Seven Days, Seven Bands-- Part 5: It's Thursday in Antioch, Illinois

Thursday, June 16th, 2014.

Drove to Antioch before the concert and ate at Culver's  (love those butter burgers).  Then went to the Farmer's Market and walked over to the Lakes Historical Society Museum in the old Antioch school dating to around 1900.  There was supposed to be a presentation on Lake County place names, but we couldn't find anyone there.

With some time on our hands, we took a one mile ride up Il. Route 83 to Wisconsin and stopped into the State Line Pub to check it out.  We've driven by it many times, but never gone inside.  Pretty small and could be classified a dive bar, but really friendly folks inside.  All of them liked our tee shirts.  Liz was wearing her one with the logos of Da Bears, Da Bulls, Da Hawks and Da Cubs spliced together into a new logo.  I had on my one which had the same things, but instead of Da Cubs, I have Da Sox.  Lots of comments on these.

Then went to the weekly It's Thursday festival area which is behind Main Street at a stage and saw Alex and the All-Stars, a high energy rock band featuring a female named Alex on drums and three others, including a guy who looked straight out of the sixties (with long gray hair to prove it) who could really wail away on lead guitar.

They were quite the high energy band and played a lot of classic and more current rock.

We found several of the Usual Suspects in attendance.

That makes five bands in four days since I started the "quest" on Monday.

Stopped at Tommy's on the way home and toasted Chicago's TWO LAST PLACE baseball teams.  Not many towns can claim even one last place team, but not Chicago.

We GOT!! Two, Count 'em, TWO Last Place Teams.  --RoadDog

WXRT Summer Songs-- Part 2

Summer Playlist 2

* A SUMMER SONG--  Chad & Jeremy (Or were they Peter and Gordon?)
* RAIN ON THE ROOF--  Lovin' Spoonful  (John on harp.)
* SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER--  Happenings

* SUMMER'S ALMOST GONE--  Doors
* SUMMER OF '69--  Bryan Adams  (Shoulda know we wouldn't get far.)
* IN THE SUMMERTIME--  Mungo Jerry  (Lead singer actually out-sized Sly's sideburns.)

"If Her Daddy's Rich...."  --RoadDog

WXRT Summer Sings-- Part 1

WXRT by Frank E. Lee "Playlist."

Some I'm familiar with, others not.  All accompanied by video at the site.  Familiar With*

Summer List #1

SUMMERTIME SADNESS--  Lana del Ray
HEAVEN RIGHT HERE--  Jeb Loy Nichols
SUMMERTIME--  Sundays
THAT SUMMER FEELING--  (live) Jonathan Richman

* CRUEL SUMMER--  Bananarama--   (A real fun video)
* SUMMERTIME BLUES--  Eddie Cochran
* LONG HOT SUMMER--  Style Council
* HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME--  Sly & the Family Stone  (Diggin' Sly's big-time side burns.)

--RoadDog

2014 Route 66, Cruisin' Music-- Part 6 The Dock of the Bay

As in "SITTIN' ON) THE DOCK OF THE BAY) by OTIS REDDING.  One of my all-time favorite soul singers.  The single went to #1 Jan.27, 1968, posthumously after his death in a plane crash December 1, 1967 in Lake Monomo, Madison, Wisconsin.

The song "Tramp" with Carla Thomas went to #26 and "Glory of Love" to #60.  (It had been a #1 hit for Benny Goodman in 1936.) Of course, Otis put the s-o-u-l in it.

And these were short songs.  All but two of the 11 were under 3 minutes

As usual, he was backed by that great Srax/Atco house band, Booker T. & the MGs on all tracks but two.  He had Isaac Hayes and Booker T. Jones on keyboards, Steve Cropper and guitar, Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass, Wayne Jackson on trumpet and Al. Jackson, Jr. on drums.

Of course, I liked all of the songs, but especially "I'm Coming Home to See About You" and "Huckle Buck."

I don't know, but cruising 66 with Otis.  Wow!!!

"Otis, He Loves Us!"  --RoadDog

Seven Days, Seven Bands-- Part 4: Wednesday: Woodstock, Illinois

June 25th, Wednesday.

Drove to McHenry for some shopping and had quite a deluge of rain while in Meijer's.  I couldn't help but wonder if this was going to be a repeat of the Saturday Jewel meat locker tornado warning, but it wasn't.

Fortunately, it was just about 15 minutes and the sun came out immediately after, so continued on to Woodstock for the band concert out at the gazebo.

I parked in the 1840s town square and then walked over to the Mexican restaurant and had a taco dinner.  This restaurant was the site of the Tip-Top Cafe so prominently featured in the movie "Groundhog Day" where Bill Murray stuffed his face and showed Andie McDowell how well he knew townfolk, "Hey morons, your bus is leaving."  "I'm not THE God, but one of them."

June is Dairy Month and the Farm Bureau had an ice cream social provided by Dean's.  Free ice cream, cheese and milk at the Spring House.  The grass was a bit wet, but I had my folding chair so got a nice spot close to the gazebo (also in the movie where Murray walked by it on his way to Gobbler's Knob which was also filmed on the Square.  This is also where he danced with Andie to that great Ray Charles song.

