The Theater of Miletus

26 September 202317 March 2025

On a tour of Turkey, our group made a quick stop at Turkmen Carpets where we learned how carpets were made. I saw, first-hand, the exquisite work that was put into themcreation of these carpets by some of the local weavers before we boarded the tour bus for our next location, Miletus.

The archaeological site of Miletus, a once prosperous Turkish city, was one of the principal Ionian cities of Asia Minor. It was also a stop on Apostle Paul’s third missionary journey. As our coach approached the site, we noticed the outer wall of the theater, visible from the tour bus and a large space of hewn stone. It was hard to believe that at one time, Miletus was the wealthiest of all Greek cities during the Hellenistic era.

The theater is only one stop on our trip to Miletus. This large structures is similar to our theatrical stages of today and was built into a hill between the Bay of Lions and the Theater Harbor. Sixty rows of seats climb to the top with a seating capacity of 15,000 spectators. Construction began in the 4^th century BC but improvements were made under the direction of Emperor Trajan. The third level was later added with ornate decorations to the columns representing hunting scenes with the god Eros.

According to historian Josephus, there was a Greek inscription on the fifth row that read, “For the Jews and the God-fearers.” It was a reminder of Rome’s “tolerance of the Jews” that resided in Miletus and were permitted to attend the theater.

We climbed up to the seats which would have been reserved for the upper class in the first few rows. I could clearly see the three sections of the Roman theatre that included the backstage area, additional seating arrangements for the audience and the orchestra. The productions would have been nothing less than extravagant and the acoustics, spectacular.

Looking into the stadium, there were four columns that seemed set apart from the general population’s seating area. Known as the “Royal Box”, it was located in the center of the first few rows and was designated as an exclusive box for the emperors. The columns were used to drape a covering over the area to shade the royals from the inclement weather and heat of the sun.

An interesting feature of the Miletus theater were the lion paws on the outer edge of the benched seats. Lions were symbols of strength and royalty back in the ancient days and the ornate design seemed to suggest that this was once a flourishing city.

Even the small details that our tour guide pointed out were absolutely fascinating. For example, taking a closer look at the stone platform designated for the Emperor and his family, we could see the awning attachments.

Gazing up towards the high seats of the Miletus Theater, I could clearly see the third row addition. The cave-like entrances provided a way in and out of the theater. The added space would have also minimized the interaction between the upper and lower class.

Just as the spectators would have left the theater, we made our way out towards the public structures of this well-preserved archaeological site. Our guide pointed out some of the major points of interest, but with such little time, we could only see some of these ruins from afar. There was so much to explore in the town of Miletus.

Have you traveled to Miletus? What were some of the places that interested you? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my excurstion to Miletus! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

To learn more about the archaeological site of Miletus, check out my recent blog post, The Baths of Miletus.

For more information about the beautiful, exotic country of Turkey, check out the following links!

Topkapki Palace
The Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Spice Bazaar and Hippodrome
Ephesus, Turkey: A Journey Back in Time
A Turkish Carpet Demonstration
Kusadasi and its Symbol of Peace
The Baths of Miletus

A Castle in Connecticut: A Visit to East Haddam

24 November 201716 September 2024

I first learned about the quaint, charming town of East Haddam, Connecticut while reading Patricia Schultz’s, 1000 Places to See Before You Die. I was drawn to the idea of visiting a lovely stone castle overlooking the Connecticut River.

I enjoyed the picturesque drive along the coast and before I knew it I had reached the home of William Gillette. Most known for his acting role as Sherlock Holmes in a variety of traveling productions, Gillette settled down in East Haddam after his retirement and began construction on his brilliant domain.

Gillette was not only a gifted actor, but a talented architect. He designed the rocky castle as his private residence, which was completed in 1914. Today his home is located in a state park where visitors can explore the 184 acres, tour the residence and survey his personal train station.

The castle, made of local white and grey fieldstone and supported by steel, took twenty-five men a total of five years to complete. From the stone lookout, the view of the placid Connecticut River was breathtaking as the ferry brought visitors from the banks of Hadlyme to Haddam.

I decided to take the self-guided tour to stroll through the home at my own leisure. Entering the stone castle, the temperatures were surprisingly cooler than outside and I had to adjust my eyes to the dimly lit house, but regardless, the interior was absolutely stunning.

