Along 66, April 2018: The Mill and The Cop

These stories taken from the Route 66 News site which goes into greater detail and even has pictures.  I only write about the ones I am most interested in.

APRIL 30--  Recollections of the early days of The Mill.  Four people who were there when the Blue Mill opened in Lincoln, Illinois, had their stories told in a 2007 interview by Geoff Ladd.  Included are the stories of Robert and Norma McAfee.

Looking forward to seeing the newly reopened, well, a year ago, Mill while on the Route 66 Association of Illinois Motor Tour two weekends from now.

APRIL 30--  Longtime Illinois state trooper Chester Henry died at age 86.  He served 1957-1984 out of the Illinois State Police District 6 headquartered in the art deco building that looked like a pistol when viewed from above in Pontiac, Illinois.

He wrote  a book, "Route 66, My Home Away From Home" and was inducted into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame in 1993.

Sure Will Be Nice When They Find A Way to Do Something With That Building.  --RoadDog

Along 66, April 2018: Blue Whale Vandalized and 92nd Birthday of 66

APRIL 28--  Vandalism at the Blue Whale by Catoosa, Oklahoma.  Evidently, nothing was done to the whale itself but picnic tables were thrown into the water.  Security cameras will now be put in place for when no one is there.

The Blue Whale dates to 1972 and was built by Hugh Davis and is a must-see for anyone traveling on Route 66.

APRIL 29--  Route 66 birthday party set for Monday in Springfield, Missouri, as they say, "The Birthplace of Route 66."

It will be the 92nd anniversary of our favorite highway.  The commemoration will be held downtown where the number 66 was received in 1926.

But, Why the Whale?  --RoadDog

Along 66, April 2018: An Endangered List and New Baseball Team

APRIL 27--  The Nite Spot Cafe in Fairmont City, Illinois, is on the Landmarks Illinois Annual Most-Endangered list.  The town is located outside St. Louis.  It has a neat-looking neon sign.

APRIL 28--  The Joplin, Missouri, baseball team's new logo contains Route 66.  They play at Joe Becker Stadium and the name 66ers was proposed, but the name "Miners" was selected, but Route 66 will be appearing in the team's logo.

The team plays in the Independent Southwest League.  They had a MLB minor league team called the Joplin Miners from 1902 to 1954.  Mickey Mantle played there.

--RoadDog

Running the Cars-- Part 1: On the Road

I just got back from my annual trip to Indianapolis where I spent my time from Thursday to today.  For someone who didn't use to like any kind of car racing, I am essentially hooked on it now.

THURSDAY, MAY 24

My 67th birthday.

Up early and packed then went on the internet to post to all blogs.  I head previously written out the entries.

Went to Sue and Paul's house at 9:30 a.m. and put my stuff aboard their RV and then we were off.  We took Rollins Road to Grand Avenue and stopped for our breakfast of champions, sliders from White Castle, well, actually a lot of sliders as in a 30-pack Crave Case.

We ate on the way south on the Tri-State Tollway, and past Great America with all those roller coasters.

Thanks I-65, Not Nearly So Jaw-Shattering!!  --RoadDog

Along Lincoln Highway, April 2018: A Diner Gets a New Home

From the April 13, 2018, Trib Live  "1938 Diner moved to new home at Lincoln Highway museum" Jeff Himler.

It was a three mile move to the Lincoln Highway Experience Museum.

A tourist cabin that was at Routes 259 and 30 in Ligonier Township was also moved to the museum.

--RoadDog

Along 66, April 2018: Catsup Bottles, Tumbleweeds and Trail of Tears

APRIL 23--  The World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival is coming to an end in Collinsville, Illinois.  I always like a festival, but never got to be at this one.  Guess I won't now.

APRIL 24-- Tumbleweeds invade the Route 66 town of Victorville, California.  They were described as very sticky and there were sure a lot of them that piled up by houses.  I had seen video on TV news in a bar, but didn't know that was Route 66.

