Along66, Nov. 2021: New Owners for the Boots, But, Thanks Priscilla and Debye for Preserving It for Us

NOVEMBER 16

Route 66 enthusiasts give old Boots Court motel owners a sendoff before it closes for the winter.  It is located in Carthage, Missouri.

Before the new owners take over, about 24 people from eight states paid a visit to former owners Debye Harvey and her sister Priscilla Bledsaw who reopened the place in 2012 after a huge amount of repairs, rehabbing and work.

The Boots is the second oldest motel still operating on Route 66.

Local resident of Carthage, Rod Harsh also helped a lot in the rehab.

The new owners will rehab the remaining rooms and reopen in spring.

The Boots came dangerously close to demolition in the early 2000s.

Built in 1939 by Arthur Boots, Clark Gable stayed there on occasion in Room 6.

Those two women couldn't have been any friendlier and helpful.  We are thankful we got to stay with them one time a few years ago.  This was when local folk artist Lowell Davis was erecting his Welcome to Carthage sign next to the motel.

Thanks ladies.

--RoadBoots

Along66, Nov. 2021: Amarillo Puts Shield on the Water Tower and the 20th Anniversary of the World's Largest Covered Wagon in Lincoln

NOVEMBER 13

Amarillo City Council approves putting Route 66 emblem on big water tower.  A Route 66 shield going up on it at Southwest Sixth Avenue (Route 66).

As long as it isn't a smiley face, I'm ok with it.

NOVEMBER 14 

World's Largest Covered Wagon marks 20th year.  It is in Lincoln, Illinois.

It was created in 2001 and features Old Abe reading a book on it.  It was created by David Bentley and originally in Divernon, Illinois, but bought by the town if Lincoln, Illinois, in 2007 with a generous donation of money from Larry J. Van Bubber.

It is located by the Best Western Lincoln Inn on the Route 66 bypass.  This hotel has also undergone an renaissance as it was a bit long in the tooth when we stayed there in the early 2000s.

Thanks Larry.

--RoadDog

Along66, Nov. 2021: The Boots Court Motel Is Sold. Thanks to the Sisters for Saving It

NOVEMBER 10

Boots Court Motel in Carthage changes owners, will open next spring after the rest of the rooms are restored.

Debye Harvey was one of the motel's co-owners along with her sister for the past decade and said the place was sold back in September.  She said she sold it because she is 72 and had run the place for ten years. Route 66ers and Carthage owe her and her sister a big debt of gratitude.  The place had become so derelict that it was almost demolished in the early 2000s.

Liz and I once took a ride back to the rear of the place once and kind of feared for our lives.  It was not a very welcoming situation.

The Boots was built in 1939 by Arthur Boots.  Actor Clark Gable stayed there several times during cross country trips to his native Ohio.  He always rented Room #6.

The plan is to reopen it in March.  

--RoadDog

Attention All You Classic Rock Fans!! The Drive's A to Z Is Back!!: 'Dazed and Confused'

Every end of the year, Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM goes into extended alphabetical listing from Christmas Eve to sometime after the start of the new year.  I've been listening to it this morning,

This is what they've played so far.

DIRTY DEEDS DONE DIRT CHEAP--  AC/DC

DIG A PONY--  Beatles

DIFFERENT DRUM--  Linda Ronstadt & Stone Poneys

DIAMOND GIRL--  Seals & Crofts

DIALOGUE (PARTS 1 AND 2)--  Chicago

DEVIL WOMAN--  Cliff Richard

THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA--  Charlie Daniels Band

DECIL INSIDE--  Inxs

DETROIT ROCK CITY--  Kiss

DEJA VU--  CSN

DECEMBER (OH WHAT A NIGHT)--  Four Seasons

DEAR PRUDENCE--  Beatles

DEAR MR. FANTASY--  Traffic

DEAD FLOWERS--  Rolling Stones

DEACON BLUES--  Steely Dan

DE DO DO DO, DE DAD DA DA--  Police

DAZED AND CONFUSED--  Led Zeppelin

DAYDREAM--  Lovin' Spoonful

DAY TRIPPER--  Beatles

If these songs mean something to you, tune in or it's on line atwww.wdrv.com.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "He Was In A Bind 'Cause He Was Way Behind And He Was Willing To Make A Deal."  --Answer below.  --RoadDog

"The Devil Went Down to Georgia"

Ya Gotta See This Video Christmas Card

I just saw this a short time ago and sure enjoyed it.

This was the 12th annual video Christmas card from Frank and Lynne Kocevars.

They are the former owners of the Historic Seligman Sundries on Route 66 in Seligman, Arizona.

Give it a watch.  You'll be glad you did.

You can see it on the December 24, 2021 entry on the Route 66 News blog.

--RoadDog

Along66, Nov. 2021: Guardian of Route 66 Statue Unveiled and Fort Leonard Wood's Black Officers Club Restored

NOVEMBER 7

The "Guardian of Route 66" statue was unveiled at Antares Point Visitors Center in Kingman, Arizona.  Artist Greg Arnold, known for his large Giganticus Headicus tiki sculpture at the center as well, unveiled his new work.

