Zippy the Pinhead-- Part 2

On the Zippy website, there is a guide to understand the strip. Supposedly, you can get the gist in 6 easy lessons. But, as the site points out in a Mark Twain quote, "Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog---the procedure kills both."

Also, on the website, you can take a roadside tour to places Zippy has visited. Since I am living in Illinois, I checked that out and only found three strips.

1. The giant 62 foot Abraham Lincoln by Charleston, made by the same folks who brought you Fairchild the Gopher who graces the Minnesota State Fair.

2. Superman in Metropolis.

3. An elephant sipping a dry martini wearing dark glasses, but didn't say where it was.

www.zippythepinhead.com

Love That Zippy. --RoadDog

Zippy the Pinhead

While looking up some information on a favorite comic strip of mine, Zits, I came across a comic strip called Zippy the Pinhead by Bill Griffith . I've seen it occasionally before. I sure wish a local paper would carry it, Hear that, Chicago Tribune!!!!

This is one of the most anti-establishment, road riding, insightful, thinkingest strips I've come across. This one is right up my line in so many ways.

King Features carries it, Hear that Chicago Tribune. Unfortunately, on their site, they only have the strips from the first week of December. But a quick glance of these showed Dec. 4th about a muffler man, Dec. 5th and 6th featuring diners, and Dec. 7th, the Astro Motel. Just the stuff for a roadie.

Going to Zippy's own website, Jan. 5th was about a giant duck, Jan 7th a man on a pole, Jan. 8th a muffler man, and Jan. 16th had several old signs: Red Hot, bowling alley, and a bbq sign.

It started in 1970 as an underground comic. In 1986, the San Francisco Examiner picked it up. Evidently, they have dropped it several times, only to have to bring it back because of public outcry. Either you love it, or think it's the dumbest thing around. The strip is very confusing.

Zippy spends a lot of time traveling and commenting on interesting places. Much space is given to roadside icons, especially those of the giant variety. Also, Zippy has long reflective talks with the dachshund mascot of the now defunct Doggie Diner chain.

A famous quote from the strip, "Are we having fun yet." The Zip is married to fellow pinhead Zerbina and has two kids: Fuel-rod and Meltdown.

Love That Ol' Zippy. Hear That Chicago Tribune. --RoadDog

Lincoln Log: Hey Teach-- Dekalb's Anderson House-- Telephone Canyon-- Cozad, Ne. 100th Meridian

Some Stuff Up and Down the Lincoln Highway, the Father Road.

1. Hey Teach, in her blog of Jan 3rd, said she'd gotten the new Wallis and Williamson book on the Lincoln Highway and was going to use it as she planned to travel the old LH "as far as possible" this summer. Hopefully, she will also get a copy of Brian Butko's "Greetings from the Lincoln Highway" book as it is a lot better for directions, something you'd better have because of the poor signage I've seen on the parts I've driven, except in the great state of Illinois.

2. The Gonzo, in his blog, has been writing about the 150 sites on the National Register of Historic Places that he visited last year. He has been taking us on the trip this month.

On his Jan. 21st entry, he visited the A.O. Anderson House in Dekalb, Illinois. He said it was in a historical district, but wasn't yet on the NRHP, but definitely should be. It is commonly mistaken for a Frank Lloyd Wright house, but the Prairie Style home was actually designed by a Wright associate, John S. Van Bergen in 1916. He has included serveral pictures.

Gonzo has also done entries on Belvidere, Polo, Route 66, and Dwight, Illinois.

Well worth a look: http://fromthegonzo.wordpress.com/ .

3. Dave van Hulsteyn is taking a journey on the old Lincoln Highway and evidently, we have early postcards to get us ready for it. They are of Telegraph Canyon and Bittercreek. Check out the Jan. 20th entry. Both look very interesting. tspauld also likes to take pictures of old signs and food. Some mighty interesting stuff to view.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tspauld/

4. There is a sign in Cozad, Nebraska, which marks where the 100th meridian crosses US-30, the Lincoln Highway. It also is on the Oregon Trail, Pony Express Route, and the transcontinental railroad.

The 100th Meridian roughly marks the eastern border of the Great Plains.

Kozad has 4,163 people. There is a 100th Meridian Museum at 206 East 8th Street with a history of the town. A point of pride is the Yellowstone touring Concord coach used by President Taft's family to visit the park. It is pulled by draft horses and local parades.

While in town, don't forget to knock down a coupla pins at the 100th meridian Bowl.

