Also in the previous "Looking Back" blog entry about the car accident in Elva, Illinois, the newspaper mentioned an "autoist" taking the injured party away. I figured that meant a car driver, but looked it up anyway.
DEFINITION: Autoist: n. motorist. Origin 1900-1905.
First-known use in 1899 for automobilist, motorist plural became autoists.
Automobile driver
There is an Autoist search site for cars.
One who drives an automobile.
Little Ol' Autoist Me. But I Also Have a Truck. What, Then, Would That Make Me? Truckist? --RoadDog
RoadDog's RoadLog Blog: Being my travels down those great two lane highways of this nation as well as news I learn about them from media sources. Since I'm also very interested in historic preservation, there will be a lot of that as well.
The Shamrock Court Motel in Sullivan, Missouri. It can be yours for $125,000. Lots of possibilities. Actually, now you're too late. Missouri's Roamin' Rich bought it.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Elva, Illinois-- Part 2: Named For Elva Glidden Bush
From Illinois in Focus: A Photographic Tour of the Land of Lincoln.
It is located at the intersection of the Elva and Waterman roads and near the geographic center of DeKalb County, Illinois. It was built on land owned by Joseph F. Glidden, the inventor of barbed wire, and named for his daughter Elva Glidden Bush.
The town has a large grain elevator that looks as if it is made of nine tile silos (like a six pack from the side) with a barn on top of it.
The town is south of Route 110, west of Route 23 and north of Afton Center Road.
--RoadDog
It is located at the intersection of the Elva and Waterman roads and near the geographic center of DeKalb County, Illinois. It was built on land owned by Joseph F. Glidden, the inventor of barbed wire, and named for his daughter Elva Glidden Bush.
The town has a large grain elevator that looks as if it is made of nine tile silos (like a six pack from the side) with a barn on top of it.
The town is south of Route 110, west of Route 23 and north of Afton Center Road.
--RoadDog
Friday, December 30, 2016
Elva, Illinois-- Part 1: Developed By Barb Wire Inventor Joseph Glidden
In yesterday's Looking Back, I wrote about an auto accident in Elva, Illinois, near DeKalb. I have never heard of this town.
ELVA From Wikipedia
An unincorporated community in DeKalb County, Illinois, about five miles south-southwest of DeKalb. It is shown on maps as early as 1892 and has a famous grain elevator and train station. Joseph Glidden of DeKalb, inventor of barbed wire, developed it and named it after his daughter. A 1910 map referred to it as Elva Station.
--Cooter
ELVA From Wikipedia
An unincorporated community in DeKalb County, Illinois, about five miles south-southwest of DeKalb. It is shown on maps as early as 1892 and has a famous grain elevator and train station. Joseph Glidden of DeKalb, inventor of barbed wire, developed it and named it after his daughter. A 1910 map referred to it as Elva Station.
--Cooter
Looking Back to 1941: That Remarkable New DeKalb-Sycamore Road
From the Decemberb 7, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"Newspapers throughout the state have been carrying editorial comment on the new highway which connects DeKalb and Sycamore following a news story telling of the experiments made by the state on the cfonstruction of the road.
"The four-lane highway is divided by a narrow strip of cement which has been specially treated so that it is much more white than regular pavement. This was done by removing the grey matter out of the cement, when it was mixed, making the center strip very white in comparison.
"At night the dividing strip is easily seen and it should be of much aid to motorists."
Even as war clods were on the horizon, a big topic around DeKalb County was the construction of the new four-lane road between the county's two biggest cities, Sycamore and DeKalb (Illinois Highway 23).
--RoadDog
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"Newspapers throughout the state have been carrying editorial comment on the new highway which connects DeKalb and Sycamore following a news story telling of the experiments made by the state on the cfonstruction of the road.
"The four-lane highway is divided by a narrow strip of cement which has been specially treated so that it is much more white than regular pavement. This was done by removing the grey matter out of the cement, when it was mixed, making the center strip very white in comparison.
"At night the dividing strip is easily seen and it should be of much aid to motorists."
Even as war clods were on the horizon, a big topic around DeKalb County was the construction of the new four-lane road between the county's two biggest cities, Sycamore and DeKalb (Illinois Highway 23).
--RoadDog
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: An Accident in Elva, Illinois
From the August 17, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"A Ford car came to grief this afternoon just north of the town of Elva. In some matter as yet unknown the machine turned turtle and is now lying in the bottom of the drainage ditch.
"Blood stains near the place indicate that someone was injured but so far the police do not know who it was as another autoist came along and took the party away."
Autoist? --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"A Ford car came to grief this afternoon just north of the town of Elva. In some matter as yet unknown the machine turned turtle and is now lying in the bottom of the drainage ditch.
"Blood stains near the place indicate that someone was injured but so far the police do not know who it was as another autoist came along and took the party away."
Autoist? --RoadDog
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: Slippery Trouble on the Lincoln Highway
From the December 7, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Three five ton trucks which were on their way from Davenport, Iowa, to Chicago had their trouble on the road between Creston and Malta last night. Following the recent rains the road was very slippery and two of the big machines slid off the road into the miry ditch.
"Try as they would the members of the crew couldn't get the machines out and it was finally necessary to get Jack Cook's outfit from DeKalb to get the machines on the road."
Early Towing Company. --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Three five ton trucks which were on their way from Davenport, Iowa, to Chicago had their trouble on the road between Creston and Malta last night. Following the recent rains the road was very slippery and two of the big machines slid off the road into the miry ditch.
"Try as they would the members of the crew couldn't get the machines out and it was finally necessary to get Jack Cook's outfit from DeKalb to get the machines on the road."
Early Towing Company. --RoadDog
Looking Back to 1916: New Attachment for Ford Cars
From the December 7, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back.
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Sawyer & Sons have an excellent attachment for Ford cars and one that is meeting with approval of every Ford owner to which it has been shown. The attachment consists of four extra hubs and an extra wheel and when a tire goes down, all that is necessary is to change the wheel, and this operation is done in the quickest imaginable time.
"The new feature is one that is being installed on several DeKalb cars and those already using it are loud in praise of its merits.
And, now we have the "spare tire."
Improvements in the Auto Industry. --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Sawyer & Sons have an excellent attachment for Ford cars and one that is meeting with approval of every Ford owner to which it has been shown. The attachment consists of four extra hubs and an extra wheel and when a tire goes down, all that is necessary is to change the wheel, and this operation is done in the quickest imaginable time.
"The new feature is one that is being installed on several DeKalb cars and those already using it are loud in praise of its merits.
And, now we have the "spare tire."
Improvements in the Auto Industry. --RoadDog
Imaginative Architecture In North Carolina-- Part 2: Ellipses and Art Deco
5. The J.S. Dorton Arena at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds is shaped like an ellipse.
6. The Natuzzi Building in High Point resembles an ocean-going vessel.
7. Love Valley, a village made to look like the Old West is in Iredell County.
8. There are a lot of interesting buildings in Asheville. Outside of Miami, Asheville has the largest number of Art Deco structures in the Southeast.
9. Bojangles' Coliseum, originally the Charlotte Coliseum was at the time of its construction the largest unsupported steel dome in the world.
--RoadDog
6. The Natuzzi Building in High Point resembles an ocean-going vessel.
7. Love Valley, a village made to look like the Old West is in Iredell County.
8. There are a lot of interesting buildings in Asheville. Outside of Miami, Asheville has the largest number of Art Deco structures in the Southeast.
9. Bojangles' Coliseum, originally the Charlotte Coliseum was at the time of its construction the largest unsupported steel dome in the world.
--RoadDog
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: The Woodstock & Sycamore Interurban Contemplates Electrifying
From the December 14, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back"
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"The Woodstock & Sycamore, an interurban road operating a line about 26 miles long between Sycamore, Genoa and Woodstock and Marengo and using gasoline cars, contemplates electrifying the road in the early spring."
A largely forgotten part of American transportation in the late 1800s-early 1900s.
--RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"The Woodstock & Sycamore, an interurban road operating a line about 26 miles long between Sycamore, Genoa and Woodstock and Marengo and using gasoline cars, contemplates electrifying the road in the early spring."
A largely forgotten part of American transportation in the late 1800s-early 1900s.
--RoadDog
Looking Back to 1916: Unidentified Tramp Almost Killed in Train Wreck
From the December 21, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"An unidentified tramp was almost instantly killed at the point where the Old Dutch road crosses the Chicago and North Western tracks south and east of Sycamore when a west bound freight train jumped the rails at 1:30 yesterday afternoon with 13 cars piled up in the ditch and were smashed up and strewn over the right of way."
--RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"An unidentified tramp was almost instantly killed at the point where the Old Dutch road crosses the Chicago and North Western tracks south and east of Sycamore when a west bound freight train jumped the rails at 1:30 yesterday afternoon with 13 cars piled up in the ditch and were smashed up and strewn over the right of way."
--RoadDog
Looking Back to 1941: Grading the New DeKalb-Sycamore Road
From the August 3, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
These articles always deal with events around the time of the date of the MidWeek, only that many years ago. I have had quite a few blog entries on this road.
"Highway building crews were still engaged at noon today in grading the roadbed for the new DeKalb-Sycamore highway and workers were unable to state when the first concrete would be poured.
"The first slab will be laid at the Sycamore end of the road, where the high mixing machine has already been set up."
--RoadDog
These articles always deal with events around the time of the date of the MidWeek, only that many years ago. I have had quite a few blog entries on this road.
"Highway building crews were still engaged at noon today in grading the roadbed for the new DeKalb-Sycamore highway and workers were unable to state when the first concrete would be poured.
"The first slab will be laid at the Sycamore end of the road, where the high mixing machine has already been set up."
--RoadDog
Monday, December 26, 2016
Looking Back to 1941: White and Yellow Lines on the Streets
From the June 1, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
19411, 75 Years Ago.
"The street department of Sycamore has been active duribng the past few days painting new white lines on the streets and marking of 'no parking' spaces with yellow lines.
"Most of the marking of the white lines is done very early in the morning before much traffic in an effort to get the paint dryt by the time the stores open and parking spaces start being used. For the most part whole blocks have been roped off and men employed to watch the spaces until dry."
I sure hate it when the painted lines are so faint you can barely see them.
--RoadDog
19411, 75 Years Ago.
"The street department of Sycamore has been active duribng the past few days painting new white lines on the streets and marking of 'no parking' spaces with yellow lines.
"Most of the marking of the white lines is done very early in the morning before much traffic in an effort to get the paint dryt by the time the stores open and parking spaces start being used. For the most part whole blocks have been roped off and men employed to watch the spaces until dry."
I sure hate it when the painted lines are so faint you can barely see them.
--RoadDog
Looking Back to 1941: Two Ladies Have An Interesting and Long Trip
From the August 24, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"Esther Mae Nesbitt of Sycamore and Pearl Peterson, R.N., of Rockford and formerly of Sycamore, have just completed one of the most interesting vacation tours of the season.
"They traveled by auto far into Canada and to the Alaskan border. The trip covered 6,000 miles."
Cruising in Your Car Getting Easier. --RoadDog
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"Esther Mae Nesbitt of Sycamore and Pearl Peterson, R.N., of Rockford and formerly of Sycamore, have just completed one of the most interesting vacation tours of the season.
"They traveled by auto far into Canada and to the Alaskan border. The trip covered 6,000 miles."
Cruising in Your Car Getting Easier. --RoadDog
Sunday, December 25, 2016
News From Along Route 66, November 2016: Bicycled Route 66 and the Trail of Tears
NOVEMBER 25TH-- Danielle Girdano bicycled the entire length of Route 66 in 23 days from mid-September to her finish October 11, 2016.
I would love to see a dedicated bicycle path one day running the entire length of the Mother Road.
NOVEMBER 29TH-- Marie Ryberg bought Larry Baggestt's Trail of Tears in Missouri and wants to reopen it by 2018.
We usually stop by this wonderful place whenever in Missouri and it is sad how run-down the place looks every year. Glad she plans to reopen it. Perhaps she could use some 66er help.
--RoadDog
I would love to see a dedicated bicycle path one day running the entire length of the Mother Road.
NOVEMBER 29TH-- Marie Ryberg bought Larry Baggestt's Trail of Tears in Missouri and wants to reopen it by 2018.
We usually stop by this wonderful place whenever in Missouri and it is sad how run-down the place looks every year. Glad she plans to reopen it. Perhaps she could use some 66er help.
--RoadDog
Looking Back to 1966: Repairs Being Made on DeKalb-Sycamore Road
From the MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)
1966, 50 Years Ago.
"DeKalb-Sycamore Road, Route 23, between the two cities is receiving considerable attention in repairs this summer. A crew of state workmen has been cutting out cracked sections of concrete and replacing the areas that are showing the ravages of time and weather."
Potholes Even back Then? --RoadDog
1966, 50 Years Ago.
"DeKalb-Sycamore Road, Route 23, between the two cities is receiving considerable attention in repairs this summer. A crew of state workmen has been cutting out cracked sections of concrete and replacing the areas that are showing the ravages of time and weather."
Potholes Even back Then? --RoadDog
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Looking Back to 1941: Buying the Right-Of-Way for the New DeKalb-Sycamore Road
From the March 19, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"County Treasurer Oscar N. Larson was authorized Saturday to make out $14,985 in checks on county funds for the purchase of the Route 23 right-of-way recently contracted for by the county with 40 property owners along the Sycamore-DeKalb road for the new four-lane highway between the two cities."
Built in 1941, still in use, but a full middle lane the whole length and more stoplights than you can count. Not the road to make time on.
Lots and Lots of Traffic. --RoadDog
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"County Treasurer Oscar N. Larson was authorized Saturday to make out $14,985 in checks on county funds for the purchase of the Route 23 right-of-way recently contracted for by the county with 40 property owners along the Sycamore-DeKalb road for the new four-lane highway between the two cities."
Built in 1941, still in use, but a full middle lane the whole length and more stoplights than you can count. Not the road to make time on.
Lots and Lots of Traffic. --RoadDog
Looking Back to 1941: Speeding on Residential Streets
From the August 31, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"Residents of North Fourteenth Street, just outside of the city limits, are angered to the point where they are planning drastic action, regarding the high speed at which cars travel over the blacktopped surface.
"The street is carrying an unusually heavy traffic burden as it provides the best means of reaching Hopkins Park near the Sycamore Road which is under construction."
Home-Made detouring for Construction. --RoadDog
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"Residents of North Fourteenth Street, just outside of the city limits, are angered to the point where they are planning drastic action, regarding the high speed at which cars travel over the blacktopped surface.
"The street is carrying an unusually heavy traffic burden as it provides the best means of reaching Hopkins Park near the Sycamore Road which is under construction."
Home-Made detouring for Construction. --RoadDog
Friday, December 23, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: Paving Bricks Have Arrived in DeKalb
From the August 31, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Some of the paving bricks which will be used in the street paving here, have arrived in DeKalb and the actual work of preparing the various streets for the new surface will begin shortly."
Bricks in My Streets. --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Some of the paving bricks which will be used in the street paving here, have arrived in DeKalb and the actual work of preparing the various streets for the new surface will begin shortly."
Bricks in My Streets. --RoadDog
Looking Back to 1941: A Car Accident in DeKalb
From the August 31, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"Because both drivers were traveling at moderate rates of speed, damage was confined to bent fenders this morning when the cars of Lawrence Baie of Waterman and Pete Stavrakas came together.
"Mr. Baie was parked in front of the Dearth Brothers restaurant on Fourth Street and started backing into the parking lane as Mr. Stavrakas drove along, but was unable to swing out into the other traffic lane enough to prevent the cars hitting."
And, Still a Problem Today, Especially If You Have a Truck or SUV Parked to the Oncoming Traffic Side of You. --RoadDog
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"Because both drivers were traveling at moderate rates of speed, damage was confined to bent fenders this morning when the cars of Lawrence Baie of Waterman and Pete Stavrakas came together.
"Mr. Baie was parked in front of the Dearth Brothers restaurant on Fourth Street and started backing into the parking lane as Mr. Stavrakas drove along, but was unable to swing out into the other traffic lane enough to prevent the cars hitting."
And, Still a Problem Today, Especially If You Have a Truck or SUV Parked to the Oncoming Traffic Side of You. --RoadDog
News From Along Route 66, November 2016: "Cars 3" and Food Trucks
NOVEMBER 21-- "Cars 3" teaser trailer released. The actual movie by Disney/Pixar comes out June 16, 2017. Lightning McQueen has a crash. The first "Cars" movie made $460 million with $10 billion in merchandise.
Let's hope #3 is better than the second one.
NOVEMBER 23-- Fuel 66, a food-truck court is opening in Tulsa on 11th Street (the old Route 66). they will have a bar as well.
Food trucks are sure growing in popularity. I have a nephew opening a barbecue food truck.
--RoadDog
Let's hope #3 is better than the second one.
NOVEMBER 23-- Fuel 66, a food-truck court is opening in Tulsa on 11th Street (the old Route 66). they will have a bar as well.
Food trucks are sure growing in popularity. I have a nephew opening a barbecue food truck.
--RoadDog
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: Trolley Work in DeKalb
From the August 10, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
"A force of workmen employed by the electric company has a nice job for a hot day this morning when they removed a metal trolley pole from the Ruby property on Lincoln Highway and First Street.
"The job took up a good part of the morning but was successfully accomplished and the guide wire attached to the Casson Building."
Trolleys in the Streets. --RoadDog
"A force of workmen employed by the electric company has a nice job for a hot day this morning when they removed a metal trolley pole from the Ruby property on Lincoln Highway and First Street.
"The job took up a good part of the morning but was successfully accomplished and the guide wire attached to the Casson Building."
Trolleys in the Streets. --RoadDog
Looking Back to 1916: The New Delivery Truck
From the August 17, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Wiswall & Wirtz, who have been leading in the furniture and undertaking business in this part of the state for a number of years seem determined to continue to do so. Today they are on the street with a fine new specially designed DeKalb motor delivery truck in order to furnish them better delivery facilities for their goods than they have enjoyed in the past.
"This firm has patrons living 25 miles away and with the new equipment truck they can furnish up to the minute deliveries."
If Not Delivering Furniture, the Truck Could Also deliver Bodies? --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Wiswall & Wirtz, who have been leading in the furniture and undertaking business in this part of the state for a number of years seem determined to continue to do so. Today they are on the street with a fine new specially designed DeKalb motor delivery truck in order to furnish them better delivery facilities for their goods than they have enjoyed in the past.
"This firm has patrons living 25 miles away and with the new equipment truck they can furnish up to the minute deliveries."
If Not Delivering Furniture, the Truck Could Also deliver Bodies? --RoadDog
Imaginative Architecture in North Carolina-- Part 1: A Shell, Flying Saucer and a Folly
From the March 2014, Our State magazine by Alan Hodge.
