More Railroad Tracks in DeKalb County in 1918

From the January 10, 2018, MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

"The new siding, under construction at Kirkland by the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad, is expected by the company to facilitate the handling of passengers and freight over the road between Chicago and Rockford and to increase the effectiveness of the shuttle train service over the Chicago, Milwaukee and Gary from Chicago to Camp Grant."

Camp Grant was a huge training facility for the United States during World War I and located west of Rockford where the airport is today.

--RoadDog

Vietnam Medal of Honor Keynote Speaker Allen James Lynch at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery

The outdoor public event, which starts at 9 a.m., will happen at the cemetery's main flagpole and will include keynote speaker and Medal of Honor recipient Allen Lynch, a gun salute by the Memorial Squad and taps.

From Wikipedia.

Born October 28, 1945  Received Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War.  Joined Army in 1964 and by December 15, 1967 was with the 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

During a firefight that day near My An, Binh Dinh Province rescued three wounded soldiers and stayed behind to protect them when the rest of his company withdrew and single-handedly defended them until friendly forces arrived.

Afterwards, he was promoted to sergeant and received the Medal of Honor from President Richard Nixon in 1970.

Well deserved.

Warm Here We Come-- Part 15: Sharkey's But No Shuckums

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2

OK, we are finally at PCB (Panama City Beach) after the one day delay because of car trouble and as of yet haven't had a drink anywhere.  We must remedy that.

Spotting the top of the huge tiki bar at Sharkey's, this be the place to accomplish that drink.  This is one of our must-go-to joints on the beach.  We understand the place gets packed during spring break, but we are in the off-season, so there are a few vacationers and a lot of regulars out at the tiki bar, which is right by the beach.

It has plastic sheets around the sides to keep it warmer and break the wind.  Happy Hour is $1.50 12 oz Miller Lites so had a couple of them.  A bit chilly as well so were thankful for the portable heaters.

Leaving there, we were thinking of going to Shuckums, but it was too crowded.

--RoadDog

--

Warm Here We Come-- Part 14: Natty Light, Forgetting Stuff and No Patches

FEBRUARY 2, FRIDAY

Went to Wal-Mart for a case of Natty Light.  It's cheaper and we have grown quite fond of it over all these years of going to PCB.  It is very  popular.  It is actually called Busch Natural Light, but many call it Natty Light.  I also got a pair of flip-flops since I forgot to bring any of the many pairs at home along with me.  I always forget something.  I also forgot my deodorant so had to get some at Dollar Tree.  Otherwise I couldn't stand myself.

Traffic was horrible wherever we went today.

Took Back Beach Road to Thomas Drive and then as far south as we could go as we were looking for a place that Sue and Paul had told us about called Patches.  They had told us it was hard to find and that sure was on the mark.  We drove up and down the stretch where it should be several times, but never did see the place.  If it was there, it was well-hidden.

We finally gave up and drove back closer to our motel.

Looking For a Patch.  --RoadDog

Along 66, February 2018: Texas License Plates, Cozy, Motorheads

FEBRUARY 25--  Texas approves Route 66 license plates.  Show people your favorite road.

FEBRUARY 26--  Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, will be offering its own soda.  Anything to do with Route 66?  I think so.  Now wash those Cozies down with Cozy Cola.

FEBRUARY 27--  The new Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill will open in March in Springfield, Illinois.  It is in the former Stuckey's restaurant on Toronto Road West.  It has the former front entrance to Bill Shea's Gas Station Museum and other items of interest to Route 66ers.

Reckon We'll have to Check Out Motorheads.  --RoadDog

Along 66, February 2018: New Owners, a Fire and Neon

FEBRUARY 21--  The Mule Trading Post in Missouri has changed hands and is undergoing renovation.  Always a favorite stop for us  on Route 66.  Just keep it sort of junky, though.

FEBRUARY 21--  Fire destroys the Sirloin Stockade in Rolla, Missouri.  A total loss.  And, I always wanted to eat there.  Oh well.

FEBRUARY 22--  Owl Court in Oklahoma City changes owners.  Built in 1931.  Looks like a neat old motel from the picture.

