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