This was actually a quiz I took and I got 7 of 9 correct, mostly on some mighty good guessing.
1. In Winston-Salem there is a former Shell gas station shaped like a cockleshell.
2. The Futuro House near Frisco on the Outer Banks is shaped like a flying saucer.
3. Garinger High School original library had a conical shape in Charlotte.
4. The "Strangest Home in America," Korner's Folly is eccentric architecture in Kernersville.
--RoadDog
This was actually a quiz I took and I got 7 of 9 correct, mostly on some mighty good guessing.
1. In Winston-Salem there is a former Shell gas station shaped like a cockleshell.
2. The Futuro House near Frisco on the Outer Banks is shaped like a flying saucer.
3. Garinger High School original library had a conical shape in Charlotte.
4. The "Strangest Home in America," Korner's Folly is eccentric architecture in Kernersville.
--RoadDog
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: The Dangers of Horses
From the August 10, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Emmett Condon, proprietor of the Star Theatre, had a painful accident yesterday, when he was run over by a buggy. The wheels of the conveyance passed directly over his chest inflicting severe and painful bruises but luckily no one was in the rig and his chest was not crushed.
"He was about to get into the buggy to go on a fish trip when the horses gave a sudden plunge and he was thrown under the wheel which passed over him."
Cars Are So Much Safer. --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Emmett Condon, proprietor of the Star Theatre, had a painful accident yesterday, when he was run over by a buggy. The wheels of the conveyance passed directly over his chest inflicting severe and painful bruises but luckily no one was in the rig and his chest was not crushed.
"He was about to get into the buggy to go on a fish trip when the horses gave a sudden plunge and he was thrown under the wheel which passed over him."
Cars Are So Much Safer. --RoadDog
Looking Back to 1916: Doc Corkings Come Through
From the June 8, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"After a lot of hard working and negotiating, Doc. Corkings, one of the big guys in the good road work around here, has just put over another big road stunt.
"That is making arrangements for the finishing up of the road that has so often been the object of dickering here, the mile through the Zellar, Niebengall, Sweitzer and Quinn farms, to connect the south rioad out of Clare with the west road from DeKalb."
----RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"After a lot of hard working and negotiating, Doc. Corkings, one of the big guys in the good road work around here, has just put over another big road stunt.
"That is making arrangements for the finishing up of the road that has so often been the object of dickering here, the mile through the Zellar, Niebengall, Sweitzer and Quinn farms, to connect the south rioad out of Clare with the west road from DeKalb."
----RoadDog
Looking Back to 1966: Fix Those Mailboxes!!
From the May 11, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1966, 50 Years Ago.
"May is the month to make mailbozes look like mailboxes. A long winter of rough weather, the bumps of snow plows, and rough handling of heavy mail reception has all played its part in making the mailbox look like it has had it.
"The Post Office department has designated the month of May as Mailbox Improvement Month."
Support Your Local Mailbox. --RoadDog
These Looking Back entries are compliments of the Joiner History Room, DeKalb County Archives. I don't know about you, but I find the ones I write about of great interest.
1966, 50 Years Ago.
"May is the month to make mailbozes look like mailboxes. A long winter of rough weather, the bumps of snow plows, and rough handling of heavy mail reception has all played its part in making the mailbox look like it has had it.
"The Post Office department has designated the month of May as Mailbox Improvement Month."
Support Your Local Mailbox. --RoadDog
These Looking Back entries are compliments of the Joiner History Room, DeKalb County Archives. I don't know about you, but I find the ones I write about of great interest.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Looking Back to 1941: Preparing the DeKalb-Sycamore Road for Four Lanes
From the May 11, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"Workmen began early Monday morning to break up the concrete on the old Sycamore-DeKalb road just west of the Fox home farm to make way for the new four-lane road from Sycamore to DeKalb."
--RoadDog
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"Workmen began early Monday morning to break up the concrete on the old Sycamore-DeKalb road just west of the Fox home farm to make way for the new four-lane road from Sycamore to DeKalb."
--RoadDog
Looking Back to 1941: Right-Of-Way and Trucks Stay Off the Black Tops
From the April 6, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"County treasurer Oscar N. Larson was authorized Saturday to make out $14,985.00 in checks on county funds for the purchase of Route 23 right-of-way recently contracted for by the county with 40 property owners along the Sycamore-DeKalb road for the new four-lane highway between the twp cities."
** Heavy trucks must keep off the blacktop roads during the spring period to save the road from serious damage, DeKalb County Sheriff announced Monday, and strict enforcement of this prohibition is being carried out by the sheriff's office following the posting of the state aid roads in the county during the past week."
Land had to be bought for the four lane road.
You Drivee, We Tickee. --RoadDog
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"County treasurer Oscar N. Larson was authorized Saturday to make out $14,985.00 in checks on county funds for the purchase of Route 23 right-of-way recently contracted for by the county with 40 property owners along the Sycamore-DeKalb road for the new four-lane highway between the twp cities."
** Heavy trucks must keep off the blacktop roads during the spring period to save the road from serious damage, DeKalb County Sheriff announced Monday, and strict enforcement of this prohibition is being carried out by the sheriff's office following the posting of the state aid roads in the county during the past week."
Land had to be bought for the four lane road.
You Drivee, We Tickee. --RoadDog
Monday, December 19, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: Motorcycling From Denver to DeKalb, Illinois
From the October 19, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"A couple wild west cow punchers and ranchermen landed in DeKalb this morning from the Bar T Ranch near Denver. They are Clifford and Donald Adee and they had come all the way from Denver on motorcycles to visit friends."
Even a trip by automobile back then of that distance was quite an accomplishment, even more so on a motorcycle and you might have thought they would have done it on horseback because of their profession.
--RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"A couple wild west cow punchers and ranchermen landed in DeKalb this morning from the Bar T Ranch near Denver. They are Clifford and Donald Adee and they had come all the way from Denver on motorcycles to visit friends."
Even a trip by automobile back then of that distance was quite an accomplishment, even more so on a motorcycle and you might have thought they would have done it on horseback because of their profession.
--RoadDog
News From Along Route 66, November 2016: Lincoln, Illinois, Leon Russell, Bicycling and the Summit Inn
NOVEMBER 12-- Signs are to be added to te downtown alignment of Lincoln, Illinois. They will mark the more obscure 1926-1930 alignment through town. Lincoln, Illinois-- a town that know sits heritage.
NOVEMBER 13-- Tulsa grieving for loss of its favorite son, Leon Russell. Hey, "Hack Wilson's Back."
NOVEMBER 14-- A survey indicates how beneficial bicycling can be to Route 66. I am happy to see Illinois adding more Route 66 bicycle paths almost every year.
NOVEMBER 19-- Reconstruction of California's Summit Inn may begin in January.
--RoadDog
NOVEMBER 13-- Tulsa grieving for loss of its favorite son, Leon Russell. Hey, "Hack Wilson's Back."
NOVEMBER 14-- A survey indicates how beneficial bicycling can be to Route 66. I am happy to see Illinois adding more Route 66 bicycle paths almost every year.
NOVEMBER 19-- Reconstruction of California's Summit Inn may begin in January.
--RoadDog
Sunday, December 18, 2016
News From Along Route 66, November 2016: 90th Route 66 Birthday-- Part 3
1980s: Route 66 is fully decommissioned with the last section being in Arizona. The road is no longer officially there. Various states along the route begin Route 66 Associations.
1990s: Books about Route 66 begin trickling into stores. probably the biggest one was Michael Wallis' best-selling "Route 66: The Mother Road." Old Route 66 begins a resurgence.
2000s: The movie "Cars" had a huge impact as well as growth of the internet.
2010s: More towns are getting involved as they begin to appreciate their Route 66 heritage.
Liz and I Have Been 66ers Since 2002. --RoadDog
1990s: Books about Route 66 begin trickling into stores. probably the biggest one was Michael Wallis' best-selling "Route 66: The Mother Road." Old Route 66 begins a resurgence.
2000s: The movie "Cars" had a huge impact as well as growth of the internet.
2010s: More towns are getting involved as they begin to appreciate their Route 66 heritage.
Liz and I Have Been 66ers Since 2002. --RoadDog
News From Along Route 66, November 2016: Route 66's 90th Birthday-- Part 2
1940s: World War II. major troop and supply route to the Pacific Theater. 1946-- Bobby Troup's "Get Your Kicks on Route 66."
1950s: Often recognized as the Golden Era of Route 66. Postwar road to vacations and California.
1960s: Decline started. Too much traffic, accidents led to interstates replacing the old road. "Route 66" TV show.
1970s: Route 66 withers. Hundreds of businesses along the road die with the incredible rise of interstates which were replacing it.
--RoadDog
1950s: Often recognized as the Golden Era of Route 66. Postwar road to vacations and California.
1960s: Decline started. Too much traffic, accidents led to interstates replacing the old road. "Route 66" TV show.
1970s: Route 66 withers. Hundreds of businesses along the road die with the incredible rise of interstates which were replacing it.
--RoadDog
Looking Back to 1916-- Part 2: Near Street Car/Auto Accident in DeKalb
"There came near being two bad accidents today, and it is extremely fortunate for all parties concerned that no one lost his presence of mind. the street car was going to the Normal (NIU) at twelve o'clock, and one auto was heading west on Lincoln Highway, expecting to turn on John Street and another car was coming up John Street to turn east on Lincoln Highway.
"The two autos and the street car arrived at the corner of John and Lincoln Highway at the same time and had not the drivers of the cars acted very quickly, and the street car stopped there would have been serious results to report."
Lincoln Highway Through DeKalb Was Dangerous Even Back Then. --RoadDog
"The two autos and the street car arrived at the corner of John and Lincoln Highway at the same time and had not the drivers of the cars acted very quickly, and the street car stopped there would have been serious results to report."
Lincoln Highway Through DeKalb Was Dangerous Even Back Then. --RoadDog
Saturday, December 17, 2016
News From Along Route 66, November 2016--: Route 66's 90th Birthday-- Part 1
I wrote about this back on November 14th, three days latest the time, now I write about it again.
This is from Ron Warnick's Route 66 News site.
Happy 90th Birthday to Route 66, came into being November 11, 1926. This was the day when AASHO, the American Association of State Highway Officials adopted 66 as the number for our road. It is also the birthday of all other U.S. Highways.
ROUTE 66 THROUGH THE DECADES:
1920s: The Developmental Years. Existing roads linked together, often through the center of towns. Became known as Main Street of America. The 1928 Bunion Derby brought a lot of publicity.
1930s: The Great Depression and Great Okie Migration "Grapes of Wrath" and name "The Mother Road."
--Road66
This is from Ron Warnick's Route 66 News site.
Happy 90th Birthday to Route 66, came into being November 11, 1926. This was the day when AASHO, the American Association of State Highway Officials adopted 66 as the number for our road. It is also the birthday of all other U.S. Highways.
ROUTE 66 THROUGH THE DECADES:
1920s: The Developmental Years. Existing roads linked together, often through the center of towns. Became known as Main Street of America. The 1928 Bunion Derby brought a lot of publicity.
1930s: The Great Depression and Great Okie Migration "Grapes of Wrath" and name "The Mother Road."
--Road66
Friday, December 16, 2016
News From Along Route 66, November 2016: Go Cubs Go, Clocks for Meadow Gold Sign and the Mysterious "Hotel" Sign
These Route 66 tidbits are taken from the Route 66 News site. There are many more, but I do the ones of special interest to me.
NOVEMBER 3-- The Chicago Cubs won their first World Championship in 108 years. Ron Warnick, who owns the Route 66 News site, is a Cardinal fan, but made a big deal about the Cubbies. Thanks Ron (even though I am more of a White Sox fan. But, I pull for the Cubs unless they play my Sox.).
NOVEMBER 3-- The long-awaited clocks are being installed on the Meadow Gold sign in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Always great to get something back to looking as it was.
NOVEMBER 6-- Michael brown owns a "Hotel" neon sign that once stood somewhere along Route 66 in Illinois. But, he doesn't know what the hotel's name was or where it stood, so if you have any information, give him a call.
--RoadDog
NOVEMBER 3-- The Chicago Cubs won their first World Championship in 108 years. Ron Warnick, who owns the Route 66 News site, is a Cardinal fan, but made a big deal about the Cubbies. Thanks Ron (even though I am more of a White Sox fan. But, I pull for the Cubs unless they play my Sox.).
NOVEMBER 3-- The long-awaited clocks are being installed on the Meadow Gold sign in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Always great to get something back to looking as it was.
NOVEMBER 6-- Michael brown owns a "Hotel" neon sign that once stood somewhere along Route 66 in Illinois. But, he doesn't know what the hotel's name was or where it stood, so if you have any information, give him a call.
--RoadDog
News From Along Route 66, November 2016: Lincoln's Mill, Whitehall Mercantile, Route 66 centennial Commission in Illinois
NOVEMBER 7-- Additional funding sought for the Mill's bathrooms. Logan County in Illinois wants an extra $4,755 from the city of Lincoln for handicapped access. They hope to have it open as a museum by this coming spring.
It opened in 1929 and prospered before falling into decline in the 1970s and closed in 1996.
Liz and I first saw this imposing structure in 2002 when it was in sad and declining state, but much has been done to it since then. Lincoln is one Route 66 town which really appreciates its Route 66 heritage.
NOVEMBER 9-- The Whitehall Mercantile in Halltown, Missouri, is set to close a few weeks before Christmas. Reason for the closing is given as the age of the owners.
I always thought the place was closed as I'd never seen it open.
NOVEMBER 11-- An Illinois lawmaker seeks the creation of an Illinois Route 66 centennial Commission since we are now just ten years away from Route 66's 100th birthday. Tim Butler (Springfield-R) has introduced H.B. 6624. I'm all for this.
--RoadDog
It opened in 1929 and prospered before falling into decline in the 1970s and closed in 1996.
Liz and I first saw this imposing structure in 2002 when it was in sad and declining state, but much has been done to it since then. Lincoln is one Route 66 town which really appreciates its Route 66 heritage.
NOVEMBER 9-- The Whitehall Mercantile in Halltown, Missouri, is set to close a few weeks before Christmas. Reason for the closing is given as the age of the owners.
I always thought the place was closed as I'd never seen it open.
NOVEMBER 11-- An Illinois lawmaker seeks the creation of an Illinois Route 66 centennial Commission since we are now just ten years away from Route 66's 100th birthday. Tim Butler (Springfield-R) has introduced H.B. 6624. I'm all for this.
--RoadDog
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Looking Back to 1916-- Part 1: Alligator Smuggling and a New Delivery Car
From the October 19, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Kirchner's Drug Store has a window display that is attracting some little attention today. Bert Racey, on his recent trip to Florida, captured a couple alligators, and today put them on display in the local drugstore."
** On Monday the Sandwich Greenhouses came out with a handsome new delivery car. It is a 1917 Ford chassis with a special design body finished in lavender with gold lettering and has all the latest conveniences for their use. the outfit will be a help to their constantly growing flower trade."
Even Back in 1916, the Automobile Was Having Its Impact. --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Kirchner's Drug Store has a window display that is attracting some little attention today. Bert Racey, on his recent trip to Florida, captured a couple alligators, and today put them on display in the local drugstore."
** On Monday the Sandwich Greenhouses came out with a handsome new delivery car. It is a 1917 Ford chassis with a special design body finished in lavender with gold lettering and has all the latest conveniences for their use. the outfit will be a help to their constantly growing flower trade."
Even Back in 1916, the Automobile Was Having Its Impact. --RoadDog
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Looking Back to 1916-- Part 1: Hitching Posts for Horses in DeKalb
From the September 14, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 years ago.
"The street and alley committee in the city council has entered into a lease on the Hiland property on North Second Street adjoining the land upon which the Mennis blacksmith shop is located and the land will be cleared and made into a public hitching lot for farmers or other people who come to town with teams and wish a place to hitch them while doing their shopping or attending other affairs."
Well, What About Automobile Parking? --RoadDog
1916, 100 years ago.
"The street and alley committee in the city council has entered into a lease on the Hiland property on North Second Street adjoining the land upon which the Mennis blacksmith shop is located and the land will be cleared and made into a public hitching lot for farmers or other people who come to town with teams and wish a place to hitch them while doing their shopping or attending other affairs."
Well, What About Automobile Parking? --RoadDog
Monday, December 12, 2016
I Got My Shrimpburger, But At Shuckin' Shack in Surf City, N.C.
This past September, I was at Topsail Beach for a week and went over to Surf City and stopped at the Shuckin' Shack. This wasn't my first time there. I had been there in July and had something I'd been wanting to try since we were in Maine and saw something called a lobster roll. They had them, so I got one and it was as good as I thought it might be.
But this time, perusing the menu I saw the shrimpburger offering. I had read the Our State article and, of course, had a hankering to try one. It cost about $10 and came as two large slider-type sandwiches. That first bite into it proved I was right to have been wanting one. That was really good.
Only theirs came with the shrimp cooked inside of a solid outer covering sort of like a burger. By the time I had finished one of the two shrinpburgers and the wonderful fries, I had to take the second one home with me.
I just looked up Shuckin' Shack on the internet and found there are ten of them, ranging from Frederick, Md., to two places in S.C. and the rest in North Carolina. Four of them are around the Wilmington area: Carolina Beach, Wilmington, Morehead City and the one in Surf City.
I'll be getting back to the one in Surf City in December.
The Big Problem: What to Order, a Lobster Roll or Shrimpburger? --RoadDog
But this time, perusing the menu I saw the shrimpburger offering. I had read the Our State article and, of course, had a hankering to try one. It cost about $10 and came as two large slider-type sandwiches. That first bite into it proved I was right to have been wanting one. That was really good.
Only theirs came with the shrimp cooked inside of a solid outer covering sort of like a burger. By the time I had finished one of the two shrinpburgers and the wonderful fries, I had to take the second one home with me.
I just looked up Shuckin' Shack on the internet and found there are ten of them, ranging from Frederick, Md., to two places in S.C. and the rest in North Carolina. Four of them are around the Wilmington area: Carolina Beach, Wilmington, Morehead City and the one in Surf City.
I'll be getting back to the one in Surf City in December.
The Big Problem: What to Order, a Lobster Roll or Shrimpburger? --RoadDog
Friday, December 9, 2016
N.C.'s Big Oak Drive-In at Salter Path: Home of the Shrimpburger
From the August 2016, "Sun, Surf & Sandwiches" by Jason Frye.
"At Big Oak Drive-In, find the beachy lunch of your dreams: barbecue, burgers, fried seafood, and the real star of this walk-up window -- the shrimpburger."