FEBRUARY 23--  Tulsa takes first step toward a neon sign Route 66 district

Always Love Those Neon Signs.  --RoadDog

Got Our Irish On-- Part 8: Foxhole, PLAV and Sunnyside

Went back to the Foxhole and had another drink and then over to the PLAV, Polish Legion of American veterans for one of their great $2.50 Sunday special Bloody Marys.  Watched some of the NCAA Tournament there.

We then went over to Sunnsyside in Johnsburg and there was a good-sized crowd there.

This NCAA Tournament has been one of the even better ones.  Lots and lots of close games and upsets.

--RoadDog

Got Our Irish On Last Weekend-- Part 7: A Band and A Beer Tent

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

Liz didn't want to go, so I went by myself over to the beer tent at Miller Point Park located about a block from the Foxhole.  It used to be a popular restaurant called Joey T's, but unfortunately it burned down.  It is located on the Fox River.

McHenry had this St. Patrick's Day festival over two days, yesterday and today.  Yesterday, they had bands all day and into the night at the park.  We saw pictures and the place was jam packed.  Today, it wasn't.  There were perhaps 30-35 people in the huge tent (which was also heated).  No problem getting a seat or a drink.

The band Goin' South was playing while I was there.  Obviously, they play newer country music and do it quite well.  I imagine, though, that they were disappointed about not playing in front of the masses as was at the tent yesterday.  This was the band setting up to play at Sunnyside when we were there yesterday.

Of all the bands they had playing today and yesterday, though, I don't think any of them did Irish music.  This wold have been a great place for Terry and Greg Spizzirri to play.  We sure miss Terry who died last year and was noted for his Irish music.  His father was Italian, but mother Irish.  he referred to himself as The Garlic Celtic.

It was so much nicer with fewer people today.  On the way out I found Girl Scouts selling cookies and bought two boxes.

Much Nicer Today.  --RoadDog

Got Our Irish On Last Weekend-- Part 6: Back to McHenry

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

The McHenry Shamrock Fest, or whatever they called it, was the first time they had anything major going on beyond the parade.  And, they were having it both Saturday and Sunday.

Liz and I had a coupon from the Chain Crawl for a half-price pizza at the Foxhole, so called because it is downstairs at an old building by the Fox River.  We were a both concerned that we would run into those huge crowds of yesterday, but figured maybe some of them had had enough and would be staying home, probably nursing hangovers.

We were actually able to park on Riverside Drive by the Foxhole, which only had three customers inside when we got there.  The bartenders said they had run out of beer yesterday, but the local distributor had been making deliveries all day and night.  Most places had run out of beer or come close to it.  Revelers had been three deep at the bar most of the day on Saturday.  Every table was occupied and as soon as someone would get up, it was reoccupied.

The Foxhole, like I said, is in the basement of an old hotel (now apartments) built in the 1890s.  They are noted for their pizza, plus we love their $12 a full slab of ribs they have on Wednesdays.  That comes with soup or salad, baked potato, garlic bread and cole slaw.

While we were there, another 10-12 people came in.  The owner said yesterday had been the busiest they'd ever had.

Reckon This St. Partrick's Party in McHenry Was a Huge Success.  --RoadPat

Got Our Irish On Last Weekend-- Part 5: On to JohnsO'Burg

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

We went to Half-Times in Johnsburg, Illinois.  There was also a lot of people in there, but the place is quite big so we were able to get a table.  They had corned beef & cabbage dinners for $10 and $1 pints of green Miller Lite.  We could definitely live with those prices so feasted and drank.

Many people in green attire and everyone in the spirit O' St. Patrick.

Then decided to check out Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg, which is our main hangout in the area.  The place was also very crowded, but we were able to get a table (the last one) and had some more beer ($5 pitchers) during happy hour so we were happy.  They had a band setting up, but we left before they started.

So, today, we went to five bars and drank a whole lot of beer.

And, of course, at the last two places they had the NCAA Tournament games on.

Home After That.  That Was Enough.  --RoadParty

Got Our Irish On Last Weekend-- Part 4: PLAV and the Corkscrew

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

On our way over to the PLAV, we drove on Green Street which was full of people wearing various articles of green attire and carrying green plastic cups.  They were especially numerous around the new bar, D.C. Cobbs by the newly reopened McHenry Theater.

