Along 66, November 2017: Missouri and Illinois

NOVEMBER 27--  Marshfield, Missouri, to add signs to the old alignment of Route 66, the 1929 alignment.  They could use more.  Back in October on our 66 On 66 Cruise, we got fairly lost there.

NOVEMBER 29--  Midewin National Tall Grass Prairie, near Wilmington, Illinois is removing one history in favor of another.

They are removing old ammunition bunkers.  It is on the grounds of the former Joliet Army Ammunition Plant.  They are removing them in order to restore the natural prairie which once covered so much of Illinois.

I am hoping, however, that they let at least a couple of the bunkers remain

--RoadDog

About Those Kringles-- Part 3: All Sorts of Fillings

O&H is the biggest kringle-maker in town..  It takes them three days to make a kringle.  On day one they fold and layer it with lots of butter.  Their kringles get folded into 36 layers.

Throughout the year they have flavors of the month for their kringles including key lime pie and rhubarb.  Other flavors this year have included churro, peach cobbler, pink lemonade, root beer float and summer shandy.

For Christmas, they are featuring a kringle with chocolate cake filling laced with peppermint.  Bits of red velvet cake top the creamy icing.

I Want One of Those!!  --RoadDog

Along 66, November 2017: Dave Clark Conducting a Chicagoland Tour

NOVEMBER 21--  In-Sites is offering special tours in Chicagoland on Thanksgiving and during the holiday season.

InSites and David "Windy City Road Warrior" Clark.

On Thanksgiving Day Dave will conduct a tour between Wilmington and Chicago on Route 66 in a tour called "Drumsticks and Other All-American Kicks on Route 66."  There will be a buffet at Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket.  The tour covers fifty miles and will leave the Art Institute in Chicago and end there.

Other stops will be at the Midewin National Tall Grass Prairie, Castle Eden, the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Union Station and the Gemini Giant.

That Dave Clark Sure Knows His Chicagoland Route 66 Stuff.  --RoadDog

A Bridge By Sycamore and Removing Hitching Posts in DeKalb

From the April 12, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The highway commission of Mayfield will hold an election for the purpose of borrowing money to defray one-half the cost of The Mayfield Bridge, one and one-half miles west of Sycamore on the state road."

"The residents of North Second Street in DeKalb can heave a sigh of relief, inasmuch as steps have been taken to remove the hitching posts which have been a menace to health in the neighborhood since being put in last summer."

--RoaDog

Christmas Round Here: Decorations, Eating, Trains and Drinking

Yesterday, Liz and I went on our annual Christmas tour to get that ol' Christmas Spirit.

We drove into McHenry, Illinois, and had lunch at the Windhill Pancake Parlor on Il-120, right by the Fox River bridge.  This place takes Christmas decorating to a whole new level.  Wherever you look, there is something Christmas.  Even the railroad tracks (you can have your food delivered to your seat at the bar by model train) was decorated.

Then, there is their excellent food.  I had a reuben sandwich and Liz an amazing looking egg salad sandwich.

Then, it was to the McHenry Savings Bank on Il-31, south of town.  They go way out of their way with over-the-top Christmas decorations which would be reason enough to visit.  But what I, and Liz, really like is the huge model train board.  The local railroad club puts this up every year this time.  They have trains all the way back to the 1920s and 1930s.  And a lot of them run on tracks.  Even better, you can operate some of the trains.

There are always a lot of kids (boys mostly) and older kids like me looking at and running those trains.

Then, we went to Bulldog Ale House on 31 where the Thursday special is anyone of their 40-50 draft beers for $2 a draft.  That includes imports and craft beers.  I had a Heinekin and Stella Artois for two bucks apiece.  Now, that is sure drinking cheap in the old neighborhood.

Last stop was back in Johnsburg at Sunnyside.

All Christmas Now.  --RoadDog

About Those Kringles-- Part 2: Racine Is the "U.S. Kringle Capital"

Racine, Wisconsin,  has the title of  U.S. Kringle Capital.  They have four local bakeries who make kringles.  At both Bendtsen's and Larsen's, pecan is the most popular flavor.  Every fall, O&H brigs out their pumpkin caramel kringle.  At Lehmann's, customers can special order one stuffed with peanut butter and jelly.

Bendtsen's opened in 1934 and can make up to 2,000 kringles a day.  Back when they opened, Laurits Bendtsen baked just two every morning.  A $9 to $11 kringle will serve 10-12 people.

At Larsen's, up the block, pecan, cherry and raspberry are probably the top flavors, followed by almond and apple.  They even have a bourbon and pecan kringle laced with Maker's Mark straight out of the bottle.  They bake batches for the Kentucky Derby each year.  Their peanut butter and jelly kringle weighs in at nearly four pounds, nearly twice the normal weight of a kringle.

--RoadDog

About Those Kringles-- Part 1: From Denmark

From the December 10, 2017, Chicago Tribune "Kringle-makers sweeten holiday season in Racine" by Jay Jones.

"4 bakeries in Wisconsin city meet soaring demand in December for flaky, buttery pastry with fillings."

In America's Dairyland (sorry California), state legislators have declared milk, not beer, as the official state beverage, it's only right that the official pastry, kringle, contains lots of butter.  And, it does.

In case you don'y know what a kringle is, it consists of dozens of layers of incredibly thin pastry infused with a huge array of fillings.  These were originally made in Denmark in the mid-19th century.  Danish immigrants brought it along as they came t this southeastern Wisconsin City which they called Little Copenhagen.

--RoadKringle

Holiday Sweets Across the USA-- Part 4: Moravian Christmas Cookies & Pralines

MORAVIAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Pennsylvania and North Carolina

Made with warm spices and molasses, these crisp wafers were originally brought to America by Moravian immigrants from Central Europe, who settled in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
They're still a perennial holiday favorite made by Winkler Bakery in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

PRALINES

Louisiana

These New Orleans-style confections, made with brown sugar, cream and local pecans, are a Christmastime must in Louisiana.

Now That I Am GOOD and Hungry.  --RoodKringle

Holiday Sweets Across the USA-- Part 3: Gingersnaps, Hermit Bars & Kringles

SWEDISH GINGERSNAPS--

Minnesota

These classic cookies, spiced with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves, are a Christmastime standby in Minnesota.

HERMIT BARS--

New England

Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, these molasses-and-brown-sugar treats are popular in New England.

KRINGLES--

Wisconsin   (Especially in Racine).

For generations of Wisconsinites, the season isn't complete without these flaky Danish-style pastries that are an institution at Bendtsen's and O&H Danish Bakery in Racine.

I always pick one up when our local grocery store, Angelo's in Johnsburg, Illinois, receives a supply.  Something you need to try at least once.

Try It, You'll Like It.  --RoadDog

Holiday Sweets Across the USA-- Part 2: Divinity, Fruitcake & Lebkuchen

DIVINITY--  South

This sweet confection, made with egg whites, corn syrup and sugar, is like a Southern version of nougat and a must-have in many family Christmas baking lineups.

FRUITCAKE--  Everywhere, but especially Texas.

We can't claim to have invented the fruitcake (variations of it date back to the ancient Rome), but American cooks, especially those in the South, have a particular love for this rich, candied-fruit-and-but-studded, often boozy holiday standby.

Some cooks prefer fruitcake cookies --known as "Texas Lizzies" or "Christmas Lizzies," depending on the location.  One of my favorites, despite the bad opinion most I know have of it.  Few things better than a bog ol' slice of fruitcake with whip cream on top of it.

LEBKUCHEN--  Midwest

German settlers brought this traditional warm-spiced and ice cookie recipe with them to the Midwest.

Yum, Good!!  I Like Fruitcakes and Don't Care Who Knows.  --RoadDog

Holiday Sweets Across the USA-- Part 1: Biscochitos, Black Walnut Cake & Bourbon Balls

From the December 10, 2017, Parade Magazine.

Some of those goodies found around the the country.

BISCOCHITOS--  New Mexico

State cookie and also a Christmastime favorite.  Originally brought to area by Spanish settlers, the crisp cookie is prized for its distinct anise flavor.

BLACK WALNUT CAKE--  Missouri

Black walnuts are harvested in Missouri in the fall, which means they turn up in all manner of holiday treats, from cakes to fudge and brownies.

BOURBON BALLS--  Kentucky

These boozy, no-bake confections are a Kentuckian riff on chocolate truffles.  Bourbon, Kentucky, go figure.

Honest,  I Only Had Two-Three Bourbon Balls.   --RoadDog

Illinois Highway 23, Sycamore to DeKalb

There was a lot of excitement back in 1917 when the entire stretch between the two cities became a two-lane cement road.  They referred to it as the "cement road."

Then 25 years later, in 1942, it became a four lane paved road, quite a big thing back in those days.

I have had many entries about these two roads in those two years.

Today, there are few undeveloped parcels along the road and just about all of the big chain stores are along it.  It is a real horror to drive because there seems to be a stoplight every few blocks and they are long lights.  It has become a road that I would rather not drive if possible.

Good Ol' Ill-23--  RoadDog

A Need for Protective Signage in Sycamore in 1942

From the April 12, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"There is need of a warning sign adorned with reflector buttons on the old piece of road that ends up just east of Electric Park.

"The road now turns into the new four lane highway.  At night there is nothing to indicate to a stranger that the cement ends there.  Recently several cars have run off the end of the cement and bogged down in the mud."

--RoadDog

A "Slight" Auto Accident in 1917

From the October 18, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"A slight auto accident occurred this morning at the corner of First and Locust street (DeKalb) when a steering gear broke, and the driver of the car made circle around a tree.

"The car was not damaged to any great extent and after about an hour's work was on its way again."

--RoadDog

The New Cement Road Closed By the State in 1917

From the November 29, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The stretch of cement road from Electric Park to Sycamore was closed yesterday by officials from the state, and the joy of going from Sycamore to DeKalb on a cement road will not be possible for a few days.

"The idea of closing the road was the fact that it had not been officially accepted and also that the grading at the side of the road was not satisfactory and many cars had become stalled in the mud."

That would be today's Illinois Highway 23.

--RoadDog

The Cement Road Between DeKalb and Sycamore Nearly Completed in 1917

From the October 11, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The cement road between DeKalb and Sycamore which has been in progress the past two weeks is rapidly nearing completion and another week or ten days of this kind of weather will see the construction work completed.

"As soon as the cement is laid and has set, dirt is thrown over over it as a means of protection and the road has been completed nearly two-thirds of the distance and the big cement machine works steadily every day."

Pulling Illinois Out of the Mud.  --RoadDog

Along 66, November 2017: Doings in Laclede County and Shea's Up for Sale Again

NOVEMBER 8--  The Underpass Cafe exterior near Phillipsburg, Missouri, is to be restored by the Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society.  One of my favorite counties on Route 66.