Keep on Down that Lincoln. --RoadDog

Da Steakhouse-- Da Playoffs-- Da Pasty

Sunday, the 13th, we enjoyed the Don Q's complimentary breakfast sitting on some of the old barber chairs surrounding the huge circular fire pit in the lobby area.

One thing nice about the pool area is that we usually have it to ourselves. People in the Fanta-Suites aren't likely to venture out, and this is definitely not a place to bring your kids, so no screaming,yelling, and running.

Went across the street to Thym's for a delicious breakfast buffet for $7.99. Also enjoyed the $2 Bloody Mary. This place really decorates for Christmas and we were glad the decorations were still up.

Went to Jeffrey's for part of one playoff game. Much nicer today with fewer people and no euchre players. A little off subject here, but we find that another extremely unfriendly group are the little old ladies who play bingo. Don't get their ire up by talking. You wouldn't think they could be so nasty, but they sure are.

Got to sit at the bar and gab with the other folk. Saw the Chargers upset the Colts.

Then went to Dino's on, now here's truth in advertising, Diagonal Street, where we saw the start of the Giant-Cowboy game. Had a huge and delicious white cheese curd appetizer for $3.50. Would have liked to have ordered more, but we were still full from the breakfast buffet.

Watched the end of the New York victory at the room.

Da Pasty, Rhymes with Nasty

The next day, the 14th, we drove to Dubuque, stopping along the way for lunch at the old town of Mineral Point, the capital of Wisconsin when it was a territory. Much mining went on here in the 1800s and a lot of miners came over from Cornwall, England and settled. Of course, they bought their culture with them. Many of the structures in town and homes are Cornish. Several of the homes have been preserved in the Pendarvis State Historical site which isn't open during the winter.

Many of the Cornish settled in an area known as the Shake Rag, so named for the sound Cornish women made when they shook their cleaning rags to call their men home to eat.

We stopped at the Red Rooster Cafe which features fresh made Cornish pasties, the food the miners ate. You can get it either in the form of a big slice of pie or with the crust crimped over, the way the miners ate it. They'd best be described as a somewhat dry pot pie. The miners carried them to work, and would pull it out to eat without utensils.

Then, it was on to Dubuque, Iowa to see if the bald eagles were out and about. Continued.

Love This Cheesehead Land. --RoadDog

Down Da 66-- Airstream Ranch-- Andy Payne Ran Here--Glendora, Ca Tourist Camps

Just some news about the dear old Mother Road. The first two items were taken from the Route 66 News website/blog.

1. Airstream Ranch-- Orlando, Fl.-- Frank Bates has created an Airstream Ranch near this city. Eight vintage Airstreams are buried straight up in the ground, including one from 1957 and a 1963 mini-Airstream known as Bambi. The other six are scrounged from junkyards.

There is an RV from each decade Airstream has been in business as the company has just celebrated its 75th year. The Bambi represents the half decade.

Of course, this idea of burying items in the ground began with Cadillac Ranch, west of Amarillo, Tx, right there on Route 66.

2. Andy Payne ran Through Lincoln, Illinois. The Lincoln Courier recently had an article about the role Lincoln played in 1928's Bunion Derby which ran the length of the then two year old Route 66 before continuing on to NYC. The winner got the princely sum of $25,000.

As in other towns, the arrival of the runners, down to just 71 from the initial 2250 who started, was a really big deal. A large tent was set up and 25 cent admission for adults (10 cents for children) to view the runners as they crossed the finish line for the 31 mile segment from Springfield.

One of the runners was Harry Abramowitz who served as the grand marshal for the 1990 Route 66 Association of Illinois' annual motor tour.

3. I'm glad to hear the long vacant Witmor Farms Restaurant by Buckhorn, Missouri is to be reopened and redeveloped. The restaurant is slated to remain.

4. The Glendora, Ca. History Blogspot had an entry on 1920s era tourist camps in the town. They had four photos of the local auto camp and a history of it. There were also several other entries of interest to 66ers for the Small Town, Big History.

http://glendorahistory.blogspot.com

Keep on Down That Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

Da Q-- Da Pack

Continued to snow and flurry all the way to Dodgeville. However, the snow was sticking to the trees, nature was doing its painting. Absolutely beautiful.

Checked into the Don Q Inn and stayed in a regular room for $60. The place features numerous Fanta-Suites, but that's just not our thing anymore, after 34 years of marriage.

