Carol, to start a week of touring in Belgium. I chose to go to Delft– an easy train ride about an hour southwest of Amsterdam.
A canal in Delft
The station lies just a short distance from the pretty little town. I passed Renaissance and Gothic houses, massive churches, and shops with their beautiful reflections in the canals. My visit happened on a Saturday, market day, so tents and displays were scattered throughout the main streets.
Shops in Delft
New Church in Delft-1346!
I meandered along until I reached the Old Town Square and the bold facade of the gigantic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) built from 1396-1496. The tower stands nearly 360 feet tall. Talk about feeling dwarfed, I entered the santuary and the huge columns and high ceiling made me feel miniscule. Toward the altar I found the magnificent tomb of William I, known as William the Silent. The ornate work includes not one, but two representations of the King of Orange, one in a corpse pose (with an adorable dog by his feet) made out of white marble, and the other, a seated bronze statue. The church crypts, not open to the public, hold the royal House of Orange tombs starting with William and succeeding to present day.
Tomb of William I with his dog.Tomb of William I of Orange
Visitors can climb the church tower to get spectacular views of the city and so, I started up. Let me say, the climbing wasn’t easy. I was laden with a backpack containing all the photography equipment I own, which is to say, way too heavy. The 376 steps became an aerobic challenge and my pack and I could barely squeeze through the tiny circular stairway. I had to take it off when I reached the viewing platform in order to make my way around the narrow passage.
Delft’s Market Square
But, as usual with these towers, the climb was worth the effort. I could see all the way over to The Hague.
Looking down on Delft
I also stopped into the Vermeer Center, Old Master Jan Vermeer was born in Delft, and here I learned about his use of natural light. While none of his original works are not on display, I had seen four masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and am a fan. The Vermeer Center presents interesting, informative exhibits and a fine introductory movie in the basement. Did you know the painter had 14 children?
Vermeer Center Display
On my explorations I passed by this restaurant with a clever Delft painted bicycle. Had I not eaten in an outdoor cafe, I would have stopped in.
Delft Blue and White Bike
Of course, the main reason for choosing to visit Delft is my love of the famous blue and white earthenware. Factories here still produce the pottery using old-fashioned methods. Every piece of true Delftware (check for authentic markings on the bottom) is hand-painted by skilled craftsmen. Unfortunately the Delftware factories are located somewhat out of town, so I did not have time for a visit them. Nonetheless, I totally basked in the gorgeous array of items for sale in the many shops: vases, plates, tiles, pitchers and teapots. I turned a bit blue myself, not being able to afford anything special.
Beautiful Blue and white Delftware
But, even my small budget permitted a miniature tea set to place within the printers tray that hangs in my office. Now, the little cups and saucers remind me of my delightful day in Delft.
Debi in Delft
Disclosure: My day in Delft was totally self-funded.
You’ve heard of the beautiful beaches in Koh Samui and the gastronomical experience you are sure to savor from flavor bombs such as Tom Yam and Pad Thai in Bangkok. That’s why you booked your next flight to Thailand right?
Koh-Samui palm tree hammock
But before you do anything else, here’s a helpful and most useful checklist I think you should review. It will reassure you of the most enjoyable experience on the other side of the world. First things first, put all your valuable documents and papers in one place – I like to use a thin loose-leaf binder. Photocopy or scan every single one of them. This includes making a copy of your passport- take it with you, sending yourself (and friends) an e-mail copy of the planned itinerary and electronic tickets, travel insurance and what not. Let your family know where you’re going and give them information about where you’re staying with contact numbers as well.
When it comes to booking your flight, a travel agent can most definitely help you book the best deals out there, but if you’re like me, you can do it online. Online booking may be tricky and of course you want the fastest process and best value for money. For example, you wouldn’t want to discover your “five star” hotel is actually a flimsy hut from a backpacker’s dream by the beach. Would you? It actually gives you some peace of mind as well knowing you’ve booked your flight via dialaflight.com so don’t risk trying out other questionable booking services.
When it comes to carrying cash, bring some and other forms of electronic currency like credit cards and debit cards. I put them in various places throughout my carry-on or hidden within my luggage just in case I lose my wallet. Finally, when it comes to packing, if you’re traveling for more than six months it’s better to bring a backpack. It’s easier to carry and you know you will be doing your own laundry there. Lastly, don’t forget to bring universal power adapters, handy wipes, medicine, water, an extra change of clothes in your carry on, an inflatable neck pillow and a great sleeping mask such as the Good Night Sleeping Mask from Magellan’s.
Yesterday television and media sources reported a sad tale about the city of Detroit facing bankruptcy. The news made me reflect on a visit, and specifically to a place in Detroit that profoundly impressed me. The Piquette Plant continues to stand out as one of those magical ah-ha moments.
So, to honor the Motor City, I offer a revised story, similar to the one I wrote for Automotive Traveler back in 2011. I sincerely hope the Piquette Plant will continue to thrive as a museum, even as the city around it struggles.