NOVEMBER 12--  The site of Bill Shea's Route 66 gas station is back  up for sale.

Too bad, I sure would like to see it reopened again, even as an auto repair place.

Sure Miss Bill Shea.  --RoadDog

Along 66, November 2017: Lexington Shows Off New Businesses

NOVEMBER 2--  Lexington, Illinois, is hosting a tour of three businesses Saturday.  All or or near the intersection of Main Street and Historic Route 66.

They are Thrift Avenue, Kelly's on 66 and Castle Gardens.  Thrift Avenue has the new Route 66 mural near it.  Castle Gardens is in an 1898 Queen Anne-style home and has 40 acres of gardens.  Of course, great food at the newly opened Kelly's on 66.  We ate there this past October on our 66 on 66 Cruise.

NOVEMBER 6--  Oklahoma now has Route 66 motorcycle plates.

--RoadDog

Along 66, October 2017: Baseball and a Canyon

OCTOBER 21--  The baseball stadium in Joliet, Illinois, is to be renamed the Joliet Route 66 Stadium.  The name change may nor occur right away because of costs.  It is now called Silver cross Field and is home to the Joliet Slammers, an independent baseball team.

Maybe change the name of the team to the Joliet 66ers?

OCTOBER  26--  Fees could rise sharply at popular National Parks, including the Grand Canyon.  The Grand Canyon is the second most popular national park with about six million visitors a year.  The Great Smoky Mountains is the most popular with 11 million people visiting, but it is free.  Grand Canyon charges admission.

The Petrified Forest National Park had 600,000 visitors in 2016.

--RoadDog

Horse Rustling in DeKalb in 1917

From the October18, 2017, MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Mark Campbell reported to the police station last night that someone had stolen his horse from the hitch rail yard on Second street.

"The owner did not leave his address, merely said the horse was a sorrel and then started out of the station on the run, in an effort to locate the animal."

Not too many horses stolen in downtown DeKalb any more.  You know what they do to horse thieves around these parts.

Sounds A Bit Horsey to Me.  --RoadHorse

Work On That Garage at First and Lincoln Highway in DeKalb Progressing Rapidly

From the December 6, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The new garage building at the corner of First and Lincoln Highway seems to be moving by bounds and jumps and each day sees its walls climbing higher.  The large steel beams are being placed and the front of the building is perhaps moving more rapidly than any other.

"There are several men at work on the job and with such ideal weather as the present the contractors are exerting every effort to get as much done as possible before the colder season takes hold."

They Are Sure Watching That Garage.  --RoadDog

Bombs Fell, Torpedoes Ran, A Pearl Harbor Timeline-- Part 6: It's Finally Over

All times a.m..

9:30:  A series of bombs ignite powder magazines and blow the bow off the destroyer USS Shaw, moored in a floating drydock.

9:30:  The USS St. Louis leaves the harbor and later sinks a Japanese midget submarine that fired two torpedoes at her.

9:45:  The last Japanese attackers withdraw.  A third wave of attacks is considered but rejected.

The whole attack lasted just under two hours.

All Over.  --RoadDog

Bombs Fell, Torpedoes Ran: A Pearl Harbor Timeline-- Part 5: USS Nevada Makes a Run For It

Continued from my  Running the Blockade blog.  All blogs today deal with Pearl Harbor lest we forget.

All times a.m..

9:07:  The USS Nevada, hit by a torpedo in the first wave, prepares to leave the harbor when it is peppered by bombs.  The crew runs it aground near the harbor entrance to prevent it from sinking in deeper water and prevent it from sinking in the entrance and closing the harbor.

9:10:    Defenders are told to cease firing on B-17s trying to land at Hickam Field.  The planes, nearly out of fuel from the flight in from California, have nowhere else to go.

9:20:  The USS Honolulu is damaged by a bomb that crashes through a nearby dock and explodes underwater.

--RoadDog

Fords Selling Well in DeKalb County, Illinois, in 1917

From the October 11, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The firm of Dooley & Burchfield of Clare has not been exclaiming their business success of late, but let it be said that this firm has been most active.  They drove back their 50th Ford to be delivered there and at the same time it might be well to say something of their tractor sales.

"The firm has sold 22 ton to 20 horsepower tractors, three 8 to 16 and one larger tractor, 15 to 30 horsepower to the J.A. Countryman farm.  These tractors have all been equipped with three bottom plows and disc harrows.

Not sure about all the farm technology, but the business is doing well.

Everyone's Getting Mechanized.  --RoadDog

That Garage In DeKalb Is Progressing Well in 1917

From the October 11, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"James Coyne, who has had the excavation work in charge of the new garage at the corner of First and Lincoln Highway (DeKalb), hopes to have the work completed this week if the weather man does not interfere.

"It is the biggest job of excavating he has ever had, there being 3,500 yards of dirt removed.  He has nine teams at work about all the time, and is now on the last stretch of work where it is necessary to shovel the dirt to the bank and then load it into wagons."

--RoadDog

Work Coming Along On New DeKalb Garage in 1917: Corner of 4th and Lincoln Highway

From the November 29, 2017, MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back.

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The large 'I' beams for the new Ellwood-Fisk garage are being placed this week and the excavation is beginning to take on the aspect of construction operations each day.

"There are several large beams weighing several tons.  The masons have also begun work and most of the base of the building, which is of stone, has been placed and the work is more than being pushed."

After All, Winter Is Right Around the Corner.  --RoadDog

Construction On the Fisk-Ellwood Garage Making Progress

From the Nov. 15, 2017,  MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The cement foundation of the new Fisk-Ellwood garage (on Lincoln Highway) has been completed and workmen are busy filling in around the ten foot walls and removing the framework.

"It is probable that masons will start working on the building in a short time."

This garage is on the Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, Illinois.

Build That Garage.  --RoadDog

"Pull Illinois Out of the Mud" in 1917

From the November 17, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"S.E. Bradt, H.G. Wright, J.H. Jarboe and Frank Fuller returned from the sixth annual meeting of the Illinois Highway Improvement Association held in Bloomington and reported it the most enthusiastic meeting imaginable.

"The slogan is "Pull Illinois Out of the Mud," and from the great interest that is being taken in the great project, the $60,000,000 bond issue, Illinois will be out of the mud in a few years."

Mud's a big thing back in 1917.
Mudding Up the Place.  --RoadDog

Stuck In the Mud Again in 1917

From the November 15, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The rainy weather of the last few days has caused no end of trouble to motorists, and some of the cars are yet hub deep in the mud between here and other cities in the vicinity.

"One big car became stalled last night and there did not seem to be a car available that could pull it out and it was necessary for the occupants to send for a taxi to bring them back to town, leaving the car in the mud for a threshing machine or some other powerful means to pull it out."

Good Thing They Were Starting to Work on Pulling Illinois Out of the Mud.  --RoadDog

A New Garage in DeKalb, Illinois, in 1917

From November 8, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Several loads of window and door casings arrived at the corner of First and Lincoln Highway for the new Ellwood-Fisk garage.

"The foundation work is nearing completion and the brick layers will soon be ready for their share of the new building."

The Increase in Automobiles Led To the Increase of Garages.  --RoadDog

Getting One Last Cruise on the Cement Road Before Winter in DeKalb County in 1917

From the Nov. 22, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Yesterday was an ideal day for motoring and many cars that had been put up on blocks for the winter were taken out for one last ride before the snow flies.

"The new cement road between DeKalb and Sycamore, being completed and open for traffic was the mecca of tourists as one can go from DeKalb to the county seat [Sycamore] without getting the car in the mud, regardless of the condition of the ordinary roads.  The grading of the sides of the cement road is yet soft and one or two machines encountered some little difficulty in getting back on the ribbon of cement, but no accidents were reported."

This would be Illinois Highway 23 today, Sycamore Road.

--RoadDog

Drunk Driver Outside of Sycamore in 1942?

From the March 29, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1942, 75 Years Ago.

"It is fortunate that some person who was winding all over west Route 64 late Sunday afternoon that he never arrived in Sycamore.  Police had formed a welcoming committee for him at the gateway to this community.

"Someone telephoned the police that an auto was weaving over the highway and that the actions indicated the driver was ill or drunk.  Whoever the erratic driver was he never arrived in Sycamore."

Drunk Driving Even Back Then?  Probably the Police Wanted to See If He Had His Seatbelt On.  --RoadDog

Along 66, October 2017: Missouri Neon Comes Home

Oct. 21--  The Friends of the Mother Road donated the neon signs from the Stanley Cour-Tel and Lin-Air motels in St. Louis to the future Route 66 Neon Park in St. Roberts, Missouri.  These two motels had been razed for the expansion of the St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

The friends had relocated the signs to Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois in 2004  Rich Henry says that storms had blown them down, but now the signs are indoors.

The Stanley Cour-Tel had housed the Apollo 1 astronauts while they trained for the first manned space mission of that phase of our space program.

The Route 66 Neon Park will be located at the George M. Reed Roadside Park (where the tank is located) in St. Roberts (Fort Leonard Wood)  Eligible signs for the park have to be from the original Route 66 from 1926 to 1985 and abandoned or without a home.

And, we know those Missouri folks know their neon.

They had just taken the neon signs a short time before we passed through there on our 66 on 66 Cruise.

Thanks for Holding On to Them Rich Henry.  --RoadNeon

Along 66, October 2017: Gasconade Bridge and Butch Breger (Over the Hill Gang)

OCTOBER 19--  Group to begin fundraising to restore the Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri.  Iowa-based North Skunk River Greenbeltt Association (AKA Workin' Bridges) in Grinnell, Iowa, hope to raise $3.5 million by December 31, 2018.

The Gasconade Bridge was closed in 2014.  MODOT plans to build a new bridge next to it.

At least we got to drive over it several times and were at the big bridge rally last year.

They can have some fundraisers at the Munger-Moss Motel in nearby Lebanon.

OCTOBER 20--  Butch Breger, longtime caretaker of the Round Barn in Arcadia died at age 74.  he was part of the Over the Hill Gang who lovingly restored it.  He died October 17, 2017, in OKC.  We were there at the Round Barn (for the first time ever) on October 17 on our 66 on 66 Cruise and there was a man there running the place, but we didn't talk to him.  Wonder of he was Butch.

--RoadDog

Along 66, October 2017: New Mural and New Owners in Illinois

OCTOBER 18--  New Route 66 mural in Lexington, Illinois.   By the Thrift Avenue store on Main Street.  Walldogs wouldn't do it, but a high school student at University High School in Normal, Ana Cappis made it her summer project.

We saw it on our 66 on 66 Cruise.  Nice job.  Close to the new Kelly's on 66 in Lexington.