We stopped at a local Wal Mart to buy Packer apparel, but only found five tee shirts, despite the fact that just about everyone was in full Green Bay dress. Perhaps they had bought all the gear. Fortunately, we had Packer stuff with us, so blended in. Imagine a Wisconsin store with no Packer gear?

Drove to downtown Dodgeville, with the beautiful old Iowa County courthouse, the oldest operating one in the state and built in the 1840s. Across from it is a block with three Wisconsin bars. We hit all three. What better place to watch the Packers play than in a Wisconsin bar packed with Da Pack fans.

The first one was The Red Room. Nice bar, but an hour before the game, there were only about six people. We figured this wouldn't be much fun. After a drink, we went over to Jeffrey's Sports Bar. This place was so packed, we could only find seats at a table and would have had to go to the bar to get drinks. Even worse, there were quite a few unfriendly euchre players at the other tables. They were entranced with their game. Decided to leave.

Went to Jimmy's, and were the only ones in the place. Hey, what gives? This is Packer Country. Where are the Packer fans? A couple people came in and we watched the first five horrific minutes of the game when running back Hugh Grant fumbled twice and the Seahawks were up 14-0. What happened here?

Not much to cheer about, and not many folks to cheer with anyway. So we left and went back to The Red Room. Walking across the parking lot between the bars, we heard Jeffrey's erupt in cheering and yelling and figured the Pack must have scored. They had.

The Red Room was now full, but some folks moved so we were able to get a seats at the bar. From then on, we had a lot better time. Not only were the folks friendly, but also the Packers started dominating. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Watched the first half of the New England game at the House on the Rock Inn and Thym's. The House on the Rock Inn is fairly new and epitomizes the North Woods with all the wood and exposed beams. In the bar area, there are three huge ship-of-the-line models hanging up by the ceiling.

Thyms is a traditional Wisconsin steakhouse, dating to the 1960s. This is always a definite stop when we visit the Dodgeville area. We didn't order anything, as were still too full from the meal in Mt. Horeb and all the snacking we did in the bars earlier.

Fun and Games in Cheesehead Land. --RoadDog

Wonder Spot in Wisconsin Dells is No More

Came across an article in the Jan 13th Wisconsin State Journal, that an old Wisconsin Dells favorite, and one of the earlier tourist attractions is evidently a thing of the past.

The Wonder Spot was a small cabin where the laws of gravity were somewhat broken where chairs seemed to balance on two legs and water flowed uphill. The actual reason was that it was built at the same angle as the uphill slope of the hill it was built on.

The village of Lake Delton bought the land it was located on in 2006 for planned highway improvements.

It may be gone, but at least 13 of the items from it were acquired by the Wisconsin Historical Society including a ladder, chair, flywheel, water bucket, and a water can for poring water uphill.

Before the Dells Became almost all Water Parks, --RoadDog

Da Trolls --Da Norse --Da Don Q --Da Pack

On our annual bald eagle road trip right now, despite the horrendous cost of gas. It was $3.04 in Fox Lake, when we left, $3 near the Wisconsin border, $3.16 around Madison, and $3.12 here in Dodgeville. And, I can remember pulling out of a gas station back in '69 because they had the audacity to be charging 34 cents!!!!! Remember, things don't always change for the better.

Took US-12 north all the way to Madison. From the Illinois border to north of lake geneva, it is a four lane expressway, but with that one great "Caution, low-flying aircraft sign a ways south of Lake Geneva. Lots of beautiful scenery, especially when you round one bend north of LG and look into a small valley.

From where the freeway ends to outside of Madison, it is a great, winding two-laner. You now have a bypass around Whitewater, and there are the remains of an old tourist cabin slowly doing a John's Cabins thing between that city and Fort Atkinson.

Once US-12 gets to Madison, it is part of a four lane bypass and aligned with three other US highways: 51, 18, and 151.

We took US-18/151 west to Mt. Horeb, home of the Trollway. Some towns have a parade of cows or fish. Mt. Horeb celebrates its Scandiavian heritage with trolls. There are about 14 of them at various points along the main street. The whole length of the eastern approach to town is now a four lane road with old timey light posts, and, unfortunately, about five traffic circles. I am not very fond of these!!!!

Stopped at Shubert's on the main street and had a delicious Norse meal and enjoyed their rosettes, quite a delicacy. Someone had taken some of the ornate ceiling tin tiles down and painted elaborate Green Bay Packer and University of Wisconsin logos on them. Going to the bathroom was a real experience, going up 21 somewhat creaky old stairs and encountering a throne, ala the Riviera in Gardner, Illinois.