This is at the former Kozy Corner Trailer Court and Ranchero Motel.

As I say with museums and neon, you can never have too many of them.

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NOVEMBER 10

National Preservation Awards honors the restoration of the Black Officers Club at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation gave this honor to the fort which restored Building 2101, better known as the Black Officers Club which was built in 1941.

It is too bad the Army was as segregated as it was back then.  But, that was just the way it was.

--RoadDog

Christmas Songs: 'Merry Christmas Baby'

These were from Bob Stroud's Holiday Hootenanny on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive, from December 19, 2021.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN--  Crystals

MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY--  Bruce Springsteen

FATHER CHRISTMAS--  Kinks

BACK DOOR SANTA--  Clarence Carter

SILENT NIGHT--  Elvin Bishop

SLEIGH RIDE--  Ventures

RUN RUDOLPH RUN--  Keith Richards

WINTER--  Rolling Stones

IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY--  Jim  Croce

JIMGLE BELLS--  Booker T. & the MGs

CHRISTMAS IS MY TIME OF YEAR--  Davy Jones, Mickey Dolenz & Peter Tork

BLUE CHRISTMAS--  Elvis Presley

Merry, Happy.  

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When I Was Four, I Believed In Santa Claus."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Father Christmas"

Let There Be Christmas Lights

There are two other homes on Riverside Drive in McHenry, Illinois, that are tremendously decorated.  One is right by Riverside Drive and Pleasant Drive on the east side.

The other is also on Riverside Drive to the south of the first one.

Then, of course, there is Veterans Park in downtown McHenry located one block off Riverside Drive on Pearl Street and that is really decorated as well.

Going north into Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, there is quite a light show at the Grand Geneva Resort both outside and inside.

Lotsa Lights, Hoss.  --RoadLight

One Really Pretty Johnsburg Light Display-- Part 2

Johnsburg, Illinois.

This is one of our traditional Christmas light stops.  They've had it every year except for two when someone damaged some of the decorations.  The Scrooge.

About two years ago, the Lankford Construction Co. switched over to LED lighting for environmental purposes and, I imagine for electricity savings.

The array of animated and stationary tableaus is complimented by the LED lighting conversion, where the colors change such as with the ice skaters congregated by a ringed and lit pond.  Santa Claus can be seen putting a golf ball and flying a helicopter.

The company's owner originally purchased a few of the lighted displays from the Pierceton, Indiana-based Herman's Christmasland, which is a top manufacturer of outdoor decorations for municipalities, churches and theme parks.

With each passing season, Lankford's displays began to accumulate and expand across the 10 acre land space the company has.  The actual  assembly of all of it begins immediately after Halloween and starts with the laying out of all of the electrical cords.  All of the elements have been tested by Thanksgiving.

But, by far, my favorite is the stagecoach with a whip cracking, the horses' legs moving as well as the wheels.

Lankford Construction is located at 1455 Karlene Way, which is right off Johnsburg Road.

Worth a Drive. Believe Me.  --RoadLighting

One Real Pretty Light Display in Johnsburg, Illinois

From the December 19, 2021, Chicago Tribune "Light display welcomes holidays near Fox Lake" by Gregory Harutunian.

(The light display is actually in Johnsburg off of Johnsburg Road."

This is one of the largest private holiday displays in the area and, even though Mr. Harutunian thinks it is a hidden gem, most everyone in this area knows about it.  As a matter of fact, we pass it every time we go to Stucky's or Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.  And, this past Saturday we did the slow cruise through it.  he is correct when he says that is it one of the largest and very impressive displays.

For more than a decade, the Lankford Construction Company has illuminated the December landscape and skies with twenty large stand alone holiday scenes and addition multicolored lighting.

It is all fed by miles of electric cord and strategically placed junction boxes spread over 10 acres of land.

The displays and lights are everywhere, incorporating the use of shrubs, trees, light poles and buildings.

--RoadLit

Along66: David Clark and More Illinois Route 66 Byway Grants

I take these from the Route 66 News blog which has articles every day about our favorite road.  And, it goes into much more detail.  I just pick the posts I'm most interested in and write about them.  So, if you want to get your self on the pulse of the Mother Road, you want to go to the Route 66 News site.

NOVEMBER 2

David Clark provides an overview of the Great Chicago Fire during its 150th anniversary.  He is known as the Windy City Road Warrior and I doubt that anyone knows more about the history of Route 66 in Chicago and surrounding area than he does.

NOVEMBER 4

The Illinois Route 66 Byway is launching  a second round of grants to its members.  These grants range from $500 to $1000.  The post also had a list of the 14 first round recipients.  It costs money to preserve history so this is a good thing.

-RoadDog

It's That Time of the Season, You Know: 'A Christmas Song'

As we quickly approach Christmas in a few days, here are some Christmas songs to get you in the mood.

