Lon's Maritime Museum

 Lon Calloway, a high school buddy of mine, had been hoping we would have a chance to visit his home which he refers to as his "Maritime Museum." It also turns out that he is a long-time fan of Deion Sanders plus Lon has TV access to all football games. So! One college football Saturday here in Michigan, we were treated to a visit to Lon's Maritime Museum and a front row TV-watching seat for the CU football game. It was a delightful way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

The sight that greeted us upon arriving at Lon's house - we felt right at home!

 It turns out there is as much to see outside as inside:

A fascinating yard for both canines and humans

Lon kept this depth measurer after he pointed out
to the manufacturer that the numbers (draft marks)
were in reverse order from what they should be
(numbers should increase as you go up)

 

Inside the house, there is something to catch your eye everywhere you turn:

Lon's vast collection of U.S. Coast Guard hats

 

The humorous

The informative (map of the ocean floor)

The sobering.
The flag and windsock are what were flying on Lon's ship the same night
the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. Lon's ship was just a handful of miles ahead.
When the captain said this flag and windsock needed to be replaced after being left
in tatters by the storm, Lon asked if he could take these home...

Further evidence of Lon's vast travels:

"Order of the Ditch" certificate awarded when you
sail through the Panama Canal

"Order of the Spanish Main" awarded upon cruising in the Caribbean.

 

The collection extends to artistic expression as well, created from wonders of nature that Lon has found during his travels

 

Of course, in addition to touring the "museum", we had a football game to watch! Taz found himself a very comfy spot.

By the way, if you would like to read about some of Lon's adventures on the high seas (and Great Lakes, and mighty rivers...), find yourself a copy of his book "Salty". Very entertaining!