OCTOBER 18--  Miles of Possibility conference attendees met the new owners of Wilmington, Illinois' Launching Pad Restaurant, Tully Garrett and Holly Barker.  Holly has worked in North Carolina bbq restaurants and is from there.  We drove by it and it such good news that the place is opening again.  Sure glad nothing happened to the 'naut while the place was closed.

Here's really hoping that they start serving Carolina 'Cue.

Try It, You'll Like It.  --RoadDog

Along 66, October 2017: That Uranus and Jubelt's

OCTOBER 17--  A closer look at Uranus, Missouri near St. Roberts.  Famous for fudge and other stores.  Not a town, just group of stores with bars and evidently a strip club since there is an anti-pornography sign outside it.

We went to a bar there once when it had NTN-BuzzTime trivia.

OCTOBER 17--  Jubelt's Bakery and Restaurant in Litchfield, Illinois,  is 95 years old.  It started in 1922 in Mt. Olive, Illinois.  At one time they had places all over central Illinois, but now just the one.  It opened at its current site in 1982, a former Burger Chef hamburger place.  It is operated by the third generation of the family.

Right across from the Ariston and real good food.

--RoadDog

Along 66, October 2017: Elkhart, Illinois and Pacific, Missouri

These news articles are taken from the Route 66 News site.  I just take the ones that are of special interest to me.  The site has pictures and many more items as well as in depth accounts on the ones I use.

OCTOBER 10--  A new Route 66-themed mural has been unveiled in downtown Elkhart, Illinois.  We saw it in October on our 66 on 66 Cruise.  Also, I'm glad to see they are doing something with the old gas station.  Repairs are being made.  Perhaps it will be a visitors center.

OCTOBER 14--  The City of Pacific, Missouri, has closed the deal to buy the Red Cedar Inn on the east side of town for $290,000.  Plans are to turn it into a visitors  center/historical museum and genealogy center.
This is one place we never were able to visit.  It was open our first year on 66, but closed before we could get back to it.

And, just recently, the city acquired Jensen's Point.  A city committed to its 66 heritage.

OCTOBER 17--  David Clark to lead a Chicagoland tour after the Miles of Possibilities Conference in Joliet on the Saturday after it ends, October 21.

David is a very knowledgeable guy, but he sure can walk REAL fast.

--RoadDog

Congratulations to Illinois' 2017 High School Football Champions

1A   Lena-Winslow  (Lena)  (Off US-20)

2A  Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley  (Off Il-47)

3A  Immaculate Conception Catholic  (Elmhurst)

4A  Rochester   (Near Springfield and Route 66)

5A  Phillips  (Chicago)

6A  Prairie Ridge  Crystal Lake  (US-14 Northwest Highway)

7A  Batavia  (Lincoln Highway)

8A  Lincoln-Way East  Frankfort  (Lincoln Highway)

Way to Go.  --RoadDog

Northwest Highway (US-14) Wins the Rand Road-Northwest Highway Showdown

Prairie Ridge High School in Crystal Lake won the IHSA Class 6A game and Lake Zurich High School on Rand Road (US-12) lost their 7A match, so congratulations to US-14.

Since I started the Rand Road-Northwest Highway Showdown in 2013, US-14 has won three times, tied once and lost once.

Way to Go Wolves!!  --RoadHowl

The Lincoln Highway Designated Alternate U.S. 30 in 1942

From the April 5, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1942, 75 Years Ago.

"The Lincoln Highway is again Route 30, signs designating the famous route as alternate U.S. 30 being erected during the past few days.  For years the Lincoln Highway through Illinois carried the official designation of U.S. 30.

"A few years ago, during a revamping of the highway system in the state, the number 30 was given to the former Route 71 and the Lincoln Highway was given the designation of U.S. Route 330.  A few months ago, Governor Dwight H. Green announced that he had issued an order designating the Lincoln Highway in Illinois as Alternate U.S. 30 and signs to this effect are now being erected."

Today, the Lincoln Highway Through DeKalb County is Illinois Highway 38.  Main Street of DeKalb is named Lincoln Highway.

A Road By Any Other Name.  --RoadDog

US-14 (Northwest Highway) and US-12 (Rand Road) Tied Going Into Championship Round

This weekend, the Illinois State High School Championships go into the fifth, and final round.

US-14 and US-12 are tied at one apiece.

US-14 NORTHWEST HIGHWAY

6A

Prairie Ridge

US-12 RAND ROAD

6A

Lake Zurich

And, they will be playing each other for the IHSA Class 6A  Championship in DeKalb, Illinois, at Huskie Stadium (NIU)

Great Year Guys.  --RoadDog

Lincoln Highway Wins the 2017 IHSA Showdown

The last Route 66 team, Edwardsville was eliminated last Saturday.

There are still two Lincoln Highway teams left in the state championship playoffs:

8A

Lincoln Way East (Frankfort)

7A

Batavia

Wishing both teams good luck Saturday.

--RoadDog

The Jinx at Pine and Third Street in DeKalb in 1917

From the October 4, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The corner of Pine and Third streets in DeKalb seems to have a jinx there lately.  A week ago, some motorist came around the corner with too much speed and the result was torn up parking and a tree minus bark.  Residents did not see the car.

"Yesterday, a man on horseback was coming at a fast clip, when the horse stumbled and fell on the pavement throwing him."

Hey, Watch Your Speed at Third and Pine.  --RoadSpeed

20 Essential Road Trip Songs-- Part 2: "On the Road Again:

*  heard before  **  real good (hadn't heard before):

10.  TICKET TO RIDE--  Beatles  *

9.  CAROLINA ON MY MIND--  James Taylor  *

8.  INTERSTATE 8--   Modest Mouse

7.  ROAD TO NOWHERE--  Talking Heads  *

6.  MIDNIGHT RIDER--  Allman Brothers  *

5.  CALIFORNIA--  Tchad Blake Mix-- Phantom Planet  **

4.  NO CARS GO--  Arcade Fire

3.  RUNNING ON EMPTY--  Jackson Browne  *

2.  ON THE ROAD AGAIN--  Willie Nelson  *

1.  BORN TO RUN--  Bruce Springsteen  *

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "The Life I Love Is Making Music With My Friends."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"On the Road Again"

20 Essential Road Trip Songs-- Part 1: "Another Travelin' Song"

July 25, 2013, "20 Essential Road Songs for Your Road Trip Playlist" Rachel Haos.

Most of these songs were ones I had not heard before.  I went to You Tube to hear those.  **  Real Good song.  *  Heard Before.

20.  THE HIGH ROAD--  Broken Bells

19.  ANOTHER TRAVELIN' SONG--  Bright Eyes

18.  BIG JET PLANE--  Angus and Julia Stone

17.  CRUISE NIGHT--  John K. Samson  **

16.  DAYLIGHT--  Matt & Kim  **

15.  PASSENGER--  Iggy Pop  **

14.  WEST COAST--  Coconut Records  **

13.  HOME--  Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros *

12.  FAST CARS--  Traci Chapman  *

11.  101--  Albert Hammond, Jr.  **  (Creepy video)

Well Worth Giving a Listen to This Whole List.  --RoadDog

2017 Rand Road (US-12) -Northwest Highway (US-14) Showdown-- Part 5

After three rounds, Northwest Highway (US-14) leads Rand Road (US-12) 2-1.

US-14  NORTHWEST HIGHWAY TEAMS:

8A

Maine South (Park Ridge)

6A

Prairie Ridge  (Crystal lake)


US-12  RAND ROAD TEAM

7A

Lake Zurich

Fourth Round This Saturday.  --RoadDog

2017 Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Showdown-- Part 7: Lincoln Highway Leads 5-1

At  the end of three weeks, the IHSA hiogh school football playoffs between the two famous roads reads Lincoln Highway 5  Route 66 1.

ROUTE 66 TEAM:

8A

Edwardsville

LINCOLN HIGHWAY TEAMS:

8A

Lincoln-Way East  (Frankfort

7A

Batavia

6A

Providence Catholic  (New Lenox)

5A

Sterling

2A

Newman Central Catholic (Sterling)

Should Be Interesting.  --RoadDog

Horses on the Run in 1917

From the March 8, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Fairdale had an exciting time Tuesday when three teams of horses ran away at one time.''The Crill team, Ben Warner's and Charles Yaeger's teams took part.

"Nothing serious resulted except damage to wagons and harnesses."

Something you don't hear much about anymore.

Watch Out for Those Runaway Horses!!  --RoadDog

Saving the Knights of the Ties in 1917

From the March 1, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"There were but four lonely knights of the ties who applied at the police station last night for a place to sleep, and were more than glad to get in out of the cold.  When the authorities found out how cold it was this morning the fellows were held over today and will not be turned loose until the weather gets warmer.

"A couple of the wandering were dressed very thinly and had they ventured out today would probably have been found later, frozen to death."

Knights of the Ties=  Hobos

Mighty Cold in DeKalb County.  --RoadDog

The Tire Business Is Good in 1917

From the February 15, 2017, MidWeek "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Corey & Son who operate the tire shop at North Third Street in DeKalb have just completed the installation of new machinery for tire vulcanizing.

"The business in this line has increased by bounds and jumps with the Coreys, and they have secured services of another man in order to get the work out when wanted."

Tire Me Up Another.  --RoadDog

The Perils of Driving in 1917

From the February 15, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"A Milan farmer started out for DeKalb this morning when his car backfired and caught fire.  Deanis Garage was called and McConn and Riegard with Captain Wall of the fire station went out with fire extinguishers.

"By the time they arrived at the scene the fire was out and one wire was found to be burned and that was the extent of the damage.  The car was brought to the local garage for minor repairs."

I Don't Remember Ever Having My Car Backfire.  --RoadDog

National Cemeteries in Wisconsin and North Carolina for Veterans Day

Places to pay your respects today and any day.

From the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Wood National Cemetery--  Milwaukee

Fort Winnebago Cemetery Soldiers' Lot---  Portage

Forest Hills Cemetery Soldiers' Lot--  Madison

Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot--  Milwaukee

Fort Crawford Cemetery Soldiers' Lot--  Prairie du Chien

Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot--  Racine


NORTH CAROLINA

New Bern National Cemetery

Raleigh National Cemetery

Salisbury National Cemetery

Wilmington National Cemetery

I Have My Flags Up.  Thanks Veterans.  --RoadDog

November 10 in History-- Part 2: Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial Dedicated

1954--  The Iwo Jima Memorial, inspired by the famous Associated Press photograph of the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi during World War II, was dedicated by President Dwight Eisenhower in Arlington, Va..

1969--  The children's program "Sesame Street" made its debut on PBS.

1975--  The ore-hauling ship Edmund Fitzgerald and its crew of 29 vanished during a storm in Lake Superior.

1982--  The newly finished Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., was opened to its first visitors.

1989--  Workers began punching a hole in the Berlin Wall, a day after East Germany abolished its border restrictions.