APRIL 25--  The Trail of Tears Memorial in Missouri reopened.  Marie Rydberg is behind its rebirth.  Larry Baggett made it.  It honors the Cherokee forced removal to Oklahoma.

We had watched the place deteriorate over the years but it is so nice to see its back.

--RoadDog

Anita King-- Part 3: Her Cross-Country Drive in 1915

In 1915, she decided to put her automobile driving experience to the test and become the first woman to drive alone across the United States.  She had the backing of her studio boss Jesse L. Lasky and his newly formed Paramount Pictures.

They got Kissel Motor Company to provide a car that was fitted out with Firestone Tires.

The whole undertaking was dubbed "The Paramount Girl" and amidst a lot of publicity, she left Paramount Studio in Hollywood on August 25, 1915.  The Los Angeles Times reported her only companions would be a rifle and six-shooter.

--RoadKing

Anita King-- Part 2: Quite a Woman For Her Time

In 1908 she moved to the West Coast where she developed a fascination for fast cars after working as a model in a California auto show.  She learned to drive in the early 1910s and began competing in auto races.  She had an accident in a race in Phoenix and gave up racing.

The Hollywood film industry was growing fast at this time and she returned to acting and took her stage name of Anita King.

She began getting small roles with Jesse L. Lasky's Feature Play Company under director Cecil B. DeMille which led to her getting supporting roles in comedy films.

--RoadDog

Anita King and Her Kissell Kar: 1915 49-Day Drive from Hollywood to New York City

Back in 2015, I wrote about Kissell Kars and this woman.  I had done further research in Wikipedia on Anita King.

August 14, 1884 -- June 10, 1963

American stunt driver, actress and thoroughbred racehorse owner.  In 1915, she made an unaccompanied 49-day auto drive from Hollywood to New York City

Born Anna Keppen to German immigrants in Michigan City, Indiana.  Her father committed suicide when she was 12 and her mother died two years later.  She was an impoverished orphan along with her siblings.

In her late teens she moved to Chicago.  There, the attractive girl found employment doing modeling and acting minor parts in the theater.

Kind of an Amelia Earhart.  --RoadDog

Along 66, April 2018: Roadies and Volunteers Needed Also a Sculpture

APRIL 20--  The National Trust for Historical Preservation is seeking roadies for a major cross-country campaign to preserve Route 66.  And, they will pay you to do it.   Shoot, I'd do it for free but you have to be tech savvy, which I ain't.

APRIL 22--  A Route 66 sculpture has been created by Riverton High School students in Kansas.  It is twenty feet tall and features Kansas 66.

Now, if I just could keep getting lost in traffic circle.

APRIL 23--  Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help clean up the Joliet Prison in Illinois  Between 200-300 skilled tradesmen are needed as well.  The prison is 160 years old and quite a striking structure.

Wonder if they need an unskilled person like me?

Will Work For Free.  --RoadDog

Warm Here We Come-- Part 18: A Mardi Gras Parade in Panama City

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Unfortunately, whenever the clouds rolled in, it got considerably cooler.

Drove to Panama City for the St. Andrews annual Mardi Gras parade.  St. Andrews was the original settlement here.  We got there just before the parade started at noon and parked near where we were last year which is near the start of the parade.  This makes it easier to leave for us as we are headed out while others are still watching it.  Avoids the traffic jam.

They had around 30 floats and lots and lots of beads, of course.  We ended up with quite a bead collection, even though we were standing back from the curb and weren't really trying to catch them.  Those at the curb and begging for beads were making quite a haul and some had twenty or more layers of beads.

We always love the pageantry and fun.  The people on the floats are dressed alike in colorful garb and there are quite a few people walking in the parade.

Besides the Warm, we are here for the two Mardi Gras celebrations today and next Saturday in Panama City Beach when the parade goes right by our motel, Driftwood Lodge.

Oh, Give Me Some Beads Where The Buffalo  Roam.  --RoadDog

Since the writing about this trip is taking so long, to see all of the posts, click on the PCB 2018 label below this.

