Long Weekend on the Road-- Part 5-- The Hilton-- Still Closed-- SCV

April 18th

Drove to the Hilton Hotel in downtown Springfield, the tallest building in town and in a circular shape, at least 29 stories high, and with a great view of the city and environs. I can remember being there one night on the opening day of the annual Route 66 Festival and having a huge thunder storm. Kind of strange being at the same height as the clouds and watching the lightning. (That Friday of the festival was rained out, but lots of places to have a good time at downtown.)


STILL CLOSED

I was sorry to see George Ranks, the round orange bar and on an alignment of Route 66, was still closed. We had some good times in that old 40s place and good food as well. I'd sure be happy if they could get it open as well as the unique Norb Andy's which was in an 1840s building and had been serving drinks and food (we had our first horseshoes there) since around 1900. Locals, politicians, other government-types (but no Blago who was hanging out in Chi-Town) hung out there. We had one lobbyist who was entertainment all by himself. He was there most nights. Everyone we've talked to since who hung out there knew him.


SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS

We had our annual Illinois Division convention there, as we've had the last four years. We were in the Vista Room on the 29th floor. Imagine Rebels overlooking the town of Lincoln. To paraphrase Scarlett, "Rebels in Springfield!! How can this be?"

We had 28 in attendance, business, officer reports, and camp reports. Camp Douglas, the camp I belong to has long been the biggest group in Illinois, but we have been passed by the Lt. George E. Dixon Camp 1962, which has more than doubled in size and are more than a bit proud of it.

We had a great lunch, then, in the commander of the Indiana Division, Stephen L. Ritchie, gave a talk on recruitment with lots of information.

For more on the convention, read my Civil War blog:
http://sawtheelephant

One Great Town, Springfield, Illinois. --RoadDog