The tiny restaurant sits halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound. A steady stream of cars pull into the lot (which can only park a dozen at a time. And, they have a shrimp on their sign.
A shrimpburger to N.C.'s Crystal Coast is like a po'boy to Louisiana. "A shrimpburger is a steamed white bun, soft and chewy and a little sweet. The shrimp are small, very lightly battered in a cracker meal, and cooked to the ideal tenderness. Tartar sauce and cole slaw made in-house add creaminess, a spike of vinegar, and a cool crispness to each bite. The ketchup -- not too much -- mellows it all out." Like this description didn't make me hungry.
And, you can get fries, onion rings (O-Rings) and hush puppies (H-Pups).
And, there are pretty much always lines waiting to place orders.
A Definite Stop If I'm Ever in the Area. Gotta Have a Shrimpburger. --RoadDog
"At Big Oak Drive-In, find the beachy lunch of your dreams: barbecue, burgers, fried seafood, and the real star of this walk-up window -- the shrimpburger."
The tiny restaurant sits halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound. A steady stream of cars pull into the lot (which can only park a dozen at a time. And, they have a shrimp on their sign.
A shrimpburger to N.C.'s Crystal Coast is like a po'boy to Louisiana. "A shrimpburger is a steamed white bun, soft and chewy and a little sweet. The shrimp are small, very lightly battered in a cracker meal, and cooked to the ideal tenderness. Tartar sauce and cole slaw made in-house add creaminess, a spike of vinegar, and a cool crispness to each bite. The ketchup -- not too much -- mellows it all out." Like this description didn't make me hungry.
And, you can get fries, onion rings (O-Rings) and hush puppies (H-Pups).
And, there are pretty much always lines waiting to place orders.
A Definite Stop If I'm Ever in the Area. Gotta Have a Shrimpburger. --RoadDog
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Remembering Pearl Harbor: Robert Bishop, USS Tennessee
It was 75 Years Ago Today.
From the Vindy, mobi, Youngstown, Ohio Pearl Harbor Survivors Profiles
ROBERT BISHOP, Will be 96 on December 19. West Austinville, Ohio.
Enlisted in the U.S. Navy September 16, 1940 and discharged March 7, 1952 with the rank of petty officer first class.
On the USS Tennessee during World War II and the USS Shenandoah, a destroyer tender in the Korean War.
Member of the American Legion, VFW and Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.
"The Tennessee shot down five Japanese at Pearl harbor and took hits from two bombs. Lots of people had terrible things happen to them. War is a terrible thing."
Hats Off to the Greatest Generation.
From the Vindy, mobi, Youngstown, Ohio Pearl Harbor Survivors Profiles
ROBERT BISHOP, Will be 96 on December 19. West Austinville, Ohio.
Enlisted in the U.S. Navy September 16, 1940 and discharged March 7, 1952 with the rank of petty officer first class.
On the USS Tennessee during World War II and the USS Shenandoah, a destroyer tender in the Korean War.
Member of the American Legion, VFW and Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.
"The Tennessee shot down five Japanese at Pearl harbor and took hits from two bombs. Lots of people had terrible things happen to them. War is a terrible thing."
Hats Off to the Greatest Generation.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Looking Back to 1916-- Part 2: Kids Leaving Footprints in the Cement
1916, 100 years Ago.
"On the portions of the cement combination curbs and gutter up in the east end the contractors met with an unusual difficulty. The little boys and girls in the foreign settlement enjoyed the pleasure of paddling about on the soft cement in their bare feet, at night after the workmen had left.
"This was nice for the kiddies but tough on the cement and watchmen were stationed to prevent such depredations."
Kids Will Be Kids. At least It was Not Those Route 66 Turkeys in Illinois--RoadDog
Looking Back to 1941: Keeping the Bituminous Cool
From the October 12, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"Surfacing a main street with bituminous composition material such has just been downtown in Sycamore presents problems. Because heat softens the freshly laid material and because that should not happen before it has evenly been rolled by heavy traffic, it was necessary to keep it cool.
"Saturday afternoon the city works department smoothed the heated 'flesh' of the new stuff by turning large quantities of water loose on it. It apparently did the job because the surface was smooth Sunday."
Build me a Road. --RoadDog
1941, 75 Years Ago.
"Surfacing a main street with bituminous composition material such has just been downtown in Sycamore presents problems. Because heat softens the freshly laid material and because that should not happen before it has evenly been rolled by heavy traffic, it was necessary to keep it cool.
"Saturday afternoon the city works department smoothed the heated 'flesh' of the new stuff by turning large quantities of water loose on it. It apparently did the job because the surface was smooth Sunday."
Build me a Road. --RoadDog
Monday, December 5, 2016
What's In a Carolina Name? -- Part 2: Some More Strange Creek Names Like Devil's Gut
4. NUBBINSCUFFLE CREEK --Yancey County Flows into Bald Creek.
5. POSSUM TROT CREEK-- Yancey County An early settler riding his horse along the creek spied a running possum, keeping pace with him along the creek.
6. DEVIL'S GUT-- A stream and inlet on the Roanoke River.
7. POLECAT CREEK-- There are actually six of them in N.C.. A polecat is sometimes the name for a black-footed ferret.
'
8. DIRTY BRITCHES CREEK-- Buncombe County An Indian was seen washing his pants in it.
9. ROUGH BUTT CREEK-- Jackson County Probably a good story here, nut none given.
I Slid Down the Embankment on My Posterior and Got a Rough Butt. --RoadDog
5. POSSUM TROT CREEK-- Yancey County An early settler riding his horse along the creek spied a running possum, keeping pace with him along the creek.
6. DEVIL'S GUT-- A stream and inlet on the Roanoke River.
7. POLECAT CREEK-- There are actually six of them in N.C.. A polecat is sometimes the name for a black-footed ferret.
'
8. DIRTY BRITCHES CREEK-- Buncombe County An Indian was seen washing his pants in it.
9. ROUGH BUTT CREEK-- Jackson County Probably a good story here, nut none given.
I Slid Down the Embankment on My Posterior and Got a Rough Butt. --RoadDog
Looking Back to 1916: Autos Had Best Beware of Street Car Tracks
From the October 12, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"A tourist from Iowa was rounding the corner of Fourth and Lincoln Highway this morning in DeKalb and was using the street car tracks and the first thing he knew, the front wheel of his car was between the rail and the guard rail.
"He was compelled to get out and raise the wheel out from between the two with a jack, and it was raining at a great clip at the time, too."
Wonder What that Tourist Was Saying? --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"A tourist from Iowa was rounding the corner of Fourth and Lincoln Highway this morning in DeKalb and was using the street car tracks and the first thing he knew, the front wheel of his car was between the rail and the guard rail.
"He was compelled to get out and raise the wheel out from between the two with a jack, and it was raining at a great clip at the time, too."
Wonder What that Tourist Was Saying? --RoadDog
Looking Back to 1916: Car Backfires and Catches Fire
From the September 28, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"The fire department was called out the forenoon shortly after eleven o'clock to extinguish another auto fire. Mike Hopkins was in the act of backing out of the garage when the machine backed fire and in a moment was aflame.
"Others nearby saw his predicament and phoned for the fire fighters who lost no time in getting to their job."
Wouldn't Happen With a Horse. --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"The fire department was called out the forenoon shortly after eleven o'clock to extinguish another auto fire. Mike Hopkins was in the act of backing out of the garage when the machine backed fire and in a moment was aflame.
"Others nearby saw his predicament and phoned for the fire fighters who lost no time in getting to their job."
Wouldn't Happen With a Horse. --RoadDog
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: Getting Those Farmers Mechanized
From the March 9, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Fred Vanderbeck, local representative for the Fairbanks gasoline farm engine, will receive a carload (train) of these splendid little engines next week. A large number of farmers are buying such engines as these each year and the demand is increasing so rapidly that factories have been unable to keep up with their orders."
Move over horses and mules.
In Other Words, Get 'Em Now Or Miss the Boat. --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Fred Vanderbeck, local representative for the Fairbanks gasoline farm engine, will receive a carload (train) of these splendid little engines next week. A large number of farmers are buying such engines as these each year and the demand is increasing so rapidly that factories have been unable to keep up with their orders."
Move over horses and mules.
In Other Words, Get 'Em Now Or Miss the Boat. --RoadDog
Looking Back to 1916: A Horse Accident
From the Feb. 24, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"While going from DeKalb to visit their sons who live near Sycamore, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Beard encountered serious difficulties. Their horse stumbled and fell and broke a thill. It could not rise and the aged couple in their distress could not raise the animal.
"So waiting with patience till assistance came along, the animall at last was raised and sent along on the journey."
A thill is a shaft used to attach a cart or carriage to the animal drawing it. I wasn't sure about that one so had to look it up.
Shoulda Taken the Auto. --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"While going from DeKalb to visit their sons who live near Sycamore, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Beard encountered serious difficulties. Their horse stumbled and fell and broke a thill. It could not rise and the aged couple in their distress could not raise the animal.
"So waiting with patience till assistance came along, the animall at last was raised and sent along on the journey."
A thill is a shaft used to attach a cart or carriage to the animal drawing it. I wasn't sure about that one so had to look it up.
Shoulda Taken the Auto. --RoadDog
Looking Back to 1916: An Auto Accident
From the February 24, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Dr. H.G. Wright of DeKalb and his driver, Sidney Brown, had a narrow escape from a serious accident early today when they were driving in the auto out near the Dresser farm, west of the city. The left front axle broke, letting the car down with a jolt onto the ground.
"Luckily they were not going fast or there might have been a serious accident. The car was dragged into town this morning and taken to Deane's garage for repairs."
Dragged as opposed to towed?
Those Dangerous New-Fangled Automobiles. Shoulda Taken the Horse and Carriage --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Dr. H.G. Wright of DeKalb and his driver, Sidney Brown, had a narrow escape from a serious accident early today when they were driving in the auto out near the Dresser farm, west of the city. The left front axle broke, letting the car down with a jolt onto the ground.
"Luckily they were not going fast or there might have been a serious accident. The car was dragged into town this morning and taken to Deane's garage for repairs."
Dragged as opposed to towed?
Those Dangerous New-Fangled Automobiles. Shoulda Taken the Horse and Carriage --RoadDog
What's in a Carolina Name? --Part 1: Some Oddly-Named Creeks Like Lick Log Creek
From the August 2016, Our State magazine "Up a Creek" by Alan Hodge.
Actually, this was a quiz and I guessed my way to 5 of 9 correct. I had no idea of any of the answers, but am a pretty good guesser.
Here are some strangely-named creeks in North Carolina and the county they are in, in case you want to go and check them out. Also included is how they might have gotten their name.
1. LICK LOG CREEK-- Clay County. Named for a nearby salt lick for cattle.
2. PINCHGUT CREEK-- Caldwell County. A hunter was supposedly very hungry.
3. TUMBLE BUG CREEK-- Henderson County Flows into the Little Hungry River
Well, i reckon If You Call Yourself Tar Heel, these Names Aren't So Weird. --RoadDog
Actually, this was a quiz and I guessed my way to 5 of 9 correct. I had no idea of any of the answers, but am a pretty good guesser.
Here are some strangely-named creeks in North Carolina and the county they are in, in case you want to go and check them out. Also included is how they might have gotten their name.
1. LICK LOG CREEK-- Clay County. Named for a nearby salt lick for cattle.
2. PINCHGUT CREEK-- Caldwell County. A hunter was supposedly very hungry.
3. TUMBLE BUG CREEK-- Henderson County Flows into the Little Hungry River
Well, i reckon If You Call Yourself Tar Heel, these Names Aren't So Weird. --RoadDog
Friday, December 2, 2016
Looking Back to 1941: A Freak Accident
From the May 11, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
"1941, 75 Years Ago.
"A freak accident occurred on route 34 east of sandwich when T.D. Lewis of Somonauk hit a hog which was on the road, causing him to lose control of his car which was finally stopped on the C.B.&O tracks, running parallel to the highway. The impact caused the car door to swing open and Warren, who was on the back seat was thrown out.
"When the car stopped on the tracks Mr. and Mrs. Lewis got out to see what had happened to Warren and when they heard the freight train whistle, it was too late to get the car off the tracks. The train hit the car, damaging it beyond repair."
If you know anything about DeKalb County, there are a really lot of trains going through it.
But, I have to wonder what became of Warren and the hog?
--RoadDog
"1941, 75 Years Ago.
"A freak accident occurred on route 34 east of sandwich when T.D. Lewis of Somonauk hit a hog which was on the road, causing him to lose control of his car which was finally stopped on the C.B.&O tracks, running parallel to the highway. The impact caused the car door to swing open and Warren, who was on the back seat was thrown out.
"When the car stopped on the tracks Mr. and Mrs. Lewis got out to see what had happened to Warren and when they heard the freight train whistle, it was too late to get the car off the tracks. The train hit the car, damaging it beyond repair."
If you know anything about DeKalb County, there are a really lot of trains going through it.
But, I have to wonder what became of Warren and the hog?
--RoadDog
Looking Back to 1941: DeKalb-Sycamore Road Construction Fires Up
From the April 20, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
'The awarding of the contract for the reconstruction of the Sycamore-DeKalb road has finally been made to the Milburn Bros. , of Mount Prospect and work on the new road is expected to begin any day.
"State workers have been busy this past week removing trees that would be in the way to new locations."
Now that they finally got that last piece of right-of-way property, everything is a go.
--RoadDog
'The awarding of the contract for the reconstruction of the Sycamore-DeKalb road has finally been made to the Milburn Bros. , of Mount Prospect and work on the new road is expected to begin any day.
"State workers have been busy this past week removing trees that would be in the way to new locations."
Now that they finally got that last piece of right-of-way property, everything is a go.
--RoadDog
Looking Back to 1966: Bridge Widening on Route 23 North of Sycamore
From the April 13, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1966, 50 Years Ago.
"Widening of the bridge north of Sycamore (Ill. Highway 23) on Route 23 has started by contractors. A general rebuilding of the highway from Sycamore to Genoa is being done during the summer months and widening of this bridge is one of the first steps."
--RoadDog
1966, 50 Years Ago.
"Widening of the bridge north of Sycamore (Ill. Highway 23) on Route 23 has started by contractors. A general rebuilding of the highway from Sycamore to Genoa is being done during the summer months and widening of this bridge is one of the first steps."
--RoadDog
Looking Back to 1941: Final Parcel of Land for the New Highway Between DeKalb and Sycamore
From the April 13, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago
"The dedication of the only remaining piece of property for the new highway between Sycamore and DeKalb was handed to DeKalb County Superintendent of highways, Fred O. Larson, by William Rich of DeKalb of the right-of-way committee of the board of supervisors.
"This was the only obstacle that stood in the way of the awarding of the contract for the new road."
I imagine the dedication mentioned in the first sentence was actually the deed. The road in question here is Sycamore Road between the two cities (Illinois Highway 23). It was going to become a four lane road and is now a road well on its way to gridlock. More stoplights than you can believe.
--RoadDog
1941, 75 Years Ago
"The dedication of the only remaining piece of property for the new highway between Sycamore and DeKalb was handed to DeKalb County Superintendent of highways, Fred O. Larson, by William Rich of DeKalb of the right-of-way committee of the board of supervisors.
"This was the only obstacle that stood in the way of the awarding of the contract for the new road."
I imagine the dedication mentioned in the first sentence was actually the deed. The road in question here is Sycamore Road between the two cities (Illinois Highway 23). It was going to become a four lane road and is now a road well on its way to gridlock. More stoplights than you can believe.
--RoadDog
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: A New Concrete Road Under Consideration
From the April 13, 2016,. MidWeek "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"A concrete road from the end of Sycamore street pavement to the city limits south of the M. Organ residence is now being considered by property owners in that vicinity and by the Sycamore Commercial club.
"This is a bad stretch of highway, yet is a portion of one of Sycamore's primary arteries of trade and nobody questions that it should be in first-class condition."
But, who will have to pay for it? Government or the residences?
Build It and They Will Use It. --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"A concrete road from the end of Sycamore street pavement to the city limits south of the M. Organ residence is now being considered by property owners in that vicinity and by the Sycamore Commercial club.
"This is a bad stretch of highway, yet is a portion of one of Sycamore's primary arteries of trade and nobody questions that it should be in first-class condition."
But, who will have to pay for it? Government or the residences?
Build It and They Will Use It. --RoadDog
Looking Back to 1916: The Interurban
From the April 13, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"An important change will be made on the running time on the Woodstock-Sycamore Interurban line to go into effect on Monday morning next. Only one car that which leaves Sycamore at 10 o'clock a.m. will continue on the present schedule and the number of cars each way will be reduced from five to three."
An Important Way to Get Around Back Then. --RoadDog
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"An important change will be made on the running time on the Woodstock-Sycamore Interurban line to go into effect on Monday morning next. Only one car that which leaves Sycamore at 10 o'clock a.m. will continue on the present schedule and the number of cars each way will be reduced from five to three."
An Important Way to Get Around Back Then. --RoadDog
Tom Grosvenor Marine Corps Breakfast-- Part 2: Passing the Knowledge From Oldest to Youngest Marines
It costs $7 for the breakfast and toys or donations for the Toys for Tots, which the Marines run.
The USMC was established by act of the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775. Back in the early 1900s, Marine Commandant Lejeune said that in the 145 years of its existence, the USMC had been at war for 90 years, from Trenton( American Revolution) to the Argonne (World War I). Colors were posted by the Marine League and the Marine Commandant's address for this year was read.
The part I like the best is the cake tradition. involving the oldest and youngest Marines present. This year the oldest was a woman who was born in 1923 and an enlisted Marine born in 1996. A sheet cake is escorted to the front and a ceremonial sword used to cut it. The piece of cake is then given to the oldest Marine who takes a bite and then passes it over to the youngest Marine. This signifies the passing of wisdom, knowledge and experience.
We then had the retiring of the Colors and the Marines Hymn and Taps.
Then, it was SOS, scrambled eggs and coffee.
It Is Quite an Experience. --RoadDog
The USMC was established by act of the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775. Back in the early 1900s, Marine Commandant Lejeune said that in the 145 years of its existence, the USMC had been at war for 90 years, from Trenton( American Revolution) to the Argonne (World War I). Colors were posted by the Marine League and the Marine Commandant's address for this year was read.
The part I like the best is the cake tradition. involving the oldest and youngest Marines present. This year the oldest was a woman who was born in 1923 and an enlisted Marine born in 1996. A sheet cake is escorted to the front and a ceremonial sword used to cut it. The piece of cake is then given to the oldest Marine who takes a bite and then passes it over to the youngest Marine. This signifies the passing of wisdom, knowledge and experience.
We then had the retiring of the Colors and the Marines Hymn and Taps.
