The event was held at the Algonquian Regional Park in Northern Virginia. This park is nestled along the Potomac River and features river access for small water craft, pools and a water park, mini golf, 18 hole golf course, cottages and picnic grounds. The 12 cottages were strung along the Potomac and all featured river views, full kitchens, decks, and plenty of living space.
The highlight of our reunion was a "behind the scene tour" at the Smithsonian's American History Museum to view & touch the original patent model for one of the first moveable limbs. My great great grandfather, Dr Douglas By, patented a moveable limb in September 1866 and this model is in the Smithsonian's collection. The Civil War created a huge demand for prosthetics and the Bly limb represented a huge improvement. The curator, who provided the tour, also displayed more recent prosthetics--it was quite an experience to see and touch this snippet of human history. Thanks to my brother Matt for making the arrangements for this special tour.
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| Matt and Dad with the patent model. From a moveable limb (ankle) to the blade leg....in 150 years or so |
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| Thanks Mom and Dad for that case of Veuve Clicquot, chilled to perfection! (Caitlin snapped the photo) |
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| Bly Family 2013. BEFORE the champagne. Lovely cottages on the Potomac River....perfect weather. |
Good photos of a good time. Hard to believe that Dr Bly was only a great grandfather. Going back to Civil War with father, grandfather and great grandfather born in 1824
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