From Bob Stroud's December 17, 2021, Ten at Ten on Chicago's Classic Rock station WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive.

LITTLE SAINT NICK--  Beach Boys

WINTER WONDERLAND--  Ringo Starr

PLEASE COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS--  Bon Jovi

CHRISTMAS--  Who

GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN--  REO Speedwagon

BLUE CHRISTMAS--  Joe Perry

WHITE CHRISTMAS--  Darlene Love

A CHRISTMAS SONG--  Jethro Tull

CHRISTMAS (BABY PLEASE COME HOME)--  U2

SLEIGH RIDE--  Ronettes

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Well, Way Up North Where The Air Gets Cold There's A Tale About Christmas That You've All Been Told."  Answer below.     Like Ho, Ho, Ho.  --RoadClaus

"Little Saint Nick"

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow-- Part 4

However, permission had to be obtained from the Corps itself to modify the  Eagle, Globe  and Anchor logo.  It was approved.

Under the Cultural  Resources (Environmental)  program for the base, Route 66 is a National Historic Highway registered as a National Landmark managed by the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service.  It is up to each state how best to manage those parts of Route 66 within their borders. 

The 1.7 miles of 66 going through the base fall under that.   The base has officially designated Joseph L. Boll Avenue as a segment of Route 66.  It pays homage to  to 66's  contributions to the war efforts.  Historic Route 66 signs have been placed along the road and there are Route 66 stencils on the road similar to those you see in Barstow and other towns.

And the final goal was to build  the 3D Eagle, Globe and Anchor monument at the corner of Route 66  and Wake  Avenue.

Additionally two Marquees with information kiosks will be placed at the front and back gates for guests and visitors (some of whom will not be able to get access to the base) to read  and view details of the history of how Route 66 supported the  installation's war efforts.

The front gate will also house a bronze plaque denoting  additional historical details.

--Road66

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow and Rt. 66-- Part 2: A Rt. 66 Strip Runs Through It

Not only did U.S. Route 66 support World War II, but  it is one of the oldest and most popular roads in America, popularly known as "The Mother Road."  Traveling this route reduced  the travel distance between Chicago and Los Angeles by more than 200 miles compared to other routes.

Because of  the American history and significance of  Route 66, it "has become  a symbol of American people's heritage of travel and their legacy of seeking a better life" and registered with the National Register of Historic Places as a cultural resource.

A 1.71 mile stretch of the original U.S. Route 66, named on the base as Joseph L. Boll Avenue, runs right through MCLB Barstow.  The segment was open to the public until1964, when I-40 was constructed.  Base leadership, employees and residents take pride in the fact that MCLB Barstow is the only military installation  with an original  segment of Route 66  running directly through it and that this segment of 66 has been determined eligible  to register under the NRHP.

To better  exhibit and highlight this honor and to recognize  the achievements of all  who sacrificed for the freedom and prosperity of the United States of America, MCLB Barstow, driven by the Cultural Resources Program under the Environmental  Division has initiated a Route 66 project on order to bring  awareness to the installation's  environmental history.

--Road66

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow and Route 66-- Part 1: 66's Role in World War II

From the Barstow Base Site.

As part of American history, the War Department, now named the Defense Department,  determined the  need for improved highways for rapid mobilization during wartime and to promote national defense during peacetime.

At the start of American involvement in World War II, the War Department singled out  the West as ideal for military training bases, in part because of its geographic isolation, and especially because it offered consistently dry weather for air and field maneuvers.

Completion of  the improved  I.S. Highway 66 (Route 66) with all weather capability on the eve of the war, was particularly  significant to the nation's war effort.

In 1942, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow started construction alongside route 66.  Critical troops, equipment and supplies were transported on Route 66 to military bases across the country thereby helping to facilitate the single biggest wartime troop mobilization in the history of the nation.

--Road66

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow

From Wikipedia.

This is the place I was writing about in the last three posts as it has Route 66 going through it.

Is a Marine Corps  supply and maintenance installation located in the Mojave Desert east of Barstow, California.

This Marine Corps base is presently the second largest employer in the Barstow area and was established as the Marine Corps Depot of Supplies at the present location on December 28, 1942, when the U.S. Navy turned it over to the Marines as a storage site for supplies and equipment  needed for the Fleet  Marine Forces  in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

By the end of the war, the base had outgrown its facilities and as a result, 2,000 acres of land were annexed from the U.S. Army in October 1946,  In 1954,  the Commanding General, Marine Corps Depot of Supplies, Roy M. Gulick, moved his flag from  San Francisco to Barstow and since then the base has grown in stature, strength and size.

--RoadDog

U.S. Marines Own a Piece of Route 66-- Part 3

Bursting at it seams after the war,  the base was expanded with the purchase of 2,000 acres from the Army in 1946.  The 5,500 acre installation is now home to the military's largest rail facility, supporting troop  rotations at the nearby  National Training Center at Fort Irvin and other West Coast bases.