Gillette was a talented designer and woodworker, evident in the customized doors and unique furniture he created. With inventive patterns, unusual doorknobs and interesting locks, no two doors were alike. With a total of forty-seven custom-made entryways, it was said that some of them led into secret passages.

Gillette’s eccentric nature was recognized in the details of his bizarre creations. A secret door lurked about the staircase leading to the upper levels of the home where he could watch guests arrive. Having a sense of playfulness, Gillette dramatically welcomed his guests by jumping out from a hidden doorway, creating an element of surprise and fright.

Gillette was an inventor of trick stage props, so it was not surprising that he designed an intricate surveillance system for the house. With the use of hidden mirrors, he could view the public areas of the home from his master bedroom.

From the outdoor gardens of the home, there was an outstanding view of the Connecticut River and forests stretching along its banks. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry operates from late April to late November and is a great way to reach the castle instead of making the long drive. The boat ride from the shore provided amazing views of the castle from atop the cliffs, towering over the tranquil waterway.

The tour continued on with the grounds of the estate. I strolled down the hill to Gillette’s once running rail system of small train engines that he named the Grand Central Station. Guests to Gillette’s house could ride the three mile long track on either electric or steam locomotives during their visit. Today, the track has been replaced with a walking path that runs along the former rails.

There are so many spectacular features of Gillette Castle that I find myself recommending it as a stop on a northeastern vacation. While there are several unique, historic mansions in the US to visit, Gillette Castle is one on top of my list.

Is there a historical estate that you find fascinating? I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Gillette Castle State Park
67 River Road
East Haddam, CT 06423
Telephone: 860 526 2336

Admission Fee: Visitors from age 13 and over: $6, age 6 – 12: $2, ages 5 and under: free.
Hours: The State Park is open year around from 8AM to dusk, while the castle is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day (seven days a week) and from Labor Day to Columbus Day (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Hours are from 10AM to 5PM (last ticket sold at 4:30PM).
Amenities: Picnic shelter, visitor center, food concessions, hiking, Gillette Castle, river camping
Scenic View: Exceptional views of the Connecticut River from the Castle’s gardens.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Take the Chester-Hadlyme ferry to Gillette Castle State Park and download the Hiking Map online.

Where to Stay:

Quality Inn Old Saybrook – Westbrook
100 Essex Road
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Telephone: 860 395 1414

Where to Eat:

Rustica Ristorante
189 Middlesex Avenue
Chester, CT 06412
Telephone: 860 526 9021

I ordered the Branzino Piccata, “pan seared Mediterranean Sea Bass with lemon juice, white wine, capers, garlic, parsley with a touch of butter served with yellow corn, tomatoes and vegetables” with a glass of red blend wine. This meal was absolutely delicious and I completed my meal with a piece of coconut cake!

What to Eat:

The White Clam Pie from Frank Pepe Pizzeria in New Haven
Abbott’s Lobster’s Seafood Feast in Rough and Noank
Louis’ Lunch where the hamburger was invented in New Haven
Roast rabbit at Restaurant du Village in Chester

What to Read:

Gillette Castle: A History by Erik Ofgang
A Brief History About East Haddam, by Karl Stofko and Rachel Gibbs

The Patio

Welcome to East Haddam, Connecticut

Goodspeed Opera House

Inside Gillette Castle

Politics, Theaters and Automobiles: Springfield, Ohio’s Rich History!

5 February 201716 September 2024

After filling up on a hearty lunch, I returned to the Clark County Heritage Center in Springfield. With so much history, I began my second session to cover the time period beginning in the 1900s up until the 1970s where the museum’s information about Clark County and Springfield ends.

In the early 1900s, Springfield, Ohio’s population was close to 60,000. To celebrate their centennial in 1901 the city hosted Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, a traveling performance which featured Greenville, Ohio native, Annie Oakley. During this time, advances in transportation, farming equipment and entertainment made Springfield a popular location to live and visit.

Theodore Roosevelt was the President of the United States at this time and nearby Dayton residents, Wilbur and Orville Wright piloted the first airplane at Kitty Hawk.

By winter of 1903, three major fires claimed three lives in Springfield and destroyed an entire city block.