In the Mood For Some Cruising Music, 1969: "Proud Mary"

I recorded this on my cassette recorder and plan to pop it into my '85 Firebird tape deck and do some cruising if I can afford the gas which reached $3.20 around here today.  Dadgum Big Oil GRBs!!

Bob Stroud does a show featuring ten songs from a year or of a particular subject on his show on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM and streaming at www.wdrv.com.  It plays M-F at 10 a.m. and 10 p.m..

On May 17, he went to the year 1969, a particularly good one for me as I graduated from Palatine High School and had my freshman year at Northern Illinois University.

THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN--  Band
QUESTIONS 67 & 68--  Chicago
PINBALL WIZARD--  Who

MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY--  Spiral Staircase
COUNTRY HONK--  Rolling Stones
EVERYBODY'S TALKIN'--  Harry Nilsson
HELPLESSLY HOPING--  Crosby, Stills & Nash

PROUD MARY--  Creedence Clearwater Revival
EASY TO BE HARD--  Three Dog Night
MAXWELL'S SILVER HAMMER--  Beatles

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Virgil Kane Is My Name And I Served On The Danville Train."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"

Along 66, April 2018: The Mill and Olde Keg Meet the Bunion Derby

APRIL  17--  The Olde Keg building in Joliet, Illinois, is set to become a Mexican restaurant with a new name, Catrina's Mexican  The Olde Keg has been long-closed.

The building opened in 1897 and from that year to 1908 was the Horvath Cafe.  From 1908 to 1964, it was Jermaine's Tavern.  The last 29 years it was open it was The Keg.

We've driven by it, but didn't know it wasn't open.

APRIL 17--  This marks the first anniversary of The Mill's reopening in Lincoln, Illinois.  Ceremonies will be held April 29.  Sure glad Lincoln saved this relic of 66.  When we first saw it in 2002, it was looking quite bad.

Lincoln deserves credit, though.  I doubt that any town in the U.S. does more with its Route 66 heritage.

APRIL 19--  Oklahoma is marking the 90th anniversary of the Bunion Derby which took place in 1928 with a running race from Los Angeles to New York City, along Route 66 from L.A. to Chicago.  Two points for anyone who knows who won it?

Run, Run, Don't You Know.  --Andy Payne

Warm Here We Come--Part 17: How 'Bout Them Indians?

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Alas, we're in Florida and it was considerably cool this morning.  Could have stayed home and had this.  But still 30 degrees warmer.  

While getting ready to go out to eat, a lady walked by and saw my White Sox shirt and hat and she said she was a Cleveland Indians fan and madder than all get out about them dropping the Indian logo after this season.  She said she was buying as much stuff as she could with Chief Wahoo on it.

I told her that I would have pulled for the Indians in the 2016 World Series, but not with the Chicago Cubs playing in it.  Anybody else in the National League and I would have been for Cleveland.  After all, I AM an American league fan and besides, the Indians are in our division.

Went over to Burger King for their two breakfast sandwiches for $4 deal.  Real good.  Bought some stuff from Dollar Tree and got a King Cake from Winn-Dixie.  It is not Mardi Gras without King Cake!!

Cool though it was this morning, it warmed up enough by noon that I could enjoy shorts and tee shirt.  Makes me much happier.

A Happy Dog is Better.  --RoadDog

US-421 Yard Sale

Harlan (Ky) Daily Enterprise.

A bit late on this one, but I came across this news about a U.S.-421 Yard Sale that was held May 4-5.  Evidently this is not the first year for it as it lists the first weekend in May for the event.

Several places were listed as having yard sales around Harlan, but there were no listings of places elsewhere in Kentucky.

US-421 runs 941 miles from Michigan City, Indiana, by Lake Michigan to Fort Fisher (by Wilmington, N.C.) by the Atlantic Ocean.

I have driven the whole route.

--RoadDog

Illinois' 200th, 20 Sporting Events To See-- Part 11: The United Center

20.  THE UNITED CENTER, Chicago

Seeing the current Bulls and Blackhawks playing at the "Madhouse on Madison" is thrilling, but sometimes infuriating, depending upon how the two teams are playing.  The 90s were especially fun for Da Bulls (6 NBA Championships) and from 2010 to 2016 Da Hawks won three Stanley Cups.