Went for a walk through of the Mustard Museum a few doors down the block. Who'd have figured a whole place dedicated to that special condiment. They even operate Poupon U. from the place with fight songs to the tune of those of Wisconsin and Notre Dame, mugs, pennants, and other stuff you'd find at a college store. A warning sign upon your entance says you will be subject to a search for contraband items such as ketchup and mayonnaise.

Almost to Dodgeville. --RoadDog

Wahoo's Preservation Alley-- Waltham, Mass. Gets on Board-- Da Missouri Bridge

I was calling this Cooter's Preservation Alley, but I'm now using Cooter for Cooter's History Thing. http://cootershistorything.blogspot.com.

I will be spinning this off at some point, but for now....

Last December 24th, I posted about how the town of Waltham, Massachusetts, wasn't doing as much as they should be to protect its historic sites. Well, I was very happy to see this article in the December 30th Daily News Tribune. "Historic neighborhood up for National Register honor" by Leslie Friday.

Waltham's Washington Park Subdivision is one of six statewide locations up for nomination to the National register of Historic Places by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

The Washington Park subdivision between Walnut and Harvard streets was the vision of real estate developer Dustin Lancey in 1865. He was inspired by the Urban Parks Movement where buildings would be placed around a park. This area consists of mostly late-Victorian architecture, but there are also Queen Anne, Italianate, Gothic revival, stick, and Second Empre style homes.

The word "commuter" was first used here as rail lines reached Washington Street in 1940. Historically-appropriate street lights have been installed.

2. Residents in the southwest Missouri town of Powell are attempting to rescue an old ironclad trestle bridge.

The old one lane bridge over Big Sugar Creek was built sometime between 1912 and 1915 and has a three ton weight limit and a 7 foot clearance. Emergency vehicles use other routes rather than to cross it.

It's deteriorating condition and significant corrosion makes its replacement necessary. Supporters want to close it to vehicular traffic and turn it into a biking/walking trail, or move it.

Let's hope one of these things are done. Too often today, you can cross water and not know you're on a bridge. I liked it when a bridge looked like a bridge.

One More Creek to bridge. --Wahoo.

Lincoln Logs--The Old Toll House-- Heritage Highway Restaurant-- Money Well-Spent

Catching up on some news of the Lincoln.

1. Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania-- Evidently, there has been quite a controversy going on between St. Thomas Development Corporation and local residents over a proposed quarry. It has lasted three years.

In an attempt to appease the residents, the company has plans to donate land and a historic toll house to the Franklin County Historical Society-Kittochtinny. This land is along US-30 west of Campbell's Run Road and includes an 1818 toll house from the old Chambersburg & Bedford Turnpike Company and is referred to as Toll house #2 which was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. This road predates our Lincoln by 100 years. Turnpikes were the latest thing in fast road travel back then.

It is hoped that the toll house will become a major tourist attraction for the Lincoln Highway Corridor. It will also house the St. Thomas Historical Society and museum.

Gettysburg is at the eastern terminus of the corridor, and of course, draws a huge crowd. It is hoped that the corridor will get some of these folks to go west.

Hey, for that historic structure, I'd be inclined to let them go ahead with the quarry.

From Public Opinion--Chambersburg, Pa. by Matthew Major.

2. Adele's Diner in Reels Corners has new owners and will be getting a new name Heritage Highway Restaurant. It is a former gas station now turned into a restaurant. According to new manager Tammy Blough, it was built in 1936 on Route 30. After the pumps were removed an ice cream stand was added.

I'm glad that the new owners are getting into the old road thing, but I wish they'd kept the old name. Perhaps call the place Adele's Heritage Highway Diner. Hey, but we'll take whatever we can get.

Dec. 26, 2007 Johnstown, Pa. Tribune-Democrat "Diner goes back to its route roots" by Kecia Ball. I have to admit I liked that "route roots" play on words.

3. Omaha, Nebraska has been working with its historic heritage with ongoing surveys to determine buildings, houses, and neighborhoods with historical significance. Of course, the Lincoln highway is a major highway through the area.

Zesto's (I'm not sure if it's on the Lincoln) in Florence is a down-home old-fashioned ice cream and food joint on North 30th street that is on the list because of its 1950s architecture.

In 2008, downtown Elkhorn (on LH), south Omaha, and Fort Omaha will have surveys made. This is costing Omaha $45,556. Elkhorn also has that great original stretch of bricked Lincoln Highway.