The strip of 66 asphalt there is not the only connection the Corps has with the historic highway, though.  Both are linked through that really popular song"(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," which musician Bobby Troupe wrote   shortly after he left the Marines as a captain in 1946 while moving his family to Hollywood.

And, of course, there's the refrain which mentions Barstow.

These days,  drivers heading west must get permission to pass through the base's  front or back gates on the "highway that's the best."

But, new kiosks have been built by the gates which provide the history to visitors.

Just before veterans Day last month, the  ceremony to dedicate the new six foot tall  metal sculpture with the modified Eagle, Globe and Anchor (with the 66 shield) is in the middle of the base and civilians can't see it.

Oh Well.  --RoadMarine

U.S. Marines Own a Piece of Route 66-- Part 2: An Important Part of U.S. World War II Effort

Also called the "Mother Road," Route 66 was the first all-weather highway from Chicago to Los Angeles, wending its way for some 2,400 miles.

While it may evoke thoughts of  scenic road trips and kitschy  roadside attractions from America's postwar economic boom, it  also played a major role in America's efforts during World War II.

During the unprecedented U.S. mobilization for the war, it served as an artery for the movement of troops, gear and supplies between bases..  It also carried job-seekers west for jobs in war industry plants.

To put its supply depot for the Pacific Theater out of range of Japanese naval gunfire, Marines moved it from San Francisco to a spot the Navy gave it along the desert highway  northeast of Los Angeles in December 1942.

Go Navy.  Beat Army.

--RoadDog

The U.S. Marines Own a Part of Route 66-- Part 1

From the 8 December 2021 Military.com Stars and Stripes  "The Marine Corps owns part of Route 66 , so it made a special eagle, globe and anchor form it" by Chad Garland.

There's a Marine Corps logistics base in California's high desert outside Barstow that has one of the Corp's iconic emblem unlike any you'll find anywhere else.

Its symbol is made up of a highway shield superimposed over  the Marine Emblem and is found on signs lining  the shoulder of the Joseph L. Boll Avenue on the base that is a part of the original Route 66 at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow.

This emblem recognizes the base's distinction as being the only military base in the country to have an actual part of the Mother Road running directly through it.

This section of road, however, has been off limits to the public since 1964, after Interstate 40 was built through the area.

There are also large Route 66 stencils on the pavement of the 1.7 mile stretch which passes the commissary and the Leatherneck Lanes bowling alley.

Last month, it was used in the base's Marine Corps birthday cake and there is also a  towering sculpture of the sign.

--RoadMarine

Along66, Oct. 2021: Will Rogers Theatre, the Shamrock Court, Union Depot Tulsa and Lightning McQueen in Galena

OCTOBER 22

The Will Rogers Theatre in Oklahoma City marks 75 years by relighting its tower with LED.  It is an iconic art deco tower.

OCTOBER 23

Volunteers help put a new roof on the Shamrock Court motel in Sullivan, Missouri.  Roamin' Rich Dinkela has bought it.

Now, he is quite the gung-ho 66er.

***********************************

OCTOBER 26

Then Joplin, Missouri, Union Depot has made the Missouri Preservation's Places in Peril list.  It opened on June 13, 1911 and is now 110 years old.  The last train departed from it on November 3, 1969.  It looks bad.

OCTOBER 30

A replica of Lightning McQueen from the movie :Cars" will be unveiled in Galena. Kansas on November 13.

It will be located just north of Cars on the Route near the historic Front Street Bridge.

There are also replicas of the Sheriff of Radiator Springs and Luigi plus a tractor flipping field near the bridge.

It is great to see all that Galena is doing with its heritage.

Looking Forward to Seeing This.  --RoadFlip

Doolittle, Mo., Welcomed James Doolittle Back in 1946-- Part 2

In early 1941, anew Army  post called Fort Leonard Wood was being built in south central Missouri.  Workers were offered really good wages and they began pouring into the area.  Many lived at tourist camps in Centerville, a community about half way between  Rolla and Newberg.  (This is on Route 66.)

When the town incorporated in 1944, the founders took the name Doolittle.

On October 11, 1946, James Doolittle flew a surplus B-25 from St. Louis to attend a dedication ceremony for a plaque from the town named after him.  There were about 4,000 people there to meet him.

He spoke at the event about the great things aviation was going to bring to the country and the world.  He said that this new town  had a "brilliant" future ahead.  As far as the town's name, he said the name Doolittle:  "It has served me well, however, it is occasionally misspelled and the people of certain foreign countries sometimes murder it when they try to pronounce it."

Today, some residents think the name has something to do with a place to relax, a place to do little.

Indeed, about the only place to find out about the town's connection was at  a local restaurant called Cookin' From Scratch which had the story on the back of its menu.  You could always find this place because of the El Camino with the giant plastic chicken in back.

However, that place is out of business now.

Oh Well.  --RoadLottle

101-Year-Old Pearl Harbor Survivor Will Be Attending the 80th Memorial Service

 From the December 5, 2021, CNN by Lauren M. Johnson.