Then, it was SOS, scrambled eggs and coffee.
It Is Quite an Experience. --RoadDog
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Tom Grosvenor Memorial Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast for Toys for Tots-- Part 1
Commemorating the 241st birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps on November 10, 2016.
The event took place on Saturday, November 12th at the American Legion Lakes Area Post 708 of which I am a member also of their Sons of the American Legion (SAL). This was the 34th annual breakfast.
My SAL volunteers time to make the breakfast which consists of SOS (gravy and sausage on toast), scrambled eggs and all the strong coffee you need to wash it down. As usual, the SAL had plenty of workers, so I sat out with the old Marines in the banquet hall. I talked with a Vietnam War and Persian Gulf War veteran.
I was actually in Marine Corps Officer Candidates Class for six weeks in 1971, but with the war finally winding down, they didn't need me. But even with just six weeks under my belt, and they were a VERY ROUGH six weeks, I am a big-time supporter of them.
--RoadDog
The event took place on Saturday, November 12th at the American Legion Lakes Area Post 708 of which I am a member also of their Sons of the American Legion (SAL). This was the 34th annual breakfast.
My SAL volunteers time to make the breakfast which consists of SOS (gravy and sausage on toast), scrambled eggs and all the strong coffee you need to wash it down. As usual, the SAL had plenty of workers, so I sat out with the old Marines in the banquet hall. I talked with a Vietnam War and Persian Gulf War veteran.
I was actually in Marine Corps Officer Candidates Class for six weeks in 1971, but with the war finally winding down, they didn't need me. But even with just six weeks under my belt, and they were a VERY ROUGH six weeks, I am a big-time supporter of them.
--RoadDog
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Route 66 Wins the IHSA Shiowdown for 2016
Four Route 66 high school football teams went into the final week's Championship games, and one survived. Just one Lincoln Highway team went in and they lost.
The lone Lincoln Highway team, Plainfield North, was also on the Route 66 side as both roads went through Plainfield at one time.
Big hearty congratulations to East St. Louis, who beat Plainfield North to win the Class 7A Championship.
Two other Route 66 teams went to the Championship Round, but didn't win: Carlinville 3A and Sacred Heart-Griffin (Springfield).
Until Next year. --RoadDog
The lone Lincoln Highway team, Plainfield North, was also on the Route 66 side as both roads went through Plainfield at one time.
Big hearty congratulations to East St. Louis, who beat Plainfield North to win the Class 7A Championship.
Two other Route 66 teams went to the Championship Round, but didn't win: Carlinville 3A and Sacred Heart-Griffin (Springfield).
Until Next year. --RoadDog
Monday, November 28, 2016
Congratulations to Illinois' IHSA 2016 Football Champions
This past Friday and Saturday the eight classes of Illinois high school football teams played their championship games in Champaign. All games were shown on the Comcast Sports Network and we watched several of the games, especially the 4A Championship game in which Johnsburg High School played. This high school is just two miles south of our house.
First name is the winner. Second name is the runner-up:
8A Maine South (Park Ridge) // Loyola Academy (Wilmette)
7A East St. Louis // Plainfield North
6A Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake) // Sacred Heart-Griffin (Springfield)
5A Peoria // Vernon Hills
4A Rochester // Johnsburg
3A IC Catholic (Elmhurst) // Carlinville
2A Deer Creek (Mackinaw) // M. Forsyth (Maroa)
1A Forreston // St. Teresa (Decatur)
Congratulations, All. Tomorrow, I Will Post the Winner of the Lincoln High-Route 66 2016 IHSA Showdown. --RoadDog
First name is the winner. Second name is the runner-up:
8A Maine South (Park Ridge) // Loyola Academy (Wilmette)
7A East St. Louis // Plainfield North
6A Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake) // Sacred Heart-Griffin (Springfield)
5A Peoria // Vernon Hills
4A Rochester // Johnsburg
3A IC Catholic (Elmhurst) // Carlinville
2A Deer Creek (Mackinaw) // M. Forsyth (Maroa)
1A Forreston // St. Teresa (Decatur)
Congratulations, All. Tomorrow, I Will Post the Winner of the Lincoln High-Route 66 2016 IHSA Showdown. --RoadDog
Friday, November 25, 2016
News From Along Route 66, October 2016:
Taken from the Route 66 News site. These are just some of them, so if you'd like more, go to it.
OCTOBER 25-- Fire damaged Skippy's Restaurant near Leasburg, Missouri, earlier this month. The dining and bar areas were completely destroyed. The owners plan on rebuilding and reopening.
A neat place with delicious food out in the middle of nowhere.
OCTOBER 28-- Construction of new Barstow, California Route 66 signs to begin in November. Eight classic-car-themed signs are planned.
Signage-- Always a Good Thing. --RoadDog
OCTOBER 25-- Fire damaged Skippy's Restaurant near Leasburg, Missouri, earlier this month. The dining and bar areas were completely destroyed. The owners plan on rebuilding and reopening.
A neat place with delicious food out in the middle of nowhere.
OCTOBER 28-- Construction of new Barstow, California Route 66 signs to begin in November. Eight classic-car-themed signs are planned.
Signage-- Always a Good Thing. --RoadDog
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Happy Thanksgiving You Food Junkies-- Ten Food Songs: "Tupelo Honey"
In honor of Thanksgiving, Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten topic yesterday was Food. In just a bit, we're going over to Dino's Den to destroy a turkey.
DIXIE CHICKEN-- Little Feat
CHERRY BOMB-- John Mellancamp
TUPELO HONEY-- Van Morrison
HOT DOG-- Led Zeppelin
GUITAR MAN-- Bread
POUND CAKE-- Van Halen
BROWN SUGAR-- Rolling Stones
POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME-- Def Leppard
CINNAMON GIRL-- Neil Young
APPLES, PEACHES, PUMPKIN PIE-- Jay & the Techniques
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "How Come You, How Come You Dance So Good." --RoadDog
"Brown Sugar"
DIXIE CHICKEN-- Little Feat
CHERRY BOMB-- John Mellancamp
TUPELO HONEY-- Van Morrison
HOT DOG-- Led Zeppelin
GUITAR MAN-- Bread
POUND CAKE-- Van Halen
BROWN SUGAR-- Rolling Stones
POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME-- Def Leppard
CINNAMON GIRL-- Neil Young
APPLES, PEACHES, PUMPKIN PIE-- Jay & the Techniques
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "How Come You, How Come You Dance So Good." --RoadDog
"Brown Sugar"
Lincoln Highway-Route 66 2016 Showdown: Route 66 Takes Commanding 4-1 Lead
This upcoming Friday and Saturday will mark IHSA Championships here in Illinois.
The best that Lincoln Highway can do is tie as its lone survivor, Plainfield North is also in a Route 66 town, Plainfield. And, Plainfied North's victory last weekend is contested by Fenwick High School, which lost on a bad call.
Anyway, these are the four Route 66 teams playing for a State Championship:
7A
Plainfield North (11-2)
East St. Louis (13-0)
These two will be playing each other.
6A
Sacred Heart (Springfield) 13-0)
3A
Carlinville (12-1)
--RoadDog
The best that Lincoln Highway can do is tie as its lone survivor, Plainfield North is also in a Route 66 town, Plainfield. And, Plainfied North's victory last weekend is contested by Fenwick High School, which lost on a bad call.
Anyway, these are the four Route 66 teams playing for a State Championship:
7A
Plainfield North (11-2)
East St. Louis (13-0)
These two will be playing each other.
6A
Sacred Heart (Springfield) 13-0)
3A
Carlinville (12-1)
--RoadDog
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
News From Along Route 66, November, 2016: DeCamp Junction Will be Auctioned Dec. 3
DeCamp Junction, near Staunton, Illinois, will be auctioned off on December 3 because its owners are retiring.
It is on the original 1926-1932 alignment of Route 66 and at one time was a bigger complex with tourist cabins, bar, dance hall, gambling and a brothel. The bar is the only building remaining.
It was once called Riddel Store and later Duda's Tavern.
This is a place I've always wanted to visit, but it was always closed when I drove by and had the time or open when I didn't. Looks like that chance is now gone.
No beer for Me, Then. --RoadDog
It is on the original 1926-1932 alignment of Route 66 and at one time was a bigger complex with tourist cabins, bar, dance hall, gambling and a brothel. The bar is the only building remaining.
It was once called Riddel Store and later Duda's Tavern.
This is a place I've always wanted to visit, but it was always closed when I drove by and had the time or open when I didn't. Looks like that chance is now gone.
No beer for Me, Then. --RoadDog
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Northwest Highway (US-14) takes 2016 Showdown Over Rand Road (US-14)
The fifth round eliminated the last US-12 Rand Road team in competition, Palatine. Since US-14, Northwest Highway, also runs through Palatine, that team also lost Palatine.
However, two schools remain for US-14 and are playing in the state championships on Saturday.
8A
Maine South (Park Ridge)
6A
Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake)
Congratulations to US Highway 14, Northwest Highway through Chicago's Northwest Suburbs. --RoadHighway
However, two schools remain for US-14 and are playing in the state championships on Saturday.
8A
Maine South (Park Ridge)
6A
Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake)
Congratulations to US Highway 14, Northwest Highway through Chicago's Northwest Suburbs. --RoadHighway
Monday, November 21, 2016
News FromAlong Route 66, October 2016: Fabulous 40 Motel Reopens
OCTOBER 14-- The Fabulous 40 Motel in Adrian, Texas, has been closed for over a decade, but will reopen. The owners also have the Bent Door Cafe on Route 66 in Adrian and hope to reopen it in 2017.
Both are owned by Roy and Ramona Kiewert and the motel is located at 301 W. Historic Route 66, next to the Midpoint Cafe.
Always Great to Have People Devoted to Making Route 66 So Much Fun. --RoadDog
Both are owned by Roy and Ramona Kiewert and the motel is located at 301 W. Historic Route 66, next to the Midpoint Cafe.
Always Great to Have People Devoted to Making Route 66 So Much Fun. --RoadDog
Friday, November 18, 2016
Why Spring Grove Made the Most-Boring List
The site does tell what went into determining most boring and most exciting.
This is what it said for Spring Grove:
Population-- 5,331
Average Age-- 44.3
Married Households-- 67.9%
More than two in three people are married, and half have kids
They most likely go to bed very early.
Well, I Go to Sleep by 11 or Turn Into a Pumpkin. Sorry. --RoadDog
This is what it said for Spring Grove:
Population-- 5,331
Average Age-- 44.3
Married Households-- 67.9%
More than two in three people are married, and half have kids
They most likely go to bed very early.
Well, I Go to Sleep by 11 or Turn Into a Pumpkin. Sorry. --RoadDog
Ten Most Exciting Towns in Illinois
We go from boring to exciting. Essentially the same way to rank as the previous post.
1. Urbana (These two are U of I)
2. Champaign
3. Charleston (EIU)
4. DeKalb (Hey, that's NIU)
5. Normal (ISU)
6. Carbondale (SIU)
7. Chicago (Yep, if you don't go into the wrong area and get shot.)
8. Macomb (WIU)
9. Evanston (Northwestern)
10. Chicago Ridge
Looks Like the Colleges Have It. --RoadDog
1. Urbana (These two are U of I)
2. Champaign
3. Charleston (EIU)
4. DeKalb (Hey, that's NIU)
5. Normal (ISU)
6. Carbondale (SIU)
7. Chicago (Yep, if you don't go into the wrong area and get shot.)
8. Macomb (WIU)
9. Evanston (Northwestern)
10. Chicago Ridge
Looks Like the Colleges Have It. --RoadDog
Ten Most Boring Towns in Illinois-- Part 2: My Village, Spring Grove, Makes the List (I'm So Bored)
Part One is posted February 11, 2016.
From Road Snack! "These Are the 10 Most Boring Cities in Illinois."
"This article is opinion, based on facts and is meant as infortainment. Don't freak out!" Based on average age, married households with kids
1. Lake Forest (With all that money, looks like they should be able to have a good time.)
2. Hawthorn Woods (But be VERY careful driving through there as it is easy to get tickets.)
3. Inverness (Another rich area.)
4. Spring Grove (Hey, that's us!!.Well, Liz and I are 65 and married, but no kids. We do lack bars and restaurants with just The Grove, Spring Grove Tavern and Tommy's. We do have a great Fourth of July celebration as well as annual steak fry and fish fry.)
5. Oak Brook
6. Lake Bluff
7. Homer Glen
8. Long Grove
9. Campton Hills
10. Glencoe
Most of These Are Well-to-Do Communities (Though I Don't Figure Spring grove to Be That Rich)> --RoadDog
From Road Snack! "These Are the 10 Most Boring Cities in Illinois."
"This article is opinion, based on facts and is meant as infortainment. Don't freak out!" Based on average age, married households with kids
1. Lake Forest (With all that money, looks like they should be able to have a good time.)
2. Hawthorn Woods (But be VERY careful driving through there as it is easy to get tickets.)
3. Inverness (Another rich area.)
4. Spring Grove (Hey, that's us!!.Well, Liz and I are 65 and married, but no kids. We do lack bars and restaurants with just The Grove, Spring Grove Tavern and Tommy's. We do have a great Fourth of July celebration as well as annual steak fry and fish fry.)
5. Oak Brook
6. Lake Bluff
7. Homer Glen
8. Long Grove
9. Campton Hills
10. Glencoe
Most of These Are Well-to-Do Communities (Though I Don't Figure Spring grove to Be That Rich)> --RoadDog
Thursday, November 17, 2016
The 1904 Train Depot at Braidwood, Illinois-- Part 2
Comment: The Chicago and Alton Route.
"On the mainline 57.3 miles south of Chicago. Also with a spur off of a branch that ran between Joliet and Coal City. Later this road became the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio, route for such passenger trains as "The Abraham Lincoln" and the "Midnight Special."
Comment: Pictures of what it looks like today are included. It is now home to the Braidwood Historical Society.
--RoadDog
"On the mainline 57.3 miles south of Chicago. Also with a spur off of a branch that ran between Joliet and Coal City. Later this road became the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio, route for such passenger trains as "The Abraham Lincoln" and the "Midnight Special."
Comment: Pictures of what it looks like today are included. It is now home to the Braidwood Historical Society.
--RoadDog
The 1904 Train Depot at Braidwood, Illinois-- Part 1
From the September 6, 2016, Shorpy "The Braidwood Bunch: 1904."
Showing the water tank and telegraph sign.
Getting about by train still the best way back then.
Comments: The right half of the building was the "freight house" with a large door. "Actually, Braidwood was not a junction with any branch or carrier. The south switch for the branch to Coal City was at gardner, and the north switch going back to the main was at Elwood. Braidwood was exactly half-way between those two points."
Comment: the depot has been moved from its original location in 2012 and pictures of it being moved are included.
--RoadDog
Showing the water tank and telegraph sign.
Getting about by train still the best way back then.
Comments: The right half of the building was the "freight house" with a large door. "Actually, Braidwood was not a junction with any branch or carrier. The south switch for the branch to Coal City was at gardner, and the north switch going back to the main was at Elwood. Braidwood was exactly half-way between those two points."
Comment: the depot has been moved from its original location in 2012 and pictures of it being moved are included.
--RoadDog
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
News From Along Route 66, October 2016: William Bor's New Creations
OCTOBER 13-- William Bor, from the Netherlands, has created new Route 66 miniatures.
Truck and Ranch House Cafe sign in Tuncumcari, N.M.
Owl Courts Motel, Oklahoma City
Magnolia service station. Texola, Ok.
Building and car at Hackberry General Store, Hackberry, Az.
John's Modern Cabins, circa 1994, near Newberg, Mo. (I sure would love to see what they looked like when still in business.)
Old Texaco station, Glenrio, Tx.
Top Hat Dairy Bar, Foyil, Ok.
Water Hole No. 2, Texola, Ok.
One of the Cadillacs from Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Tx.
This Man Is Quite Talented. --RoadDog
Truck and Ranch House Cafe sign in Tuncumcari, N.M.
Owl Courts Motel, Oklahoma City
Magnolia service station. Texola, Ok.
Building and car at Hackberry General Store, Hackberry, Az.
John's Modern Cabins, circa 1994, near Newberg, Mo. (I sure would love to see what they looked like when still in business.)
Old Texaco station, Glenrio, Tx.
Top Hat Dairy Bar, Foyil, Ok.
Water Hole No. 2, Texola, Ok.
One of the Cadillacs from Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Tx.
This Man Is Quite Talented. --RoadDog
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
2016 Northwest Highway-Rand Road IHSA Showdown: Northwest Highway Still Leads
Northwest Highway (US-14) still maintains a lead, now 4-1, over Rand Road (US-12) in Chicago's Northwest Suburbs. Palatine is on both roads and is Rand Road's sole remaining team, so the best Rand Road can hope for is a tie.
NORTHWEST HIGHWAY TEAMS REMAINING:
8A
Maine South (Park Ridge)
Palatine
These two teams play each other this weekend.
6A
Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake)
5A
Marian Central (Woodstock)
RAND ROAD TEAM REMAINING:
8A
Palatine
--RoadDog
NORTHWEST HIGHWAY TEAMS REMAINING:
8A
Maine South (Park Ridge)
Palatine
These two teams play each other this weekend.
6A
Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake)
5A
Marian Central (Woodstock)
RAND ROAD TEAM REMAINING:
8A
Palatine
--RoadDog
2016 Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Showdown Update: Route 66 Takes the Lead Into 4th Round
It is now two remaining Lincoln Highway teams and four Route 66.
LINCOLN HIGHWAY TEAMS:
7A Plainfield North
6A DeKalb
ROUTE 66 TEAMS:
7A Plainfield North
East St. Louis
6A Sacred Heart (Springfield)
3A Carlinville
--RoadDog
LINCOLN HIGHWAY TEAMS:
7A Plainfield North
6A DeKalb
ROUTE 66 TEAMS:
7A Plainfield North
East St. Louis
6A Sacred Heart (Springfield)
3A Carlinville
--RoadDog
Monday, November 14, 2016
News From Along Route 66, October 2016: Death of Tom Waldmire and Bike/Walk Trail in Illinois
OCTOBER 12-- Tom Waldmire of Springfield, Illinois' Cozy Dog died at age 31. he was co-operator of the place. Died October 8, 2016.
OCTOBER 13-- Illinois Route 66 gets a $2.16 million grant for trails. IDOT will build a bicycle/walking path between Williamsville and McLean county.
--RoadDog
OCTOBER 13-- Illinois Route 66 gets a $2.16 million grant for trails. IDOT will build a bicycle/walking path between Williamsville and McLean county.
--RoadDog
Happy 90th Belated Birthday to Route 66
I forgot to mention this on Friday, but November 11th was the 90th anniversary of the official beginning of the famous Route 66.