Waiting for the Woodstock City Band to start, I could see the under-construction cupola of the 1850s courthouse with all the scaffolding, the tower of the opera House (where Andie stayed as the Pennsylvanian Hotel and where Murray tried to commit suicide by falling out of the tower).

What troubled me the most was that I was under the gaze of a Yankee soldier up there on the top of the Civil War Memorial, and me a son-of-the-south.  This was where "Groundhog Day's" snowball fight took place when Murray was trying to woo Andie.

And Then, the Band.  --RoadDog

Seven Days, Seven Bands-- Part 3: Main Beach and More Bands

I should mention that last weekend, we saw six bands Friday to Sunday.  Friday, there was a folk singer at the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery fish boil fundraiser.  Saturday, there was a solo singer, high school band (actually quite good) and another band at the fundraiser at the American Legion for the woman with cancer.  Sunday, we heard a say-nothing deejay at the Peterson Farm open house in McHenry, Sugar High band at Captain's Quarters and another band at the cancer fundraiser at Donovan's Reef.

I should also mention one thing that we saw and liked at Main Beach in Crystal Lake for the New Odyssey concert.  They had piers and quite a few folks boated their way to the concert.  Now, that is an interesting way to go to a concert: Boat to it.

Now That's Concerting in Style.  --RoadDog

Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake, Illinois

On Tuesday, we went to Crystal Lake's Main Beach to see New Odyssey play, part of my Seven Bands in Seven Days effort.  Main Beach was once part of what is called the Dole Mansion, a Crystal Lake landmark that fortunately still stands.

It belonged to Chicago successful businessman Charles S. Dole who bought over 1,000 acres of land by Crystal Lake in the 1860s.  Construction of the mansion cost well over $100,000, a very substantial amount back then.  And, no expense was spared.  Charles was quite the wealthy man and wanted a showcase to show it off to his Chicago friends out in the country.

Charles S. Dole was a member of the Chicago Board of Trade grain market and with his brother James, was a partner in the Chicago-based Armour, Dole & Company.  (I'll write about this company in my Cooter's History Thing blog later today.)  The name Armour makes me wonder.  Was this the Armour of meatpacking fame?

An example of his wealth took place at his daughter's 1883 wedding when he had a railroad spur built to the mansion from Crystal Lake's train station by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad so his guests would not have to take horse and buggies.

He lived there until the 1890s and then sold it to his son-in-law for $1.  In the early 1900s, it was owned by several ice companies who used it for operations in the lake.  In 1922, it became Crysrtal Lake's first country club.

In 1945, it was sold to the Franciscan Order and used as a seminary until closing in 1970.  The city now owns it.

--RpadDog

Seven Days, Seven Bands-- Part 2, Tuesday: New Odyssey at Crystal Lake's Main Beach

Tuesday, June 24th.

After boating, we drove to Crystal lake, encountering the obsessive road construction in Johnsburg and Crystal Lake.  This is one major road construction season this summer around McHenry County.  Road flowers absolutely everywhere.  

We stopped at Riverside on the way.  This is located on the Fox River at Burton's Bridge and on the Chain Crawl so we needed to get a passport stamp anyway.  Thoroughly enjoyed their 50 cent tacos.

Drove Il-176 into Crystal Lake past that mess (now in its second year) at 176 and 31.  Parked and walked around the old downtown area and saved money because the Flag Store was closed.  Lots of interesting stores and went into one featuring stained glass.  The downtown is anchored by the Raue Center, a 1920s movie theater that holds all sorts of events.  Several years back, we saw Bob Newhart there.

We then drove south to Main Beach, parked at the Dole Mansion and walked over to the outdoor stage to see New Odyssey play.  The guitar player went to school with Liz in Chicago until 8th grade.  They put on one  unbelievable show as advertise themselves as "Three Guys, Thirty Instruments."  They play all 30 during the course of performing, including all 30 during a ten-minute  Beatles medley.

If you don't have a good time at one of their concerts, it is your own fault.  Judging from the comments around us, they made a LOT of new fans tonight.

Afterwards, we stopped at McDonald's for $1 sundaes, had fun with the road construction again around the 176-31 intersection and the construction mess in McHenry.

Two Bands Down, Five to Go.  --RoadDog

Seven Days, Seven Bands-- Part 2: Monday-- McHenry Car Show

On Monday, June 23rd, I drove over to McHenry, Illinois, and ate at the Grand Buffet Chinese restaurant.  How can they serve shrimp and crab meat for $7?  Then, I saw a movie at the McHenry Theater "How to Train Your Dragon: 2"  Just as good as the first one.

Then, I bought four Kinks CDs at our local mom and pop record store, The Vinyl Frontier.  Some guy recently came in and sold his whole collection of Kinks CDs, something I've been looking for a lot of recent.  That was 40 CDs of which I have now bought six.  I had to turn down the owner's offer to sell all of them to me for $100.  Maybe that was a mistake.

Then drove over to Green Street and parked and went to the classic car show, featuring my favorite, Pontiacs,  tonight.  Always enjoy looking at the cars, but have to wonder about the owners who usually just pull up, open the hood, dust the car and sit behind them.  I did see one 1968 Firebird (my favorite Pontiac)..

I bought an Illinois 1951 license plate from a guy as that was the year Liz and I were born.  She was born in Illinois, but I was born in North Carolina so reckon I'll have to get a NC one for me.