My Visit to the Piquette Plant
The Ford Piquette Plant, Detroit
Experiencing emotional consciousness from global wonders should come as no surprise for me, a seasoned traveler. Places like the Tower of London are so steeped in history, you cannot help but literally feel the presence of the past. But, I was caught quite off guard by the tingling sensations that overwhelmed me as I stepped in to the historic Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit. You see, I wasn’t expecting the place to be much more than just another old brick building packed with vintage cars.
Henry Ford 1919
As I entered the factory from a secured rear parking lot, the original wooden stairs suddenly came alive—they creaked and groaned and I swear I could hear the footsteps of America’s automotive pioneers. Henry Ford, John and Horace Dodge, Harvey Firestone, Earl and George Holley, William Durant and Walter Flanders trod here. Mr. Ford’s gossamer ingenuity hung in the air making me wonder if perhaps he is a ghost.
The three-story wood and brick factory resides in a semi-abandoned section of Detroit. Still, 411 Piquette Avenue is National Historic Landmark and home of the Experimental Room where Henry Ford and his team designed the Model T. The corner lot remains one of the 100th most significant industrial sites in the 20th century.
In 1904, Henry Ford began his third attempt at automobile production here –his first Ford Motor Company factory. By early January 1907, Mr. Ford had the corner of the third floor walled-off for use as his dream-team’s brain storming emporium. Here, R&D projects thrived, like race-car driver Spyder Huff’s work on the fly wheel magneto. This important innovation delivered high voltage energy to fire spark plugs. Ford was unrelenting toward his goal of producing a simple, affordable “universal car” that could be easily mass produced.
The “T” was jointly designed in 1908 by Henry Ford, C. Harold Wills and Joseph Galamb at the Piquette Plant. The early black painted models were assembled at stations, with workers and parts moving around the factory as the car came together. Completed vehicles were taken down from the second floor by elevator, test driven on the streets around the Plant and parked in the courtyard where engines were fine-tuned. After passing final inspection the “T’s” were driven to the shipping room at the rear of the building, cleaned and provided with tags and then placed on the railroad freight platform to await shipment.
Inside the Piquette Plant
Prior to 1907 all parts used at Piquette were out-sourced, such as the Dodge Brothers’ (original shareholders) engines and transmissions, while Earl and George Holley supplied carburetors and Harvey Firestone delivered the tires. Eight different models were produced between 1904 and 1920: the B, C, F, K, N, R, S, but it was the1908 Model T that put everyday drivers around the world behind the wheel.
Of the 15 million Model T’s eventually made, the first 12,000, produced at the astounding rate of 175 vehicles per day were built at the Piquette plant. In the factory’s early years, cars took eight to twelve hours to assemble—prompting experimentation with faster assembly lines. Instead of having workers move from car to car to do their work, Ford used a rope to pull the car frame on wheels past the workers as they attached their assigned parts.
Move to Highland Park
This process continued until 1910 when the company moved out of the overcrowded Piquette Palant to the Highland Park Plant and began the more sophisticated moving assembly line work. By 1913, this innovative approach dropped the time needed to construct a Model T down to twelve minutes. Wow, four cars produced in under an hour!
The Studebaker Corporation bought ownership of the Piquette property in 1911 and over the years multiple owners used the building. Amazingly, little changed from the landmark 1904-1910 Ford production days, which is itself a marvel. Visitors can easily slip back in time to envision sweating workers riveting parts, men contorting into awkward positions to screw bolts and others inhaling fumes while painting the vehicles.
They meander displays of vintage cars arranged within the naturally sunlight space, some in restored condition and others well-used. The building includes 355 towering windows—most with original glass. Thick wooden columns and beams graced with the patina of peeling paint and exposed pipes adds to the authenticity of old work arena.
Imagine riding in “Miss Elizabeth,” a 1909 Ford Victorian red beauty or as the chaperone in the whimsical 1911 “Mother-in-law’s T” with a rear seat to observe the dating couple. Take in the intriguing cleverness—such as a 1922 Model T’s snowmobile adaption–a chassis with skis replacing the front wheels and chains on the rear tires. Best part, the car could be converted back to regular use in non-snowy months.
“Miss Elizabeth”
A Model T Snow Mobile
**********
If you are even slightly interested in America’s automotive history, then the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant–Detroit’s only pioneer automobile factory–is a definite must for your bucket list.
If you go:
A visit to the birthplace of the Model T begins with a short video to familiarize visitors with Detroit in the early 1900’s. The worthwhile film explains the creation of the Ford automobile company. Tour guides are extremely knowledgeable.
Riding in a Model T at Greenfield Village
UPDATE 6/16/2011 PIQUETTE AVENUE PLANT JOINS NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE PASSPORT STAMP PROGRAM
The Piquette Avenue plant is pleased to announce that it has joined with 20 other automotive related sites as partners, working with and through the MotorCities Automotive Heritage Area, in the National Parks Service Passport Stamp program.
The Passport Stamp program is a national program to feature historic sites that define the American heritage, including the National Parks, National Historic Landmarks, and other related venues. Proceeds from the passport stamp program are donated to help protect, interpret, and preserve these historic landmarks. The MotorCities coordinated effort in south and southeast Michigan is promoting automotive related tourism and other visitation to the participating partners agencies, including the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant.