It came into being, along with all of the original numbered U.S. numbered highways on November 11, 1926.
As Such. a Big HB. --RoadDog
It came into being, along with all of the original numbered U.S. numbered highways on November 11, 1926.
As Such. a Big HB. --RoadDog
Friday, November 11, 2016
A Real Busy Day Saturday, November 12
Tomorrow, i will start off at 7 a.m. at the annual Marine Corps Birthday breakfast at the American Legion in Fox Lake. Plenty of that great SOS and scrambled eggs to eat.
Then, I will go the the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Association where the talk will be on the history of the Volo Bog.
Then, I drive to DeKalb, Illinois, where there will be a joint meeting of the Camp Douglas and Rock island Prison Camps of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and we will hear a talk on the Rise of the Confederate Movement in Illinois. Hey, our soldiers are also American veterans.
Then, I drive back to Fox Lake for the Fox Lake Fire Department's annual steak fry and then the Lakes Area Swing Band will play at the American Legion. This is an 18-piece Big Band which will be playing a lot of the songs of World War II.
A Real Busy Day. --RoadDog
Then, I will go the the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Association where the talk will be on the history of the Volo Bog.
Then, I drive to DeKalb, Illinois, where there will be a joint meeting of the Camp Douglas and Rock island Prison Camps of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and we will hear a talk on the Rise of the Confederate Movement in Illinois. Hey, our soldiers are also American veterans.
Then, I drive back to Fox Lake for the Fox Lake Fire Department's annual steak fry and then the Lakes Area Swing Band will play at the American Legion. This is an 18-piece Big Band which will be playing a lot of the songs of World War II.
A Real Busy Day. --RoadDog
News From Along Route 66, October 2016: Why Was Route 66 Also Known As "Bloody 66?"
OCTOBER 8-- There is an article about the early history of the Cadillac Ranch.
OCTOBER 10-- Why was Route 66 also known as "Bloody 66?" Easy. there were many car crashes, injuries and deaths. It was a very busy road and in places, very narrow.
One particularly nasty stretch was near Towanda, Illinois, and known as "Dead Man's Curve." Here it was just 18-foot wide for two wave traffic on a curve. This stretch was bypassed after World War II, but there is a marker there at the site (though I've never seen it).
One in seven Arizona accidents after World War II took place on Route 66. One notorious stretch was up Ash Fork Hill, west of flagstaff.
--RoadDog
OCTOBER 10-- Why was Route 66 also known as "Bloody 66?" Easy. there were many car crashes, injuries and deaths. It was a very busy road and in places, very narrow.
One particularly nasty stretch was near Towanda, Illinois, and known as "Dead Man's Curve." Here it was just 18-foot wide for two wave traffic on a curve. This stretch was bypassed after World War II, but there is a marker there at the site (though I've never seen it).
One in seven Arizona accidents after World War II took place on Route 66. One notorious stretch was up Ash Fork Hill, west of flagstaff.
--RoadDog
News From Along Route 66, October 2016: Spaceship In Illinois
From the Route 66 News site.
OCTOBER 7-- That's right, there is a UFO, a spaceship on Route 66 in Illinois. Divernon to be exact. It was built by Dave Bentley in his front yard.and it even has a name, Earth Patrol Vehicle. It can be found on Route 104 and is made of two old satellite dishes.
Mr. Bentley also built the World's Largest Covered Wagon with Mr. Lincoln sitting in it reading a book. This is now in Lincoln, Illinois.
Motto, "Build it big and they will come." And, it has lighting at night for that special effect. It looks to be on the same site as the covered wagon used to be.
--RoadDog
OCTOBER 7-- That's right, there is a UFO, a spaceship on Route 66 in Illinois. Divernon to be exact. It was built by Dave Bentley in his front yard.and it even has a name, Earth Patrol Vehicle. It can be found on Route 104 and is made of two old satellite dishes.
Mr. Bentley also built the World's Largest Covered Wagon with Mr. Lincoln sitting in it reading a book. This is now in Lincoln, Illinois.
Motto, "Build it big and they will come." And, it has lighting at night for that special effect. It looks to be on the same site as the covered wagon used to be.
--RoadDog
A Game for the Ages, Game 7 2016 World Series-- Part 6: Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!!
The bottom of the tenth inning:
Carl Edwards Jr. relieves Chapman, Napoli strikes out. Ramirez grounds out to short. Guyer walks. Guyer to secon on indifference. Davis singles to center, scoring Guyer. Oh, NO!! Cubs lead to 8-7. OH, NO. We came this far, and now....
Mike Montgomery relieves Edwards. Michael Martinez, batting for Crisp, grounds out to third.
Game Over. Cubs Win 7th Game and the WORLD SERIES!! There is joy in Mudville and Chicago pretty much erupts, as did I in the basement at Margaritaville. I ended up staying up way, way, way past my bedtime. I finally had enough at 2.30 a.m..
Bedtime for Bonzo. --RoadDog
Carl Edwards Jr. relieves Chapman, Napoli strikes out. Ramirez grounds out to short. Guyer walks. Guyer to secon on indifference. Davis singles to center, scoring Guyer. Oh, NO!! Cubs lead to 8-7. OH, NO. We came this far, and now....
Mike Montgomery relieves Edwards. Michael Martinez, batting for Crisp, grounds out to third.
Game Over. Cubs Win 7th Game and the WORLD SERIES!! There is joy in Mudville and Chicago pretty much erupts, as did I in the basement at Margaritaville. I ended up staying up way, way, way past my bedtime. I finally had enough at 2.30 a.m..
Bedtime for Bonzo. --RoadDog
Thursday, November 10, 2016
A Game for the Ages, Game 7 2016 World Series-- Part 4: A Tied Game Into the 10th, a Rain Delay and Cubs Take a 8-6 Lead!!
Now in the 9th inning, the Cubs didn't score and Aroldis Chapman still pitching, but did much better than that disastrous 8th. One strikeout and two fly outs. OK, so now we go to extra innings.
It was now that there was a rain delay. It was already well past 11 p.m.. How long was the delay going to be. We heard that Jason Heyward called a players-only meeting during the rain delay.
Whatever he said or they did, it seemed to work. The rain delay was just 17 minutes.
In the top of the 10th, Kyle Schwarber leads off and singles to right (who was 3 for 5 in the game, thank goodness for the designated hitter in American League parks) and Albert Almora Jr. ran for him. Bryant flied out to center with Almora advancing to second. Rizzo intentionally walked and Zobrist doubled, scoring Almora, Rizzo to third.
Russell intentionally walked and Miguel Montero singles, scoring Rizzo. Zobrist to third and Russell to second. Bases loaded, but the next two Cubs strike out and fly out. I hate to have bases loaded with just one out and not score.
BUT, Cubs are winning 8 to 6!! How can this be we're thinking. Could this really be happening. Might the Cubs actually win.
That bottom of the tenth is going to be mighty scary.
Am I Watching History? --RoadDog
It was now that there was a rain delay. It was already well past 11 p.m.. How long was the delay going to be. We heard that Jason Heyward called a players-only meeting during the rain delay.
Whatever he said or they did, it seemed to work. The rain delay was just 17 minutes.
In the top of the 10th, Kyle Schwarber leads off and singles to right (who was 3 for 5 in the game, thank goodness for the designated hitter in American League parks) and Albert Almora Jr. ran for him. Bryant flied out to center with Almora advancing to second. Rizzo intentionally walked and Zobrist doubled, scoring Almora, Rizzo to third.
Russell intentionally walked and Miguel Montero singles, scoring Rizzo. Zobrist to third and Russell to second. Bases loaded, but the next two Cubs strike out and fly out. I hate to have bases loaded with just one out and not score.
BUT, Cubs are winning 8 to 6!! How can this be we're thinking. Could this really be happening. Might the Cubs actually win.
That bottom of the tenth is going to be mighty scary.
Am I Watching History? --RoadDog
A Game for the Ages, Game 7 2016 World Series-- Part 3: Tied 6-6 in the 8th
Fortunately, Jon Lester calmed down and pitched one-hit baseball the next two innings. His catcher, David Ross hit a home run to center to make the score Cubs 6 Indians 3.
In the indians half of the 8th, again, the first two batters were out, then a single was hit and Manager Joe Maddon pulled Lester and put in his ace reliever, Aroldis Chapman, who immediately gave up a double, scoring a run. Then Rajai Davis hit his home run, scoring two more runs. Chapman then gave up a single before FINALLY striking out the last batter.
OH No, the Curse. The game is now tied and the Indians are hot. Is this going to be a loss?
What was Maddon thinking, relieving Lester like that? And, Chapman was absolutely horrible in relief.
Liz and I decided to go home and watch the rest of the game, especially if it was going to be sad as we were now anticipating.
Ohhh NOOOO!! --RoadDog
In the indians half of the 8th, again, the first two batters were out, then a single was hit and Manager Joe Maddon pulled Lester and put in his ace reliever, Aroldis Chapman, who immediately gave up a double, scoring a run. Then Rajai Davis hit his home run, scoring two more runs. Chapman then gave up a single before FINALLY striking out the last batter.
OH No, the Curse. The game is now tied and the Indians are hot. Is this going to be a loss?
What was Maddon thinking, relieving Lester like that? And, Chapman was absolutely horrible in relief.
Liz and I decided to go home and watch the rest of the game, especially if it was going to be sad as we were now anticipating.
Ohhh NOOOO!! --RoadDog
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Northwest Highway-Rand Road Showdown, 2nd Round: Northwest Highway Takes a Commanding 5-1 Lead
At the end of the second round of the IHSA football tournament, just one Rand Road team remains, Palatine. And,since Palatine is also on Northwest Highway, the best Rand Road can hope for is a tie if Palatine is the only school from either road remaining.
And, since I went to palatine, I know who I'm pulling for.
RAND ROAD
8A
Palatine
NORTHWEST HIGHWAY
8A
Palatine
Maine South (Park Ridge)
6A
Cary Grove (Cary)
Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake)
5A
Marian Central (Woodstock)
--RoadDog
And, since I went to palatine, I know who I'm pulling for.
RAND ROAD
8A
Palatine
NORTHWEST HIGHWAY
8A
Palatine
Maine South (Park Ridge)
6A
Cary Grove (Cary)
Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake)
5A
Marian Central (Woodstock)
--RoadDog
Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Showdown, Week 2: Lincoln Highway Takes a Big Hit, Roads Tied at 6
Week two of the IHSA Illinois high school playoffs was not kind to Lincoln Highway which saw half their remaining teams fall.
These teams are Still Left:
LINCOLN HIGHWAY
8A
Lincoln Way East
St. Charles East
7A
Plainfield North
6A
DeKalb
5A
Sterling
2A
Newman Central Catholic (Sterling)
Sterling has to be real happy with two of their teams still in the playoffs.
ROUTE 66
7A
Plainfield North
East St. Louis
6A
Sacred Heart (Springfield)
4A
Althoff Catholic (Belleville)
3A
Wilmington
Carlinville
--RoadDog
These teams are Still Left:
LINCOLN HIGHWAY
8A
Lincoln Way East
St. Charles East
7A
Plainfield North
6A
DeKalb
5A
Sterling
2A
Newman Central Catholic (Sterling)
Sterling has to be real happy with two of their teams still in the playoffs.
ROUTE 66
7A
Plainfield North
East St. Louis
6A
Sacred Heart (Springfield)
4A
Althoff Catholic (Belleville)
3A
Wilmington
Carlinville
--RoadDog
A Game for the Ages: Game 7 of World Series-- Part 2: Indians Score Twice on Wild Pitch
It was extra joy and relief at the end of the top half of the 5th inning when the Cubs took a 5-1 lead. Even starting to think a bit about the Cubs actually winning... BUT NO!!
In the bottom of the fifth, the Indians first two men up made outs. Then Cub Pitcher Kyle Hendricks, who had to this point given up just four hits and had a 5-1 lead, walked Carlos Santana and Joe Maddon pulled him for Jon Lester.and David Ross replaces Contreras at catcher. Jason Kipnis singles. With both Indians advancing on a throwing error to second and third, they both score on a wild pitch. The next batter strikes out. The score is now Cubs 5 Indians 3.
I had never ever seen two men score on a wild pitch, but the Cubs sure don't do anything the easy way. And Lester was absolutely horrible. What was Maddon thinking by pulling Hendricks who was pitching so well?
What Would Ron Santo Say? --RoadDog
In the bottom of the fifth, the Indians first two men up made outs. Then Cub Pitcher Kyle Hendricks, who had to this point given up just four hits and had a 5-1 lead, walked Carlos Santana and Joe Maddon pulled him for Jon Lester.and David Ross replaces Contreras at catcher. Jason Kipnis singles. With both Indians advancing on a throwing error to second and third, they both score on a wild pitch. The next batter strikes out. The score is now Cubs 5 Indians 3.
I had never ever seen two men score on a wild pitch, but the Cubs sure don't do anything the easy way. And Lester was absolutely horrible. What was Maddon thinking by pulling Hendricks who was pitching so well?
What Would Ron Santo Say? --RoadDog
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
A Game for the Ages: Game 7 of the 2016 World Series-- Part 1: Cubs Take 5-1 Lead
This was a real hard game for us to watch. We went from exhilaration to the depths of despair and, then, joy. This game had it all. And, of course, it went real, real late, way way past my bedtime.
We watched the first part at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, Illinois and the last part at Margaritaville in our basement.
FIRST INNING: First batter Dexter Fowler hits a home run. Maybe we will find a way to beat Corey Kluber. Then, Kyle Schwarber, Liz and my favorite Cub, hits a single. Cubs up 1-0.
THIRD INNING: That ever-thorn in our side, Coco Crisp (such a name), hits a double and scores. Tie score, 1-1. As Ron Santo would say, "Oh, No!"
FOURTH INNING: Kris Bryant singles. Addison Russell hits sacrifice fly to center, scoring Bryant. Wilson Contreras doubles and Zobrist scores. Cubs 3 Indians 1. Everyone at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg cheering and high-fiving. One happy group.
CUBS FIFTH INNING. Javier Baez homers. Back to back singles by Baez and Fowler. Schwarber grounds into a double play. Bryant walks, Rizzo singles to right, scoring Bryant. Cubs leading 5 to 1. People starting to think, "Might This Be?"
BUT, IT AIN'T OVER YET. --RoadDog
We watched the first part at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, Illinois and the last part at Margaritaville in our basement.
FIRST INNING: First batter Dexter Fowler hits a home run. Maybe we will find a way to beat Corey Kluber. Then, Kyle Schwarber, Liz and my favorite Cub, hits a single. Cubs up 1-0.
THIRD INNING: That ever-thorn in our side, Coco Crisp (such a name), hits a double and scores. Tie score, 1-1. As Ron Santo would say, "Oh, No!"
FOURTH INNING: Kris Bryant singles. Addison Russell hits sacrifice fly to center, scoring Bryant. Wilson Contreras doubles and Zobrist scores. Cubs 3 Indians 1. Everyone at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg cheering and high-fiving. One happy group.
CUBS FIFTH INNING. Javier Baez homers. Back to back singles by Baez and Fowler. Schwarber grounds into a double play. Bryant walks, Rizzo singles to right, scoring Bryant. Cubs leading 5 to 1. People starting to think, "Might This Be?"
BUT, IT AIN'T OVER YET. --RoadDog
"A Little Bouncer, Slowly Toward Bryant..." The Moment the Cubs Won
From the November 3, 2016, Chicago Tribune Sports Section.
Words of Cubs radio voice Pat Hughes on WSCR-AM670.
"A little bouncer, slowly toward Bryant, he'll glove it and throw to Rizzo. It's in time, and the Chicago Cubs win the World Series! The Cubs come pouring out of the dugout, jumping up and down like a bunch of delirious 10-year-olds.
"The Cubs have done it! The longest drought in the history of American sports is over, and the celebration begins."
Love Those Ten-Year-Olds!! --RoadDog
Words of Cubs radio voice Pat Hughes on WSCR-AM670.
"A little bouncer, slowly toward Bryant, he'll glove it and throw to Rizzo. It's in time, and the Chicago Cubs win the World Series! The Cubs come pouring out of the dugout, jumping up and down like a bunch of delirious 10-year-olds.
"The Cubs have done it! The longest drought in the history of American sports is over, and the celebration begins."
Love Those Ten-Year-Olds!! --RoadDog
Monday, November 7, 2016
108 Years Later, Cubs Win It All!!-- Part 3: Those Bleachers
To find out what was at Wrigley Field in 1945, the last World Series appearance of the Cubs, check out my Cooter's History Thing blog.
TRIANGLE PROPERTY: (northwest corner outside ballpark). Rising from this spot is a building that will house Cubs offices and retail shops. Eventually there will also be an open-air plaza where the Cubs plan to host events.
BLEACHERS: Bleacher seats were added during the ongoing construction, and the walls along Waveland and Sheffield avenues were moved outward, allowing for additional seats and features.
SCOREBOARD: The iconic manual scoreboard now stands between two new video boards -- 3,990 square feet in left and 2,400 square feet in right, The old board still functions, however, and features manual scoring.
OUTFIELD: The ivy remains, but one key difference is the baskets, which were added in 1970.
Take me Out to the Wrigley Field. --RoaCub
TRIANGLE PROPERTY: (northwest corner outside ballpark). Rising from this spot is a building that will house Cubs offices and retail shops. Eventually there will also be an open-air plaza where the Cubs plan to host events.
BLEACHERS: Bleacher seats were added during the ongoing construction, and the walls along Waveland and Sheffield avenues were moved outward, allowing for additional seats and features.
SCOREBOARD: The iconic manual scoreboard now stands between two new video boards -- 3,990 square feet in left and 2,400 square feet in right, The old board still functions, however, and features manual scoring.
OUTFIELD: The ivy remains, but one key difference is the baskets, which were added in 1970.
Take me Out to the Wrigley Field. --RoaCub
108 Years Later, Cubs Win It All!!-- Part 2 That Famous Red Marque
Changes to Wrigley Field in the last few years.
CLUBHOUSES: This season saw the debut of the Cubs' massive 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, which includes an expanded locker room, strength and conditioning center, training areas, offices and a lounge.
Players walk through a tunnel to the new area, which is under the triangle property outside the ballpark.
MARQUE:: The marque, now red, features an LED message board and advertising signage.
UPPER DECK: Structural improvements have been part of the construction as well as new bathrooms.
--RoadCub
CLUBHOUSES: This season saw the debut of the Cubs' massive 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, which includes an expanded locker room, strength and conditioning center, training areas, offices and a lounge.
Players walk through a tunnel to the new area, which is under the triangle property outside the ballpark.