He said he started collecting license plates in 1952 when he used to drive his bike on rounds around his town and buy them from gas stations and currency exchanges when people left them or didn't pick them up.  His mom didn't like his growing collection and his poor wife "inherited" it when she married him.  He said that he once had a straight collection from 1920s to current of Illinois license plate # 300, but sold it for real big bucks.  He also had some 1943-1948 license plates (WWII shortages) that were made from soybeans, something most people don't know.

While I was talking to him, a guy came up and started talking about record players in cars.  I never knew they had record players in cars.  While growing up, I always thought that would be a good idea, but had no idea how'd they do it and what about skipping when hitting bumps in the road?  The guy said he had a buddy with one and it was his job to change the tunes as they drove around.   The license plate dealer said these were mounted upside down under the dash.  Perhaps I am going to have to read some more on these.

And, there was a duo playing on a makeshift flatbed stage and doing quite well.  They reminded me a bit of the Brewer & Shipley "One Toke Over the Line" and "Tarkio Road" back during my college days.

So, Day One, Band #1.  Six to Go.  --RoadDog

Seven Days, Seven Bands-- Part 1:

I really enjoy summer around here, despite this year's "Storm Season" we've been having the last twelve days where we get a storm most every day.

That has cut into boating and also causing problems with my latest effort, which is to see seven (or more) bands in seven days.

Seeing seven bands on seven straight days is something you can't do in most locales.  Seeing bands is easy on the weekends, but definitely not so easy Monday to Thursday.

Let's see If I Make It.  --RoadDog

Mileage on 2014 Route 66 Trip

Mileage to Sullivan, Missouri, from Spring Grove, Illinois:  400.9 miles

Mileage to the Munger-Moss Motel in Lebanon, Mo.:  538.2

Total trip Mileage:  1,192.1.

Drivin' and Listnin".  --RoadDog

Gas Prices on Route 66 Trip 2014

Filled up in Springfield, Illinois at $3.60 on June 10th  As usual, the farther we got from Chicago, the less expensive gas.

Got more gas in Sullivan, Missouri, June 11th for $3.46.    Gas in Lebanon, Mo. was $3.34. June 12th.  Filled up by Chain of Rocks Bridge June 14th for $3.50.

Gas at the Thornton Station in Springfield on June 15th was $3.87.  It was $3.60 five days later.

Thanks a lot GRBs and Big Oil.  --RoadDog

Illinois 2014 Route 66 Motor Tour-- Part 4: Illinois Radio

Listened quite a bit to Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection CD on the way south along Route 66.

We also checked out local radio stations at various points along the way, the first being 103.1 FM an oldies format station out of Pontiac, Illinois.  Once near Bloomington-Normal, I was able to pick up the Whip, WWHP out of Farmer City, an Americana station.

We couldn't find the oldies format Kool Radio station at Wilmington and believe it is no longer on the air, but the classic rock station WYMG 100.5 FM continues.  We also found one of those play-most anything stations called Abe FM.  Usually it is Jack or some other name.  I guess Abe is appropriate to Springfield for some reason.

Nearing St. Louis we picked up 88.1 FM KDHX and enjoyed the Louisiana music they play Tuesdays from 4-7 PM.

Music and Cruising Just Go Together.  --RoadDog.

It's Summer, Here's Some Summer Cruising Songs-- Part 2

SUNNY AFTERNOON--
SATURDAY IN THE PARK--
MR. BLUE SKY--
SUMMERTIME--

DANCING IN THE STREET--  Martha & the Vandellas
DAYDREAM--  Lovin' Spoonful  (I always liked "Groovin'" by the Young Rascals in this genre.)
SUMMER SUN--  Jamestown Massacre--  Chicago boys.
SPILL THE WINE--  Eric Burdon & War (Our first intro to War.)

ALL SUMMER LONG--  Beach Boys
CALIFORNIA SUN--  Rivieras--  (A great California song by a group from Indiana.)
WALKING IN THE SAND--  Aerosmith  (Who'd have figured?)
STREET FIGHTING MAN--  Rolling Stones

RACING IN THE STREET--  Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band
SUMMER IN THE CITY--  Lovin' Spoonful
WAKE UP SUNSHINE--  Chicago  (From their second album)
SCHOOL'S OUT--  Alice Cooper--  (Playing our boat's name, only we're also Forever.)

MISERLOU--  Dick Dale & His Dale-Tones
HOT SUMMER DAY--  It's a Beautiful Day
SUMMER BREEZE--  Isley Brothers  (Even better than S&C.)
SURFIN' SARFARI--  Beach Boys

LITTLE HONDA--  Beach Boys
BACK TO THE ISLAND--  Leon Russell  (Song about Put-in-Bay?)
HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME--  Sly & the Family Stone

The Halls of the Mountain King.  --RoadDog

It's Summer, Here's Some Summer Cruising Songs For You-- Part 1

Yesterday, Bob Stroud did his annual Roots Salute to Summer on his Rock and Roll Roots show from 7 to 10 AM on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive.  Something I always listen to and record for enjoyment later (these shows are especially good played back during the depths of winter.