But, no trip to Chicago's Near West Side is complete without visits to the statuers of Blackhawk greats Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita as well as Bulls great Michael Jordan.

You'll find the Hull and Mikita statues outside the center (hey, hockey is cold, you know).  Michael is inside in an atrium.

Chicago Greats.  --RoadDog

Illinois' 200th, 20 Sporting Events To See-- Part 10: A Ski and A Race

18.  NORGE SKI CLUB, Fox River Grove

See where Olympic athletes Michael Glasder, Kevin Bickner and Casey Larson cut theuir teeth ski jumping here at this northwest suburban club.  It was founded by Norwegians in 1905 and said to be the country's oldest continuously operating ski club.

It offers five hills for training and a monstrous one with views of Chicago.

19.  SYCAMORE SPEEDWAY, Maple Park

Claiming to have the best clay track in the Midwest, this venue celebrates 55 years of stock car racing in 2018.  Races run Fridays and Saturdays from mid-April to September.

Friday nights they cap it off with a demolition derby.

Sixty miles west of downtown Chicago.  It was highlighted in the 2012 movie "At Any Price."  It was set in Iowa but filmed in the DeKalb County area.

--RoadDog

Illinois' 200th, 20 Sporting Events-- Part 9: Da Bears Training and Crosstown Double Headers

16.   CHICAGO BEARS TRAINING CAMP,  Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais

A sixty mile trip south of Chicago to watch da Bears train for a few weeks before the start of the football season.  Free tickets.  Lots of family activities, and, of course, Bear warching.  But, sadly, no more sulking Jays anymore.

17.  CROSSTOWN DOUBLEHEADERS, Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park (I don't call it by the other name), Chicago.

Usually at least once during the season, there is a Cubs home day game and a White Sox night game, or vice versa.

See the one play then the other.  Liz and I have done this several times.

One time we did this with the Cubs in the afternoon then drove to Milwaukee for the Sox game versus the Brewers.

Hey, with the interleague play in MLB now, the two teams play each other in-town for two series, one at Wrigley and one at Comiskey.  As a matter of fact, they just had one this past weekend.

--RoadDog

Along 66, April 2018: Get Those Grants, Watch the Neon and a Mill

APRIL 12--  The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announces its 2018 grant season.  It is cost-share and applications are taken through May 10 (too late now, sorry).  Since 2001 there have been 139 cost-share grants totaling $5.5 million.  That Wilder's Steakhouse sign in Joplin, Missouri, is one of the grants.

APRIL 15--  The Wilder's rooftop sign glows again for the first time in 25 years.  The relighting ceremony was April 14.  Lots of clapping and cheering in the video.  Now, if they are open for business, perhaps next time through, you know.

APRIL 17--  The anniversary of The Mill's Reopening to be observed April 29.  That would be The Mill in Lincoln, Illinois, and it is the first anniversary of its reopening.

When we first saw it in 2002, it was in very sad shape and looked ready to fall down.  The good folks in Lincoln sure know how to take care of their Route 66 heritage.

--RoadDog

Illinois' 200th, 20 Sport Events-- Part 8: Horses and Running

14.  ARLINGTON INTERNATIONAL RACECOURSE, Arlington Heights

A fire destroyed this beautiful track in 1980, but it arose again.  Lavishly landscaped grounds, rebuilt track and stately new grandstand..

The track made history as the first thoroughbred course to have a million-dollar purse.  This year that race is August 11 for the 36th running of the Arlington Million.  But there is racing all summer long.

15.  CHICAGO MARATHON,  Grant Park, Chicago

Some 45,000 runners pounding the pavement each October in Chicago.  Lots of spectators clapping and clanging cowbells.   26.2 flat-and-fast miles.  Or, help as a volunteer.

This year the race is on October 7.