Ike Schab, 101, told CNN that he was on a docked ship when the attack came.  "I don't remember seeing the Arizona getting hit, but I remember  being at the bow of our ship and a big tower of flame and debris came off her."

He has attended the ceremony a few times before, but this is most likely his last one.

Ira "Ike" Schab now lives in Aloha, Oregon, and arrived in Pearl Harbor back then on the destroyer tender USS Dobbin (AD-3) as a member of the U.S. Navy Band Unit 13 about 12 months before the attack.  He said that he couldn't find a job when he got out of high school and his father suggested to see what the Navy could do for him.

When asked if he could sum up his feelings  about what happened that day in one word, he said, "Terror."

The Department of Veterans Affairs says that only 240,329  of the 16 million  Americans who served during World War II are still alive.

Doolittle, Mo., Welcomed James Doolittle Back in 1946

From the October 11, 2021, St. Louis (Mo.) Post-Dispatch  "Story of Doolittle's daring raid on Japan disappears over Doolittle, Missouri" by Jesse Bogan.

He was such a hero in those dark days after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  So much in fact, that a tiny town in Missouri renamed itself after him.  And, that town is right on Route 66.  But, over the years, that famous pilot and what he did  along with the excitement of Route 66 is gone, except for a small plaque that can easily be missed.

I remember the first time I drove through Doolittle, Missouri, on Route 66, that hey that's the same name as the famous WW II aviator.  I wonder if there is a connection.

A recent sampling of some of the town's 648 residents, including the mayor and others showed a definite lack of knowledge about the town's namesake.

It was James Doolittle who led that successful attack on the Japanese mainland just four months after Pearl Harbor.  It was a badly-needed shot in the arm for the waning United States prospects in the war.  The attack did not do much damage, but it was a national morale booster for the U.S. and a wake up call for Japan.

--RoadDog

Along66, Oct. 2021: More Neon Please and the Gardenway

OCTOBER 18

Howdy Burger is the 31st sign to benefit from Tulsa's Route 66 Neon Sign grant.

It is on the 11th Street alignment of Route 66 at 1516 E. 11th Street.

As I have oft said, you can never have too much neon.

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OCTOBER 20

The rooftop letters have been taken down from the old Gardenway Motel in Villa Ridge, Missouri.

They, along with the structure were getting increasingly dilapidated.  Plans are to eventually display them at the forthcoming museum and visitor center at the Red Cedar Inn in nearby Pacific, Missouri,

The Gardenway Motel closed in 2014 after years of decline.  Two years ago, its front neon sign was taken down.  It was built in 1946 and apparently demolition is near.

We always enjoyed driving by this lace, but at least they are keeping those giant letters.

--RoadDog

Congratulations to the Illinois High School 2021 Football Champions

They started 4 weeks ago with 256 teams and as of Saturday, that number was down to just the 8 Class Champions.

I spent a lot of time Friday (when Class 1A to Class 4A played) and Saturday (when Class 5A to Class 8A)  played at Northern Illinois' Huskie Stadium.

1A

 Lena-Winslow  38  Carrolton  25

2A

Wilmington  24  Nashville  7

3A

Byron  35   Trinity Unity  7

4A

Joliet Catholic Academy  56  Sacred Heart-Griffin  (Springfield)   27

5A

Fenwick  (Oak Park)   34   Kankakee  15

6A

Cary Grove (Cary)  37   East St. Louis  36      What a game!!

7A

Wheaton North   35   St, Rita  (Chicago)  6

8A

Lockport  24  Maine South  (Park Ridge)  6

Congratulations to both teams in each class who made it through the field of 32 in each class.

--RoadBall

Along66, Oct. 2021: Few in Doolittle Remember Their Famous Namesake Visiting

OCTOBER 16

Few in Doolittle, Missouri, remember their once-famous namesake visiting them 75 years ago.

Seventy-five years ago this month, famed World War II hero James Doolittle visited the town named for him just two years earlier.  This was a really bug deal and thousands attended the event at the time.

Doolittle's visit came on October 11, 1946.  In 1944, the town of Centertown became Doolittle (and on Route 66).

Doolittle's population today is just 648 and few living there know the origins of the name.

There is only a brass plaque in the community center about it.

I had heard it was named after him.  But the thing I remember the most about Doolittle is the very low speed limit through town, even though there is not much there to warrant such a low speed.

--RoadDog

Along66 Oct. 2021: Ed Debevic's in Chicago and the Old State Capitol in Springfield

OCTOBER 11

Ed Debevic's Diner reopens at a new location in Chicago.  In the past, the place was famous for its 50s decor and surly waitstaff.  It has reopened in the Streeterville area after the previous one in River North was closed and demolished six years ago.

The old one wasn't on Route 66, but it was such a unique experience that many 66ers went there.

The original was opened in 1984 at 640 Wells Street.  The new one is at 159 E. Ohio.

We went there on several occasions and once with my nephew who had no idea about the waitstaff.  When she plopped down next to him and started yelling at him to make up his mind about the order, he just about crawled out of the booth.  I, of course, enjoyed this immensely.