Here are some songs to get you ito summer mode:

IT'S OK, I'M ALRIGHT--  Beach Boys

RIDE THE WILD SURF--  Jan & Dean

IN THE SUMMERTIME--  Mungo Jerry

BUS STOP--  Hollies

GRAZING IN THE GRASS--  Hugh Masakela

UNDER THE BOARDWALK--  Drifters  (Again, probably the absolute worst place I'd ever consider being.  YUCK!!!)

WIPE OUT--  Surfaris

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS/ YOU TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT OF MY MOUTH--  Meatloaf

SUMMERTIME BLUES--  Eddie Cochran

BEACH BABY--  First Class

WARMTH OF THE SUN--  Beach Boys

SUMMER--  War  (The perfect laid-back, lounging summer song.)

SUMMER RAIN--   Johnny Rivers

GOOD DAY SUNSHINE-  Beach Boys

SUNNY DAYS---  Lighthouse (The second U.S. hit for this Canadian group.)

Where's That Tanning Lotion?  --RoadDog

2014 Route 66 Road Trip, Cruisin' Music-- Part 5: Wal-Mart $5 CD Bins

I must learn to not go into those $5 Wal-Mart bargain CD bins (same with the DVD ones).  Not only is it time-consuming, but also can be expensive.  It's like going on a treasure hunt.  You never know what the next hand-ful will pull out.

One big problem is what to do with all the ones not selected.  Tossing them up onto the pile often results in a CD avalanche right into an area you're going to next.

Then, in my case, there is the pressing question, "Do I already have it?"  On more than one occasion, I already did and discovered it for a fact at home while going through my huge collection.  That then requires a trip to the Wal-Mart returns desk.  You don't really want to be in the situation where you have to stand in that line.  It's not the return process, it's waiting in that long, long line.

And, then, Sullivan, Missouri, is about 350 miles from home, kind of a long way to go to return a $5 CD.  But, I imagine you can return it to any Wal-Mart, but have never tried to do that.

Need to Avoid Those Bins, But Keep Getting Sucked In.  --RoadDog

2014 Route 66 Road Trip Cruisin' Music-- Part 4: Bridge Over Troubled Water

Like I said, after Sullivan, Missouri, the trip turned into a bit of an oldies review.  But, hey, driving Route 66 and listening to oldies just somehow go hand-in-hand.

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER--  SIMON AND GARFUNKEL

Released in 1970 and was the duo's fifth and final album, shot to #1 and remained there for ten weeks.  Won a Grammy for album of the year.

This album could just as easily been a greatest hits package as it is loaded with great stuff.  It had four songs crack the  Top Twenty:  "Bridge Over Troubled Water" #1, "Cecilia," #4, "The Boxer" #7 with flipside "Baby Driver" hitting the Bubbling Under Top 100 and "El Condor Pasa" at #18.

Could anyone soar more than Art Garfunkel on "BOTW?"

I listened to the album back then so much that I considered most every cut as a Top 40 song.  Other great ones"

Keep the Customer satisfied
So Long Frank Lloyd Wright
Why Don't You Write Me

The old Everly Brothers "Bye Bye Love" done live, was fun but essentially filler.

The CD also had two bonus tracks including a previously unreleased version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

A  good drive CD.  It will now always remind me of crossing over I-44 by Witnor Farms.

Like a What?  --RoadDog

2014 Illinois Route 66 Motor Tour-- Part 3: Missouri

MIGHT AS WELL:  We figured that as long as were were going to be at St. Louis for the start of the motor tour, we might as well cruise on out to Lebanon and enjoy Route 66 beforehand.

MUCH BETTER SIGNAGE:  With just a few exceptions (most likely where signage has been "procured" by someone) you can drive Route 66 in Missouri without a map.  That makes for enjoyable driving.  Hopefully this signage will eventually be that way in all the other states besides Illinois which was the first to have Historic Route 66 signs.  Illinois' signs are brown and Missouri's are blue.

MISSED JOHN'S BUT CAUGHT THE TRAIL:  We were on one of those few unmarked stretches of 66 in Missouri when we ended up back on I-44 and looking back, saw Vernelle's Motel, so we missed John's Modern Cabins.  But, we did double back and see the Trail of Tears folk art place which is certainly looking worse for wear now.

--RoadDog

2014 Route 66 Road Trip: Cruisin' Music-- Part 3: Well Respected Kinks

Like I said, in Sullivan, Missouri, I was hit hard by the $5 bin at Wal-Mart with four oldies CDs.

WELL RESPECTED KINKS by the Kinks of course.  This was actually a Greatest Hits compilation from 1964 and 1965, including, of course, all their biggies from that era as well as four lesser-knowns.    Loved the great old photo of the group from that era on the front, then had interviews with the lads on the back.

The group was formed in London in 1962 by the Davies brothers: Ray and Dave.  Joined by Peter Quaife and Mike Avory.  Kind of the groaty Beatles who appealed to the outsiders at the time.

I did not know that "A Well Respected Man" was not a Top 100 song.  I always thought it was.  Maybe it was just popular here in Chicago.

Other must-listen to, somewhat lesser-known tunes:  ""Where Have All the Good Times Gone,"  "I Gotta Move," "Don't You Fret" and "Wait Till the Summer Comes Along."

Of course, the Biggies:

Till the End of the Day
Set Me Free
Tired of Waiting for You
All day and All of the Night
You Really Got Me

We sure were singing along with a lot of these tunes driving along Route 66 in Missouri.