Not hardly.  --RoadJogger

Illinois' 200th, Sporting Events-- Part 7: Ground Squirrels, Old-Time Baseball and V-Ball

12.  ROCK SPRINGS GROUND SQUIRRELS,  Rock Springs Conservation Area, Decatur.

Step back to the mid-1800s to see baseball as it was back then.  The Rock Springs Ground Squirrels are one of several vintage baseball teams that use the old-school ways with underhand pitching, gloveless fielders and uniforms of long-sleeved cotton shirts, bibs and dungarees.

Bunting, stealing bases and swearing are forbidden.

Ground Squirrel games are April 28, June 30, August 25 and September 22.

13.  BEACH VOLLEYBALL,  North Avenue Beach, Chicago.  Another reason to hand out at the beach.  Competition goes from fun to fierce.  The Midwesr's largest adult beach volleyball tournament, Volleywood, takes place July 15.  The AVP Gold Series Championship is August 30 to Sept. 2.

--RoadDog

Along 66, April 2018: Murals, Fires and a Neon Relighting

APRIL 8--  Windstorm flattens Route 66 mural in Lexington, Illinois.  Hope they get it back up again before teh red Carpet Corridor Festival in May.

APRIL 8--  Rooftop neon sign on Wilder's Steakhouse in Joplin, Missouri,  relighting set for April 14.  The Missouri Route 66 Association is having a meeting there earlier that day.  I've seen postcards of the interior of the place and have always wanted to eat there.

Of course, give me more NEON!!

APRIL 9--  Wildfire forces the evacuation of Winona, Arizona.  Well, it must be there.  Since it is mentioned in that famous song, we were looking forward to seeing it.  When we drove out to the end of Route 66 in 2006, we saw a sign for Winona and never did see it.

Will the Real Winona Please Stand Up?  --RoadDog

Illinois' 200th, Sports Experiences-- Part 6: Da Sports Museum and Da Wolves and Da Ice Hogs

10.  CHICAGO SPORTS MUSEUM,  Water Tower Place, Chicago

On the seventh floor of the Mag Mile Mall.  See an extensive collection of 2016 Cubs World Series memorabilia, including Addison Russell's Game 6 grand slam and Grandpa Rossi's Game 7 catching gear.

There are interactive exhibits.  Admission is free if you eat at Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch restaurant next door.

11.  CHICAGO WOLVES,  Allstate Arena, Rosemont.

There is nothing minor league about the award-winning pregame show for the Chicago Wolves in their American Hockey League (AHL) games.

The AHL is the only minor league of the NHL (but sadly the Wolves are not the Chicago Blackhawks minor league team.

Of you want to see the Chicago affiliate, they are in nearby Rockford, Illinois, and they are called the Ice Hogs.

--RoadDog200

Illinois' 200th-- Part 5: A Canoe and an Orange Krush

8.  DES PALINES RIVER CANOE MARATHON--  Paddlers go either 18.5-mile course or a shorter 5.25-mile one.  Started in 1958.  Last year, nearly 800 paddlers from 10 states took part in canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.

Begins in Libertyville and ends in Mount Prospect.

This year's event May 20.

9.  FIGHTING ILLINI BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL, State Farm center and memorial Stadium in Champaign

Get that good old Big 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 school spirit.  The State Farm center has an intense student section in basketball called the Orange Krush.

A sea of orange and trademark cheers.

--RoadDog

Illinois' 200th, 20 Sporting Events-- Part 4: 16-Inch Softball and Car Racing

Illinois is celebrating its bicentennial of statehood this year.

6.  SIXTEEN-INCH SOFTBALL--  Park District of Forest Park, Forest Park.

Softball began in Chicago in the 19th century at the now defunct Farragut Boat Club.  Much of the world now plays 12-inch softball, local leagues keep the 16-inch tradition alive.  It is played without a glove.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the No Glove Nationals tournament (July 26-29) in Forest Park which is also the home of the 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame.

7.  GATEWAY MOTORSPORTS PARK, Madison

Near St. Louis. Originally Gateway International Raceway and started as a quarter-mile long drag strip.  Since expanded to a 1.25 oval track for Indy Car and NASCAR racing.