MARQUE:: The marque, now red, features an LED message board and advertising signage.
UPPER DECK: Structural improvements have been part of the construction as well as new bathrooms.
--RoadCub
Friday, November 4, 2016
Had It Not been the Cubs, I'd Have Been Pulling for the Indians
The Cleveland Indians have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. They played as hard as any team could and the Cubs were lucky to win.
Actually, had it not been the Cubs, I would have been pulling all the way for the Indians.
Cleveland and Chicago could be first cousins in the city world. Both are large Rust Belt cities located on a Great Lake. Both have serious financial problems and are riddled with crime. There are certain groups that make each community dangerous.
Even more important, the Cleveland Indians are in the American League, as are my Chicago White Sox. And even better, they are in the same division, the AL's Central, as the Sox.
Plus, both cities have a really sad record of winning sports teams. I am not sure who is the worst in that regards.
--RoadDog
Actually, had it not been the Cubs, I would have been pulling all the way for the Indians.
Cleveland and Chicago could be first cousins in the city world. Both are large Rust Belt cities located on a Great Lake. Both have serious financial problems and are riddled with crime. There are certain groups that make each community dangerous.
Even more important, the Cleveland Indians are in the American League, as are my Chicago White Sox. And even better, they are in the same division, the AL's Central, as the Sox.
Plus, both cities have a really sad record of winning sports teams. I am not sure who is the worst in that regards.
--RoadDog
108 Years Later, Cubs Win It All: A Look At Wrigley Field-- Part 1
And, there is to be a Championship Parade today from Wrigley Field to Grant Park for a huge rally. We're also having some great weather here in the Chicago area so I am sure there will be lots and lots of people there for it. Not us, though. Not really fond of huge crowds.
There have been some changes to Wrigley Field since the Cubs last made a World Series appearance in 1945 (when they lost to the Detroit Tigers).
From the October 28, 2016, Chicago Tribune "Wrigley Field's transformation."
FACADE: Restored to 1930s luster, complete with ornamental grill work topped by sunburst patterns.
FIELD: Foul territory has shrunk over the years because of renovation work and the addition of seats.
LIGHTS: The Cubs were the last major league team to install lights, hosting their first night game on August 8, 1988. The game was raine dout in the fourth inning, so the first official night game was played the next day.
--RoadCub
There have been some changes to Wrigley Field since the Cubs last made a World Series appearance in 1945 (when they lost to the Detroit Tigers).
From the October 28, 2016, Chicago Tribune "Wrigley Field's transformation."
FACADE: Restored to 1930s luster, complete with ornamental grill work topped by sunburst patterns.
FIELD: Foul territory has shrunk over the years because of renovation work and the addition of seats.
LIGHTS: The Cubs were the last major league team to install lights, hosting their first night game on August 8, 1988. The game was raine dout in the fourth inning, so the first official night game was played the next day.
--RoadCub
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Cubs Win! Cubs Win!!: Ten Songs to Celebrate the End of 108 Years of Sad
From the WDRV Ten at Ten with Bob Stroud at 10 a.m. this morning. It will be repeated at 10 p.m., so if you're a Cub fan, or baseball fan, give it a listen. Many are saying that this World Series was one for the ages, especially Game 7.
WE WILL ROCK YOU-- Queen
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS-- Queen (Actually 11 songs, but Bob counted this as one song.)
FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME-- Foreigner
CELEBRATE-- Three Dog Night (Always reminds me of The Barn snack shop) in Grant Towers at NIU in DeKalb.)
SWEET EMOTION-- Aerosmith
RUNNING DOWN A DREAM-- Tom Petty
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS-- Bachman-Turner Overdrive
SWEET HOME CHICAGO-- Blues Brothers
(I JUST WANT TO) CELEBRATE-- Rare Earth
GO CUBS GO-- Steve Goodman
DREAMS-- Van Halen
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "You Get Up Every Morning From Your Alarm Clock's Warning." --RoadDog
WE WILL ROCK YOU-- Queen
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS-- Queen (Actually 11 songs, but Bob counted this as one song.)
FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME-- Foreigner
CELEBRATE-- Three Dog Night (Always reminds me of The Barn snack shop) in Grant Towers at NIU in DeKalb.)
SWEET EMOTION-- Aerosmith
RUNNING DOWN A DREAM-- Tom Petty
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS-- Bachman-Turner Overdrive
SWEET HOME CHICAGO-- Blues Brothers
(I JUST WANT TO) CELEBRATE-- Rare Earth
GO CUBS GO-- Steve Goodman
DREAMS-- Van Halen
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "You Get Up Every Morning From Your Alarm Clock's Warning." --RoadDog
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Trip to the Indy 500, 2012-- Part 4: No "Sweet Home Alabama"
May 25, Friday.
The other RVers in the park were impressed with how quiet Paul and Sue's generator was.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was playing at the track and we could hear them quite clearly. But, we did not hear "Sweet Home Alabama." Now, that was really a necessary song to hear.
--RoadDog
News From Along Route 66, October 2016: Tow Tater Has Competition
OCTOBER 2-- Tow Tater, aka Tow Mater, has a competitor named Missouri Mater. The 1951 International boom truck served as the inspiration for the character in the animated film "Cars." But, now there is another one just 15 miles away in Carterville, Missouri.
You can never have too much Mater.
OCTOBER 3-- The Mid-Point Cafe in Adrian, Texas, has been put up for sale because of the owner's health issues. Let's hope it continues. Neat place.
OCTOBER 4-- The Curt Teich Postcard Archives is going to be donated by the Lake County, Illinois, Forest Preserve District to Chicago's Newberry Library. Sad to see it moving so far away from nearby Wauconda as this is an amazing collection of postcards showing the U.S. as it was. Curt teich was one of the biggest makers of postcards.
Tippin' Tractors and Runnin' From Frank. --RoadMater
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Lincoln Highway-US-66 Showdown First Week Results: Lincoln Highway Leads 12-8
After the first week, Lincoln Highway lost Joliet West, West Aurora, Lincoln-Way West and Marmion Academy. Route 66 lost Edwardsville, Joliet West, Normal Community West, Chatham Glenwood and Central Catholic.
Teams still in the running:
LINCOLN HIGHWAY
8A
Waubonsee (Aurora)
Lincoln-Way West (Frankfort)
St. Charles East
7A
Plainfield North
St. Charles North
Batavia
Lincoln-Way Central
6A
DeKalb
5A
Sterling
Rochelle
4A
Dixon
Central Catholic (Aurora)
2A
Newman Central Catholic (Sterling)
ROUTE 66
7A
Plainfield North
East St. Louis
Normal Community
6A
Sacred Heart (Springfield)
4A
Althoff Catholic (Belleville)
3A
Wilmington
Carlinville
Williamsville
So, Lincoln Highway continues to lead at 12-8.
--RoadDog
Teams still in the running:
LINCOLN HIGHWAY
8A
Waubonsee (Aurora)
Lincoln-Way West (Frankfort)
St. Charles East
7A
Plainfield North
St. Charles North
Batavia
Lincoln-Way Central
6A
DeKalb
5A
Sterling
Rochelle
4A
Dixon
Central Catholic (Aurora)
2A
Newman Central Catholic (Sterling)
ROUTE 66
7A
Plainfield North
East St. Louis
Normal Community
6A
Sacred Heart (Springfield)
4A
Althoff Catholic (Belleville)
3A
Wilmington
Carlinville
Williamsville
So, Lincoln Highway continues to lead at 12-8.
--RoadDog
US-14 Vs. US-12 2016 Showdown Results for First Week: US-14 Leads 8 to 4
Rand Road (US-12) started off with 6 teams last Friday and Northwest Highway (US-14) had 9.
After the first week Northwest Highway lost Woodstock North. Rand Road lost Wauconda and the school students in our subdivision go to, Richmond-Burton.
US-12 and US-14 both go through Palatine and Arlington Heights which is why Fremd, Palatine and St. Viator are listed on both teams.
Remaining Schools in Round 2:
RAND ROAD (US-12)
8A
Fremd (Palatine)
Palatine
7A
Lake Zurich
6A
St. Viator (Arlington Heights)
NORTHWEST HIGHWAY (US-14)
8A
Fremd (Palatine)
Palatine
Maine South (Park Ridge)
Barrington
6A
St. Viator (Arlington Heights)
Cary-Grove
Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake)
5A
Marian Central Catholic (Woodstock)
US-14 maintains a commanding lead.
--RoadDog
After the first week Northwest Highway lost Woodstock North. Rand Road lost Wauconda and the school students in our subdivision go to, Richmond-Burton.
US-12 and US-14 both go through Palatine and Arlington Heights which is why Fremd, Palatine and St. Viator are listed on both teams.
Remaining Schools in Round 2:
RAND ROAD (US-12)
8A
Fremd (Palatine)
Palatine
7A
Lake Zurich
6A
St. Viator (Arlington Heights)
NORTHWEST HIGHWAY (US-14)
8A
Fremd (Palatine)
Palatine
Maine South (Park Ridge)
Barrington
6A
St. Viator (Arlington Heights)
Cary-Grove
Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake)
5A
Marian Central Catholic (Woodstock)
US-14 maintains a commanding lead.
--RoadDog
Trip to the Indy 500, 2012-- Part 3: Arrival Drinks and First Bar
We were staying at a private trailer park across from the racetrack which also included many full-time residents. But everyone tries to cask in on the money all the fans bring in.
Actually, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is not in Indianapolis, but in a suburb of the city named Speedway. You have to wonder which came first,the town or the race track.
Paul did an amazing job backing that big old RV into its spot. Sue helped him on her cell phone, It was quite the coordinated effort. We got things set up and then had "We Have Arrived" drinks.
We walked over to a dilapidated bar called The Winner's Circle by Crawfordsville Road, one of their favorite places to go when there. It is quite rustic. Cans of beer were $4 and not very cold, so not as enjoyable as they might have been, despite the expensive cost. However, they did have a band playing.
Both our trailer park and the bar were right across from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the Indy 500 takes place, so you couldn't get much closer. I understand that getting to the track on raceday is quite an accomplishment in itself.
--RoadDog
Actually, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is not in Indianapolis, but in a suburb of the city named Speedway. You have to wonder which came first,the town or the race track.
Paul did an amazing job backing that big old RV into its spot. Sue helped him on her cell phone, It was quite the coordinated effort. We got things set up and then had "We Have Arrived" drinks.
We walked over to a dilapidated bar called The Winner's Circle by Crawfordsville Road, one of their favorite places to go when there. It is quite rustic. Cans of beer were $4 and not very cold, so not as enjoyable as they might have been, despite the expensive cost. However, they did have a band playing.
Both our trailer park and the bar were right across from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the Indy 500 takes place, so you couldn't get much closer. I understand that getting to the track on raceday is quite an accomplishment in itself.
--RoadDog
Trip to the Indy 500, 2012-- Part 2: On the Road Again
MAY 25, 2012, FRIDAY
Liz drove me over to Sue and Paul's place in Long Lake and we left at 8:05 a.m.. Other than walking through an RV on rare occasions, I had never spent much time in one, but that was to change over the next four days. It was my Home Sweet Home on Wheels.
We picked up Paul's brother John at a weigh station along the interstate. He lives in Batavia. I immediately found out a major drawback to RVing when we filled up with gas in Rennsalear, Indiana, and the bill came to $211!! OUCH!!
We stopped at West Lafayette at a Meijer's and a White Castle Craver attack. Sliders for the race. Not much better than a hot, greasy, oniony slider.
Lots of fun on I-465 with all that traffic and then even more as we got off and made our way to the racetrack area. A lot of people make a weekend out of the Sunday Race. Some even get there a week earlier.
Sliding Away. --RoadDog
Liz drove me over to Sue and Paul's place in Long Lake and we left at 8:05 a.m.. Other than walking through an RV on rare occasions, I had never spent much time in one, but that was to change over the next four days. It was my Home Sweet Home on Wheels.
We picked up Paul's brother John at a weigh station along the interstate. He lives in Batavia. I immediately found out a major drawback to RVing when we filled up with gas in Rennsalear, Indiana, and the bill came to $211!! OUCH!!
We stopped at West Lafayette at a Meijer's and a White Castle Craver attack. Sliders for the race. Not much better than a hot, greasy, oniony slider.
Lots of fun on I-465 with all that traffic and then even more as we got off and made our way to the racetrack area. A lot of people make a weekend out of the Sunday Race. Some even get there a week earlier.
Sliding Away. --RoadDog
Trip to the Indy 500, 2012-- Part 1: Not Really a Racing Fan, But...
Friends of ours, Sue and Paul, have been going to this event for around 15 years and now have an RV and asked if I'd like to accompany them. Now, I am not much of a racing fan, even though being originally from North Carolina and all that NASCAR stuff, you'd think I'd be.
But, this was something I'd never done before, so why not take them up on their offer. I had been to the track once before with Route 66ers on a National Road trip, been to the museum and taken a trip around the track on a bus. But it didn't really mean much to me at the time.
But, you always hear about it over Memorial Day weekend and now was my chance to see what it was all about.
(I must admit that now, after seeing my fifth Indy 500, I have become a bit of a fan.)
Vroom, Vroom. --RoadDog
But, this was something I'd never done before, so why not take them up on their offer. I had been to the track once before with Route 66ers on a National Road trip, been to the museum and taken a trip around the track on a bus. But it didn't really mean much to me at the time.
But, you always hear about it over Memorial Day weekend and now was my chance to see what it was all about.
(I must admit that now, after seeing my fifth Indy 500, I have become a bit of a fan.)
Vroom, Vroom. --RoadDog
Monday, October 31, 2016
News From Along Route 66, September 2016: The Pony Bridge To Be Closed, But Left As a Monument
Oklahoma may close two historic Route 66 bridges, but leave them a s monuments. One is the famous Pony Bridge which is too far gone to be repaired and continue use.
The other is the Horse Creek Bridge near Afton.
However, you can probably still drive across the bridges until 2017, so if you want to drive them, you'd better get to cruisin'.
I can live with them closing them and leaving them as monuments.
--RoadDog
The other is the Horse Creek Bridge near Afton.
However, you can probably still drive across the bridges until 2017, so if you want to drive them, you'd better get to cruisin'.
I can live with them closing them and leaving them as monuments.
--RoadDog
ShowDown Updates Tomorrow
Tomorrow I will have the complete standings of the Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Showdown and the US-14-US-12 showdowns.
--RoadDown
--RoadDown
Friday, October 28, 2016
Talking Showdowns
I started this competition back in 2012 when I noticed quite a few Route 66 and Lincoln Highway towns with high school teams competing in the annual IHSA (Illinois) State High School Football Championships in all eight class levels.
The Class levels go from 8A, which are schools with the largest student populations down to 1A with the smallest.
I later added US-12 (Rand Road) and US-14 (Northwest Highway) which two roads go right through our area and have had a lot to do with my growing up in Chicago's Northwest suburbs.
The competition revolves around the last school(s) standing is the winner.
Lincoln Highway won in 2012, 2013 and 2015. Route 66 won in 2014.
US-12 won in 2013, US-14 in 2014 and last year it was a tie.
Gearing Up for Some Football. --RoadDog
The Class levels go from 8A, which are schools with the largest student populations down to 1A with the smallest.
I later added US-12 (Rand Road) and US-14 (Northwest Highway) which two roads go right through our area and have had a lot to do with my growing up in Chicago's Northwest suburbs.
The competition revolves around the last school(s) standing is the winner.
Lincoln Highway won in 2012, 2013 and 2015. Route 66 won in 2014.
US-12 won in 2013, US-14 in 2014 and last year it was a tie.
Gearing Up for Some Football. --RoadDog
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Welcome to the 2016 Northwest Highway (US-14) Vs. Rand Road (US-12) IHSA (Illinois) Showdown
I also put the Illinois High School playoff teams along US-Highway 12 (Rand Road) and US Highway 14 (Northwest Highway) up against each other and have been doing this for four years now.
NORTHWEST HIGHWAY (US-14) teams:
8A
Fremd (6-3) Palatine
Maine South (6-3) Park Ridge
Barrington (8-1)
Palatine (9-0)
6A
St. Viator (5-4) Arlington Heights
Cary Grove (8-1)
Prairie Ridge (9-0) Crystal Lake
5A
Woodstock North (6-3)
Marian Central (5-4) Woodstock
RAND ROAD (US-12) TEAMS
8a
Fremd (6-3) Palatine
Palatine (9-0)
7A
Lake Zurich (7-2)
6A
St. Viator (5-4) Arlington Heights
Wauconda (5-4)
4A
Richmond-Burton (6-3) Richmond/Spring Grove
Rah-RahRee. --RoadDog
NORTHWEST HIGHWAY (US-14) teams:
8A
Fremd (6-3) Palatine
Maine South (6-3) Park Ridge
Barrington (8-1)
Palatine (9-0)
6A
St. Viator (5-4) Arlington Heights
Cary Grove (8-1)
Prairie Ridge (9-0) Crystal Lake
5A
Woodstock North (6-3)
Marian Central (5-4) Woodstock
RAND ROAD (US-12) TEAMS
8a
Fremd (6-3) Palatine
Palatine (9-0)
7A
Lake Zurich (7-2)
6A
St. Viator (5-4) Arlington Heights
Wauconda (5-4)
4A
Richmond-Burton (6-3) Richmond/Spring Grove
Rah-RahRee. --RoadDog
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Welcome to the 2016 IHSA (Illinois) Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Showdown: Route 66 teams
8A
Edwardsville (8-1)
Joliet West (6-3)
7A
Plainfield North (7-2)
East St. Louis (9-0)
Normal Community (8-1)
6A
Sacred Heart (9-0) Springfield
Normal Community West (5-4)
4A
Althoff Catholic (9-0) Belleville
3A
Wilmington (9-0)
Central Catholic (7-2)
Carlinville (8-1)
Williamsville (8-1)
There are 12 Route 66 teams versus 17 Lincoln Highway. this is the first year there have been more Lincoln Highway than Route 66 teams.
Edwardsville (8-1)
Joliet West (6-3)
7A
Plainfield North (7-2)
East St. Louis (9-0)
Normal Community (8-1)
6A
Sacred Heart (9-0) Springfield
Normal Community West (5-4)
4A
Althoff Catholic (9-0) Belleville
3A
Wilmington (9-0)
Central Catholic (7-2)
Carlinville (8-1)
Williamsville (8-1)
There are 12 Route 66 teams versus 17 Lincoln Highway. this is the first year there have been more Lincoln Highway than Route 66 teams.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Welcome to the 2016 Lincoln Highway-Route 66 IHSA Showdown: Lincoln Highway Teams
The playoff games start this Friday.
By class and records. The schools are put into classes by number of students with *A having the largest populations of students.