A Double Trip Back Into Time.  --RoadDog

2014 Route 66 Road Trip-- Cruisin' Music-- Part 2

I dropped a quick $30 at the Sullivan, Missouri, Wal-Mart as that $5 bin was loaded with good stuff.

THE DOCK OF THE BAY--  Otis Redding

WELCOME TO FIN CITY--  Jimmy Buffett (Live From Las Vegas 2011)

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER--  Simon and Garfunkel

WELL RESPECTED KINKS--  Kinks

LED ZEPPELIN III--  Led Zeppelin  Well, this new digitalized CD cost $9.

  MAN ON A MISSION--  Jess McEntire  This one was $20.

Spent A Lot of Time Listening to These.  --RoadDog

2014 Route 66 Motor Tour: Cruisin' Music-- Part 1

When we left, I had four CDs with us that I wanted to listen to.

The first day, after the radio stations which played most of the time from Morris, Illinois, to St. Louis, we listened to THE OUTSIDERS by Eric Church and  TIMELESS: THE MUSIC LEGACY by Badfinger.  the last one was essentially a greatest hits package.

Also along were GOING HOME The Blasters Live and   TURN BLUE by the Black Keys.  But, I never got around to listening to them as Wednesday I bought a bunch of oldies CDs.

Also along for the ride was a "stowaway" in Elton John's Madman Across the Water.

Can't Cruise Without My Music.  --RoadDog

2014 Illinois Rt. 66 Motor Tour-- Part 2: 'Dem Monster Tacos

Just a fast-forward through it.

JUNE 11TH, 2014:

MONSTER TACOS ARE BACK!!!  We spent last night at the Super 8 in Sullivan, Missouri and this morning had lunch at Jack's, formerly-known as Jack-In-the-Box.  We love their tacos (2 for $1).  Sullivan is the farthest west from St. Louis that there are Jack's, so it is always a stop.

And, we were even happier to find that their late-great Monster Tacos ($1 each) are back!!!  That is by far Liz's favorite.  They also have a Monster Breakfast Taco for $1.49 which is also very tasty.

Well, that sure made our day.

NATIONAL FAST FOOD CHAINS:  Now, we usually like eating at local and mom and pop restaurants, but when there is a national chain that we like and which doesn't have stores near us, it is ok to go there, hence Jack's.

MOTHER ROADING IT AGAIN:  What we were really looking forward to today was actually cruising Route 66 from Sullivan to Lebanon in Missouri.  If we had to pick a favorite Route 66 state, it would be Missouri (followed closely by Illinois).  Yesterday was almost all interstate.

But Today the Fun Starts.  --RoadDog.

2014 Illinois Motor Tour-- Part 1

We just got back last night from a trip on the Mother Road out to Lebanon, Missouri.  It essentially rained off and on the whole way to St. Louis, so we decided to just take the superslab, I-55 to St. Louis.

JUNE 10TH, 2014:


A COZY EXPERIENCE:  But, we did get off south of Springfield and ate lunch at the Cozy Dog, having our usual family special, 4 Cozies and large fry for a bit over $10.  More than enough to fill us up, almost uncomfortably.  Several FFA, Future Farrners of America groups were inr there as well.

A "VACATION" FLASHBACK:  The rain was really coming down when we got to St. louis.  the signage is always a bit confusing, made worse by the rain and we accidentally got off in East St. Louis.  I made several real fast (and perhaps somewhat illegal turns) and got back on the interstate.

--RoadDog

A Good Place to Eat in Lebanon, Mo.: Dickey's

On Wednesday night we went to a new place (for us) at the west exit for Lebanon, Dickey's Barbecue Pit.  It must be a chain as their sign reads that it was founded in 1941.

We split a 3-meat special with two sides for $12 and it was plenty.  Outstanding meats with ribs, chopped beef brisket and pulled pork which you could douse to your heart's content with their three sauces which were heated.  Our two sides were Caesar salad and fried okra.  You wash the food down with drink from what they call the "Big Yellow Cup."  It is just what you'd think.

I noticed folks walking over to an ice cream machine by the door and getting cones of it.  I asked a man at a nearby table if the ice cream was free and he said, :Yes, as long as you don't get caught."  He then laughed and said it was free.

Tuesday, their huge ribs are $1 apiece.

All that food, then dessert.

Like Someone Said, I'll be Back.  --RoadDog

From the Munger-Moss Motel: Travelin' the Mother Road

Here I sit on a rainy day out here in Lebanon, Missouri, at the good 'ol Mu-Mo, Munger Moss Motel.

It's good to be back here again after an all-too-long stretch of time, we're figuring about five months after the Joplin tornado.

One thing we always enjoy when we're on Route 66, it is other folks doing the same thing.

Yesterday, at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, we ran into two groups of people.  One was a family from Indiana (father and mother didn't speak English, but grown daughter did).  There was also two friends, one from Florida and the other from Pennsylvania, who had flown to Chicago and rented a car.  Both groups planned to go the whole way.

We ran into the two men a short time later at the Fanning Outpost and I found out they had Jerry's "E-Z Guide" and I also suggested Dave Wickline's "Images of 66, Vol. 1."  I recommend those two books for anyone driving the road.

Checking into the Munger-Moss, we  met a young woman who was driving the whole way by herself.