A Lot Happening On This Day.  --RoadDog

November 10th in History-- Part 1: Marine Corps Organized

 From the Chicago Tribune.

1775--  The U.S. Marines were organized under authority of the Continental Congress.

1871--  Journalist-explorer Henry Stanley found missionary David Livingstone in central Africa.

1919--  The American Legion held its first national convention in Minneapolis.

1941--  Winston Churchill delivered a speech in London in which he said, "I have not become the King's First Minister to preside over the liquidation of the British Empire."

--RoadDog

2017 US-12 vs, US-14 Football Showdown-- Part 4: US-14 Leads 3-1

Going into the 3rd round, US-14 (Northwest Highway) leads US-12 (Rand Road) 3-1.

US-14 (NORTHWEST HIGHWAY) TEAMS REMAINING:

8A

Mainse South  (ParkRidge)

6A

Prairie Ridge  (Crystal Lake)

5A

Marian Central  (Woodstock)

US-12 (RAND ROAD) TEAM REMAINING

7A

Lake Zurich

Going to Be Mighty Cold This Weekend.  --RoadDog

2017 Route 66-Lincoln Highway Football Showdown-- Part 6: Lincoln Highway

Lincoln Highway leads going into the 3rd round of IHSA state high school football playoffs 9-6.

LINCOLN HIGHWAY TEAMS REMAINING:

8A

Lincoln-Way East  (Frankfort)

7A

Lincoln-Way Central  (New Lenox)
Batavia
Lincoln-Way West  (New Lenox)

6A

Providence Catholic  (New Lenox)

5A

Sterling

4A

Rochelle
Dixon

3A

Newman Central Catholic  (Sterling)

It would appear the folks in New Lenox and Sterling have Big Weekends Coming Up.  --RoadDog

2017 Route 66-Lincoln Highway Showdowm-- Part 5: Third Round

Going into the third round this weekend, Lincoln Highway has a 9-6 lead over Route 66.

ROUTE 66 TEAMS REMAINING:

8A

Edwardsville

7A

East St. Louis

6A

Sacred Heart-Griffing (Springfield)

3A

Wilmington
Williamsville
Carlinville

--RoadDog

Good Roads Movement To be Discussed in Sycamore, Illinois

March 8, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)

In the 1890s until World War I there was a combination of stories about building, naming roads and the "Good Roads Movement.  This March 28, at the Sycamore Historical Museum, Larry McClellan will discuss them.

Before the interstates and Federal highways, roads had colorful and interesting names:  The Lincoln, Dixie, Mississippi Valley Highway, Alton Way, Swastika Trail and Corn Belt Route to name a few.From 1913 on, there were 51 named highways developed in Illinois.

The talk will be at 7 p.m. at the DeKalb County Community Foundation at 475 DeKalb Avenue.  Cost is $5.

--RoadDog

Mystery Car Forces Sycamore Police Car Off Road

From the February 22, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1942, 75 Years Ago.

"Sycamore patrolman Don Ehrler lost a race with a speeding mystery car on an icy road yesterday.  Up to late yesterday afternoon state highway police had not notified Sycamore officers of locating the car or its driver.

"The mystery car crowded the Sycamore squad car off the highway west of the city and nearly caused it to crash.  Only snow saved it.

Probably Not the Best idea to Do This to a Cop.  --RoadIdiot

Along 66, October 2017: Tom, Elbow and Launching

OCTOBER 3--  Tom Petty died.  He did a cover of "Get Your Kicks on Route 66."  A great performer, despite having a bad singing voice, but somehow, his songs fit his voice very well.  I probably have 13 CDs and albums by him and this past month, we listened to his "Into the Great Wide Open" CD on our 66 on 66 Cruise.

OCTOBER 6--  Elbow Inn's main building reopened.  We visited there on October 12 and had a drink on our 66 On 66 Cruise.  You'd never know they had a flood, but we were shown how high the water had gotten from the spring floods.

OCTOBER 7--  The Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington, Illinois, has new owners and they plan to reopen the place in late spring 2018.  New owners are Tully Garrett and Holly Barker and they will take possession on October 16.

The place has been closed since 2010.  They plan to also have a souvenir stand and food trucks.  If I remember correctly, Holly used to live in North Carolina and worked in restaurants.  Wouldn't it be great if she started serving Carolina '
cue!!!

Good Ol' BBQ, Cole Slaw & Hush Puppies.  --RoadDog

The Problem With Horses in 1917

From the February 22, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The police department has been called on of late to take care of horses that have been left standing out in the cold weather, some of them without even a blanket.

"The hitch rails on North Second street have been used extensively of late, and residents along the thoroughfare have been compelled to complain on account of the people leaving their horses standing out so long at a time.  It is a pity that farmers do think enough of their horses to spend a dime or twenty cents and put them in a feed barn especially when the weather was such as it was last night."

Hey, Farmers!!  Take Care of Your Horses!!  --RoadHorse

A Train-Cows Accident in 1917

From the February 22, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago

"The Spring valley train was a half hour late in here yesterday morning for the reason that it ran into a herd of cattle shortly after getting started in the morning.

"Three cows were killed and it was said that others are more or less injured but none of them serious."

That's Why Trains Have Those Cow Catchers.  --RoadDog

Creepy Ghost Towns in Illinois

From the August 3, 2015, Only In Your State:  Visit These 4 Creepy Ghost Towns in Illinois At Your Own Risk"  Laura Meli.

1.  Cairo:  a living ghost town which had been in an absolute boom mode from the 1800s to 1920s.  So sad to see the town now.

2.  Shawneetown:  Now called Old Shawneetown, established 1748 by Pewoki Shownee.  It was the first cultivated land in Illinois.

3.  Benld, Maucoupin County.  A coal mining town and an object of history when it was hit by a meteorite  It is on display at Chicago's Field Museum.  And, Benld is on good old Route 66.

4.  Buda:  a small railroad town named after Buda, Hungary.

Just a Little Late for Halloween.  RoadDog

2017 Rand Road (US-12)-Northwest Highway (US-14) Showdown-- Part 3

Going into the second round of games this weekend US-14 leads US-12 by a 7-4 edge.

TEAMS REMAINING FOR U.S. 14 (NORTHWEST HIGHWAY

8A

Maine South (Park Ridge)
Barrington
Palatine

7A

Hersey  (Arlington Heights)

6A

Prairie Ridge  (Crystal Lake)
Cary Grove  (Cary

5A

Marian Central  (Woodstock)

TEAMS REMAINING FOR U.S. 12 (RAND ROAD)

8A

Palatine

7A

Hersey  (Arlington Heights)
Lake Zurich

4A

Richmond-Burton (Richmond)

Good Luck in Round 2.  --RoadDog

2017 Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Showdown-- Part 4: Lincoln Highway

These teams lost in the first round: Joliet West, West Aurora, Aurora Christian.

These teams remain:

8A

Lincoln-Way East  (Frankfort)
St. Charles East

7A

Lincoln-Way central  (New Lennox)
Batavia
Lincoln-Way West  (New Lennox)
Plainfield North
St. Charles North

6A

DeKalb
Providence Catholic  (New Lennox)
Marmion Academy  (Aurora)

5A

Sterling
Kaneland  (Maple Park)

4A

Rochelle
Dixon

2A

Newman Central Catholic  (Sterling)

Lincoln Highway leads Route 66 15-12.

--RoadDog

2017 Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Football Showdown-- Part 3: Route 66

These teams lost in the first round:  Joliet West, Springfield, Pontiac and Wood River.

These teams on Route 66 are entering the second round this weekend.

8A

Edwardsville

7A

Normal Community
East St. Louis
Plainfield North

6A

Hinsdale South (Darien)
Normal Community West
Sacred Heart-Griffin (Springfield)

5A

Chatham

4A

Althoff Catholic (Belleville)

3A

Wilmington
Williamsville
Carlinville

There are now 12 teams remaining on the Route 66 side of the slate.  Lincoln Highway still leads 15-12.  At the beginning of the first round, Lincoln Highway led 18-16.

--RoadDog

Along 66, September 2017: A Book and a Classen

SEPTEMBER 27--  Jim Hinckley has a new book "100 Things to Do On Route 66 Before You Die."  Kind of a "Bucket List."  Always good to have another new 66 book.

On our trip we added a new book to our collection, ""One Hundred and One Sights and Attractions on Illinois Route 66" by David Alan Badger where he illustrated everything with his own drawings of them.

SEPTEMBER 29--  The landowner of the Classen Circle in Oklahoma City plans to demolish the site regardless.  Sorry to hear this as the structures on it look to be interesting, though Liz and I can't remember ever driving by it.  We only went as far as Pops in Arcadia, Oklahoma on our recent trip as we cruised 66 when we were 66.

--RoadDog

Along 66, September 2017: A Fire and An Inn

SEPTEMBER 24--  Fire damaged the long-closed Paradise Motel in Tucumcari and damaged the main office building and one of the rooms.  Happily, there was no damage to its distinctive sign.

So, what's with the fires in Tucumcari?

SEPTEMBER 25-- The City of Pacific, Missouri, agrees to buy the long-closed Red Cedar Inn restaurant and plans to turn it into a museum and visitors center.  It closed abruptly in 2005 and the city tried to buy the NRHP site in 2007 and 2013.  The restaurant was built in 1932 by the Smith brothers and a bar was added ten years later.

So glad to hear this as we didn't go to it the last two years it was open and we had begun cruising Route 66, something on our list of things we wanted to do.    This is definitely a place we'll visit after it opens (but too bad we won't be able to eat there.

And, it is a neat-looking old building.  Pacific also acquired Jensen Point atop that bluff, so this is definitely a town taking care of its Route 66 heritage.

Way to Go, Pacific!  --RoadDog

Along 66: September 2017: Foreign 66 Travelers and a Sign

These are from the Route 66 News site.  I just pick the stories I'm most interested in to write about in this blog.  There are many other entries and much more information at the site.

SEPTEMBER 21--  Is Route 66 immune from the international slump?  Foreign travel in the United States is down in the first quarter of 2017, but two Route 66 landmarks that keep visitor records show stable or increased numbers.  One of them is the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac.

We ran into several foreign visitors during our last month's 66 on 66 Cruise.

SEPTEMBER 23-- Tucumcari Motel sign emerges from the ashes.  The motel was destroyed by a suspected arson, but the sign was 20 feet from the building and not damaged.  But someone carted it off, but it was recovered and the New Mexico Rt. 66 Museum has the newly restored sign.

Always good news.

--RoadDog

2017 Rand Road (US-12)-Northwest Highway (US-14) IHSA Showdown-- Part 2: Northwest Highway

8A

Maine South  8-1  (Park Ridge)
Barrington  9-0
Notre Dame  7-1  (Niles)
Palatine  6-3

7A

Maine West  7-2  (Des Plaines)
Hersey  8-1  (Arlington Hts.)