More than 60,000 fans line it for those races.

--RoadDog

Along 66, April 2018: Tropics Sign, Pulaski Brochure and a Prison

APRIL 6--  The relighting of that neat Tropics sign is set for June 24 in Lincoln, Illinois. The original tropics has been torn down and there is a McDonald's there now, but the sign will be in the McDonald's parking lot.

That is a neat sign so really glad it will be back.

APRIL 6--  The newly revised Explore Pulaski County, Missouri brochure has a section on additional and obscure Route 66 alignments, including 66 points of interest and 10 detours.

Of course, I would have to say Missouri Route 66 is my favorite of all eight states.

APRIL 7--  The old, 160 year old Joliet Prison may reopen by August.

That  is a neat old prison.

--RoadDog

Illinois' 200th Bicentennial, Sporting Events-- Part 3: Race to Mackinac

4.  RACE TO MACKINAC--  Navy Pier, Chicago, start.  This race started  in 1898 with just five boats, but now attracts 300+.  From Chicago to Michigan's Mackinac Island.  Put on by the Chicago Yacht Club.  This year July 21.  Parade of boats sails past Navy Pier on the way to the start at the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.

5.  THE CHICAGO FIRE--  Toyota Park, Bridgeview,  If you like soccer, this is for you.  Arguably the most intense of all Chicago fans sit in the north end bleachers., the so-called Section 8 fans.  That name comes from when the team played at Soldier Field.  Today, they are in sections 116-118 at the new park.

--RoadDog

Illinois' Bicentennial, Sports-- Part 2: Bears-Packer Game

2.  BEARS-PACKER GAME.  .  Of course.  Once a year at Soldier Field  In 196 games (two a year with one in Green Bay, the score stands Packers 96  Bears 94  They also tied six times.  One great rivalry.  As Wisconsin's Happy Schnaaps Combo says in their great song "The Bears Still Suck,"  "As far as football rivalries, we're both #1!!"

Plus, if you go to Spring Grove, Illinois, there is a bar at Wilmot Road and Illinois Highway 173 called K.C.'s Cabin where a Packer fan was giving the Bears fans a hard time during one particularly bad Bear beating and after being warned to stop, was duct taped to the stop sign.

3.  CHICAGO GOLF CLUB in Wheaton.  Considered by many as the Midwest's Augusta National.  An exclusive , private club since the late 19th century.  Some debate if it is the country's first 18-hole course (or if it is at nearby Downers Grove.  This year, the Senior Women's Open takes place July 12-15).

--RoadDog

Illinois Bicentennial: 20 Essential Sports Experiences-- Part 1: Rockford Peaches

From the March 4, 2018, Chicago Tribune "Bicentennial Bucket List:  20 essential sports experiences in Illinois"  by Lori Rackl and Tim Bannon.

This is part of a Bicentennial List of 200 things every Illinoisan and visitor to do to commemorate out state's 200th birthday this year.

1.  ROCKFORD PEACHES

Beyer Stadium, Rockford.

Penny Marshall's 1992 film, "A League of Their Own" was about the Rockford Peaches, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League team formed during World War II by Phil Wrigley of the Cubs and chewing gum fame.

The Peaches played at this stadium from 1943 to 1954 and won several league championships along the way.

The stadium has been renovated and the Rockford Starfires, women's baseball team, formed in 2012.  Admission to home games is free with a non-perishable item.  Midway Village also has a display on the Rockford Peaches.

This is the 75th anniversary of the Rockford Peaches and the city plans special events May 30 and June  1-3.

Also, there are other women's professional teams with two in Chicago, the WNBA's Chicago Fire and the Chicago Red Stars soccer team.

--RoadDog

Along 66, April 2018: Of Restaurants and Motels

These are taken from the Route 66 News site, which has an entry for every day and often more than one.  Plus the site has pictures and a lot more information.  I just pick the stories in which I have the most interest.