At a local 'cue house, we ran into some mighty friendly folks from Conway, Missouri (right down the road) we suggested some other good Lebanon eating places.

Back at the motel, there was a man sitting out by the fireplace who had flown to Chicago from New York, rented a car and was now on his second day of the trip to Santa Monica, after having spent Tuesday night in St. Louis (I don't know, but just one day across Illinois really isn't near enough.

Always Great Meeting Fellow 66-ers.  --  RoadDog

Getting Out On the Route, 66 That Is

In a few hours we will be driving to Route 66 in Dwight and then take it to Springfield and points south.  Not sure how far we'll get, as usual.  Thinking Cozy Dog on the way.

Then heading to Missouri's 66 out to Lebanon and a stay at the Munger-Moss Motel.  It's be great to see Bob and Romana again after all this time.

Friday we head back to the St. Louis area and Saturday meet up with the Route 66 Association of Illinois Motor Tour and cross the Chain of Rocks Bridge, one of the few times you can do that.  The rest of the day on the motor tour and the following day.

Good to Get Back on the Old Road.  --RoadDog

Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois-- Part 2: Bill Shea's Gas Station (D-Day Veteran)

Page 53:  Photo of Bill Shea's Texaco Station at 2001 Peoria Road is pictured during the World War II era.  Shea bought out his partner, Maurice Dupuy in 1946.  Maurice's nickname was "Mud" which apparently everyone agreed was more suitable for a gas station proprietor than the French "Maurice."  (Photo courtesy of Bill Shea Sr.)

This evidently was his first station, not the one he presently has.

It is going to be strange going to Springfield today and not having Bill Shea there.  We count ourselves lucky to have spent time talking with this icon of Route 66.  On our first  Route 66 trip in 2002, our fates were sealed when we visited Bill Shea's Museum and spent time talking with him and Tom Teague.

And, Bill Shea was at D-Day and has some sand from the beach at his museum.

He sure would have enjoyed the 70th anniversary commemoration this past week.

We Miss Him and Ernie.  --RoadDog

All Hail The Chain's Newest Food: The Deckshoes (Horseshoes)

On Sunday, June 1st, we went to a newly opened restaurant/bar here in northeastern Illinois' Chain of Lakes.  It was most recently the Harbour Club, but now is Nauti-Knots.  We sat out by the tiki bar on an absolutely gorgeous day, enjoying $1.50 draft pints, the view and getting to know friendly folks.

They had one of those no-talk deejays who seem to be everywhere these days.  You might as well just have a free jukebox and save some money.

Anyhow, we looked through the menu and came across something called "Deckshoes."  beside it were the words that it was a Springfield tradition.  In other words, a horseshoe.  We would have liked to try one, but had already eaten.  However, another person came up and asked for a menu and we suggested he try it.  He'd never had one, but we described it and he decided to go with it.

When it came out and he took his first bite, his eyes lighted up and a big smile came across his face.  he then spent the rest of the time, and most of his food foisting his new favorite on anyone who came close.

We saw the owner who said she is from Springfield originally and wanted something special for her new place.

I'd say we have another convert.

Long Live Deck.. er Horseshoes.  --RoadDog

Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois-- Part 1: Something About a Horseshoe

From theArcadia Publishing book by Cheryl Eichar Jett.

Nice picture of the former Cozy Dog on the cover.

Some of the photos of interest to me.

Page 38:  Photo of the Leland Hotel with the Illinois State Capitol Building at the end of the street.     Caption: "The Leland Hotel at Sixth Street and Capitol Avenue was built in 1866 at a cost of $350,000 for construction and furnishings.  (Appears to be seven stories high.)   Horace S. Leland opened the fine new hotel on January 1, 1867.

"The Leland is said to be the home of the horseshoe sandwich, first made by a chef there in 1928.  The chef is said to have taken the recipe to Wayne's Red Coach Inn where the popular dish is still served.."  If the Red Coach Inn is still open, I have never heard of it.  Will check it out, though.  The Leland Hotel is still there, but now serves as upscale apartments.

Photo courtesy of Joe Sonderman.

We will be in Springfield this next week as we Route 66 it to the Munger-Moss Motel  in Lebanon, Missouri, and will pass through again on Saturday on the Illinois Route 66 Motor Tour.

Now, I have heard that the original horseshoe is also served at Norb Andy's, also on Capitol Avenue.  This is where Liz and I had our first horseshoe after we found out about it at the 2002 Route 66 International Festival in Springfield.  We also found out the difference between a horseshoe and ponyshoe.

Good Eatin' In Any Event.  --RoadDog

Lost Shopping: Gone But Not Forgotten-- Part 2

Some More former places to shop in Chicagoland that are no longer there.

Kinney Shoes
Schaak Electronics
Pik-Kwik Food & Liquor
Aronson Furniture

Sportmark
Kohl's
Turnstyle
Service Merchandise

Rose Records
Crawford's
Bert Weinman Ford
Boston Store

--RoadDog

D-Day Was 70 Years Ago Today

Continuing with this article from today's Chicago Tribune.  I am posting in everyone of my seven blogs today.

Richard Duchossois, 92, was a young Army officer from Chicago's Southwest Side who is now chairman of Arlington International Racecourse, said he has also noticed an uptick in attention given to World War II veterans.