8A
Joliet West (6-3)
Waubonsie (5-4) Aurora
West Aurora (9-0)
Lincoln Way East (7-2) Frankfort
St. Charles East (9-0)
7A
Plainfield North (7-2)
St. Charles North (8-1)
Batavia (7-2)
Lincoln Way West (5-4) New Lennox
Lincoln Way Central (6-3)
6A
DeKalb (7-2)
Marmion Academy (6-3) Aurora
5A
Sterling (9-0)
Rochelle (5-4)
4A
Dixon (7-2)
Central Catholic (8-1) Aurora
2A
Newman Central Catholic (9-0) Sterling
Lincoln Highway has 17 teams.
Route 66 Teams Tomorrow. --RoadDog
By class and records. The schools are put into classes by number of students with *A having the largest populations of students.
8A
Joliet West (6-3)
Waubonsie (5-4) Aurora
West Aurora (9-0)
Lincoln Way East (7-2) Frankfort
St. Charles East (9-0)
7A
Plainfield North (7-2)
St. Charles North (8-1)
Batavia (7-2)
Lincoln Way West (5-4) New Lennox
Lincoln Way Central (6-3)
6A
DeKalb (7-2)
Marmion Academy (6-3) Aurora
5A
Sterling (9-0)
Rochelle (5-4)
4A
Dixon (7-2)
Central Catholic (8-1) Aurora
2A
Newman Central Catholic (9-0) Sterling
Lincoln Highway has 17 teams.
Route 66 Teams Tomorrow. --RoadDog
Monday, October 24, 2016
NIU Homecoming 2016-- Part 1: Meetin' and Greetin'
OCTOBER 22, SATURDAY
We took the usual way to DeKalb: Il-120, Il-47, Il-176 and Il-23. There was a huge Fall Farm on 176 and we also saw two huge pumpkin fields along 176. It's that time of the year, you know.
Stopped to have our slider crave at White Castle in DeKalb and then parked by the Barsema Center. We had game tickets and parking at the Barsema Center (Alumni) because of our involvement in the NIU Foundation.
Checked out the gift shop in the Center then came across Terri, out NIU contact for the Foundation at the Alumni Tent area. She took us over to meet the new Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Laurie Elish-Piper, the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Christopher McCord and the President and CEO of the NIU Foundation, Catherine Squires. All of them have been connected with Northern for a long time.
They had a band playing inside the tent and all alumni could pick buttons telling which decade they graduated in which helped with introductions.
The NIU Huskie Marching Band then came by for several songs, including out NIU Fight Song. We talked with the President of NIU, Douglas Baker.
--RoadDog
We took the usual way to DeKalb: Il-120, Il-47, Il-176 and Il-23. There was a huge Fall Farm on 176 and we also saw two huge pumpkin fields along 176. It's that time of the year, you know.
Stopped to have our slider crave at White Castle in DeKalb and then parked by the Barsema Center. We had game tickets and parking at the Barsema Center (Alumni) because of our involvement in the NIU Foundation.
Checked out the gift shop in the Center then came across Terri, out NIU contact for the Foundation at the Alumni Tent area. She took us over to meet the new Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Laurie Elish-Piper, the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Christopher McCord and the President and CEO of the NIU Foundation, Catherine Squires. All of them have been connected with Northern for a long time.
They had a band playing inside the tent and all alumni could pick buttons telling which decade they graduated in which helped with introductions.
The NIU Huskie Marching Band then came by for several songs, including out NIU Fight Song. We talked with the President of NIU, Douglas Baker.
--RoadDog
Friday, October 21, 2016
A Busy Day August 14-- Part 7: All-Around Taps and White Doves
The combined rifle team of the McHenry American Legion Post 491, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4600 and the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 188 then fired a three volley salute. Then the All-Around "Taps" sounded. One bugler starts and is joined in by one after another until at one point all are playing the mournful but respective song. Then one after another quit until there is just one and then none.. This part of the ceremony always chokes me up and brings a tear to my eyes.
The singer sang "America the Beautiful" and then there was the dove release.
There was a really big crowd that I would estimate at between 400 and 500 in attendance.
Afterwards Bill's Little Big band provided music of the era and a local radio disc jockey had a radio program that you might hear. The songs they played before I left were "In the Mood," "Moonlight Serenade" and "Sentimental Journey."
--RoadDog
The singer sang "America the Beautiful" and then there was the dove release.
There was a really big crowd that I would estimate at between 400 and 500 in attendance.
Afterwards Bill's Little Big band provided music of the era and a local radio disc jockey had a radio program that you might hear. The songs they played before I left were "In the Mood," "Moonlight Serenade" and "Sentimental Journey."
--RoadDog
Thursday, October 20, 2016
A Busy Day August 14-- Part 6: Merchant Marine Recognition
As I said, the ceremony was nearing its end when I arrived and there was a prayer and then "God Bless America" was sung, accompanied by Bill's Little Big Band. It is so sad to see the World War II vets so old and crippled.
Then the band played the service songs of the Coast Guard (I don't believe I'd ever heard this one before), Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Army. I was also happy to hear (also for the first time) the song of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
I am very happy to see the Merchant Marine finally getting the recognition they so much deserve because of the important role they played in the war. I am sure floating around in U-boat infested waters (often in the frigid North Atlantic) in a ship loaded with ammunition or oil is not my idea of a pleasure cruise.
--RoadMerchantMarine.
Then the band played the service songs of the Coast Guard (I don't believe I'd ever heard this one before), Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Army. I was also happy to hear (also for the first time) the song of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
I am very happy to see the Merchant Marine finally getting the recognition they so much deserve because of the important role they played in the war. I am sure floating around in U-boat infested waters (often in the frigid North Atlantic) in a ship loaded with ammunition or oil is not my idea of a pleasure cruise.
--RoadMerchantMarine.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Meskers on Route 66 in Illinois
I have written about these prefab building fronts that came into vogue in the late 1800s, early 1900s.
Here is a list of buildings with Mesker fronts along Route 66 in Illinois:
Atlanta-- 4
Carlinville-- 2
Dwight-- 1
Edwardsville-- 2
Elkhart-- 1
Lincoln-- 1
Normal-- 1
Plainfield-- 1
Staunton-- 1
Virdon-- 6
--RoadDog
Here is a list of buildings with Mesker fronts along Route 66 in Illinois:
Atlanta-- 4
Carlinville-- 2
Dwight-- 1
Edwardsville-- 2
Elkhart-- 1
Lincoln-- 1
Normal-- 1
Plainfield-- 1
Staunton-- 1
Virdon-- 6
--RoadDog
A Busy Day August 14-- Part 5: Keeping the Spirit of '45 Alive
I left the Parish Fest and New Odyssey right as the last song ended. I dropped Liz off at Sunnyside in Johnsburg and then drove to Veterans Park in McHenry, Illinois, for the annual Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive. This event honors the Greatest Generation and is well-deserved. It is also one of the biggest and longest-running observations in the United States.
Unfortunately, they always have it on the same day as Parish fest in Johnsburg.
I arrived for the last part of it. Sad that the announcer told the World War II veterans to stand "as well as you can." The World War II veterans and people are getting very old and their health is often failing. It is sad to see them so old. I was born in 1951 and growing up, World War II veterans were everywhere. You didn't think much about them being around. They were just there. Nothing special.
But, as we lose them in increasing numbers, we need to honor heir sacrifices and efforts as much as we can.
Missing Those Old Guys and Gals. --RoadDog
Unfortunately, they always have it on the same day as Parish fest in Johnsburg.
I arrived for the last part of it. Sad that the announcer told the World War II veterans to stand "as well as you can." The World War II veterans and people are getting very old and their health is often failing. It is sad to see them so old. I was born in 1951 and growing up, World War II veterans were everywhere. You didn't think much about them being around. They were just there. Nothing special.
But, as we lose them in increasing numbers, we need to honor heir sacrifices and efforts as much as we can.
Missing Those Old Guys and Gals. --RoadDog
Monday, October 17, 2016
Saw New Odyssey in Wilmington, N.C. September 24th
As I was checking to see if I had spelled Odyssey correctly (I did, but for some reason it didn't look right) for the Busy Day posts, I looked up the word odyssey online and along with the spelling and correction, I found the New Odyssey site so decided to take a look at it.
While checking their appearances, I saw they were appearing at a church for a show in Wilmington, N.C., on September 24. I also knew that I was going to be nearby that date in Topsail Beach so decided to see them again.
That day, I drove to Wilmington and toured the USS North Carolina battleship and the Cape Fear Museum before going to Casey's Buffet for a great southern meal.
I then surprised the members of the group when I showed up at the church. Nobody had ever seen them so I told the people around me about what to expect. There were seniors, middle agers and kids in attendance and they sure had a good time. Everywhere I looked, there were smiles and people moving with the music. And, this time they got to see Gary Todd's drum coat.
--RoadDog
While checking their appearances, I saw they were appearing at a church for a show in Wilmington, N.C., on September 24. I also knew that I was going to be nearby that date in Topsail Beach so decided to see them again.
That day, I drove to Wilmington and toured the USS North Carolina battleship and the Cape Fear Museum before going to Casey's Buffet for a great southern meal.
I then surprised the members of the group when I showed up at the church. Nobody had ever seen them so I told the people around me about what to expect. There were seniors, middle agers and kids in attendance and they sure had a good time. Everywhere I looked, there were smiles and people moving with the music. And, this time they got to see Gary Todd's drum coat.
--RoadDog
A Busy Day August 14-- New Odyssey-- Part 4: No Drum Coat
Then they did a Santana song (I don't know the name, though).
GEORGIA
CRAZY
HEY BARTENDER
IRISH MEDLEY
WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND
BLUEGRASS SONG by Flatt & Scruggs with the band playing each others' instruments at the same time. Something you've got to see to believe.
OH WHAT A NIGHT-- Four seasons
UPTOWN FUNK
HOW GREAT THOU ART-- The horns were highly memorable on this one.
They ended it with a country song.
Everyone gets to hear their favorite type of music during a New Odyssey show.
We were disappointed that Gary did nor put on his Sgt. pepper's drum coat. We asked Michael afterwards about not seeing the coat, always a favorite with audiences and he said they had done it.
A Sad Thing When the Mind Goes, Michael. --RoadWhat
GEORGIA
CRAZY
HEY BARTENDER
IRISH MEDLEY
WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND
BLUEGRASS SONG by Flatt & Scruggs with the band playing each others' instruments at the same time. Something you've got to see to believe.
OH WHAT A NIGHT-- Four seasons
UPTOWN FUNK
HOW GREAT THOU ART-- The horns were highly memorable on this one.
They ended it with a country song.
Everyone gets to hear their favorite type of music during a New Odyssey show.
We were disappointed that Gary did nor put on his Sgt. pepper's drum coat. We asked Michael afterwards about not seeing the coat, always a favorite with audiences and he said they had done it.
A Sad Thing When the Mind Goes, Michael. --RoadWhat
Friday, October 14, 2016
Good Times Here Last Weekend-- Part 8: Boating and the Chain Crawl
MONDAY, OCTOBER 10
Bob Stroud played New World songs on his Ten at Ten on WDRV in honor of Columbus Day.
We went out for a boat ride around Fox and Nippersink Lakes and stopped at Stormy Monday on Fox Lake for a drink. After putting the boat up, we went to Dino's Den on Grand Avenue on the channel where we keep our boat and had a drink and got a passport stamp.
Next stop was El Puerto on Nippersink Lake for another passport stamp and enjoyed some seasonal beer and chips and salsa. Then to Sunnyside and watched the Cubs lose to the Giants in Margarativille in the thrid game of the NLDS.
Gettin' Stamps and Drinki' Beer. --RoadDog
Bob Stroud played New World songs on his Ten at Ten on WDRV in honor of Columbus Day.
We went out for a boat ride around Fox and Nippersink Lakes and stopped at Stormy Monday on Fox Lake for a drink. After putting the boat up, we went to Dino's Den on Grand Avenue on the channel where we keep our boat and had a drink and got a passport stamp.
Next stop was El Puerto on Nippersink Lake for another passport stamp and enjoyed some seasonal beer and chips and salsa. Then to Sunnyside and watched the Cubs lose to the Giants in Margarativille in the thrid game of the NLDS.
Gettin' Stamps and Drinki' Beer. --RoadDog
Good Times Here Last Weekend-- Part 7: Filling Up on "Tastes" and Beer
We have learned that the best way to do a "Taste" walk like this is to just get one thing between us and split it. That way you will be able to make it to more places before you get full. And these portions to "taste" are definitely not small. Of course, at many places we washed it down with liquid libations.
The next two stops were also ones we needed to go to to get passport stamps for the Chain Crawl (41 places to go during one summer and fall). Between the weather and going to N.C. so often this year we still have a lot of places to visit for those stamps. The big end-of-crawl party is October 22nd. Unfortunately, we won't be attending because of Northern Illinois' Homecoming.
Chain' O' Lakes Brewing Company is a purveyor of craft beer and we got two samplers and sat outside in the biergarten and were entertained by a solo performer. Hey, after all, it is Oktoberfest. Then, we went to Corkscrew Pointe which had mini Bloody Marys for a buck. We watched the end of the Bears loss to the Colts there. We sure could have won this one.
We then had biscuits & gravy and mac & cheese at Little Chef Restaurant and country rigatoni at Bimbo's Italian Kitchen.
Next was pumpkin pancakes at Windhill Pancake Parlor which now has all their Halloween decorations up which sure are impressive. Last stop was Foxhole Tap & Pizzeria, located in the basement of the 1880s hotel where we had bruschetta, pulled pork sliders and pizza slices. We were joined by Glenn and Barb (some of our Usual Suspects) there. We later adjourned to Sunnyside for a couple more before calling it a day.
Mighty Full for Some Reason. --RoadAteTooMuchDog
The next two stops were also ones we needed to go to to get passport stamps for the Chain Crawl (41 places to go during one summer and fall). Between the weather and going to N.C. so often this year we still have a lot of places to visit for those stamps. The big end-of-crawl party is October 22nd. Unfortunately, we won't be attending because of Northern Illinois' Homecoming.
Chain' O' Lakes Brewing Company is a purveyor of craft beer and we got two samplers and sat outside in the biergarten and were entertained by a solo performer. Hey, after all, it is Oktoberfest. Then, we went to Corkscrew Pointe which had mini Bloody Marys for a buck. We watched the end of the Bears loss to the Colts there. We sure could have won this one.
We then had biscuits & gravy and mac & cheese at Little Chef Restaurant and country rigatoni at Bimbo's Italian Kitchen.
Next was pumpkin pancakes at Windhill Pancake Parlor which now has all their Halloween decorations up which sure are impressive. Last stop was Foxhole Tap & Pizzeria, located in the basement of the 1880s hotel where we had bruschetta, pulled pork sliders and pizza slices. We were joined by Glenn and Barb (some of our Usual Suspects) there. We later adjourned to Sunnyside for a couple more before calling it a day.
Mighty Full for Some Reason. --RoadAteTooMuchDog
Good Times in the Area Last Weekend-- Part 6: Da Bears and Da Taste
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9
Hard to believe today would have been John Lennon's 76th birthday. Terri Hemmert featured him on her Breakfast With the Beatles show on Chicago's WXRT this morning.
I was able to take care of some yard waste in the burn pile as we can only do that on weekends in October, November, April and May. I produce quite a bit of yard waste.
Liz and I went to the Squaw Bar in Ingleside, Illinois, on Rollins Road, and watched the first half of the Bears game with "The Usual Suspects." It is nice this time of year as we can have the viewing outside in their pavilion.
At half, we drove over to McHenry, Illinois, to take part in their Flavors of Fall Taste Fest where 18 places offer "tastes" of food for $1 to $3 a taste. We always have a great time doing this and made it to 7 of them. We started at the Polish Legion of American Veterans and split smoked sausage and cabbage rolls.
--RoadDog
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Good Times In the Area Last Weekend-- Part 5: Beer & BBQ Walk
Not all of the places were bars on the walk.
Next stops were: Piggly Wiggly, Wings, etc., Chad Arnold State Farm, Hannah's, Merle Norman, Lake Street Antiques, Rugan's, Village Thrift Shop, Ooh La La Boutique, Lodge of Antioch, Selinas Secret and PM&L Theatre.
Bars and restaurants were Limerick Lounge, Wings, etc., Rugan's and the Lodge of Antioch.
There were four more, but I'd had enough to drink and way too much to eat.
Best beers were the McKenzie's Pumpkin Cider at the Limerick Lounge and Shock Top twisted Pretzel at Merle Norman. Best spreads of food (these two places had several items instead of just one) were the Lodge of Antioch with BBQ pork flatbread pizza and deserts and Rugans which must have had five things, all of which were really good.
I met a former student of mine at the PM&L Theatre as well as my State Farm agent.
Listened to NIU's loss to Western Michigan and watched the Cubs game at Sunnyside and Margaritaville,
--RoadDog
Next stops were: Piggly Wiggly, Wings, etc., Chad Arnold State Farm, Hannah's, Merle Norman, Lake Street Antiques, Rugan's, Village Thrift Shop, Ooh La La Boutique, Lodge of Antioch, Selinas Secret and PM&L Theatre.
Bars and restaurants were Limerick Lounge, Wings, etc., Rugan's and the Lodge of Antioch.
There were four more, but I'd had enough to drink and way too much to eat.
Best beers were the McKenzie's Pumpkin Cider at the Limerick Lounge and Shock Top twisted Pretzel at Merle Norman. Best spreads of food (these two places had several items instead of just one) were the Lodge of Antioch with BBQ pork flatbread pizza and deserts and Rugans which must have had five things, all of which were really good.
I met a former student of mine at the PM&L Theatre as well as my State Farm agent.
Listened to NIU's loss to Western Michigan and watched the Cubs game at Sunnyside and Margaritaville,
--RoadDog
Good Times in the Area Last Weekend-- Part 4: Homecoming Parade and Beer & BBQ Holiday Walk
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
I went to the Grant High School Homecoming Parade in Fox Lake, Illinois, at 9 a.m. They had two marching bands, Grant High School and Gavin Middle School. Marching bands are my favorite parts of any parade. As usual these days, very little effort was put into floats.
Then I drove to Antioch, Illinois, and got signed into their Beer and BBQ Holiday Walk. They had 18 places each offering two Oktoberfest-type craft beers and at least one form of something 'cue'd. Two of my favorite things. It cost $40 and money raised went to fund Antioch's Christmas celebration.
This lasted from noon to 4. I managed to make it through 14 places before I threw in the towel.
My first stop was the Limerick Lodge, a big-time football bar. When the Packers and Bears meet, they divide the place in half with Bear fans and Packer fans sitting in assigned areas.