6A

Prairie Ridge  9-0  (Crystal Lake)
Crystal Lake Central  5-4
Cary Grove  6-3  (Cary)

5A

Woodstock North  5-4
St. Viator  5-4  (Arlington Heights)
Marian Central  5-4  (Woodstock)

Twelve teams made it to the state playoffs.  The championship games will all be held at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Illinois.  (NIU)

Best of Luck US-12 and US-14.  --RoadDog

2017 Rand Road (US-12)-Northwest Highway) US-14) IHSA Playoff--Part 1

We are now into the second week of the Illinois state high school football playoffs.  Not only do I pit the Route 66 vs. Lincoln Highway teams, but also two roads near Spring grove (US-12, Rand Road goes right through Spring Grove and both roads go through where I went to junior and senior high school in Palatine.

Here are the US-12 Rand Road teams:

8A

Palatine  6-3

7A

Maine West  (Des Plaines)  7-2  (Where I student taught)
Hersey   (Arlington Heights)  8-1
Lake Zurich  9-0

4A

Richmond-Burton  6-3  (Richmond)  This is where Spring Grove students go to high school.

Five teams

--RoadDog

2017 Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Showdown-- Part 2: Lincoln Highway

8A

Lincoln-Way East (Frankfort)  9-0
Joliet West  5-4
St. Charles East  7-2
West Aurora--  7-2

7A

Lincoln-Way Central (New Lenox)  8-1
Batavia  8-1
Lincoln-Way West  (New Lenox)
Plainfield North  7-2
St. Charles North  8-1

6A

DeKalb  7-2
Providence Catholic (New Lenox)  5-4
Marmion Academy  (Aurora)  5-4

5A

Sterling  9-0
Kaneland  (Maple Park)  6-3

4A

Rochelle  6-3
Dixon  8-1

2A

Newman central Catholic  (Sterling)  9-0
Aurora Christian  5-4

Eighteen teams made it to the state playoffs.

--RoadFoot

2017 Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Showdown-- Part 1: Route 66

Last weekend, we began the annual IHSA Illinois State Football Playoffs.  I would have previewed it last week, but had those problems with the internet and blogs.

Here are the Lincoln Highway-Route 66 teams in the state playoffs:

ROUTE 66 IHSA STATE TOURNAMENT TEAMS  Season records also shown.

8A

Joliet West  5-4
Edwardsville  6-3

7A

Normal (Community)  9-0
East St. Louis 8-1  8-1
Plainfield North  7-2

6A

Hinsdale South (Darian)  5-4
Normal Community West  7-2
Springfield  5-4
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin  7-2


5A

Chatham  7-2

4A

Althoff Catholic  (Belleville)  8-1
Pontiac  6-3

3A  Wilmington  8-1
Williamsville  9-0  (They sure had a big show of support when we drove through there last Sunday.)
Wood River  7-2
Carlinville  8-1

Sixteen teams made the playoffs from Route 66.

--RoadBall

Lots and Lots of Internet and Blog Problems These Last Few Days

It has been an extremely hard time for a technology-impaired person such as I these last few days.  The internet connection kept freezing up and I got locked out of my blog sites which made it rather hard to publish.

It seems to have somehow worked itself out now, so hopefully...I'm back.

But we will see tomorrow.

If I don't post, you know why.

Sheesh!  --RoadDog

Along 66, September 2017: Hotel Beale, Ray and George

SEPTEMBER 17--  Deteriorating Hotel Beale in Kingman becoming a problem.  The century old hotel with its famous rooftop sign has been closed for nearly 20 years.  There are suggestions that the city seize it as a nuisance.  The current owner says he won't do anything with it.

Time to take it away from him.

SEPTEMBER 19--  Interior Secretary recommends no changes to Mojave Trails National Monument.  Ray Zinke recommended shrinking six national parks, but our stretch wasn't one of them/

SEPTEMBER 20--  George Strait concert will be held in Tulsa on June 2, 2018.  It will be called "Strait Down Route 66."  Somehow that has a special ring to it.

--RoadDog

Along Route 66, September 2017: Governor's Ride to 16th Annual Route 66 Mother Road Festival in Springfield, Illinois

SEPTEMBER 16-- Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner is to lead motorcycles on Route 66 from the Chicago area to Springfield in the annual Governor's Ride September 23.  They will finish September 24 at the annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in Springfield.

They will be departing from Countryside and St. Charles, Illinois.  They will stop at Dwight, drive Memory Lane in Lexington, visit The Mill in Lincoln.

SEPTEMBER 16--  The 16th annual International Rt. 66 Mother Road festival will be held September 22-24 in Springfield, Illinois.  On Friday, the 22nd, over 2,00 classic and sports cars will drive through Springfield

Always a Great Time.  --RoadDog

Along 66, September 2017: Charlie's Back

SEPTEMBER 10--  Charley Pride, 83, returns to Route 66 with a new song from his new album "Music in My heart."  In it he does a cover of an obscure Merle Haggard song, "The Way It Was in '51.

He had a big hit with "Is Anybody Going to San Antone" in 1970 where he mentioned Route 66

He had 29 #1 country hits.

I've always been a big fan of Charlie Pride, but had never picked up to the mention of Route 66 on his song "Anybody Going to San Antone."  After Liz and I got "hooked" on Route 66 in 2002, (thanks to running into Rich Henry, Tom Teague and Bill Shea on our first cruise on it), I really perked up when listening to the song and heard him "walkin' down Route 66.'  Hey, that's our road in his song.!

"Here I am walkin' down Route 66, wish she hadn't done me this way."  This was originally a Merle Haggard song and also has been recorded by the Texas Tornadoes who do it live on You Tube with Freddie Fender looking a lot like David Crosby.

--RoadDog

Why Go Anywhere Else? --Part 5: Chicago Radio, Two More Passport Stamps, Oasis and Band, Packers Win

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

Listened to my usual radio shows, well, recorded one as they are both on at the same time:  Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots where he featured music by Tom Petty because of his death Monday, and Terri Hemmert's Breakfast With the Beatles (which I recorded).

We then went to our last two places for Chain Crawl passport stamps:  El Puerto on Nippersink Lake and Hidden Point on Fox Lake.  We now have all 39 passport stamps.

Then we went over to the Oasis on Bluff Lake and sat out at the tiki bar with Glenn and Barb.  We gave them our passport book to take to the party Saturday and see if we win any of the prizes.  There was a really good performer out on the stage so enjoyed that, but sure didn't enjoy the many, many bees that pestered every one.

Watched part of the Packer-Cowboy game there, but were seriously bothered by the bees who really swarmed.  We went to Sunnyside and saw the end of the game, bee free.  The Packers came back to win at the end of the game and we had several other Packer fans in the place and we sure had a REAL good time, especially with the several Cowboy fans in attendance.

Nothing Like Sitting Outside At a Tiki Bar and Listening to a Band On a Sunday Afternoon This Late in the Season.  --RoadDog

Two Festivals On Route 66 in Missouri Last Weekend and We Missed Them Both

This last weekend, there were two fun festivals on Route 66 in Missouri (or do you say Missoura?).

Unfortunately, we were in Illinois for most of it on our way back home.

Carthage was having their Maple Leaf Festival.  The city is noted for its abundance of maple trees and even calls itself Maple Leaf City.  They have standard festival stuff going on, all of which I like, but I especially like its parade which will feature 15+ marching bands.  Marching bands are my favorite part of any parade and sadly, most parades only have one or two and sometimes none.

Cuba is having Cuba Fest (I also saw it called Viva Cuba, reflecting its name and that island in the Caribbean I suppose. Some of it was going on when we left the Wagon Wheel Motel this past Saturday.  We did drive always west out of Cuba, though, looking for Bob's Gasoline Alley which is not always open but is for the festival.  We drove as far as Fanning Outpost, but didn't see it and turned around.

Well, Two Festivals We Didn't Get to See.  Maybe Next Year.  --RoadFest.

New Place to Eat on Route 66 in Lexington, Illinois: Kelly's on 66

Sunday, while Liz and I were driving back from our 66 on 66 Cruise, we happened to drive through Lexington.  I had known that the old Filling Station Restaurant, which has been closed for many years, had been bought and was going to reopen at Kelly's on 66 Restaurant.

It had not yet opened when we were there during the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival in May, but was open now.

We stopped and found out they had just opened on Tuesday, Oct. 17.  Of course, there is a strong Route 66 motif inside and some really great food, with all sandwiches being served on homemade sweet bread.  Reasonable prices and extra friendly and fast wait staff.

Something to check out the next time you're in the area.

Eating Good on the Mother Road.  --RoadDog

"Welcome to Carthage" Project Completed on Route 66

I see that in Ron Hart's Facebook Page that the project of Lowell Davis in Carthage, Missouri, by the Boots Court Motel involving a "Welcome to Carthage, Missoura" sign and a vintage 1950s police car "hiding" behind it in a classic speed trap pose, has been completed as of this past Thursday.

I wrote about it in a previous post in this blog.

We were there when they put up the sign last Monday and got to talk with Mr. Davis who is quite a character.

Lowell Davis had the cop's head in the car replaced with a pumpkin in honor of the season.

This will sure help Carthage's tourism and no doubt will be a very photographed site.

Don't Speed in Carthage.  --RoadDog

Cuba to Springfield on Route 66

Yesterday, we left the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, and drove to Springfield, Illinois.  It rained off and on all the way through Missouri.  We drove Route 66 most of the way except between Litchfield and Springfield.

Took I-270 around St. Louis because of my boycott of that city because of its disgraceful removal of the Confederate statue in Forest Park.    I-270 is partly built on the old 66 bypass.

Once in Illinois, we got off and drove past the Luna and Edwardsville, Hamel, Staunton (where we stopped and talked awhile with Rich Henry) Mt. Olive and into Litchfield where we toured that excellent welcome center and extremely friendly docent (the Decent Docent).  Then stopped at Jack-in-the-Box for our taco fix and then on I-55 to Springfield.

Got a room at the Route 66 Hotel and went to George Ranks for a couple and to the Curve Inn and finally back to our hotel bar.

--  RoadDog

Nine Bars in 3 Days On the Route 66 Trip

We'be been hitting the bars of late.

Thursday, Oct. 19, we went to the American Legion in Lebanon, Missouri--  twice.

Friday, October 20, we went to the Elbow Inn in Devil's Elbow and four bars in Cuba, Missouri:  East Office, Frisco, Rock Fair Tavern and the VFW.

Saturday, in Springfield, Illinois, we went to George Ranks, The Curve Inn and the Route 66 Hotel.

All bars except the American Legion and Rock Fair Tavern were on original segments of good ol' Route 66.

