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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)