Four years ago, as a result of the survey, the Vinton Street Commercial District between Elm and South 17 streets was added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

Dec. 27, 2007 Omaha World Herald "Omaha seeking out the historic" by Karen Sloan.

Always Great for a City to Appreciate its heritage. --RoadDog

Lincoln Highway--Webb's Service Station-- Van Wert, Ohio

There was a very interesting article in the December 26, 2007 Van Wert Times Bulletin titled "Webb's Service Station, restaurant and tourist cabins a popular spot in the mid-1900s" by Jim Cox.

It was at the corner of the Lincoln Highway and Convoy-Heller Road north of Convoy. Webb's Hi-Speed Service Station, Restaurant and Tourist Cabins operated from 1946 to 1966.

Jim Cox interviewed Larry Webb for the story. He said his parents and grandparents owned and operated the place. The tourist cabins and gas pumps are long gone, but the restaurant is still there as a private residence. The garage remains as well.

The business was built in 1931 by Noah Poling. His parents, Myron and Jenny Webb and grandparents Harry and Ola Wherry bought it in 1946. All four as well as his sister Becky and he lived behind the restaurant.

Larry Webb said the place was a big attraction in its day. For 15 cents, you'd get a huge slice of pie that was baked fresh every day by his mother and grandmother. They usually made 13 pies a day. Customers had a fit when the price was raised to 25 cents. Some customers would call in advance and order a pie. Truckers often came in, but their best customers were the local farmers.

The restaurant had four tables and five bar stools along the counter. Larry still has the bar and stools at his house.

They first sold Hi-Speed Gasoline, then Pure, and later Sohio. Gas fluctuated from 27 to 30 cents a gallon (Don't we wish).

They were open 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, except the cabins which were closed during the winter. They had electric and water hookups for campers and the cabins rented for $4 single and $7 double.

They were on a little more than an acre of land and one of Larry's chores was to cut the grass with an old reel-type push mower. After Larry moved away, his dad bought a riding mower. When Larry asked him why he hadn't done it sooner, his dad replied, "I didn't have to--I had you." (I liked this one.)

In the 1950s there were lots of family owned and operated businesses. Larry Webb said there were 7 gas stations between their place and the Indiana line. Interstates have ended it.

Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

Two Deaths of Road Interest--It's a Small Small World and California-Style Pizza

This past week, two people died who have had an impact on road travel.

Whether you like Disney's "It's a Small, Small World" or find the song annoying, it is still a major thing to see when visiting Disneyland (I'm not sure if it's in Disney World). Joyce Carlson, 84, died in Orlando, Florida.

She had a 56-year career with Disney and started delivering paint and brushes to the artists before working her way up. In 1964, she and others worked on creating the prototype for "It's a Small, Small World" which made its debut at the 1964 New York World's Fair.

When she retired in 2000, a window on Disney World's Main Street was dedicated to her. It reads, "Miss Joyce, Dollmaker to the World."

Ed LaDau, 52, is given credit for creating what is called California-style pizza which features non-traditional toppings. Sure like my pizza when traveling.

Down Da 66--Close Calls in Springfield, Il--Bunion Derby Book--Witmor Farms

Some News from the Mother Road.

1. The fire department was called out twice in Springfield, Illinois to two historic sites on January 4th. According to the State Journal-Register, little damage was done at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House from a fire in the carriage house which houses the visitors center and gift shop. It is believed it was caused by a boiler malfunction.

Later, they were called to to Union Station where the sprinkler system lost pressure and set off a fire alarm. Quite a bit of water fell, but only did minor damage. Union station serves as the visitors center for the city and the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library which is across the street.

Both of these sites should be on the itinerary for any trip to Springfield, be it a Lincoln or Route 66 thing.

2. There is a new book on the 1928 Bunion Derby by Charles B. Kastner. He will be meeting to discuss the book and do signings Tuesday at Elliott Bay Book Co. in Seattle, Washington.

3. The long-closed Witmor Farms in Buckhorn, Missouri will be annexed to Waynesville, Missouri to provide city services. William J. Peach, a Rolla car-dealer has bought the property with plans to redevelop it as a restaurant and other uses.

Waynesville can do this because it had previously annexed Highway 17 in 1999. Waynesville, St. Robert, and Crocker have been annexing land along state highways. Highway 17 is also known as Route 66.

Glad to hear that Witmor Farms will be reopening. It's been closed every time we've been by it.