We heard several people in the PLAV talking about how crowded every bar was on Riverside.

But, we intended to take a walk over to Corkscrew Pointe where friend Mark was cooking food.  The inside of that place was so packed you couldn't get a drink nor hardly move.  We had seen signs that there was another party going on outside behind the place so decided to see that.  No one was cooking at the grills back there and a deejay was playing Irish music out by the Fox River.

It was less crowded, though, so we got beers and commandeered a table.  We soon found out why there weren't a lot of people out there.  There was a mean wind blowing some really cold air on you.  After a half a cup, we had had enough and moved back to the side of the building which served as a windbreak so it was comfortable.

W met Mark who said they had run out of food about the time the parade had started.

But, we had had enough of the too many people hassle and decided to go over to Johnsburg.

--RoadGreen

Got Our Irish On Last Weekend-- Part 3: Over to the PLAV

SATURDAY MARCH 17

OK, so we didn't get to see the Fox River dyed green or the parade, but we were going to do as much St. patrick's Day stuff as possible, regardless.

After several green beers at Corner Tap in McHenry, Illinois, we drove over to the PLAV, Polish Legion of American Veterans, a short distance away.  McHenry is kind of a different town in that it has three "downtowns."  The very first one was by the Fox River on Riverside Drive.  The second one was around today's Green Street and the third came about because of the railroad and is called Main Street.

The Corner Tap is in the third downtown on Main Street.  The PLAV is one street off Riverside.  Corner Tap was getting really crowded, but it was standing room only at the PLAV with lots of people wearing various outfits of green.  We eventually got seats at the bar and had several more cocktails.

--RoadDog

Got Our Irish On Last Weekend-- Part 2: The Mineola, Al Capone and a Green River

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

How about having the actual St. Patrick's Day on a Saturday.  Big grounds for some major partying.

I went to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society meeting and we had a presentation about Fox Lake's historical Mineola Hotel, built in the 1890s.  As is the case of most pl;aces out in the Chain of Lakes area, there is always the rumor that Al Capone was there, but no proof has been found to substantiate it.

The Mineola was one of many resorts and hotels around the Chain of Lakes back then when it was a major tourist attraction.

McHenry, Illinois, dyed the Fox River green (like Chicago) at 10, but I was at the meeting so didn't see it.  By the time we got to McHenry later in the day, sadly, the dye was gone.

Liz and I drove to McHenry with plans to see the St. Patrick's parade, but we could not find any parking spaces anywhere near it, so went to Binny's and bought some beer and then over to the Corner Tap on Main Street where we had green beer and met up with Kevin and Kelly, two actual Irish folks.

Not Al, So Don't Call me Al.  --RoadCapone

Got Our Irish On Last Weekend-- Part 1: Donovan's & the Legion

I  kind of figured that St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, happening on a Saturday would make it an even bigger event, and it sure was around here in northeast Illinois.

THURSDAY, MARCH 15

Kickoff with Irish soda bread at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.  Stopped at Tommy's in Spring Grove on the way home.  And, of course, watched a whole lot of college basketball as some sort of tournament was going on.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH

We went to the Legion in Fox Lake for their St. Patrick's Day party.  Enjoyed the corned beef & cabbage dinners and, speaking of the Luck O' the Irish, Liz, who is half Irish on her mother's side, won the 50-50.  All sorts of green swag given out   And, we had a guy playing solo music (but, alas, no Irish music).

Watched the NCAA Tournament there and then at home in Margaritaville when we got home.

Two More Days To Go.  --RoadDog

Gas Station Completion Nearing on the Lincoln Highway in DeKalb in 1918

From the January 10, 2018, MidWeek "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

"The new garage at the corner of First and Lincoln Highway is fast nearing completion, that is, as far as the contractors are concerned.

"The men have been working nearly all week and the brick walls have been climbing at an appreciative rate all during the week.  When once the walls are completed the inside work can be rushed to completion regardless of the weather conditions."