OCTOBER 13

The Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, has reopened for tours.   

Abraham Lincoln served in the legislature there and gave his famed "House Divided" speech there.

--RoadDog

Route 66 Wins 2021 Illinois High School Football Showdown

The Championship games were played this past Friday and Saturday.

Out of 256 teams to start the playoffs, only 8 remain.

Route 66 wins by a 2-1 score.

Wilmington in 2A won their championships game vs. Nashville.

Joliet Catholic Academy won 4A over fellow Route 66 team Sacred Heart-Griffin of Springfield.

Since Joliet is also in the Lincoln Highway, Joliet Catholic also put a win in Lincoln Highway's corner.

Congratulations to Route 66.  --RoadDog

More IHSA Championship Action Going On Today

Today will pit the two teams from the Top 4 classes in the state of Illinois.

 All games will be played in DeKalb at Huskie Stadium, Northern Illinois University.

5A

Fenwick (11-2 vs. Kankakee  (13-0)

6A

East St. Louis  (11-2) vs. Cary-Grove  (13-0)

7A

Wheaton North (12-1)  vs. St. Rita (Chicago)  (11-2)

8A

Lockport  (12-1)  vs. Maine South  (Park Ridge)  (12-1)

There was some good action yesterday for the Class 1A to Class 4A.

--RoadDig

Hey, Route 66ers!! Five of the Sixteen Remaining Teams in the Illinois State High School Football Playoffs are on the Mother Road

Five out of sixteen teams, not too bad at all.

Playing today. we have Wilmington, the Home of the Gemini Giant playing for the Class 2A Championship at 1 pm.

Then, we have two teams on 66 playing for the Class 4A Championship, Joliet Catholic in Joliet, home of the Rialto Square Theatre and Springfield's Sacred Heart-Griffin.  Of course, Springfield is the home of Cozy Dog.

*****************************

Tomorrow at 1 pm, we have East St. Louis and the nearby Cahokia Mounds.  They are Class 6A.

Then at 4, we have Chicago's St. Rita playing for Class 7A's Championship.  Home of famed  Lou Mitchell's.

When I have my Route 66 vs. Lincoln Highway, I do not include Chicago teams.

--RoadDog

Illinois State High School Football Championships Have Begun Today

A month ago, 256 of the high school football teams with the best records for the 2021 season began play.  Today, just sixteen remain and by pairs they are playing for the championship in eight classes.

Going from Class 8A which are the schools with the highest number of students and going to Class 1A with the least.

The championship games are all being played at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Illinois, home of the Northern Illinois Huskies.  

Classes 1A to 4A are playing today, starting at 10 am and roughly every three hours after that.  Classes 5Ato 8A play tomorrow.

CLASS 1A      

Lena-Winslow (11-2) vs. Carrollton  (12-0)  Game start 10 am

CLASS 2A

Wilmington (13-0)  vs. Nashville  (12-1)    Game start 1 pm

CLASS 3A

Byron  (13-0)  vs  Tolono Unity  (13-0)   Game start 4 pm

CLASS 4A

Joliet Catholic Academy  (13-0)  vs.  Sacred Heart-Griffin (Springfield)  (13-1)   Game start 7 pm

I'll Be Watching.  --RoadFootBall

Along66, Oct. 2021: New Version '(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66' on Asleep at the Wheel's New Album Celebrating Their 50th Year

OCTOBER 9

Asleep at the Wheel releases a new version of "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" on their 50th anniversary album.  The album is called "Half of a Hundred Years" and is in honor of their 50th anniversary as a band, with Ray Benson the only mainstay over all those years.  

Road cruising music doesn't get any better than Asleep at the Wheel.  Like they say, "Western Swing Ain't Dead, It's Asleep at the Wheel."

And, of particular interest to 66ers, they have a new cut of the classic "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" with Ray performing with early Wheel members Leroy Preston and Johnny Nicholas.

Asleep at the Wheel has now been playing longer than the Western Swing innovator who inspired them and that would be Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys.  Wills died in 1973 after performing for 44 years.

I am a huge Wheel fan and must have close to 15 of their CDs.  Of all the many, many versions of "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," theirs is my favorite.

Wheelin' and Lovin' It.  --RoadDog

Going Into IHSA Championship Weekend, Route 66 Has Commanding Lead Over the Lincoln Highway

The semifinal winners in all Illinois High School Association football teams will be playing each other in DeKalb, Illinois, at the NIU Huskies Stadium this Friday (Classes 1A to 4A) and Saturday (Class 5A to 8A).

Route 66 has a commanding 4-1 lead over Lincoln Highway.  And, actually the Lincoln Highway can only tie Route 66 at best because their only remaining team is Joliet Catholic, which is also on Route 66.

The four remaining Route 66 teams and their class:

6A

East St. Louis

4A

Joliet Catholic

Sacred Hear-Griffin (Springfield)

This means Route 66 is guaranteed a win at 4A since the two semi finalists are both on the road.