A bit of the history of the place from David Wickline's "Images of 66." It was the very first store in the Nickerson Farm Restaurant chain from 1960-1979. I.J. Nickerson was once a partner of W.S. Stuckey, of Stuckey's, but a difference of opinion sent them on their different ways. Nickerson's featured Skelley Gasoline and had bee hives for fresh honey.

From 1980-1987 it was Ted Williams Steakhouse and from 1988-2005, it was Witmor Farms.

Keep on Down hat Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

Topsail Island, NC, a Great Beach Destination

My cousins Graham and Vickie have had a townhouse there since the 1970s. My mom bought one next to his a few years ago. It is right across the street from the ocean, and it is one beautiful stretch of beach.

I personally didn't care much for the area during my partying days as there really wasn't much of that nature there, not like nearby Caroliona Beach and Myrtle Beach, about 70 miles to the south. But, of late, I find it just the place to go for relaxation. And, I also like the fact that it is not too crowded...yet. But beach property is hot, and even as the prices go up, people are moving there in large numbers.

There is a small downtown Topsail Beach, and seven miles up the island, there is the bustling Surf City.

More on This Destination Later. --RoadDog

Chicago's Green Mill Celebrates Century Mark

I've never been to it, but you definitely hear about the place a lot. The Green Mill in Uptown has had its high and lows over the last one hundred years, but currently, it is in the best-shape ever.

The Dec. 28th Chicago Tribune had an article "100 years, but hardly run of the mill" by Howard Reich about this storied place.

It began in 1907 as Pop Morse's Roadhouse. By 1910, the Chamales brothers had bought the place and changed the name to Green Mill Gardens and built a windmill on the roof.

During Prohibition, Al Capone spent time here and singer Joe E. Lewis throat was slashed by gangsters when he accepted an offer to perform elsewhere. Mobster "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn, who is believed to be the principal planner and assassin in the St. Valentine's Day massacre, operated it as a gin joint during the 1920s.

During the 60s and 70s, the club went into decline, but in 1986, Dave Jemilo bought it and restored it to its former splendor. He also brought in talent that got the crowds lining up at the door.

Glad to See the Mill Doing so Well. --RoadDog

Hey, a Famous Guy Lived Here

You always hear about Abe and George living here or sleeping there. But, there are other homes and places of famous folks as well. Some have been saved and some are in danger.

Jimi Hendrix-- his Seattle home was almost torn down in 2001, but was moved to another city lot. Now it is being "evicted" from there. Hopefully, someone will save it.

Ernest Hemingway-- his fans wanted to turn the Ketchum, Idaho house in which he committed suicide in 1961 into a museum, but neighbors don't want the rabble visiting it.

Johnny Carson-- Investors paid $150,000 in 2003 for his boyhood home in Norfolk, Nebraska, but couldn't sell it, even after dropping the price to $93,500 on eBay. It has now been bought by a firm that develops historical properties.

Andy Warhol-- His boyhood home in Pittsburgh, Pa., has been vacant and falling apart since 1999. Talks are underway with the owner by a group interested in restoring it.

Andy Griffith-- Boyhood home in Mt. Airy, NC, has been turned into a place you can rent nightly. "Not only did Andy sleep here, but You as Well." Mayberry was based on Mt. Airy, about 60 miles north of Winston-Salem.

Let's Hope All These Places are Saved. --RoadDog

Wahoo's Preservation Alley-- Money for the Hotel

The 1891 Fort Piqua Hotel in Piqua, Ohio, has received a tax credit for almost $3.7 million from the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program. The city itself is spending $19.6 million to restore the grand ballroom and the Flesh Public Library will occupy 45,000 to the 85,000 square feet of space.

The beautiful 5 story Romanesque structure closed in the 1980s. It once was host to famous people and statesmen, including presidents teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. During the Civil Rights movement, African-Americans were able to be served food at the bus stop lunch counter. In the 1970s, Vietnam draftees waited in the lobby for buses taking them to the military induction center in Cincinnati.

Always Good to Find New Uses for Significant Architecture. --RoadDog

In Case You Can't Find It

Civil War stories have been moved to http://sawtheelephant.blogspot.com/.

History news is now at http://cootershistorything.blogspot.com/. The Dead Page is here as well.

I will be moving the preservation news to a new blog later this month. It will probably be called Wahoo's Preservation Alley when it does.

If you want to see what is going on in Dogville, check out http://downdaroadigo.blogspot.com/.

A BIG HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! --RoadDog