Taking Forever to Finish That Gas Station in DeKalb, Illinois.  --RoadDog

Warm Here We Come-- Part 13: We Finally Get to PCB and the Driftwood Lodge

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND

We finally arrived in Panama City Beach's west end on Fla. Highway 79.  As bad a s 79 is from Bonifay to Ebro, it is a fast and smooth ride when you get past Ebro.  Four lanes and 65 mph.  Hopefully it won't take much longer to get it like that from Ebro to Bonifay.

Drove east a mile on Front Beach Road and checked into the Osprey for our room at the Driftwood Lodge.  They are both owned by the same family.

We have been staying at the Driftwood Lodge for a lot of years.  It was built in the 1950s and is what would be classified as an old mom and pop motel.  There are two stories of rooms up by the street and down a short hill the rooms where we stay which are called cabana rooms.  The cabana rooms are about 200 feet from the Gulf of Mexico.  And for between $55 and $60 a night in February that is a great deal.

We Like the Price and We Like the Location and Room.  --RoadDog

Along 66, February 2018: Kingman's Arch, Launching Pad, Cyrus Avery III

FEBRUARY 15--  Kingman oks arch near Locomotive Park.  The $177,736 cost will be paid for by motel taxes.  Like with neon signs, you can never have too many arches.

FEBRUARY 15--  The grandson of Cyrus "Father of Route 66" Avery dies at age 85.  Cyrus Avery III.

FEBRUARY 16--  Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington, Illinois, may partially reopen for the May Red Carpet Corridor celebration.  The 30-foot tall Gemini Giant is still there, thankfully, despite the place's closure for six years.

Full opening is scheduled for 2019.

--RoadDog

I'd Like To Add Some Food You Should Try in Illinois

That was an impressive list for sure.  But, they overlooked some so I feel obliged to include them here.

1.  CHICAGO DOG--  No ketchup, though.  All over the area.

2.  CHICAGO PIZZA--  All over (and you cut the pizza into squares)

3.  CHICAGO DEEP DISH PIZZA--

4.  COZY DOG--  Springfield

5.  BEER NUGGETS--  Fried dough.  Started in DeKalb, but now in many places in the northeastern part of the state.

6.  ITALIAN BEEF--  Thin slices with au jus,

7.  ONION LOAF--  Hackney's  Chicago suburbs

8.  DEEP-FRIED CAJUN POTATO SALAD--  Fatty's in DeKalb

Oh Boy.  --RoadHog

Along 66, February 2018: Wilder's and Dem Burros

FEBRUARY 10--  Wilder's Steakhouse rooftop sign removed for restoration in Joplin.  A relighting ceremony is set for April 14.  It is an animated sign and has not worked in at least 25 years.  Opened in 1936.

I saw postcards of the interior of the restaurant.  Sure wish that was still open.

FEBRUARY 13--  Contraceptive program suggested to control the population of the Oatman burros.  Something needed badly.  They're cute, but too many of them.

--RoadDog

Illinois' 200th Anniversary: 20 Things Every Illinoisan' Should Eat-- Part 4

16.  LARS BAR--  Anderson's Candy Shop, Richmond.  Hey, that's near me!!

17.  BISTER JIBAROTO--  Jibarito's Authentic Puerto Rican Restaurant, Chicago

18.  PACZKI--  Herb's Bakery, Elgin

19.  SMOKED SALMON--  Calumet Fisheries, Chicago

20.  MOONBURGER--  Moonshine Store, Moonshine (near Martinsville)

Sounding Good To Me.  --RoadMoon

Illinois' 200th Anniversary: 20 Things Every Illinoisan Should Eat-- Part 3

11.  CHICKEN DINNER--  White Fence Farm, Romeoville.  A Route 66 Classic

12.  QUAD-CITIES-STYLE PIZZA--  Harvis Pizza,  Rock Island

13.  RAINBOW CONE--  Original Rainbow Cone,  Chicago

14.  CINNAMON ROLLS--  Great Pumpkin Patch, Arthur

15.  BABY BACK RIBS--  17th Street Barbecue, Murphysboro

Eatin' Good In the Neighborhood.--  RoadFood

Illinois' 200th Anniversary: 20 Foods Every Illinoisan Should Eat:

4.  STRAWBERRY BREAD--  What's Cookin' in Charleston

5.  CHICAGO DOGS--  Superdawg inChicago

6.  SALTED CARAMEL GELATO--  Prairie Roots Farm & Creamery in Champaign

7.  RIB TIPS--  Lem's Bar-B-Q  in Chicago

8.  WHITE ASPARAGUS--  Eckert's Belleville Farm in Bellecille

9.  GARRETT MIX POPCORN--  Garrett's Popcorn Shops in Chicago

10.  CHEESE CURDS--  Marcoot Jersey Creamery in Greenville

I'll Bite.  --RoadDog

200th Anniversary of Illinois: 20 Things Every Illinoisan Should Eat-- Part 1

Illinois became the 21st state in 1818 so we are celebrating the bicentennial of statehood.

The Chicago Tribune is running a series of articles in its Travel Section to pick out twenties.

These are 20 things every person in Illinois needs to eat at one time or another:

1..  Horseshoe--  Springfield and central Illinois.

2.  Pink Cookies--  Southern Illinois

3.  Birria--  at the Birrieria Zaragoza in Archer Heights.  (A Mexican dish)

--RoadDog

Sycamore Drivers Going Through Stop Signs in 1943

From the January 3, 2018, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1943, 75 Years Ago.

"Observation shows that many Sycamore motorists are becoming careless at the stop signs, following removal of much of the ice at the various intersections.  When ice covered the streets, and there was a chance of becoming stalled at some of the street intersections, auto drivers became accustomed to driving past the crossing to avoid wasting gas to get going again.

"Now that most them approaches to the stop, streets have been cleared of the treacherous ice, it seems the auto drivers still cling to the former practice and drive through the stop signs, even if they delay traffic approaching from each direction."

Stop Running Through Those Stop Signs Guys!!  --RoadDog

A Fire At the Station at Fourth and Lincoln Highway in DeKalb in 1917

From the September 20, 2017, MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago

"Fire of an undetermined origin caused some alarm last night at the DeKalb Independent filling station at Fourth and Lincoln Highway.  A transient car pulled in for service and the driver was using a can to fill up his gas tank when the car suddenly burst into flames.

"The attendant at the station, while attending another car on the other side of the drive saw the flames and with the aid of a Pyrene extinguisher squelched the flames almost immediately."

A Scary Time At the Ol' Station.  --RoadDog

Warm Here We Come-- Part 12: That Horrible Florida Highway-79 Bonifay to Ebro

Alabama Highway 167 is a nice cruise.  Two-lane road and little traffic, all the way to Florida where it turns into Florida Highway 79 and goes straight to Panama City Beach (PCB).

In Florida it remains two lanes to Bonifay where I-10 crosses it.

Eventually, and I say EVENTUALLY, the drive from Bonifay to PCB will be fantastic when its four lane all the way with 65 mph speed limit.  Like a limited access road.  But not at this time.

From Bonifay to near Ebro they are making it four lane.  It does not appear there has been any progress made since we last drove it last February.  And, even though with the exception of one small area, there is NO CONSTRUCTION going on, it is 45 mph the whole way.  I really hate when the speed limit is dropped for construction and there is no construction going on.

Making it worse, the Florida folks who drive it are pretty insistent on going much, much faster than 45 mph.  I mean 65 moph.  Just no way I am going to go 20 miles over the speed limit and especially in another state.

Sorry Guys.  --RoadLimit

Along 66, February 2018: Gasconade Bridge and Eat-Rite

FEBRUARY 8--  Workin' Bridges drops the Gasconade River Bridge project near Hazelgreen, Missouri.  Too bad.  Hopefully someone will step up to run it.  That is a pretty old bridge.

FEBRUARY 9--  Ear-Rite Diner gets new owners.  May reopen in April.  It is in St. Louis, but since they shamefully removed the Confederate statue from the park, it is on my boycott list.

They are hoping to be open for the April 5 St. Louis Cardinal Home Opener just a few blocks away.