--RoadDog

Hangin' Out at the Vinita (Ok) American Legion on Route 66

Last night we got a room at the Vinita, Oklahoma, Holiday Inn Express so we could walk across the road (which is just several hundred yards off Route 66) and have a drink or two, three, four, at the American Legion.

We've stayed here before and for the same reason.  After a long day's drive, we like to unwind with a few and really love it when we can find a place withing walking distance of our motel.

Friendly people and a whole lot of country music being played.  $2 mugs of beer and we were able to get them to put the Cubs playoff game on the TV.  (But, they only have one TV in the place.)  Big crowd in the place, but we were the only ones watching.  For you Cub fans who think the whole world revolves around your beloved, tain't so.

We heard a WHOLE lot of COUNTRY MUSIC.  For some reason, you hear a whole lot of country music in Oklahoma bars.  We had a lot the night before at Cue and Brew in Stroud after we ate at the Rock Cafe.  Especially a whole lot of George Strait, but surprisingly nothing by Oklahoma boy Toby Keith.

I had to go to the jukebox to check out one group that was played a lot, the Turnpike Troubadours.  I will have to get a CD by them  That is an excellent band.

If It's Oklahoma, It Must Be Country.  --RoadDog

Been Enjoying Don Williams CDs on the Route 66 Trip

I have a double disc Don Williams CD featuring his biggest songs, that we have been listening to a whole lot on the trip so far.  Something about cruising through the Missouri (Missoura) Ozarks and red soil of Oklahoma with his songs just makes a trip on Route 66 all that much better.

"Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good" and "I Believe In You."

What a voice.  How laid back can you get?

Sure Going to Miss Him.  --RoadDog

Welcome to Carthage on Route 66 (New Lowell Davis Project)

Yesterday morning we were at Boots Court Motel in Carthage and when we were leaving for that day's drive on 66 we saw a bunch of people out by the street busily working away on something.  It turned out to be Lowell Davis' (Red Oak II and noted folk artist) "Welcome to Carthage, Missoura, Home of Friendly Folks" sign, a project we were told had been 13 years in the making.

Pixie and Debbie at the Boots had been happy to allow him to put up the sign next to the motel and they had gotten the sign, which is painted on wood slats up as well as a metal replica of that wonderful courthouse on top.

The next part of the project will involve placing a 1950s cop car behind the sign, waiting to pull over folks going too fast on Route 66/Jefferson Highway.

We got to meet  Lowell Davis and Ron Hart.

So, beware of Carthage's new "Speedtrap."  Compliments of the Boots and Lowell.

Don't Speed Past the Boots inCarthage!!  --RoadDog

Why Go Anywhere Else?-- Part 4: 1972, Two Passport Stamps, a Band and Cubs Lose

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

Enjoyed going back to 1972 with Johnny Mars on WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback.  Brought back a lot of memories for that college year.

We had planned on going to NIU's Homecoming today, but with the wind and rain, decided not to go.

We did, however, get Chain Crawl passport stamps at two more places.  The Chain Crawl ends next Saturday with a party, so we're cutting it close.  Unfortunately we won't be able to attend as we'll be out of town.

We first went to Diamond Deli on US-12 in Fox Lake for the first stamp.  Then we went to the Aquarium on Nippersink Lake for the second one.  This is the Home of the Aquarium Club which you can join if you swallow or munch a minnow.

Next, we met Glen and Barb, two of our Usual Suspect friends, at the American Legion in Fox Lake to see the Neil Rose Blues Band play from 3 to 6 p.m..  We really like entertainment in the afternoon or early evening.  They call themselves a blues band, but they were really playing oldies songs.

Next, we went to Sunnyside and watched the Cubs blow a 3-1 lead in the eighth inning to lose 6-3.  Ouch!!

--RoadDog

Why Go Anywhere Else?-- Part 3: Zebra Mussels (They're Back!), Boat, I Pass My ID Test, and Cubs Game

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6

Took the boat over to the mechanic to get it winterized.  I found quite a group  of zebra mussels on the engine area, something we haven't had for a long time.  They must be making a comeback.

Then drove over to McHenry and went to Wal-Mart and Meijer.  I actually got carded to buy a bottle of pumpkin spice wine at one of those tasting spots.  Fortunately, at age 66, I was able to pass muster.

We met the Usual Suspects at the American Legion in Fox Lake and sure enjoyed watching the Cubs win the first game of their playoffs against the Washington Nationals.  A whole lot of celebrating going on there, including me playing "Go Cubs Go."

--RoadDog

Why Go Anywhere Else?-- Part 2: Broken Oar, All In, Riverside and Sunnyside

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 continued

We left Herman's Low Life and drove the short distance to Broken Oar on the Fox River and enjoyed their Thursday $1 pint drafts and got a passport stamp on our Chain Crawl book.  The usual Thursday Texas Hold-Em crowd rolled in.

Then, we went to All In off the Fox River and Ill-176 in Burton's Bridge and had a drink.  They aren't in the Chain Crawl, but we really like this place and stop in whenever we're in the area (just like Herman's Low Life).  They have a very good $1.50 burger special on Thursdays and $1.50 pints of PBR everyday.  Talked with a couple who had been in Las Vegas for their 50th anniversary and returned just five hours before the murders.

Then to Riverside Pub for another Chain Crawl stamp and $5 pitchers.  It is in Burton's Bridge, but on the other side of the river.

Last stop was at Sunnyside.

Five Bars, One Day, Two Passport Stamps.

Why Go Anywhere Else?-- Part 1: Boat Out and Herman's Low Life Bar

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5

Always a sad day when we pull the boat out of the water, but something that has to be done because winter's approaching fast and we'll be gone much of the next two weeks.  Liz powered the boat up on the trailer at the American Legion and I took it home.

Because of the crummy weather this year, too wet and cool in the spring, the deluge in July that closed the Chain of Lakes for three weeks because of the flooding and then the extreme hot and cold weeks, we only got out in the boat 20 times.  We always shoot for at least 40.

We then went southward to Barrington Shores, Illinois, on the Fox River and went to Herman's Low Life Bar, a small dive bar that we especially love and just wish it was closer as we would sure go there much more often. It dates to the 1920s, owned by the same family, and hasn't changed very much from back when the Chicago suburbs were really out in the boonies.

We had a half price frozen pizza with a Chain Crawl coupon.  Herman's is also home for the Hot Cop Porn.  Their menu is on a sign and uses movable letters and everyone kept changing the letters from hot popcorn to hot cop porn so they got tired of changing it back and just left it.  Kind of a tradition now.

And, we always find folks to talk to when we're there.

Always a good place to talk with people you don't know.  A real neighborhood "Cheers" sort of place.  They have two trees that died and a wood sculptor has turned one into a giant Herman's Low Life beer bottle and the other one into a giant fish jumping out of the water.

Another name for the place is Herman's Rest-A-While Bar.

I've Got Friends in Low Places.  --RoadDog

Along 66, September 2017: Goodbye Don Williams

From the Route 66 News Site.

SEPTEMBER 8--  There is a clue in the Country Classic Cars fire in Staunton, Illinois.  One of the five cars in the center of the the warehouse caught fire and that started it.  The owners have plans to rebuild.  Good news as that is a favorite place to salivated.

SEPTEMBER 9--  Don Williams RIP.  Age 78.  A huge country performer from the late 1970s to early 1980s.  His 1978 "Tulsa Time" went to #1 on the country charts.

"I left Oklahoma drivin' in a Pontiac
Just About to lose my mind
I was goin' to Arizona, maybe out to California
Where all the people love so fine."

And exactly what road would take from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to California?

--RoadDog

About That Weekend-- Part 4: Radio, Bars, Da Bears

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

As usual, I listen to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots on WDRV from 7 to 10 a.m., and record Terri Hemmert's Breakfast With the Beatles from 8 to 10 a.m. on Chicago's WXRT.

Another really HOT day.  We went to Hickory Lodge in McCullom Lake and watched the Bears actually win a game.  Sure enjoyed those $5 pitchers of beer and the $5 small pizza (75 cent toppings).

Finished up at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.

--RoadDog

About That Weekend-- Part 3: A Wake and A HOT Party

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Drove to Crystal Lake for the meeting of the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group at the Panera Bread Company.  Today's topic was Civil War innovations.  I had a list of all naval innovations (see my Running the Blockade Blog for the list).

Came home then Liz and I went to Terry Spizzirri's wake in Wauconda.  Our weekends in the area will be a lot less fun now that we won't be able to see him.  He was quite the performer, good at music across the horizons as he liked to describe it.  Talked with his nephew Gregg who performed with him.

We came home and then went to Kenny's house in Richmond for a party.  Great food and Mitch performed an acoustic show, but, man was it hot.

Came home and watched TV (and stayed in the air conditioned house)  Watched Georgia win and Iowa lose.

--RoadDog

About That Weekend-- Part 2: Goodbye Terry Spizzirri

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Hot, REAL HOT.  I even was chased in off the deck by the hot.  With the coming of fall, Bob Stroud did Fall Songs on his Ten at Ten show on WDRV including:  "September" by EWF, ""Time of the Season" by Zombies and "Turn, Turn, Turn" by the Byrds.

I said my goodbyes to various internet sites to Terry Spizzirri, one of out favorite local performers we've been seeing for 40 years.  We will sure miss him.  He died last Sunday.  No more Half Garlic, Half Celtic.  He sure could do the Irish drinking songs.

Came home and sat out in the gazebo for awhile before going over to the Fox Lake American Legion and meeting up with "The Usual Suspects."

--RoadDog

About That Weekend-- Part 1: Enjoying the Yard and a Concert

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Enjoyed a whole lot of places outside the house.  That includes FP (Front Porch, OD (On Deck), the Flats (east side) and the gazebo.  The gazebo is screened in, but somehow two big old bumblebees had found their way in.  I got a paper towel, caught them and released them outside.  They sure make a buzz when caught which feels really weird through the towel.  I, however, didn't get stung.

We drove to McHenry and went to the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV) for a couple drinks before walking over to Veterans Park where we saw a concert by the local band, the Mississippi Stranglers.  Very good band, but WAY TOO MUCH jamming.

--RoadDog

Poor Mr. Spickerman, His Car Stolen

From the February 8, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Andrew Spickerman of Malta has just purchased a new Ford car, and in fact had just been taught how to successfully operate the machine.

"Yesterday morning early someone came along, tired of walking, and knowing that Mr. Spickerman had a new car, broke into the barn and started out with the car.  Neighbors heard the car leaving the barn, but did not pay any attention to it until later when the alarm was spread."

Those Lousy Car Thieves Strike Again.  --RoadDidn'tDoIt

Beware Car Thieves Back in 1917: The Cops Have Eyes On You

From the February 1, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Sheriff James Scott was over from Sycamore on a little business and incidentally told of the capture the forepart of this week of several car thieves.

