If it wasn't for the glacier, we wouldn't have Wisconsin Dells. A little history: 15,000 years ago, when the glacier began to soften, there was a lake in western WI that was about the size of Rhode Island. The ice dam broke, 1500 sq. miles of water rushed out in a very short time. Scientists estimate the water flowed at 40 million gallons a second, enough to fill a basketball arena in 10 seconds (don't ask how they figured that out)!
The power of the water carved out the Wisconsin River and the Dells, the word taken from the French 'dalles', a fast stream in a narrow canyon. Soon after, the Potawotomi and Winnebago tribes arrived. We all know what happened to them. Fast forward to Byron Kilbourn, one of the founding fathers of Milwaukee, who built a railroad to the Dells (the Dells were originally called Kilbourn City) and made travel there possible. The Dells owe a lot of its popularity to a photographer named H. H. Bennett, who, after being injured during the Civil War and not able to do woodworking any longer, started taking pictures of the Dells. Our Museum of Wisconsin Art had an exhibition of his photographs and other recent photographers, most of whom are descendants of those tribes.
I have been to the Dells several times, but only once to a water park. I'm only a lazy river girl. I'm much more passionate about the history of the place and the natural beauty. Since I used my only idea yesterday for the CAS challenge, I thought I'd focus on water and the adventure. Can you imagine what those early peoples thought of such a magnificent place? Carla sent me some pull- off tops from a peanut butter product and that is what I used for the largest circle. Alcohol inks really worked well on it (thanks, Carla). The other circles were from another ai background and a shaving cream background. I doodled a bunch of orbs (not circles, no such thing in Zentangle) to represent bubbles, done in gel and Micron pens. The base is a gel print with a nautilus stencil. The little camera is in honor of HH Bennett. I am so grateful he couldn't be a woodworker and turned to photography. His shop is still there as a museum. Thanks for reading, I know it's a lot.
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 GMT Views: 308
Favorited:3
Registered: January 20, 2016 Location: Freetown, Massachusetts Posts: 31442
Wed, Jul 29, 2020 @ 12:37 PM
Thanks for that fascinating history lesson, Jean! I've always wanted to go to the Dells, but haven't gotten there yet. I love all the thoughts behind your fabulous creation. the doodled bubbles are amazing! And I love that you worked in a camera and explained why. Awesome!
Registered: November 3, 2005 Location: Fairport Harbor, OH-IO, Lake Erie shoreline Posts: 60299
Wed, Jul 29, 2020 @ 12:54 PM
I wouldn't have Lake Erie either! Although, the lake is up 30" and much of our beach has eroded away. It's always interesting to hear of the 'old days'!! I like what you did.
------------------------------ Karen ~ Thanks for stopping by my gallery. Proud Fan Club Member - FS525, QFTD49 Life is better in a beach town!
Registered: April 6, 2009 Location: Weyers Cave, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley Posts: 31212
Thu, Jul 30, 2020 @ 3:03 PM
I'm not a history person and it was my worst subject in school, but I loved reading the history of the Dells. The only thing I ever knew of dells was "The farmer in the dell...." Love your card! Fantastic job with these pretty colors, bg, and sentiments, Jean~
------------------------------ ~Roberta
�Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.�
― Lou Holtz
Registered: March 29, 2011 Location: Covington, WA Posts: 32470
Sat, Aug 08, 2020 @ 1:32 PM
Jean, you created a mixed media marvel, yet again! Enjoyed reading about the Wisconsin Dells. Nice back story for your creation. Glad you were able to use that lid, lovely alcohol ink patterns.
------------------------------ Carla ~ Proud Fan Club Member and Dirty Dozen Alumni.