APRIL 3--  Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis reopens April 5.  Unfortunately, though, I won't be visiting it or any other Route 66 site in St. Louis for awhile as they desecrated that Confederate statue in Forest Park.  I have a boycott, if you will, going on for that city.

APRIL 4--  The Parkview Inn in Bloomington, Illinois, is being rebuilt beginning next week.  It was destroyed by a fire in 2016.  We've never been to it before.

APRIL 5--  The De Anza Motor Lodge sign in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been taken down for restoration.  It is one of many steps being taken to rehabilitate the long-closed motel into a boutique motel.

APRIL 5--  The El Vado Motel is getting closer to reopening in Albuquerque.

Always Happy To See Old Motels Reopening.  --RoadDog

Along 66, March-April 2018: Motels and the Black Experience

MARCH 31--  Route 66 Motels may help solve chronic housing shortages in some localities.  Two mentioned are the Sundowner Motel and the Luna Lodge.  Both were once seedy, but have been converted into affordable housing options.  But, they definitely have to have standards for the people who get the chance to live in them.

APRIL 2--  The Negro Motorist Green Book has inspired a photography book  "Reclaiming the Mother Road"  by Ashley E. Osborne which follows the travels of two black women on Route 66.

--RoadDog

Along 66, March 2018: Neon Park and Sister Jean

MARCH 28--  Update on the Route 66 Neon Park in St. Roberts, Missouri.  They are hoping to have three refurbished signs up and shining by Spring 2019.

MARCH 30--  On the Road with Sister Jean.  With Loyola University in Chicago going to the Final Four for the first time in 55 years and the whole of the Chicago being all fired up about it, the CBS affiliate  sent a team on the road to San Antonio.  They have a cutout poster of Sister Jean and are photographing her at stops along the way.

One stop was at Lincoln, Illinois, where they shot her by the giant Lincoln in a wagon.  They also showed The Mill and an interview with Geoffrey Ladd.

--RoadDog

Kewpee Hamburgs-- Part 6: Five Left

The original Flint location became Bill Thomas' Halo Burger.  Wendy's founder, Dave Thomas, as a child eating at Kewpee got the inspiration for his burgers from the Kewpee burgers.  He founded Wendy's in 1969.

Early Slogans:

"Mity Nice Hamburgers"

"Your Grandpappy Are Here."

"We Cater To All Folks"

"Hamburg Pickle On Top!  Makes Your Heart Go Flippity-Flop!""

There are only five Kewpes remaining:

**  Lansing, Michigan

**  Racine Wisconsin

**  Lima, Ohio, has three of them:  Downtown, West and East

--RoadDog

Kewpee Hamburgs-- Part 5: Beer Offered After Prohibition

From Wikipedia.

Kewpee Hamburgs was established in Flint, Michigan, in 1923 under the name Kewpee Hotel Hamburgs.  (I still have not come across the reason for calling it "Hotel.")  They took the name after the popular Kewpee dolls.  They were the first fast food places with curbside service and to use drive-thru windows.

The current headquarters of the chain is in Lima, Ohio.

After Prohibition was repealed, some locations added real beer to their popular root beer.

By 1929, there were 200 locations.  At its peak before World War II, there were 400 Kewpee Hamburgs.

Get Your Hamburg  --RoadDog

Kewpee Hamburgs-- Part 4: Kewpee in Lima, Ohio

From the Kewpee Hamburgers site.

This one is about the Kewpee Hamburgs in Lima, Ohio.

The chain used and still uses the kewpee doll as a symbol.

In 1928 Hoyt F. "Stub" Wilson and his wife Julia M. "June" Wilson built the first Kewpee in Lima, Ohio.  A sign touted 10 cent bottles of beer and 5 cent hamburgers.  (Beer at a fast food joint?  Very interesting.)

In 1939 they built another Kewpee structure and it was one of the first buildings in Lima with central air conditioning.  They had a drive-thru window.

In 1972. they built the Allentown Road store.

In 1980 the Bellefontaine location opened and was the largest of the Lima stores, able to seat 180 customers at once.

The web site had interesting pictures of the different stores.

--RoadDog