It closed in October and had been in business since 1966  Other businesses at the site sold coal and gas.  It opened as a White Kitchen restaurant in 1920.  Eat-Rite opened in 1986.

--RoadDog

Warm Here We Come-- Part 11: We Finally Get to Panama City Beach

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND

We drove the car over to Enterprise Chevrolet, carefully, and had the brakes fixed.

While waiting, I started reading "Firestorm in Peshtigo" about the horrible fire there that killed between 1,50 and 3,000 people in Wisconsin.  It is largely unknown today because it took place on the same day as the Great Chicago Fire which killed far less people.  My goal while in PCB is to read the book.

They had the brakes replaced ($330) and we were on our way.  Sure nice not to hear that grinding noise this morning.

Enterprise is home to Fort Rucker Army base.  A lot of helicopter pilots get training there and you see lots of them in the air.  So, boll weevils and helicopters for Enterprise, Alabama.  Heading south on Alabama 167, you pass a major helicopter base and often there are two to three in the air at the same time.

--RoadDog

North Carolina Minor League Teams-- Part 2

GREENSBORO GRASSHOPPERS--  Called "Hoppers" by fans.New stadium seats 7,500.  Derek Jeter played here.

HICKORY CRAWDADS--  Play in L.P. Frans Stadium, seating 5.062.  South Atlantic League.

KANNAPOLIS INTIMIDATORS--Dale Earnhart bought team in 2000 and adopted his nickname.

WINSTON-SALEM DASH--  Has played in Carolina League since its inception 70 years ago.  The only tea, for that long.  BB&T Ballpark downtown.  A White Sox Class A team.

--RoadDog

North Carolina Minor League Baseball-- Part 1: Durham Bulls

Places to visit in the Old North State.

From the July 2016 Our State Magazine  "Home Field Advantage"

North Carolina has nine Minor League teams.

CAROLINA MUDCATS--  Zebulon  Five County Stadium

ASHEVILLE TOURISTS--  McCormick Field--  4,000

BURLINGTON ROYALS--  Burlington Athletic Stadium--  3,500

CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS--  BB&T Ballpark  White Sox Triple A team.

DURHAM BULLS--  Durham Bulls Athletic Park   Yep, those Durham Bulls from the "Bull Durham" movie.

--RoadBall

Warm Here We Come-- Part 10: Brakes A Lot and Boll Weevils

FEBRUARY 1, THURSDAY

They told us that I should be able to drive the car to Panama City Beach, about 90 miles away if I drove carefully.  But, when it comers to brakes, I will not take a chance, plus, darkness was coming on fast and two lane roads.  They said they could get to replacing the brakes first thing tomorrow as they had them in stock.  We inquired about a nearby motel and bars and they gave us directions.

Coaxed the car over to the Days Inn about a mile away and got a room.  We took a taxi over to Oscar's, a bar/grill near the Chevy dealer and enjoyed talking with the people there.

While waiting for the cab in the lobby of the motel, I saw that Enterprise is the only city anywhere which has a statue to the boll weevil, an insect that is particularly harmful to cotton.  This being Alabama, I figured they had cotton, so had to wonder why they would have a statue to it.

Nobody Likes Boll Weevils.--  RoadDog

Along 66, February 2018: Video, Joliet Prison and Lebanon

These are taken from the Route 66 News and are the stories of special interest to me.  The Route 66 News site has more information on each of these along with pictures as well as a lot more stories.  Check it out.

JANUARY 23--  Emma Lee, a Canadian singer-songwriter has a video out featuring a whole lot of western Route 66 sites.  Good song as well.  Her song is called "Drivin'.  Well worth a watch.

FEBRUARY  2--  The Old Joliet Prison (Illinois) will be a haunted house this October.  Make sure to go in your Blues Brothers costume.

FEBRUARY 5--  There is some fear about the proposed homeless shelter in the former Forest Manor Motel in Lebanon, Missouri.  Especially from people and businesses who are close by it.  That would include the Munger-Moss Motel and Starlite Bowl.