"Sheriff Scott says that at this time he has twelve prisoners, and may have some more before long as he has the room for them, and there are a  number of people that the authorities are watching rather closely and unless they change their ways will be taken into custody."

Back Then, Too.  Cahnge Your Ways, Mr. Bad Guy.  --RoadDog

Jumping Bobs in 1917

From the Feb. 1, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Several times today it has been noticed that kids jumping bobs, which of course is winter's delight, have caused more than one motorist to use the emergency brake and stop inside a short distance.

"The youngsters would be riding one sleigh and another would pass going the other way and they would jump off and start after the other one, oftentimes running directly in front of the approaching auto.

"Parents should warn their boys  to be careful of this practice, as many of the cars in use here in this city are heavy and would break bones in a boy's arm or leg very easily should they happen to fall while crossing in front of them."

Something else for the erstwhile autoist to watch out for.

Careful Boys.  --RoadDog

What Happens to Old Fire Horses in 1917

From the February 1, 2017, MidWeek "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Dan and Pete, two of the old fire horses recently sold by the city were seen on the streets this afternoon.

"The old horses do not look as sleek as when they were on the wagons but a second glance were recognizable."

No doubt replaced by a fire truck.

Sorry Horsee.  But Better Than the Glue Factory.    --RoadDog

Buying Them Motorcycles in 1917

From the May 21, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Sawyer & Sons have been extra busy the past few days selling motorcycles.  Saturday, Elmer Reese bought the four-cylinder Henderson machine and is the first owner of a four-cylinder Henderson in DeKalb.

"The day before George Bacon of Kingston purchased an Indian.  Yesterday Paul O'Shatto of Sandwich came up here and took home one of the Excelsior machines and the east end men says that business gives the promise of being good every day this week."

Sounds Like the Beginning of a Biker Gang to Me.  --RoadVroom

Building Roads in DeKalb Co. in 1917

From the May 24, 2017, MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Pronger & Fletcher, which firm completed the paving job here last year and went from DeKalb to Sandwich on a $15,000 job, has just been awarded another contract by the Sandwich Board of Local Improvements.

"The new contract is for additional work started on streets there and the firm's bid, which was the lowest, was $13,639.63.  Work will be started on the new contract in about two to three weeks or as soon as the Franklin Grove work is completed."

Franklin Grove would likely be involving the Lincoln Highway.

The Good Roads Movement strikes again.

--RoadContractDog

Along 66, September 2017: Museum Club Closes, Military Convoy on 66

From the Route 66 News Site.  These are just some of the entries and in shortened version. Just the ones of special interest to me.  If you want to see all of the entries, go to the site.

SEPTEMBER 5--  Museum Club in Flagstaff, Arizona closes abruptly.  It has been there since 1931.  The sign says that no memorabilia (and they sure have a lot of memorabilia) is being sold.  Closed 9-4-17.  

Too bad, a mighty fun place.

SEPTEMBER 7--  Antique military vehicle convoy on Route 66 begins September 16 and goes from Chicago to Santa Monica.

September 16 from Chicago to Pontiac.  Sept. 17 Atlanta to Springfield.  Sept.18 rest day in Springfield

Today, Oct. 4, supposed to arrive in Santa Monica.

--RoadDog

Along 66, September 2017: The Duncan Manor, Towanda. Illinois

SEPTEMBER 2--  The White Dog restaurant near Clinton, Oklahoma.  The food is good and there is quite a view.  Maybe we'll have to stop by there when we do Route 66 when we're 66 this month.

SEPTEMBER 3--  An update on the Duncan manor near Towanda, Illinois.  It is on the list of Ten Most Endangered Places in the state.

David and Randi Howell purchased the 1860s property in 2014.

William Duncan, a breeder of shorthorn cattle, moved to Illinois from Clark County, Kentucky in 1863 and bought 300 acres near Towanda.  Between 1866 and 1870 he had Duncan manor built.  He died in 1876.

The place is currently in really bad shape when the Howells bought it.  It is open Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Someplace Else to Check Out. --RoadDog

N.C. Jan. 2017-- Part 36: "Battle Acre" and Encroachment of the Atlantic Ocean

JANUARY 17, TUESDAY

There was a proposal to remove part of "The Rocks" in the last several years, which would have essentially reopened the Civil War's New Inlet, but it seems to have failed.  As much as I would have liked to see the waterway back to its Civil War appearance, I was against the proposal.

From "The Rocks" and Battery Buchanan, I drove back to Fort Fisher and stopped at "Battle Acre."  This is the site of the fort's headquarters and the Confederate monument and the first Fort Fisher Museum before the current one was built in the 1960s.  (There are also plans to build a newer and bigger museum and visitors center.)

Hopefully, certain people won't demand and have the Confederate statue removed.  You know who I am talking about.

This was the first land set aside for the fort.  At one time it was feared that "Battle Acre" would be lost to the encroachment of the Atlantic Ocean.  The ocean was many hundred yards east back during the Civil War, but after the coquina beds out in the water were removed to provide a base for US-421 in the 1920s-1930s, the ocean really came in and washed away and covered a large part of the fort.

--RoadDog

Along 66--Part 2: New Places on 66

The Mill Museum--  Lincoln
Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield
Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center, Litchfield

SOME MISSOURI PLACES

Jensen's Point, Pacific
Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba
The Four Way, Cuba
Boots Motel, Carthage

These are all places we want to visit on our Route 66 trip later this month.

Anxiously Awaiting.  --RoadDog

Along 66, June, 2017: "New" Places On 66 Since 2006 "Post-Cars) Era

From the Route 66 News Site.

Route 66 has spawned many new places along its length since 2006, the "Post-Cars" movie era.  That movie did a lot to increase knowledge of our old road among the general public.  The list covered all states, but I will do just the ones in Illinois, and some of the ones in Missouri.

They include places built-from-scratch like Pops in Oklahoma or places that had been closed or moribund like the Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta, Illinois.

ILLINOIS

Pontiac-Oakland Museum, Pontiac
Palms Grill Cafe, Atlanta
Colaw Rooming House, Atlanta  (Didn't know about this one)

Sprague Super Service Station, Normal
Cruisin' With Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center, Bllomington

More to Come.  --RoadDog

Along 66, July 30, 2017: Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame 1017 Inductees

From the Route 66 News.

JULY 30--  The Class of 2017 for the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame has been announced:

JUBELT'S BAKERY  AND RESTAURANT--  Litchfield, Illinois.  Its roots can be traced back to 1922.  We have eaten there before.  We like it right up there with the Ariston.

COZY INN/MARIO'S PIZZA--  Pontiac, Illinois.  Julie and Jerry Causer.  Dates to the 1930s-1940s.   Definitely a place to check out the next time we're in town.

PATRICK "PAT" McELROY--  Owned Pat's Standard Service station in Dwight, Illinois.

--RoadDog

Along 66, August 2017: The Oklahoma and DeKalb Sidewalk Highways

From tRoute 66 News site.

AUGUST 31--  Preservationists will approach the county to preserve the Sidewalk Highway.  Also known as the Ribbon Road in Ottawa County, Missouri.

Today, it is mostly covered with gravel.

It was a nine-feet wide state highway built in 1922.

Preservationists do not want to compromise its unique character

It was not improved and upgraded until now because it is mostly used by farmers.

But definitely an interesting bit of highway to drive on, if you can see it.

I also found out that Illinois has its own Sidewalk Highway and it is the stretch of Illinois State Highway 23 between DeKalb and Waterman.  Maybe we'll have to drive it next weekend when we're in DeKalb for NIU's Homecoming.

--It's a Narrow Pave for Me.  --RoadDog

Along 66, August 2017: World's Largest Belt Buckle in Uranus

From the Route 66 News Site.

AUGUST 27--  Ron "Tattoo Man" Jones of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, has 167 Route 66-related tattoos.  Man, that's some commitment to the road!!  Just one of the characters of the Main Street of America that make it so interesting.  If he hasn't already, eventually he will run out of places to get tattooed (well, at least places he can show.

AUGUST 30--  Guinness certifies the largest belt buckle in the world in Uranus, Missouri, near St. Roberts.  Has the words Route 66 and the shield on it.  Kind of a strange place, that Uranus, but interesting.

AUGUST 30--  President Trump to speak in Springfield, Missouri, because of Route 66.  Glad he knows about the importance of the Mother Road.

--RoadDog

"Entitled To Be Peeved" in 1917

From the May 17, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"John McCann of the news stand is feeling just a trifle peeved today owing to the fact that someone stole his bicycle last night and has yet been unable to locate the guilty party or the wheel.

"McCann says that he would not have blamed a man for running away with a roll of money, but when it comes to stealing bicycles especially from such a business as his, he thinks he is entitled to be peeved."

--RoadDidn'tDoIt

Man Passes Out On Lincoln Highway in 1917

From the May 17, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"residents on West Lincoln Highway in DeKalb spied a man lying in the grass last night about 6:30 and immediately sent in a call for the ambulance wagon, thinking the man might have been injured.

"It was found that the victim was one of booze and not an accident and he had curled around a tree alongside the road to rest for a time.  He was well under the influence of liquor and it was necessary to lift him into the wagon in order to get him back into town."

Drunks in 1917?  Really?

Was He A Northern Student?  --RoadDrunk

Blacktopping in DeKalb in 1942

No word has been received from the federal government concerning proposed blacktopping work which will be rushed to completion in DeKalb if permission is granted by the government.

"Application for permission to blacktop Roosevelt Street, Garden Road, Garden Street, North 13th Street and South Sixth Street was made some time ago.

"It was sent to Springfield where it was approved by the state highway department and then sent to Chicago where it was approved by the Public Roads Administration and then sent to Washington.  It was thought that word would be received by the latter part of this week, either accepting or rejecting the application, but nothing has been heard up to today."

Quite a bit of red tape to go through to blacktop roads in World War II.

--One Blacktop, Two Blacktop.  --RoadDog

N.C. Jan. 2017-- Part 35: US-421

US Highway 421 has always been a favorite of mine, primarily because this is the road you drive to get from Wilmington (and all that horrible traffic and those pesky photo-enforced stoplights) to Carolina Beach to Fort Fisher.

From Wikipedia.

I.S. Route 41 is a spur road of U.S.- 21 and 941 miles long running from Michigan City, Indiana, (U.S. 20) to its southern terminus at "The Rocks" in North Carolina.  I have driven the whole road from one terminus to the other.  It goes through Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, a real short distance in Virginia and North Carolina.

Big cities it goes through are Indianapolis, Lexington, Frankfort and Richmond, Kentucky and Boone, Winston-Salem and Greensboro, North Carolina.

The stretch between Madison, Indiana, on the Ohio River and Richmond, Kentucky, is as beautiful driving as you'll ever do.  Then there is some real serious mountain driving through the rest of Kentucky.