2A

Wilmington

Good Luck Teams!!  Don't Freeze. Though.  --RoadDog

Northwest Highway (US-14) Wins the 2021 Rand Road-Northwest Highway Challenge

This past weekend, the last remaining high school football team on Rand Road (US-12) lost.  Richmond-Burton (where students in our subdivision go to school) lost to perennial powerhouse Joliet Catholic.

That means that US-14 won by 2-0.  Overall wins for the two roads since 2013 when I started the Showdown for them:

US-12  2 wins

US-14   5 wins

There was also one tie.  There were no playoffs in 2020 for some reason.

They have two teams remaining who will play in the IHSA (Illinois High School Association) state championship games this coming Saturday in DeKalb at Northern Illinois University's Huskie Stadium.

8A

Maine South (Park Ridge)

6A

Cary Grove

Good Luck to Those Two Teams!!  Keep the Titles in Our Area, Northwest Chicagoland.   --RoadDog

Along66, Oct. 2021: Restoration of a Cottage-Style Phillips 66 Station in Chandler, Ok.

OCTOBER 8

New owners get busy restoring landmark Phillips 66 cottage-style station in Chandler, Oklahoma.

The new owners are Shane and Sara Massie.  The Westfall Station at 707 Manvel Avenue (Route 66) has a neat, multi-colored roof.  The owners also have an AirBnB site adjacent to the station.

It was Phillips Filling Station No. 1423 and was built in 1930 as a brick-cottage-style design station.

In 2011, Bill Fernau bought it and spent years restoring it.  

I don't remember seeing it, but I rarely miss a cottage-style station.

--RoadDog

Along66, Oct. 2021: Gillioz Theatre in Springfield (Mo) Celebrates it 95th Year

These Along66 posts are taken from the Route 66 News site which has many more posts.  I just take the ones of most interest to me.  So for more information on each of my posts, and daily updates on out Mother Road, go to Route 66 News Blog.

OCTOBER 4

Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, Missouri, marks its 95th year.

It was built by M.E. Gillioz for $300,000 and opened on October 11, 1926, with the film "Take It From Me"  (It was a silent film.) 

This was just about a month before the U.S. government officially certified Route 66.

It closed in 1979 and was listed on the NRHP in 1989 and reopened in 2006 after a multimillion-dollar renovation.  It was bought by Robert Low, owner of Prime Inc. trucking company in 2013.

I'm Sure Springfield Is So Happy They Kept This Magnificent Structure.  --RoadDog

Along66, Sept. 2021: Work on the Blue Whale

SEPTEMBER 27

The Blue Whale (one of our favorite Rt. 66 places) of Catoosa, Oklahoma, undergoing a weeklong effort of repairs and cleaning.

This is being done by the city and the famed whale will not be accessible to visitors during this time.

The City of Catoosa purchased the site and its 23 1/2 acres from the Davis family who were the long-time owners, for $1.5 million.

Hugh Davis made the famed whale out of concrete and shaped  rebar about 1970 as an anniversary gift to his wife.  It has a spring-fed pond.  After it was closed in 1988, it fell into disrepair until being restored in the early 2000s.  

Hugh Davis' son, Blaine, was caretaker of the property for many years.

We were able to meet him at the site once and had an interesting talk.

So glad the city realized what an important site they had and purchased it to guarantee its preservation.

--RoadDog

2021 Rand Road (US-12)- Northwest Highway (US-14) Showdown Going Into the Semifinals This Weekend

Northwest Highway (US-14) has a 2-1 advantage over Rand Road (US-12).

***************************

NORTHWEST HIGHWAY (US-14)

Teams losing in the quarterfinals last weekend:  Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge

Teams remaining:

8A

Maine South (Park Ridge)

6A

Cary Grove

****************************

RAND ROAD (US-12)

The only remaining team these last two weeks is 4A  Richmond-Burton

--RoadDog

Along66, Sept. 2021: About the Route 66 Neon Wall at Uranus

SEPTEMBER 26

Uranus, Missouri lights up with a new, Route 66-themed neon wall..

It features a rocket ship, Cadillac Ranch, Blue Swallow Motel, Roy's of Amboy, the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard and a Route 66 Shield.

Uranus is sure putting its Route 66 foot forward.

Such an interesting place really close to my favorite stretch of 66 through the old Hooker Gap.

And, of course, in my book, you can never have too much neon.

--RoadDog

Route 66 Has a 3-1 Showdown Edge on Lincoln Highway After 3 Rounds

Going into last weekend (Nov. 12-13) Route 66 had a 4-2 lead over the Lincoln Highway.

********************************

ROUTE 66

Last weekend, Williamsville lost.

Winners still in the playoffs:

4A

Joliet Catholic

Sacred Heart-Griffin

2A

Wilmington

*********************************

LINCOLN HIGHWAY

Last weekend, Lincoln Way East lost.

The only remaining Lincoln Highway team is now Joliet Catholic.  

Since Joliet Catholic is also on Route 66, the best Lincoln Highway can hope for is a tie if Joliet Catholic is the last team from both roads in play.