--RoadDog

Warm Here We Come-- Part 9: Help at Enterprise Chevrolet

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1

That drive to Enterprise wasn't much fun, worrying about the brakes as we were.    I made sure to give myself plenty of room to brake and applied very slowly whenever needed.  We got to Enterprise and pulled into a gas station and filled up.  It was pretty horrible with that noise when he carefully stopped at a gas station.

I got gas because Alabama is usually quite a lot cheaper in gas than Florida.  I got gas for $2.30, it was $2.60 in PCB the next day.  Liz stood outside the car when I pulled away from the pump and listened.  I had turned off the radio as well so I could hear.  The sound was still there.

We decided to look for a Chevy dealer for the 2011 Malibu to have them take a look.  And, like in any Alabama town, there is a whole lot of traffic at all hours.  Had to be real careful with the brakes to say the least.

Liz looked down a side street and saw a Chevrolet sign so we went back.  Parked outside the service department and explained what was wrong.  They were getting ready to close in 20 minutes, but took the car in and examined the brakes.  One front one was really bad and the other about ready to go.

--RoadDog

Warm Here We Come-- Part 8: The Real Horrible Noise

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Finally through all the Birmingham construction and congestion, it doesn't seem to be so long to get to Montgomery, Alabama, where we took I-85 east to US-231 and the Eastern Expressway.  This is a very heavily congested stretch for awhile, but eventually we get out into the country and it is fairly easy drive on four lanes to Troy, where we encountered a lot of traffic.

We missed Alabama-167, which we need to take to Florida and PCB, and drove a ways toward Dothan before realizing we were on the wrong road.  We used an atlas (that's right, an atlas) and found we were going in the wrong direction, but were right by the road we needed to get back to 167 on and took it.

When we got back to 167, I came to the stop sign and when I applied the brakes, there came a real horrible noise.  Never fun to have your brakes making that noise.

--RoadScared

Crackdown on Burned-Out Headlights in DeKalb County

From the September 13, 2017, MidWeek "Looking Back."

1967, 50 Years Ago.

"Better turn on the headlights of your car and then walk around in front and see if your headlights, both sets, are burning properly.

"because if they are not, Sheriff Melvin W. Shaw has some news for you.  The entire force of deputies has been ordered to crack down on cars with only one headlight burning."

You've Been Warned.  --RoadDog

Paving Sycamore's Streets in 1942

From the September 13, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1942, 75 Years Ago.

"Resurfacing of four blocks of Sycamore streets, which has been in the mind of Mayor Frank Ashelford for many months was started when State Street from Main to Simonauk was closed to all traffic and actual preliminary work started."

So, they had to resurface streets even back then.  I can think of a few around here that could sure use that now.

Pave Them Streets.  --RoadDog

Sycamore's Mayor Runs Down "Silent Cop" in 1917

From the September 13, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Mayor Brown of Sycamore was returning home last evening in his Buick car at about 10:30 when he endeavored to run over one of the poor, unprotected 'silent cops' in the county seat (Sycamore).

"Whether he thought the Buick would go home without further attention or not, we do not know.  Nevertheless, the cop resented such treatment and entangled itself with the mechanism of the machine to such an extent, in fact, that they had to stop and carefully carry him from under the machine to his former dignified position on the main thoroughfare, slightly the worse for the accident."

Of course, "silent cops" were a traffic control device used back then.  Check out the Silent Policeman label.

With Mayors Like This, We're All In Danger.  --RoadDog

A Paved Road Between Sycamore and DeKalb in 1917

From the September 13, 2017, MidWeek "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The large cement mixer to be used in the work on the cement road from the C, M. & G. crossing around the Electric Park corner and the pavement of Sycamore started work today and from now on the road will gradually near completion.

"When this road is finished that is now in course of construction there will be practically a paved street from Sycamore to DeKalb and it will be one of the best improvements imaginable."

That road is Illinois Highway 23 today.

--RoadDog

Impolite Motorists in DeKalb in 1917: Funeral Processions

From the September 6, 2017,  MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"In this busy world of today it is often wondered that people of today pay so little respect ro a funeral cortege.

"It is known that in many occasions in DeKalb processions have been interrupted, motorists drive by one way or the other at rapid rate, making all the noise possible."

--RoadDog