"That's in the past, and I try to live in the future--but yeah, you think about it.  In the past year or so, maybe because Normandy has gotten so much attention, I was dumbfounded with how many people say, 'Thank you for your service.'"  I know my mother is in the DAR and they all say that to any veteran they encounter.

Duchossois lives in Barrington and is part of an American delegation organized by the National World War II Museum that is returning to Normandy for this year's D-Day anniversary.  Though he didn't fight at D-Day, he did land on those beaches several weeks afterwards and served in Normandy.

The French government will present him with the Legion of Honor, the country's highest award, during his visit.

A day We Shall Not Forget.  I'm Flying My Flags.

Wayne Pumps World War II Connection-- Part 2

Then, there was a big picture of a military camp with many barracks, soldiers milling around and in the forefront, a pre 1941 convertible car with two white stars on a red field decal in the left front window and a man saluting a sentry.  There were soldiers standing near the barracks conversing with civilians.

(I would like to tell you where you can see this ad, but couldn't find one other than in the book.  It was an interesting ad from several viewpoints, the first about getting accurate prices, which evidently was a problem before World War II and then, there was this war connection.  And, I am figuring this ad was from before the war started.)

On this picture, the ad line said "See YOUR Soldier!   Visit His Camp..By Car." (definitely not something you'd expect to see after the war commenced for the United States).

"Your soldier boy will be mighty glad to see faces from home...and you'll be happy to see for yourself how well he's looking, too.  So plan to go soon for at least a quick visit with him, and a look at the new defenses he's helping to build for America.  And make the trip by car!

"All the way, you'll find modern service stations waiting like familiar friends to meet every motoring need...to provide efficient, speedy service, maps, road information, clean rest rooms...everything they can offer to make your journey easy and pleasant."

A real slice of history here.  I'm figuring the ad to probably be between 1937 and 1941.  Most people today do not know about the U.S. buildup before December 7, 1941.

By All Means, Go Visit Your GI Joe.  --RoadDog

Wayne Pumps World War II Connection-- Part 1

The ad had a giant picture of a red Model 70-C pump showing 5 and 7/10 gallons sold for $1.00 at 17 and 1/2 cents per gallon.

WAYNE PUMP: The Watchdog of your Gasoline Dollar.  The Wayne Pump Company, Fort Wayne, Indiana.  World's Largest Manufacturer of Gasoline Pumps...Est. 1891.

There was also a picture of a German shepherd dog and the Wayne "Honest Measure" seal.

But, then, there is the World War II connection.

--RoadDog

Wayne Pumps Measure Gas By the Penny's Worth-- Part 2: Eliminating "Eye Measure"

"Wayne's can't make a mistake...can't overcharge you.  With unfailing accuracy, Wayne's patented precision meter tallies each fraction of a gallon as it goes into your tank.  And automatically, with split-penny accuracy, Wayne's amazing mechanical brain totals the cost, cent by cent, before your eyes.  (Yep, just try to read those cents as they fly by on the pump today.)

Wherever you see them, Wayne Pumps mark dealers who put your interests first.  Waynes can't be started until the dials are set to zero.  They are accurate at full flow or trickle.  They can fill your tank to the top without spilling a drop.

"So look for the Wayne name and 'Honest Measure' seal...your guarantee of accuracy."

Since no mention was made of gas rationing, I am thinking this ad to be from before the war started.

--GreGen

Wayne Pumps Measure Gas By the Penny's Worth-- Part 1: Eliminating Price Figuring

From the Americana: Roadside Memories" page 132.

An interesting ad for Wayne Pump Company of Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Unfortunately, there wasn't a date given for the ad.

"WAYNE PUMPS MEASURE GAS BY THE PENNY'S WORTH.... TO GUARANTEE FULL VALUE FOR EVERY CENT YOU PAY."  (Right there of interest, who counts pennies in the cost of gas anymore?  The next line is even better.)

"If you needed gasoline, how many gallons could you order if you had just 80 cents to spend?  No need to figure...just say '80 cents worth, please' and a modern Wayne Pump will fill your order to the last full penny's worth."  (I had to laugh about that one in today's economy.  Exactly how many gallons could you get for 80 cents today?)

"Modern Wayne, the Watchdogs of your Gasoline Dollar, measures gasoline by the penny's worth as well as the gallon...eliminate price figuring, 'eye measure' and other sources of error...guarantee you Honest Measure...and let you order by the gallon, tankful or dollar's worth, whichever you prefer."

Well, It Was definitely a Different Time.  --RoadDog

In Case You're Wondering About the World War II Posts

Tomorrow will mark the 70th anniversary of June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, probably one of the biggest military undertakings in American history.  World War II is the subject today and tomorrow as well.

Yesterday, I talked about a motorist aspect of the war, the appearance of female gas attendants to replace all the male ones who were now off fighting the war.  Until I read about the one in yesterday's post, I had never heard of women gas jockeys.  Of course, I knew about gas rationing.

Today, I will post about a gas pump advertisement and its connection.

Tomorrow, I'll write about that day.

--GreGen

Women Filling Gas Tanks During World War II

From American: Roadside Memories--  Gas Stations.

Picture on page 125.  You always hear about women working in the factories while the men were in the military, but evidently that also applied to the men who used to fill your tank, check your oil and tire pressure at teh gas stations.