Just Gettin' Started. --RoadDog
I went to the Grant High School Homecoming Parade in Fox Lake, Illinois, at 9 a.m. They had two marching bands, Grant High School and Gavin Middle School. Marching bands are my favorite parts of any parade. As usual these days, very little effort was put into floats.
Then I drove to Antioch, Illinois, and got signed into their Beer and BBQ Holiday Walk. They had 18 places each offering two Oktoberfest-type craft beers and at least one form of something 'cue'd. Two of my favorite things. It cost $40 and money raised went to fund Antioch's Christmas celebration.
This lasted from noon to 4. I managed to make it through 14 places before I threw in the towel.
My first stop was the Limerick Lodge, a big-time football bar. When the Packers and Bears meet, they divide the place in half with Bear fans and Packer fans sitting in assigned areas.
Just Gettin' Started. --RoadDog
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Good Times In the Area Last Weekend-- Part 3: Hanging Out With the Usual Suspects
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7.
Drove into McHenry and went to Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Meijer (and bought a much-needed CD storage unit. I didn't even know that they sold it as everybody seems to download these days. Maybe there are still a few of us holding out?) Had those great sliders at Steak 'N Shake. Also had their seasonal offering of a pumpkin spice milk shake. I don't know of any other shakes as good as these. Even better, it was happy hour so I got it for half price.
Came home and cut the grass.
We then went to the American Legion on Nippersink Lake in Fox Lake and joined up with a group of friends (The Usual Suspects) and watched the Cubs play a lose one in their victory over the Giant in game one of the NL Division Championship.
--RoadDog
Drove into McHenry and went to Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Meijer (and bought a much-needed CD storage unit. I didn't even know that they sold it as everybody seems to download these days. Maybe there are still a few of us holding out?) Had those great sliders at Steak 'N Shake. Also had their seasonal offering of a pumpkin spice milk shake. I don't know of any other shakes as good as these. Even better, it was happy hour so I got it for half price.
Came home and cut the grass.
We then went to the American Legion on Nippersink Lake in Fox Lake and joined up with a group of friends (The Usual Suspects) and watched the Cubs play a lose one in their victory over the Giant in game one of the NL Division Championship.
--RoadDog
Good Times in the Area Last Weekend-- Part 2: Southern Fried Rock
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7
Enjoyed listening to one of my favorite types of music, Southern Rock on Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV, the Drive at 97.1 FM.
The songs played:
FLIRTIN' WITH DISASTER-- Molly Hatchett
CALL ME THE BREEZE-- Lynyrd Skynyrd
HEARD IT IN A LOVE SONG-- Marshall Tucker Band
CAUGHT UP IN YOU-- .38 Special
JACKIE BLUE-- Ozark Mountain Daredevils
IMAGINARY LOVER-- Atlanta Rhythm Section
THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA-- Charlie Daniels Band
DIXIE CHICKEN-- Little Feat
CHEAP SUNGLASSES-- ZZ Top
SWEET MELISSA-- Allman Brothers
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "I Ain't Ever Been With a Woman Long Enough For My Boots To Get Old." RoadDog
"Heard It In a Love Song"
Enjoyed listening to one of my favorite types of music, Southern Rock on Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV, the Drive at 97.1 FM.
The songs played:
FLIRTIN' WITH DISASTER-- Molly Hatchett
CALL ME THE BREEZE-- Lynyrd Skynyrd
HEARD IT IN A LOVE SONG-- Marshall Tucker Band
CAUGHT UP IN YOU-- .38 Special
JACKIE BLUE-- Ozark Mountain Daredevils
IMAGINARY LOVER-- Atlanta Rhythm Section
THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA-- Charlie Daniels Band
DIXIE CHICKEN-- Little Feat
CHEAP SUNGLASSES-- ZZ Top
SWEET MELISSA-- Allman Brothers
Name That Tune (from the above songs): "I Ain't Ever Been With a Woman Long Enough For My Boots To Get Old." RoadDog
"Heard It In a Love Song"
Good Times in the Area This Past Weekend-- Part 1: Why Go Anywhere Else?
This past weekend, there was more than enough to do around here. Between the high school, college and Bear football games, decent, but a little chilly weather, as well as the Chain Crawl, Beer and BBQ Walk in Antioch, Bears game in the outside garage at the Squaw Bar and Autumn Food Walk in McHenry as well as boating, it was a mighty good time.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6
It was a rainy day so we decided to hit some of the places we haven't visited yet on the Chain Crawl for the Chain of Lakes. We still need some passport stamps. Of course, this would be done by car, not boat.
We drove to Fox River Grove and went to the Dead End Saloon, right on the Fox River by the US-14 (Northwest Highway) bridge.
Next stop was further upriver at Herman's Lowlife Bar and Grill in Lake Barrington Shores, one of our favorite places on the Chain. Unfortunately, it is at some distance so we rarely go there. The name says it all. These first two bars are what some would call dive bars. We love our dive vars. As always, lots of great conversation with other patrons.
Last two stops were at Riverside at Burton's Bridge on Illinois Highway 176. These three bars were all on the Chain Crawl and Fox River (well, Herman's is on a channel to the river).
Last stop was at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6
It was a rainy day so we decided to hit some of the places we haven't visited yet on the Chain Crawl for the Chain of Lakes. We still need some passport stamps. Of course, this would be done by car, not boat.
We drove to Fox River Grove and went to the Dead End Saloon, right on the Fox River by the US-14 (Northwest Highway) bridge.
Next stop was further upriver at Herman's Lowlife Bar and Grill in Lake Barrington Shores, one of our favorite places on the Chain. Unfortunately, it is at some distance so we rarely go there. The name says it all. These first two bars are what some would call dive bars. We love our dive vars. As always, lots of great conversation with other patrons.
Last two stops were at Riverside at Burton's Bridge on Illinois Highway 176. These three bars were all on the Chain Crawl and Fox River (well, Herman's is on a channel to the river).
Last stop was at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
News From Along Route 66, October 2016: Miles of Possibility Conference Conference Speakers Announced
SEPTEMBER 19-- This is a time sensitive report, so I moved it up. Normally I run the News from Along Route 66 a month behind time.
The speaker lineup for the Miles of Possibility Conference to be held at the McLean County Museum/ Cruisin' With Lincoln building in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, has been announced.
And it is a big and good one. Lots of people, lots of experts.
I started to write them down, but it would take too long so stopped after the first several of them:
Vory Jobe, Illinois Office of Tourism
Ellie Alexander, Pontiac Director of Tourism
Joel Blake, expert on the Muffler Men
Paul Butterfield.
You can see the whole list at this date in the Route 66 News web site.
The conference will be held Thursday October 20 to Sunday, October 23.
I's ure like to be there, but we already have plans for NIU's Homecoming that weekend.
It Is So Good To see Bloomington-Normal Finally Doing Something About Their Route 66 Heritage. --RoadDog
The speaker lineup for the Miles of Possibility Conference to be held at the McLean County Museum/ Cruisin' With Lincoln building in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, has been announced.
And it is a big and good one. Lots of people, lots of experts.
I started to write them down, but it would take too long so stopped after the first several of them:
Vory Jobe, Illinois Office of Tourism
Ellie Alexander, Pontiac Director of Tourism
Joel Blake, expert on the Muffler Men
Paul Butterfield.
You can see the whole list at this date in the Route 66 News web site.
The conference will be held Thursday October 20 to Sunday, October 23.
I's ure like to be there, but we already have plans for NIU's Homecoming that weekend.
It Is So Good To see Bloomington-Normal Finally Doing Something About Their Route 66 Heritage. --RoadDog
News From Along Route 66, September 2016: Of Sinkholes and Mills
SEPTEMBER 10-- A massive sinkhole near Route 66 in Pacific, Missouri. It was a real big one measuring 50 by 70=-feet and deep enough to swallow a two-story building. It was caused by the collapse of a sewer pipe.
Watch Your Step!!
SEPTEMBER 12-- The Mill in Lincoln, Illinois, is likely to open as a museum by April 2017. This is thanks in large to the $10,720 cost-share grant from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. The Mill will also have stuff from the old Pig Hip restaurant.
The first time we saw the Mill in Lincoln, i was sure it wasn't long for this world, but here it is, looking about as good as it did back in its heyday. The people of Lincoln and Route 66 folks are to be commended.
Go, Mill!! --RoadDog
Watch Your Step!!
SEPTEMBER 12-- The Mill in Lincoln, Illinois, is likely to open as a museum by April 2017. This is thanks in large to the $10,720 cost-share grant from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. The Mill will also have stuff from the old Pig Hip restaurant.
The first time we saw the Mill in Lincoln, i was sure it wasn't long for this world, but here it is, looking about as good as it did back in its heyday. The people of Lincoln and Route 66 folks are to be commended.
Go, Mill!! --RoadDog
News From Along Route 66, September 2016: Standing On That Corner in Winslow
SEPTEMMBER 3-- The Paul Bunyan muffler man statue in Atlanta, Illinois, got a new coat of paint. Now, if they would just paint over that stupid water tower.
SEPTEMBER 6-- Seven historic Route 66 bridges in Oklahoma are on the endangered list, including the Pony Bridge, which likely will be saved. That is one neat bridge.
SEPTEMBER 7-- A Glenn Frey statue will be installed September 23 in Winslow, Arizona, at the famous "Standing on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona" corner.
Takin' It Easy. --RoadDog
Monday, October 10, 2016
News From Along Route 66, August 2016-- Part 2: Route 66 Grants
** Rialto Square Theatre marque restoration, Joliet, Illinois ($27,855)
** The Mill of Route 66 accessibility in Lincoln, Illinois. ($10,720)
** Del Rhea Chicken Basket neon sign, in Hinsdale, Illinois ($17,300)
** Sprague's Super Service Station rehabilitation in Normal, Illinois ($15,699)
** Nelson's Old Riverton Store floor in Riverton, Kansas ($6,356)
** Donut's Drive-In exterior sign restoration in St. Louis ($6,300)
** Western Host Motel door rehabilitation in Grants, New Mexico ($12,500)
Sure good to see all the Illinois places on this list.
Illinois Route 66er. --RoadDog
** The Mill of Route 66 accessibility in Lincoln, Illinois. ($10,720)
** Del Rhea Chicken Basket neon sign, in Hinsdale, Illinois ($17,300)
** Sprague's Super Service Station rehabilitation in Normal, Illinois ($15,699)
** Nelson's Old Riverton Store floor in Riverton, Kansas ($6,356)
** Donut's Drive-In exterior sign restoration in St. Louis ($6,300)
** Western Host Motel door rehabilitation in Grants, New Mexico ($12,500)
Sure good to see all the Illinois places on this list.
Illinois Route 66er. --RoadDog
News From Along Route 66, August, 2016-- Part 1: Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program Announces Grants for 2016
Again, these articles come from the Route 66 News site which goes into greater detail and also has a lot more information about our favorite road.
AUGUST 30, 2016:
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced their grants for 2016. A total of eight cost-share grants worth more than $103,000 will be given out this year.
Since 2001, some 122 projects pertaining to Route 66 have been awarded, totaling $1.9 million.
This year's grants:
Navajo County Courthouse in Holbrook, Arizona, for roof repair. ($7,000)
More to Come. --RoadDog
AUGUST 30, 2016:
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced their grants for 2016. A total of eight cost-share grants worth more than $103,000 will be given out this year.
Since 2001, some 122 projects pertaining to Route 66 have been awarded, totaling $1.9 million.
This year's grants:
Navajo County Courthouse in Holbrook, Arizona, for roof repair. ($7,000)
More to Come. --RoadDog
Friday, October 7, 2016
Mail Boats on Geneva Lake, Wisconsin-- Part 5: Some More Facts
WHERE: The tour starts and end at the Riviera Docks (a neat place in itself) at 812 Wrigley Drive, in downtown Lake Geneva.
TIP: For optimal views (why you get there early) of both the scenery and jumper, get a window seat in the middle of the boat on the starboard (right) side, lower level.
ANOTHER TIP: The entire 23-mile shoreline of Geneva Lake is accessible to the public via a walking path around the lake. It's a fantastic hike that typically takes 8-10 hours to complete. You can also do it in sections, especially the 8-mile stretch between the towns of Lake Geneva and Williams Bay.
ANOTHER TIP: Either before or after your boat tour, check out Popeye's right across from the Riviera Docks for great window seating overlooking the boats, docks and lake. Great rotisserie chicken and food.
--RoadWalkingDog
TIP: For optimal views (why you get there early) of both the scenery and jumper, get a window seat in the middle of the boat on the starboard (right) side, lower level.
ANOTHER TIP: The entire 23-mile shoreline of Geneva Lake is accessible to the public via a walking path around the lake. It's a fantastic hike that typically takes 8-10 hours to complete. You can also do it in sections, especially the 8-mile stretch between the towns of Lake Geneva and Williams Bay.
ANOTHER TIP: Either before or after your boat tour, check out Popeye's right across from the Riviera Docks for great window seating overlooking the boats, docks and lake. Great rotisserie chicken and food.
--RoadWalkingDog
Mail Boats on Geneva Lake, Wisconsin-- Part 4: Just the Facts
WHEN: Lake Geneva Cruise Line's U.S. Mailboat Tour runs seven days a week June 15 to September 15. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. for the two-and-a-half hour tour that runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., but most people start lining up as early as 8:30 a.m. to get the best seats.
PRICE: Tickets cost $35 for adults (ages 18-64), $33 for seniors (65 and older) and $20 for children.
This is the cruise line's most popular tour, and it often sells out in advance. To make reservations call 262-248-6206 or www.cruiselakegeneva.com.
--RoadDog
PRICE: Tickets cost $35 for adults (ages 18-64), $33 for seniors (65 and older) and $20 for children.
This is the cruise line's most popular tour, and it often sells out in advance. To make reservations call 262-248-6206 or www.cruiselakegeneva.com.
--RoadDog
Mail Boats on Geneva Lake, Wisconsin-- Part 3: Chicago's Elite
The mail boat tour lasts for two and a half hours and in between jumps, passengers learn a lot about the history of the huge homes dotting the shoreline. The rich families in Chicago were intent on turning Geneva Lake into the "Newport of the West.
This movement got started soon after the Great Chicago Fire. Everybody who was anybody built a place on the seven-mile long lake. Names like Schwinn, Selfridge, Wacker, Drake, Swift and Wrigley began to appear.
Nowadays, most of Geneva Lake's shore residents get their mail the regular way, by land, but some 75 addresses hew to tradition and opt for the free water service which is available during the summer only.
--RoadDog
This movement got started soon after the Great Chicago Fire. Everybody who was anybody built a place on the seven-mile long lake. Names like Schwinn, Selfridge, Wacker, Drake, Swift and Wrigley began to appear.
Nowadays, most of Geneva Lake's shore residents get their mail the regular way, by land, but some 75 addresses hew to tradition and opt for the free water service which is available during the summer only.
--RoadDog
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Mail Boats on Geneva Lake, Wisconsin-- Part 2: Miss the Boat, Hit the Water
What began in 1916 as a service born out of necessity has evolved into a popular tourist attraction in this historic resort town 80 miles northwest of Chicago.
Everyday, at 10 a.m. from June 15 to September 15 (looks like you'll have to wait until next year for this one), passengers on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line's Mailboat Tour go along for the ride as jumpers do their thing. (No doubt there is much hope for a miss of the boat).
The boat is often sold-out and 155 people watch as jumpers go from the moving boat to a pier, sprint to the mailbox, jam the mail in, and then make a run and jump back onto the boat.
When rich folks started building their mansions on Geneva Lake around 1900, roads were essentially nonexistent, hence the need for mail to be delivered by boat.
--RoadDog
Everyday, at 10 a.m. from June 15 to September 15 (looks like you'll have to wait until next year for this one), passengers on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line's Mailboat Tour go along for the ride as jumpers do their thing. (No doubt there is much hope for a miss of the boat).
The boat is often sold-out and 155 people watch as jumpers go from the moving boat to a pier, sprint to the mailbox, jam the mail in, and then make a run and jump back onto the boat.
When rich folks started building their mansions on Geneva Lake around 1900, roads were essentially nonexistent, hence the need for mail to be delivered by boat.
--RoadDog
When At Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, Take the Mail Boat-- Part 1: Watch the Mail-Jumpers
From the August 14, 2016, Chicago tribune "Lake Geneva's first-class fun" by Lori Rackl.
Mail jumpers deliver parcels, and entertainment, from moving vessel's deck.
This year marks the 100th season of the U.S. Mailboat on Geneva Lake.
There is much confusion as to whether the body of water is Lake Geneva or Geneva Lake. The name of the town is Lake Geneva, but the real name of water is Geneva Lake.
When you think of occupational hazards that go along with delivering the mail, inclement weather and aggressive dogs come to mind.
Falling into a lake? Not so much.
But that's what happens when the so-called mail jumpers on Geneva Lake literally miss the boat as they leap to and from a moving vessel, delivering letters, packages and newspapers to waterfront homes -- a tradition that turned 100 years old this summer.
Mail jumpers deliver parcels, and entertainment, from moving vessel's deck.
This year marks the 100th season of the U.S. Mailboat on Geneva Lake.
There is much confusion as to whether the body of water is Lake Geneva or Geneva Lake. The name of the town is Lake Geneva, but the real name of water is Geneva Lake.
When you think of occupational hazards that go along with delivering the mail, inclement weather and aggressive dogs come to mind.
Falling into a lake? Not so much.
But that's what happens when the so-called mail jumpers on Geneva Lake literally miss the boat as they leap to and from a moving vessel, delivering letters, packages and newspapers to waterfront homes -- a tradition that turned 100 years old this summer.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Travelin' CDs, North Carolina Fall 2016-- Part 5: A Soap Opera
A SOAP OPERA (Or, THE KINKS PRESENT A SOAP OPERA) By the KINKS
This was a 1975 concept album, the 13th made by the group.
According to the Wikipedia article, the plot went like this. A musician named Starmaker changed places with an ordinary guy and this is the story of how he found life in the regular world was like.
And, there were a lot of really great songs (none of which I had ever heard before). Sure enjoyed it.
I especially liked "Everybody's a Star (Starmaker)," "Holiday Romance" and "You Can't Stop the Music."
Ray and Dave and Group At Their Best. --RoadDog
This was a 1975 concept album, the 13th made by the group.
According to the Wikipedia article, the plot went like this. A musician named Starmaker changed places with an ordinary guy and this is the story of how he found life in the regular world was like.
And, there were a lot of really great songs (none of which I had ever heard before). Sure enjoyed it.
I especially liked "Everybody's a Star (Starmaker)," "Holiday Romance" and "You Can't Stop the Music."
Ray and Dave and Group At Their Best. --RoadDog
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