Once you get to "The Rocks" at the southern terminus, there is a sign saying "End U.S. 421."  On the other side of that sign is a sign saying "Begin U.S. 421."

421in' It.  --RoadDog

News Along 66, August 2017: Grants and Spindles

AUGUST 24--  The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced its 2017 cost-share grants which came to a total of $98,137 with that going to seven projects.
Tropics neon sign, Lincoln, Illinois--  $25,500
Wilder's neon sign, Joplin, Missouri--  $24,100
Trucking on Route 66 in Missouri oral history project-- $5,697
Texas Rt 66 property online database--  $18,668
Online educational guide to Route 66 in California--  $6,484
Route 66 Bridge Assessment and Prioritization Project Chicago to Santa Monica--  $6,484
Women of the Mother Road documentary film--  $25,000

AUGUST 26--  Spindles from the Route 66 bridge in Carthage, , Missouri, can be bought starting September 22.  One hundred limestone spindles will be sold by Vision Carthage during the Artwalk event downtown.

Own a Piece of the 66.  --RoadDog

A "Crying Need" for Street Signs in DeKalb in 1917

From the August 28, 2017 MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The crying need for street signs in a progressive, hustling city like DeKalb was forcibly brought to the attention of the councilmen last night by Alderman Jacobson.

"He said the lack of signs at street corners was one of the first and most powerful impressions to prejudice a stranger unfavorably and the condition was one that the authorities of a self-respecting town ought to lose no time in changing."

We Know Where We Are,.  Why Should You?  --RoadDog

Near Bad Accident With Train in 1917

From the August 26, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"H. Bannister of Sycamore Road, driving his Buick yesterday afternoon onto tracks at Fourth Street in DeKalb, had the narrowest of escapes from being struck by a train.  He backed off the track at the sound of the engine but for some reason the auto balked and stood stock still so close to the passing train that rthe yellow paint on the railroad coaches was scraped off onto his front tires.

"Spectators of the incident held their breaths while the long train rolled past almost atop the auto and its driver."

And, those trains fly through DeKalb still.

Real Close Call.  --RoadDog

Along 66, August 2017: Own a Building, Take Care of a Camp

AUGUST 23--  For Sale on Route 66.  Formerly Jerry's Liquors.  Building built in 1907.  Such a deal at $60,000 in Galena, Kansas, at 203 Main Street  It originally was a bottling company in the late 1800s.

Own a piece of the Route!!

AUGUST 24--  Missouri to retain the Gasconade Bridge near Hazel Green until 2018.  The Gasconade River Bridge Guardians are expected to take it over.

One of my favorite Route 66 bridges.

AUGUST 24--  Looking for a job on Route 66?  The Cool Springs Camp needs a newcaretaker.  Neat building, neat scenery, who could ask for more?  Between Oatman and Kingman, Arizona.

Own It, Work It.  --RoadDog

N.C. Jan. 2017-- Part 34: The "Begin U.S.-421" Sign

JANUARY 17, 2017, TUESDAY

Well, I'm at the very southern terminus of US Highway (Route)-421.  There is a parking area and boat launch there by "The Rocks" and Battery Buchanan.  And, I really like the "Begin I.S. 421" sign.  On the other side, it has a "End U.S.-421 sign.  I wish all highway termini would have these signs.

Unfortunately, it doesn't say where or how far the northern terminus is.   That would have been even neater if they did have it.

Of course, US-421 is the one we would get on by Wilmington and take it to Carolina Beach, North Carolina, where I spent lots of time growing up.  It is also the bridge over Snow's Cut, where you got that wonderful first-glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean, meaning "You have ARRIVED at the Beach.  Oh Boy, Oh Boy!!"

And, of course, from there you drive through Kure Beach to FORT FISHER!!  So you know how important this stretch of road is to me.

The Road to Paradise.  --RoadDog

N.C. Jan. 2017-- Part 33: South Past the Hermit To "The Rocks"

JANUARY 17, TUESDAY

I took US-421 (and I've driven from its northern terminus in Michigan City, Indiana, by Lake Michigan, all the way to the end of it, which is just a short distance south of Fort Fisher) from Fort Fisher to "The Rocks," which is at the end of federal Point.  "The Rocks" is a man-made dam in effect built to close New Inlet in the 1870s.  It extends for several miles out to some islands.  I've written about it before, just click "The Rocks" label.

Along the way, I passed by the Fort Fisher State Beach, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and the Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry.

By the aquarium is the World War II bunker where the Fort Fisher Hermit lived for many years.  Our family never went to Carolina Beach without visiting this strange man.  He could tell some great stories.

"The Rocks"  has been a family favorite for as many years as I remember.  We used to do a lot of crabbing and fishing there.  They have some huge blue crabs there.  I took a walk out onto for a distance.  "The Rocks" were constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers back in the 1870s to close off New Inlet entrance to the Cape Fear River, which Fort Fisher had protected during the Civil War.

I also walked onto the remains of the Civil War's Battery Buchanan, which was apart of the Fort Fisher defenses and where the garrison finally surrendered to the overwhelming Union forces January 15, 1865, just 152 years earlier.

It most closely resembles a sand dune now.

It's a Hermit's Life for Me.  --RoadDog

Along 66, August 2017: Festivals, Eclipses and the Red Cedar Inn

AUGUST 16--  Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, set an attendance record with 53,000.  Love those Route 66 festivals, but we need more of them.

AUGUST  20--  The Red Cedar Inn in Pacific, Missouri, to become a museum and visitors center.  It opened in 1932.  This is a place I wish we had gotten a chance to eat at, but it closed soon after our first trip through the area.  Definitely will be on out list of places to visit when we drive Route 66 end-to-end in October.

AUGUUST  22--  Total eclipse of the sun in Pacific, Cuba, Sullivan, Bourbon, Stanton , Eureka and St. Clair.  Hundreds had shown up in St. Clair two days before the eclipse.

That would be the place to watch the total eclipse--  on Route 66!!  Too bad we didn't drive down as we sure didn't have anything here to see in northern Illinois.

--RoadDog

Along 66, August 2017: Neon Signs in Tulsa

AUGUST 12--

Tulsa may encourage neon signs along its stretch of Route 66.  It will be a neon sign overlay district, similar to the one in Albuquerque.  They will make it easier to put up the signs and provide incentives for businesses.

The biggest problem is the expense.

But, you can't go wrong with neon.  Mighty "purty."


AUGUST 13--

Avalon Theatre in McLean, Texas, torn down.  the art deco place has been long-closed.  Dated to the 1920s-1930s.  I don't remember seeing it.

AUGUST 15--

Ryburn Place in Normal, Illinois, opens  Better known as the Sprague Super service station.  So glad Bloomington-Normal has finally awakened to their Route 66 heritage.

--RaodDog

Hey, Gov.!! Dare You To Drive Illinois Highway 64 in 1967

From the August 9, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1967, 50 Years Ago.

"Although Governor Kernor has not yet accepted Sycamore Mayor Harold Johnson's invitation to visit the city and to take a ride on bumpy highway 64 east and west of the city, some patching was done on the highway's west entrance of Sycamore."

What, Potholes Even Back Then?  --RoadDog

Regional Pizza in the United States

Here is a list of regional pizza styles, other than Quad City style in the United States.

Chicago style

Detroit style

New York Style

St. Louis Style

Bar pizza

California style

Grandma pizza--  Long Island

Greek--  northeast

New Haven--  Connecticut

Sicilian--  NE, metro Detroit, Portland, Oregon

Tomato Pies--  New England and Philadelphia

Old Forge-- Old Forge, Lackawanna County, Pa.

Of course, I much, much prefer the Chicago style pizza, but I have to admit to being a bit prejudiced for some reason.

--RoadDog

Still Talking About Pizza: Quad City-Style Pizza

While researching Happy Joe's, I came across this style of pizza.

From Wikipedia.

We've often been to the Quad-Cities, comprising Rock Island and Moline in Illinois and Bettendorf and Davenport in Iowa.  These cities straddle the Mississippi River as it runs east-west through that area.

And, they have their own unique style of pizza.  Its crust consists of a generous amount of malt syrup which gives it a nutty taste, a spicy sauce and fennel-based crumbled sausage.

The pizza dough rests in a refrigerator for 24-28 hours and then it is placed at room temperature for another 2-3 hours.  Once the pizza is cooked, it is cut into 1 1/2 inch strips using kitchen shears.

Wikipedia credits Frank's Pizzeria for creating this pizza in 1955.  They have a Frank's Pizzeria listed in Silvis, Iowa.  In the Quad-Cities area, there are some 25 places serving it, including Sports Fans in Bettendorf where we have played NTN.

There are two places in Chicago serving Quad City-Style pizza, both called Roots.

Guess We'll Have to Try It the Next Time We're There.  --RoadDog

While On the Subject of Pizza: Shakey's Pizza

In the last post, i mentioned eating at Happy Joe's in Galena.  Its founder, Lawrence Joseph "Happy Joe" Whitty, had worked at Sharkey's Pizza.

We used to stop often at Shakey's Pizza places here in the Midwest (especially Wisconsin) back in the 70s to 80s, but I don't remember seeing any for a long time.  There was one, I think, at Fondulac, Wisconsin.

Well, back to Wikipedia for some more research.

Shakey's Pizza began in 1954 when Sherwood "Shakey" Johnson and Ed Plummer opened the first restaurant in Sacramento, California.  "Shakey" Johnson's nickname came from nerve damage he suffered after a bout of malaria in World War II.

Shakey played Dixieland jazz piano and decided to entertain his customers and hired the original Silver Dollar Jazz Band for $10 and all the beer and pizza they could drink and eat.

Today, there are about 500 Shakeys globally, with about 60 here in the U.S., mostly located in the West.

Sure Wish We Could Get Them Back.
 Here In the Midwest.  --RoadDog

To Galena for Our 44th Anniversary-- Part 5: Stuffin' It at Happy Joe's

AUGUST 24, THURSDAY

Sat outside the motel room in the morning, then went on the internet to post some pre-written blog entries, but had to get a new password.  I had been "asked" to make it more concern several months ago and did as I was told, but forgot to write the new one down for the trip, so had to change it again.  I am definitely one you'd call "password challenged."

We went to Happy Joe's a restaurant a little bit north of the motel and had their lunch pizza, pasta and salad bar buffet for $9 (Senior price), including pop.  Good deal and great selection.

Happy Joe's  from Wikipedia.

Based in Bettendorf, Iowa, one of the Quad Cities between Illinois and Iowa.founded in 1972 by Lawrence Joseph "Happy Joe" Whitty, a former Shakey's Pizza manager.  Today there are 61 Happy Joes, mostly in the Midwest, but one in Arizona.

We ate at this Happy Joe's in Galena a long time ago.

And, We'll be Back.  --RoadDog