"CAN I FILL YOUR TANK, MISTER?

Lillian Larsen was one of Standard's most able station attendants during 1942.  Serving the road as an important asset of the war effort, female pump operators like her became a familiar sight at the American service station.

"While husbands, brothers, fathers, and cousins were battling it out for our freedom (to drive when and where we wanted), wartime gasoline stations continued to operate with as much normalcy as they could."

Something You Don't Think About."  --RoadDog

Indy 500, 2014-- Part 7: Al Unser, Jr.

And, the Unser name is familiar to me, even as a somewhat Indy 500 novice.  I know there were several Unsers who have won the race.  A quick look at Wikipedia showed that Al Unser, Jr is a two-time Indy 500 winner: 1992 and 1994.

His father, Al Unser, Sr., has won it as has his uncle Bobby.

I Reckon You'd Call The Family Racing Royalty.  --RoadDg

Indy 500, 2014-- Part 6: Al Unser Jr.'s Camaro

Yesterday I mentioned getting Al Unser, Jr.'s autograph at Speedway's Rockin' On Main Street on the Friday after we arrived.  I had seen the car out in the festival area when we walked over to Barbecue and Bourbon.  And since I have a yearning to get one of these new Camaros, this one is really striking.

It is called the Al Unser, Jr. Limited Edition Camaro and produced by BPR, Big Power Racing.  You can see it at www.AUJcamaro.com.  Only 31 are to be built and feature a 6.2 L LS3 engine with 600 hp.

Cost is around $56,000 if I remember correctly and can go as high as $80.000 with options.    One of those is delivery and track day with Al Unser, Jr. and a racing helmet signed by him.  One mighty impressive vehicle.

I talked earlier with a salesman who said to come back at 6 PM as Al Unser, Jr. was going to be there to sign autographs.  Believe me, you don't want to get into autograph lines at the Indy 500 as they stretch forever.  But, I went back a little before 6 and was shocked that no one was in line.

Well, I'm going to start a line right then and there.  Unfortunately, when he got there, someone else started another line and I had to get into it, but a person in it had seen me standing there and gave me cuts, so i was just three persons back.  I got a nice autograph on a picture of the car.

I Want That Car.  --RoadDog

Smith Island Cake: 8-15 layers of Mighty Good

From Wikipedia.

Early last month I had gotten into a list of various official state foods and this is the Maryland official State Dessert.

Smith Island is off the Maryland coast in the Chesapeake Bay and their famous cake is similar to Prinzrejententorte (whatever that is).  IA Smith island Cake consists of anywhere between 8 to 15 thin layers filled with creme, frosting and/or crushed candy bars, all covered with chocolate icing.  This gives new meaning to a new taste in every bite.

The cakes date back to the 1800s when Smith Islanders sent these cakes along with watermen on the annual autumn oyster harvest.

Bakers began using fudge instead of butter cream frosting because it lasts longer.

They can be baked anytime and on April 24, 2008, Smith island Cakes became the official Maryland dessert.

Have Your Smith and Eat It Too.  --RoadDog

Lost Shopping: Gone But Not Too Forgotten-- Part 1

From Craig's Lost Chicago.

Some other names from the past that you might remember, especially if you're from the Chicago area.  Photos of each of these places at the site as well as others.

Marshall Field's
Flip Side
Zayre
Polk Brothers
Dominick's

Maurice Lennell Cookies
A&P Supermarket
Courtesy Ford
Amling's Flowerland
Venture

Cub Foods
Omni
Musicland
"Z" Frank Chevrolet
Steinberg-Baum Co.

Well, Never Bought Anything From Courtesy of "Z."  --RoadDog

Indy 500, 2014-- Part 5: Rockin' On Main Street

MAY 23, 2014:

Next, I walked over to the 8th annual Rockin' On Main Street area.  The band that kicked things off, The Party, as they were called, were late starting because of some sort of a power problem, but lived up to their name once underway.  Even had folks to dancing early on.  The male vocalist was just so-so, but the female was very good.

I saw a guy with a BIU hat on his head.  I had to wonder what that stood for, though he was talking about Southern Illinois.  I'm pretty sure it said BIU and not SIU.

Lots and lots of people walking around pulling coolers on wheels and every so often they'd sit down and crack open a cold one.  Some even went inside the grounds, despite a sign saying coolers were not allowed as they wanted folks to buy stuff there.

I can see the top of the Indy Speedway off in the distance.

They had one mighty impressive 2014 Camaro there that had been specially designed and named after racing legend Al Unser, Jr..  He showed up and I was able to get his autograph.

Not a Bad Haul.  --RoadDog

I

Chicago's Lost Services

From Craig's Lost Chicago.  They have pictures of each place.  Some of you may remember some of these.  Some were entirely based in Chicago, others not.

Blockbuster
MagiKist
Chicago Daily News newspaper
Union 76
Sunoco

Meigs Field
Skrudland
Chicago and Northwestern Railway
Gingiss
Chicago American newspaper

Arco
Continental Airlines
Sinclair
PhotoMat
Hollywood Video

Illinois Bell
Gulf
Rusty Jones Rustproofing
Standard Subscription TV
OnTv

Enco
Esso

I Remember All of These.  --RoadDog