October 4, 2014

Wooster

It was cold in Mansfield, OH this morning with a temperature of 47 degrees. The wind made it feel like it was 40.

We didn’t have far to travel to our first stop of the day. We were going to the Richland Carrousel to ride on our favorite. Where the carousel at the Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky is a traveling carousel, the Richland Carrousel is built to stay in one location. This carousel is larger in circumference and the horses and menagerie animals are also larger.

 Sign Announcing Opening

Richland opened in 1991 and operates year round. It is available for birthday parties, weddings and rehearsals, school groups and other meetings. Two birthday parties were setting up as we were leaving.

Inside the Carrousel Building

We love riding the many different carousels that we visit, but it is just as much fun to watch the expressions on the faces, and hear the squeals, of the small children who also come to ride.

The Young Riders

Our next stop was discovered by accident about 10 months ago. While looking for a replacement dish drainer for our kitchen, we finally located what we wanted on ebay. It was made by Rubbermaid and shipped from Wooster, OH. The name of the store is Everything Rubbermaid.

Rubbermaid (1887)

From a Google search, Everything Rubbermaid turned out to be a brick and mortar store in Wooster. This is a four story building that is chocked full of Rubbermaid, from the tiniest container to the huge cooler capable of holding a body! They also have an area set up with children’s toys and play equipment to be “tested” by tots!  Great prices and unbelievable selections.

We had lunch at the Broken Rocks Café and Bakery around the corner from Rubbermaid (suggestion by the clerk).  It was a hit…too bad they’re in Wooster and we’re not!

Broken Rocks Cafe (1875)

Wooster is a beautiful town with buildings dating back 139 years. Downtown shopping is quite varied and nearly every building is occupied. Preservation efforts are evident.  The town square is anchored by the Wayne County Courthouse built in 1879.

Court House (1879)

Our sign of the day is self explanatory.