I went out in search of something to put on here for the theme, and ended up getting a history lesson.  It was very informative, but since my brain is the size of a pea, I had to photograph the explanations, too.  So, sit back, get your "reading glasses" and enjoy.  My trip took me to the Missouri Mines. It opened in 1907 and since it's closing in 1972, it is in bad disrepair.  A closer look at  some of the outside gives you a better perspective.  I went inside and was totally amazed at the  equipment  used to do the mining.  Being illiterate in this field doesn't help.  This shovel was  made in the mine instead of being made by an outside source.  As was this speeder .  This  car had to be loaded by hand and if you couldn't do the job, you didn't HAVE a job.  This is a picture of the original workers at the mine.  This is galena, which is MO's state mineral.  On my way out, I stuck my head in one of the buildings with the broken window panes and found this.  I also saw this and thought I'd post it for all the firemen.  This concludes the travelouge for today, boys and girls.  I hope you have enjoyed yourselves!