Sully Jaymes was Springfield’s only African American attorney who represented the underprivileged African Americans. A graduate of Boston University and the University of Michigan, Jaymes practiced law for over 50 years until his death in 1950.

In 1905, Gus Sun opened a vaudeville theater and booking agency in Springfield. During this time, architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built a home for car magnate, Burton J. Westcott.

By 1904, the Boys and Girls club was founded by AB Graham, which is known today as the 4H Club. This agricultural organization teaches school-aged children about “farming techniques and home management”. During the same year, International Harvester opened up a plant in Springfield to make trucks, bringing in a large number of jobs to the area.

During Taft’s presidency, the Chakeres brothers open the city’s first movie theater in 1908 which would eventually lead to a total of eight movie houses around town. The cost to see a move was only 50 cents back then Following William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson takes office and the US enters into World War I. Westcott Motor Car Company begins producing “The Westcott” between the years 1916 and 1926. It would be the only automobile that would be manufactured in Springfield, rumored that the city lost the bid to Detroit for producing cars for the Ford Motor Company. As Ohio braces for the Depression Era, racial tensions rise as riots break out among Springfield residents. The Ohio National Guard is called in to preserve order.

A very controversial event took place in Springfield in 1923 when the Klu Klux Klan held a rally at the fairgrounds. These horrific, racially charged events were being held all over the nation in the 1920s, even in our nation’s capitol of Washington DC.

Even in the midst of these thorny racial relationships of just a year ago, the city of Springfield is named the “Rose City” due to its large production of roses.

Amidst the Great Depression, George Rogers Clark Park is established in 1930 near Buck Creek with a reenactment of the Battle of Piqua taking place here to commemorate its 150^th anniversary. The opening of Cliff Park soon follows in 1932.

Chakeres Theaters gain world wide recognition opening theaters across Ohio in the 1930s and the first service station, Bonded Oil, is built in Urbana. As Springfield reaches the end of the 30’s World War II breaks out and the US comes to the aid of its allies after the Pearl Harbor bombing in 1941. Three Springfielders died in the attack and by 1943, Wittenberg University is set up to train Air Force Cadets to assist in the war efforts.

After World War II, the soldiers return home and only four years later the Korean War breaks out. The Clark County Fair, first opened in 1854, moves to a larger space taking over the old Springfield Airport in 1947. With an increase in population, Mercy Hospital opens in 1950 with the help of philanthropist Joseph Shouvlin. There were currently 111,661 residents in Springfield at that time.

Eisenhower’s presidency would be the start of the Civil Rights movement and would continue as John F. Kennedy is sworn into office in 1960. It was a victory for local African Americans when Robert C. Henry was the first black man elected to the Springfield City Commission and later becomes Mayor in 1966. Taking over Henry’s post as Mayor in 1968 would be Springfield’s first female mayor, Betty Brunk.

The 1970s brought about the interstate and I-70 draws businesses along the highway’s corridor. The population of Springfield has reached upwards into the 150 thousands. As the number of businesses increase, Springfield Mayor Robert Burton, plans to revitalize the downtown area, which has fallen into ruin over the years. Another economic victory includes the opening of the Upper Valley Mall in 1971.

By the time Gerald Ford takes office, Robert Burton has made good on his promise to help Springfield and the New City Hall was constructed.

Fast forward to 2016 and there is a continued effort to revitalize the city of Springfield. The downtown area is growing and new businesses are moving into spaces that were once left vacant. Snyder Park has once again become a beautiful place to visit and the Farmer’s Market is thriving during the weekends at the Heritage Museum. Rumor has it that even the Upper Valley Mall will be making changes in the near future as well but plans have not been finalized. During my return, it was an exciting time to live in Springfield and many residents came together to further the development of the city in a positive direction. Who knows? The difference one could make for Springfield may lead to noteriety at the Heritage Center’s Museum of Springfield history.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Heritage Center in Springfield and learn about its history? What was your favorite moment in time? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

What to See and What to Do:

The Clark County Heritage Center
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 324 0657

Admission Fee: Free, and donations are welcome.
Hours: Museum: Tuesday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM; Saturday from 9AM to 3PM. Closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Amenities: Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Donations recommended are Family: $10; Adults: $5 and Children: $3.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries. I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread. Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant. If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

Hartman Rock Garden
Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
Heritage Center of Clark County
Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio