Dead Page-- Somehow Appropriate for Today

ROBERT GOULET--- 1933-2007

Musical actor made splash in 'Camelot'

Award-winning entertainer enjoyed heyday in the '60s and 70s, making his mark with matinee-idol looks and a striking baritone

Before there was an American Idol, there was a Robert Goulet Idol. One of my all-time favorite singers with that great voice of his. Playing the role of Sir Lancelot in the "Camelot" production, his star rose rapidly and remained there.

Robert Goulet died yesterday at age 73 while awaiting a lung transplant.

Pianist Roger Williams said of him, "Robert Goulet was a monumental presence on the stage and had one of the great voices of all time, which often overshadowed his many other talents."

"With his dark hair, blue eyes, and magnificent baritone, Mr. Goulet was the personification of a Kennedy-era leading man. Judy Garland called him a living 8 by 10 glossy."

He won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1962. during the 1960s and early 1970s he had a string of hit albums.

One great talent.

From LA Times obituary.

Just in Time for Halloween-- Spook Lights and Hauntings

An article by David Zizzo in the October 30th NewOK.com titled "Quapaw's 'lights' remain a mystery."

All of us Route 66ers know about these lights near the Kansas-Oklahoma border. I've never seen them though, but then, I've never looked for them either for that matter. Some things I just don't look for.

Sightings have been reported for generations and there are a lot of different theories as to their origin. As of yet, no one knows about them for sure. There are a lot of interesting comments to the article. Well worth checking out.

Ron Warnick in his Route 66 News blog reports that the Big Chief near St. Louis is haunted.

Scared to Death on Route 66. And Then There's the Chicken Heart that Ate New Jersey. Right, Bill? --RoadDog

Down Da 66--Disneyland, Goin' Bowling, 66 Adventure

Some recent Route 66 stories.

1. DISNEYLAND-- getting a 1.1 billion dollar makeover. Part of that will be for a "Cars" movie theme area. Other popular Disney movies will also be spotlighted. The more for that "Cars" movie, the better. I never thought I'd like an animated movie, bit i sure liked this one.

2. ROUTE 66 BOWL-- Well, it's not one of the BCS bowls, but we'll take anything we can get. Came across an article in the Grants, New Mexico paper about the Grants Rams taking the Route 66 Bowl Lightweight title with a 12-0 win over the Navajo Times Warriors (I don't know about the pc here. After all, they took away our beloved Chief Illinewek at the U of I. Around Illinois, lightweight would indicate part of a local park district program. I'm not sure about out in New Mexico, but imagine its the same.

Also, there is a Route 66 Cross Country Invitational in Grants.

Always love to see our name in the news.

3. DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK-- has part of its theme dealing with car travel and Route 66, including a car themed bathroom and a McDonald's disguised as a giant hamburger. Big Mac anybody. There is also a giant Route 66 mural.

I got this from a blog. http://customersrock.wordpress.com/

Keep on Down That two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

Glad to See This

One thing you don't hear about regarding this mess we've gotten ourselves into over there in Iraq and Afghanistan is the impact on the historical objects in those countries.

After all, Iraq, as Mesopotamia was one of the cradles of civilization. Unfortunately, war has little respect for antiquity.

I'm glad to see that this problem is being addressed in the form of 50,000 decks of cards being given to our troops in those countries. Each card shows artifacts and sites in the hopes of avoiding unnecessary damage to them as well as hoping to curb the illegal trade of said objects.

Definitely a Good Idea. --RoadDog

The Lincoln Log-- Lincoln Highway-- MORE SIGNS

Those Waymarkers are at it again. They posted another Lincoln Highway picture, this time of a Boy Scout marker at the Clinton County County Courthouse in Clinton, Iowa. Posted Oct. 29th by 8 Nuts Mother Goose.

It is located on the east side of the courthouse. The comment reads, "...good condition for its age. Originally, the Lincoln Highway crossed the Mississippi River about two miles north. It turned south for one mile and then west about one mile north of the courthouse. It was later changed to go past this location. Now, Lincoln Highway crosses a different Mississippi Bridge about a mile south."

After seeing the pictures from the last several days, I investigated further and found that the Waymarkers have 69 pictures on three pages on Lincoln Highway Markers. You can go to their website at http://www.waymarking.com/ to find them.

I looked at some of the other pictures and found an interesting picture of a new statue in Joliet, Illinois called Building the Lincoln Highway. It is a statue of a roadbuilder from 1915 and, according to the caption is a life-size cold cast bronze sculpture on a hand-cast ceramic mosaic column. There is also an Abraham Lincoln image in the mosaic.

There is an organization in Joliet dedicated to putting street art out for the masses. I was there last Veteran's Day when they dedicated a Route 66 statue in front of the welcome center. The people of Joliet are very proud of their transportation heritage including Lincoln Highway, Route 66, US-52, US-6, interstates, railroads, and water.

Keep up the Good Work You Waymarkers!!! --RoadDog

Lincoln Log-- The Lincoln Highway-- SIGNS

Two stories about Lincoln Highway signs in the news of late.

The Goshen, Indiana News reported that October 20th, LH signs were unveiled along US-33 marking the alignment of the Lincoln. Also, there was a rededication of the original 1913 alignment through town.

Our own Jan Shupert Arick and Russell Rein, LHA president and vice president were on hand for the ceremonies.

WAYMARKS who go around marking and photographing points of interest in the US has a new shot of a Lincoln Highway sign in Upper Sanduskey, Ohio. It is on the southside of Wyandot Avenue just east of 4th Street.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign, Blocking Up the Scenery... --RoadDog

Wilmington National Cemetery

Another Waymarker blog entry, this time on the Wilmington National Cemetery at 2011 Market Street in Wilmington, NC.

It was opened in 1867 and the first internments were from bodies removed from the Wilmington City Cemetery, Fort Fisher, and Fort Johnston, Nearly two-thirds of the first internments were for unknown soldiers from Civil Way battles.

Almost 6200 are buried here and it is now close to future internments.

"Saw the Elephant" Civil War News-- John A. Winslow

I came across a Waymarker blog about a "history-on-a-stick" marker in Wilmington, NC, about Admiral John A. Winslow, who, as a captain during the Civil War, commanded the USS Kearsarge when it sank the CSS Alabama of Cherbourg, France. It turns out he was born in Wilmington.

He was born in 1811 in Wilmington, NC, but was educated in the north where he became an ardent abolitionist. He served during the Mexican War and shared a shipboard cabin with Raphael Semmes, whose ship, the Alabama, he later sank.

He stayed with the Union at the outbreak of the Civil War, no doubt due to his abolitionist leanings. He served in the Western Waters until contracting malaria. After his recovery, he was put in command of the Kearsarge.

After the war, he remained in the US Navy, eventually attaining the rank of rear admiral.

Oh well, you can't account for the allegiances of everybody.

Win Some and Lose Some. --RoadDog

Doing Chicago Cubbie-Style, Origin of Term "Out in Left Field"

Much was made of the Chicago Cubs this year and their getting to the playoffs, where, unfortunately, they were three and out, and I'm not talking about the Bears' horrible first quarter against the Packers Sunday night.

There just wasn't much to cheer about versus the Arizona Diamondbacks. We got bit!!! At least I didn't have to wear my Cubs hat. I bought it several years back, but have never worn it. I told my MANY Cub-nut friends that I would wear it if the Cubs ever got to the World Series.

The Chicago Tribune had a whole page devoted to Cub-related places to see in Chicago called "A Cub Fan's Map of the Windy City...CUBBIE CHICAGO." Words by Mark Jacob, Illustrations by Rick Tuma.

Any Cub fan or baseball fan visiting Chicago should have this. There is a map with the pictures and words superimposed over them.

Besides Wrigley Field at 1060 W. Addison, the epicenter of the Cubs Nation since 1916 (I loved it when the Blues brothers gave this as their address), there are 16 other "must-see" sites. Some of them are as follows.

Graceland Cemetery- 4001 N. Clark-- Gravestone of William Hulbert, former Cubs president and co-founder of National League- features over-size baseball

Billy Goat Tavern-- 1885 Madison--When owner William Sianis tried to bring his pet goat to the 1945 World Series, he was denied admission and the billy goat curse began. Also, the SNL skit "Chez boiger, chez boiger, cheeps, Pepsi, no Coke."

Harry Caray's Restaurant- 33 Kinzie-- "Holy Cow!" Where the infamous "Bartman Ball" was exploded in 2004.

Chicago Daily News Building (site) - Wells and Madison-- coined nickname "Cubs"-- officialy adopted in 1907.

Biograph Theater-- 2257 N. Lincoln-- Where, in 1934, noted Cub fan.. and bank robber John Dillinger was killed.

West Side Grounds-- Polk and Lincoln, which is now Wolcott-- Now part of the Chicago Medical Campus. Home of Chicago Cubs 1893-1915. They WON their LAST World Series here in 1908. A mental institution was built beyond the left-field fence and some believe this gave rise to the term "out in left field."

Union Station-- 225 S. Canal-- (Also on ROUTE 66!!) Cub slugger Hack Wilson punched out Reds pitcher Pete Donohue in 1929 while waiting for a train. Probably an interesting story.

Old Comiskey Park-- 35th and Shields-- There is NO US Whatever Field to me. It will always be Comiskey to me. I don't much like those cell phones anyway. The Cubs were the "home team' here in the 1918 World series because it held more people. Take THAT, you CUB fans!!!

There are other places as well. Check it out.

Sure Glad I Didn't Have to Wear That Cubs Hat. As Andy the Clown Would Say, "Go You White Sox!!"--RoadDog

Down Da 66-- More on Route 66 Motels

The October 9th Arizona Republic had an article by Scott Craven titled "Vanishing Route 66 motels."

He cites the two major reasons for the decline of them to be the freeways and the hotel chains offering continental breakfasts and "comfortable sameness."

Arizona's motor courts are fast vanishing. "Only a handful survive thanks to proprietors who cater to the few travelers who still prefer the country's byways to its soulless highways." Well, "soulless highways" might be putting it a bit harsh, but it makes a point.

Emily Priddy blames this on the "homogenization of society where people prefer the convenient and predictable." Liz and I always try to stay in the old mom and pops, but sometimes we worry that we just might be getting into some situation that we don't want to be in. You never know with these mom and pops.

The article talked at length about Winslow, Arizona's Marble Motel on Route 66, dating back to the fifties. In 1974, Lee and Floranel Earl bought it and did some repairs before reopening it as Earl's Motor Court. I-40's bypassing of Winslow really hurt them. Fortunately, both had other jobs, which helped pay the bills.

Last summer's release of the animated movie "Cars" caused them to dig out the old neon signs, repair them, and put them up. They also returned to a policy of nightly rentals instead of weekly and monthly. Right now, they are at the break-even point. Let's hope they are able to make a go of it. I know where I'm going to stay the next time through, perhaps for the fun "Standing on the Corner Festival."

The article also talked about Allan Affeldt who bought the deteriorating La Posada Hotel ten years ago and have returned it to its former glory. We'll visit it, but it might be a bit too expensive for us. We walked through it at last year's Corner Festival and were impressed. They have done a great job to that historic place.

ONE OTHER THING, the Rt 66 News says that Albuquerque, New Mexico's La Posada Hotel might be reopening next year. Good news.

Save Those Old Motels!!! --RoadDog

Lincoln Log--Little Town, Big Heart--Crime Wave Hits Lincoln Highway

Some recent articles concerning the Lincoln Highway that I came across.

A SMALL TOWN WITH A BIG HEART

The small Indiana town of Hannah, near LaPorte, with population of 450, sounds like a definite Hee Haw Salute to me, is planning a big to do to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year. August 8-10th have been slated for the festivities.

The first settlers arrived in 1839 and it was surveyed and incorporated in 1858. The town was hurt badly in 1958 by the opening of the new US-30 which drew people away from the old Lincoln Highway. The old Yellowstone Trail also went through the town.

A group has organized to plan the celebration which might include a car rally, race, and some sort of a bicycle thing.

October 6 Herald-Argus "Hannah's having a party" by Derek Smith

CRIME WAVE ON LINCOLN HIGHWAY (Or the Case of the "Smushed" Donut)

Lancaster County, Pa., was stunned last Wednesday by the Great Donut Caper. A 39 year-old woman was arrested for stealing a donut from a grocery store at 1603 Lincoln Highway East.

The woman hid the donut down the back of her pants (Yuck!) and left the store without paying the required 44 cents. She was also arrested for an outstanding warrant for parole violation.

Police described the donut as "smushed."

From Dom's Weird News Blog. I also saw mention of it elsewhere.  Risk getting arrested for 44 cents.  Must have been really hungry.  "Smushed?"

Just When You Thought the News Could Not Get Any Worse. --RoadDog

Those Neat License Plates

Seen at Springfield's Route 66 Festival September 30th. These classic vehicles and their vanity plates were parked along the blocked off streets around the old state capitol.

MY 61- 1966 Corvette
MY CHVY- 1966 Impala
GOAT 12- 1964 GTO- window sticker-bought at Twin City Pontiac for $3,755.59.

MACH 69- 1969 Ford
64TBOLT- Ford Farlane Thunderbolt (never heard of it before)
66 KIX- 1955 Chevy Bel Air
BORN N 47- 1947 Ford truck

5 T ONE- 1951 Chevy pickup
COOOL 58- 1958 Chevy Bel Air
TIN CAN 62-- 1962 Pontiac Catalina

66 L CAM-- 1966 El Camino
AMX AMC-- 1968 AMX
GT CS 68-- California Special

DER BG 88-- VW Beetle
70 COUGAR
STYLIN 56-- Oldsmobile Holiday Super 88

XKE-- 1971 Jaguar
32 COOP-- Ford 3 window coupe
409 SS 63-- Chevy Impala

65 BELI- 1965 Belvidere
QQQWIK 1-- 1937 Ford Coupe
ORG CRSH-- orange 1937 Ford Coupe

I WHINE-- 1968 Ford Mustang GT
OLDRNME-- 1948 Ford
YNGR N ME-- 1947 Mercury convertible

A lot of the Illinois cars had license plates from the year that they were made.

Love 'Dem Neat License Plates. --RoadDog

Last Two Days to Vote!!

Just two days remain to vote in the American Express $1 million contest to historic preservation in the Chicagoland area.

The Luong Merchant Building is still in first place with 14% of the vote. Von Stubben High School and the Viking boat are in second and third with 10%. The place I'm backing, the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery is in 10th with 4%.

Others I'd like to see do well, besides the Viking boat, are the GAR Hall in Aurora in 9th with 4%, and the Petersen Historic Farmstead in McHenry in 22nd with 1%.

Get our there and vote.

http://www.partnersinpreservation.com/

Definitely Appreciate a Vote for the Fish Hatchery. --RoadDog

Dead Page: Randy Van Horne, Sang Cartoon TV Show Theme Songs

RANDY VAN HORNE 1924-2007

Invited us to meet George Jetson and had a Yabba Dabba Doo Time


Randy Van Horne, whose Randy Van Horne Singers performed the theme songs to the Jetsons and Flintstones has died at age 83 in Woodland Hills, Ca.. They also sang the Huckleberry Hound song and provided backing for Martin Denny's "Afrodesia" album. The group also recorded several of their own albums.

His group appeared on the Nat King Cole Show in 1957, but remained primarily a studio group. Along with theme songs for Hanna-Berra shows, the group also recorded many commercials and jingles, many of which were written by Van Horne. The group disbanded in the early 1970s.

From the LA Times.

Can you remember?

"Flintstones, meet the Flintstones, they're the ___ ____ _____.
From the town of ______
They're a ___ right out of ______."

Meet _____ Jetson
His boy ____
Daughter ___
_____, his wife.



ANSWERS
modern stone-age family, Bedrock, page, history
George, Elroy, Judy, Jane

Talking About Those Old One and Two Room Schools

The McHenry County Historical Society and author Robert W. Frenz are proud to announce the publication of Historic Country Schools of McHenry County, Illinois.

McHenry County, Illinois, located northwest of Chicago has been growing at a huge rate the last ten years as Chicago continues its march out to the country. Farms are fast disappearing and the population is exploding. The rural character of the county is fast disappearing.

Author Robert W. Frenz has put together a book to tell the tale of the some 140 one and two room school houses that existed here a hundred years ago. Quite a few of these schools still remain standing, some as homes and others as offices. "These buildings are a direct and visible link to an earlier and simpler time in our county's history."

You can order a copy from the McHenry County Historical Society for $34.95.

http://www.mchsonline.org/

Looks Like a Great Trip Down Memory Lane. --RoadDog

Berwyn Pushing Their Bungalows

This story goes back to late July, but is of interest. The July 22nd Chicago Tribune Real Estate section had a column by Mary Umberger about Berwyn's $131,000 campaign to attract new people to the city. A big part of this effort centers around that most Chicago of home, the bungalow.

"If the bungalow belt had a buckle, it would be Berwyn." Block after block in Berwyn consists of this type of home. Berwyn claims to have the largest concentration of bungalows anywhere. Fourteen billboards were rented in Chicago "to extoll the virtues of the suburb, population 65,000." A cable campaign was also taken out on the Home & Garden Network.

It is estimated that there are 20,000 households in the city and a large majority are bungalows. Plus, Berwyn is just 8 miles from downtown Chicago.

"Bungalow-style housing proliferated in the Chicago area roughly between 1910 and 1940. They evolved as working-class housing and are typically brick, with 1 or 1 and a half stories. In some neighborhoods, they have become so coveted that they lost their 'working-class' connection."

Median price of homes in Berwyn was $245,000 between December and February.

Of course, Berwyn is proud of its Route 66 heritage and has banners the whole length of the road through town. However, sadly, Walgreens is forcing the removal of the "Spindle" which may already be down as I haven't heard anything about it. Let's hope that another site can be found for it. It is quite the tourist attraction although there are those who think it is ugly.

But, sadly, the only thing I can think of when I hear the name Berwyn is when TV's Svenghouli, host of cheesy horror movies and even cheesier talk,  says "Berwyn" and from off-camera comes the response "BERWYN!!!!"

Berwyn Bungalows Are Best. --RoadDog

Lincoln Log- NJ Bridge Renamed

I followed this sad story a lot back at the end of 2005. It was nothing short of tragic.

The September 27th Jersey Journal reported that the bridge where two officers died on Christmas night was renamed in their honor.

It will now be known as the Police Officer Shawn Carson and Robert Ngujen Memorial Bridge. Bagpipers played "Amazing Grace" during the dedication.

The bridge was a part of the Lincoln Highway.

--RoadDog

Little Boxes Made of Ticky Tocky

Writing about Levittown brought to mind a song I remember hearing from the 1960s. I could remember the words "ticky tocky" but not the name. At first I thought perhaps "Little Houses" but a search didn't turn it up other than a song by country singer Doug Stone.

"Ticky Tocky" got me to the 1963 song by folk singer Malvina Reynolds called "Little Boxes." She was obviously not impressed with Levittown nor the people who "lowered" themselves to live there.

Some of the words:

Little boxes on the hill side, little boxes made of ticky tocky
Little boxes, little boxes, little boxes, all the same.

There's a green one and a pink one and a blue one and ayellow one.
And they're all made of ticky tocky and they all look just the same.

She then went on to cut down the parents and children.

Rats, Now I Have This Song in My Head. --RoadTock

Levittown Turns 60

While on vacation, I found an article in the September 30th Springfield State Journal Register about America's first major post-WWII suburb that was built by William Levitt on Long Island, NY. He started selling his homes on October 1st.

A huge 60th birthday party was planned for the 30th including a parade with nearly 24 former Levittown homeowners as grand marshals.

"It was October 1947 when developer William Levitt opened the first of what became 17, 544 Cape Cod and ranch houses rising from blighted potato fields 40 miles east of New York City, handing post-World War II GIs the keys to their American dream."

"It was an instant success, a prototype widely chronicled and duplicated nationwide."

Cape Cods originally sold for $6,990 and ranches for a thousand more. They were built on concrete slabs as basements would have slowed construction. Homes had "4 rooms, a bath, unfinished attic and amenities--steel kitchen cabinets, Bendix washer, GE refrigerator, Hotpoint range."

Prices for the homes today start at around $400,000, not a bad appreciation, although only a few still look like they did when built with all the modifications. Today, homes like these would not be considered to be much, what with all the McMansions being built and the ever expanding floor space. But this planned suburb set the stage for subdivisions all across the US.

Blacks were excluded at first, but later allowed to buy, but even today, only .5% of the inhabitants are black.

"Levittown turns 60" by Frank Eltman, Associated Press

From Wikipedia

The 2000 census had Levittown's population at 53,667 in 17,410 housing units. A total of 94.15% are white. Famous residents include Bill Griffith, the cartoonist for Zippy the Pinhead. Also Billy Joel lived here and Eddie Money attended the high school.

This was the first of a total of four Levittowns, the others being in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico. The Long Island Levittown was built from 1947-1951. It was "the first truly mass-produced suburb and is widely regarded as the archetype for postwar suburbs throughout the country." Their designs are also to be found in an older part of Buffalo Grove, Illinois. This town is not too far from me so I just might have to check it out some day.

To speed up production, precut lumber was used in a production line technique that would have made Henry Ford proud. To further keep costs down, non-union contractors were used.

In 1949, the larger and more modern ranch style homes were added to the home designs. The ranch home is enjoying a return to popularity today as the baby boomers get older and find climbing stairs to be much more difficult.

Buyers had to come up with $90 down and paid $58 a month. I'm paying $650 a month just in taxes!!!

From 1963 to 1970, my family lived in a later version of Levittown called Winston Park in Palatine, Illinois.

Little Houses Made of Ticky Tocky. --RoadDog

Springfield's Route 66 Festival Tops All Previous Records

The October 3rd State Journal Register of Springfield, Illinois, lauded the records set by this past weekend's Route 66 Festival.

The previous high of automobiles registered for the car show was just over a thousand. This year there were 1,169. Normally, only 600-700 cars make the Friday night cruise from the IDOT headquarters out on Dirksen Highway. This year, more than 1100 participated. I was along for a ride in Denny G's Corvette and this was a whole lot of fun with thousands of spectators lining the 8 or so mile route, all on alignments of Route 66.

Springfield police estimated attendance for the three days at 85,000 to 90,000.

Of course, there was the absolutely beautiful weather for the whole three days.

Mark September 26-28th for next year's festivities.

State Journal Register "Rt 66 festival a record-breaker" by John Reynolds

There were quite a few comments to the article. It cost $40 to pre-register and $50 the day of.  Some thought it was too high, but others said that it covered all three days. One person was particularly incensed by the parade as he couldn't get to where he wanted as all the roads with stoplights were blocked off by the police. Others said the person should have just said, "Oh well," and watched it.

I'll Be There, How 'Bout You? --RoadDog

Just Got Back from Route 66

We went on an eight day Route 66 cruise out to Lebanon, Missouri last week. This past weekend, we were at the Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Illinois. Along the way, we put 1200 miles on the car with about 1000 being on the Mother Road.

I took notes of gas prices along the way. Of course, they will change, but generally speaking, the cheaper places will remain cheaper. You can use these numbers on your next Route 66 drive.

September 25th
$2.85 Lexington, Il
$2.86 Litchfield, Il

September 26th
$2.68 Edwardsville

September 27th
$2.70 Lebanon, Mo
$2.56 St. Louis, Mo
$2.52 St. Charles, Mo

October 2nd All in Illinois along Route 66
$2.59 Springfield
$2.63 Williamsville- Love's west side of I-55
$2.73 Williamsville- Casey's
$2.63 Lincoln
$2.76 Bloomington
$3.00 Towanda- Fast Stop!!!!! Wow!!!!
$2.88 Chenoa
$2.76 Pontiac
$2.86 Dwight

That is quite a spread on the 2nd.

Suggesting a Gas Stop in Springfield and St. Louis. --RoadDog

What Looked Like a Silver Beach Ball with Whiskers, Went Beep Beep Beep, and Set the World on its Ear?

Fifty years ago today, October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched what would be considered a technological joke today into space and that had one HUGE impact here on earth.

This object was about three feet across and resembled a silver beach ball with whiskers and all it did was orbit and send out "beeps." Not too impressive by today's standards, but a major blow to American pride at the time. The Soviets had beaten us into space.

To make matters worse, a month later, Sputnik II went up with an ill-fated pooch by the name of Laika. We got our chance on December 6th when the Vanguard rocket lifted four feet off the launching pad at Cape Canaveral, fell, exploded, and sent our satellite bouncing along the ground.

We had more success with the Explorer I on January 31, 1958. Then, the Soviets got the first man in space Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961.

This set off the Space Race, one that America eventually won by putting men on the moon in 1969.

This increased pressure on American schools to improve science studies. Kind of a first No Child left behind, but one the government backed up with money.

By the way, Americans were glued to their TV sets on this date as well as a new series debuted, "Leave it to Beaver."

On this Date in 1957. --RoadDog

Speaking of On This Date, on this date in 1970, Janis Joplin was found dead in Hollywood at age 27. Drugs and hard-living also cost the lives of Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix, but the music survived.

--RoadDog

The Liars' Table Theory

As per the "haunting" of Route 66's Cozy Dog in Springfield, Illinois, as reported yesterday.

Like I said, twice the metal condiment holder crashed to the floor at the unoccupied table. The guys at the Liars Table said that it had happened before and they offered a more scientific explanation. Now, you wouldn't really expect a scientific explanation from these gents, but I got one anyway.

They said that the table had a slight slant to it. I looked, and it did. The Cozy Dog stores the ketchup and mustard in the refrigerator at night. When they put them back into the metal holder and then out at that table that receives full morning sun, condensation takes place. The water drips down to the table by the metal balls at the bottom of the holder. It is new and hasn't had any scratches on it. The holder then slides easily along the water to the edge and then to the floor.

That makes sense, but I like to think it's Ed Waldmire, the founder, or the displaced Lincoln Motel ghost. Maybe Ed's son, and noted Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire should make a drawing of it.

Things That Go Boo at Breakfast. --RoadDog

Is the Cozy Dog Haunted?

Just in time for Halloween, I have this story just in from Springfield, Illinois' famous Cozy Dog. This venerable Route 66 eatery is noted for its Cozy Dogs which are actually corn dogs, but corn dogs like you've never had before. There are those who have to have their Cozy Fix at least once a year. I'm one of them.

While having breakfast on Tuesday near the Liars Table, I was reading some of their periodicals when a metal condiment holder slid off the edge of an unoccupied table and crashed to the floor. This was witnessed by myself and two folks at the Liars Table.

One guy from the other table walked over and put it back in place. They told me that this has happened before and they have a scientific theory as to how it happened. About fifteen minutes, it happened again as if someone or something was trying to make a point. Again, it was cleaned up by a guy from the Liars Table.

I'm of the opinion that perhaps someone died in the old Abraham Lincoln Motel and it is continuing the haunting at the Cozy Dog which was torn down at its original spot and replaced by a, get this, Walgreen's (well, it's sort of on a corner). One of the Liar's Table guys said it might by Ed Waldemire come back from the dead to make sure everything is up to his standards. Perhaps he didn't want me to walk out with a magazine.

Weird Stuff at the Cozy Dog. What was That Song about "Laura?" --RoadDog

Da Bears Stink on Route 66!!!

After this past Sunday, there can be no doubt about that. We went to two bona fide Springfield, Illinois, Route 66 bars to watch the game.

We started at Capital City on the southeast corner of Springfield by Dirksen and Stevenson parkways (the old Route 66 bypass). It is located in a shopping strip mall right by the Hampton Inn. They have the NFL ticket and get all games and had the Bears on their 27 foot TV. Now that is life size to the extreme. However, we couldn't find a waitress there and the only open seats in the main bar were nowhere near a TV with the Bears game.

We then drove over to the Lake Springfield Tavern (LST) which dates to the construction of the lake back in the 30s. The workers had this as a primary hangout. Very friendly people and great prices-- $1.50 domestic bottles on Sundays. Part of the lake is over the original Route 66 south of town now.

The Bears self-destructed that last quarter and our vaunted defense was either too tired or not as good as it is tauted. At least Devin Hester was fun to watch. Watched the sad end to the Bears effort at the LST.

Later, we got a room at the Route 66 Hotel and Convention Center, which was originally the first Holiday Inn in Illinois. We were walking across old Route 66 to the Curve Inn for a few post game drinks to drown our sorrow, when Liz fell on the uneven shoulder and badly injured her ankle. I guess Rt 66 wasn't too kind to her either.

Have to Remember NOT to Watch the Bears on 66. --RoadDog