--RoadDog

Along66, Sept. 2021: Missouri Hick's BBQ and Bloomington's New Railroad Diner

SEPTEMER 20

The owner of the Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que in Cuba, Missouri, died of COVID-19 complications.

Dennis Meiser.  He opened the place in 2002.  

We have eaten there several times and that is some real good BBQ.  Hope it continues.

SEPTEMBER 23

Century-old railcar will be converted into a diner in Bloomington, Illinois.

It is 110-years old and is being moved there after sitting for the last thirty years at the former railroad depot at Harristown, Illinois, west of Decatur.

It had to be cut in half in order to be moved by truck.

So glad that Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, has finally figured out that stuff like this and pushing Route 66 draws tourists and tourist money.

Way to Go Folks.  --RoadDog

2021 Rand Road (US-12) vs. Northwest Highway IHSA Football Showdown

Going into the third round of the competition, things don't look good for US-12.

Those teams were already down 5-3 at the end of the first round, but right now they are down 4-1.

US-12  RAND ROAD

Palatine and Wauconda lost in Round two.

The only remaining team is Class 4A's Richmond-Burton.

***************************

US-14  NORTHWEST HIGHWAY

Palatine lost (US-12 and US-14 both go through Palatine.

Remaining teams:

Class 8A  

Maine South

Class 6A

Cary Grove

Crystal Lake Central

Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge

It could all e over in this competition by tomorrow.

--RoadDog

In Honored Remembrance on This Veterans Day, McHenry Remembers Her Vietnam Fallen

From the McHenry (Illinois) VFW.

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

Dedicated Veterans Day, November 11, 2014

Veterans Park, McHenry, Illinois

In Honored Remembrance

Cpl. John E. Granath, Jr., US Army

Cpl. Glen P. Davis, US Marines, 2nd Tour

Cpl. Carter  J. Freund, US Army

Pfc. James W. Ambrose III, US Army

These four men from McHenry were killed in Vietnam.

Because It's Their Day, A Salute to Our Veterans

I regard this as being an every day thing, but today, especially is a day to say thanks.  This country would not be what it is today without them.  Many have died while serving.

I will be having veterans stories in seven of my blogs.

Bob Stroud on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, will be doing his Ten at Ten show at 10 am CST on the "Red, White & Blue," ten songs with those words in them.  It will repeat at 10 pm.  It streams.

So, Thank You Veterans.  

2021 Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Showdown Standings After Second Week

Last week Route 66 led 9-8.  This week the Route 66 lead is 5-2.  It was a real bad week for Lincoln Highway last week.

Route 66 teams losing last weekend:  Plainfield North, Normal Community, Springfield and Carlinville.

Lincoln Highway teams losing:  Plainfield North, Batavia, Geneva, Rochelle, Aurora Marmion Academy and Sterling Newman Catholic.

Remaining teams:

ROUTE 66

6A:  East St. Louis

4A:  Joliet Catholic, Sacred Heart-Griffin (Springfield)

3A:  Williamsville

2A:  Wilmington

********************************

LINCOLN HIGHWAY

8A:  Lincoln Way East

4A:  Joliet Catholic

Doesn't look good for Lincoln Highway, especially since Joliet Catholic is in both Route 66 and Lincoln Highway.

--RoadDog

Along66, Sept. 2021: Big Eatin' at the Big Texan

SEPTEMBER 16

Big Eatin' at the Big Texan in Amarillo, Texas.  This venerable place recently marked its 10,000th 72-ounce Steak Challenge.

The steak dinner was eaten on September 1st by John Lamons.  He finished it with just seconds to spare before the 60 minute limit expired.

This meal comes with the 72-ounce steak, salad, roll, shrimp cocktail & baked potato.  If you do not succeed, it will cost you $72.  Ouch!!

This challenge started in November 1960.

He was not the record-holder however.  It is held by 128-pound Molly Schuyler who ate a meal in twenty minutes.   NO, WAIT!!!!!!!  She ate THREE MEALS in twenty minutes.

She CONSUMED/Inhaled her first meal in 4 minutes and 18 seconds, also a record.

She is a competitive eater.

This is on You Tube.  Not for the faint of heart.  

Just Keep Your Hands and feet Away from  Her Mouth and You'll Be Okay.  --RoadDog

Along66, Sept. 2021: A Shell Station in Bloomington and a Charcoal Oven in OKC

SEPTEMBER 13

Quinn's Shell Station in Bloomington, Illinois, will likely be torn down soon.

It is a member of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame, but has been closed for eight years.

It was a full service station and operated by Elmo Quinn, whose father and uncle opened it in 1941 on Main Street (Route 66).

Quinn retired eight years ago and closed the station after having its gas tanks removed.  Elmo is now 81 years old.

Of course, Bloomington and Normal, Illinois, have both recently become aware of how much good their Route 66 heritage can be for them, so maybe something will happen.

*************************

SEPTEMBER 14

The owner of the Charcoal Oven in Oklahoma City has donated its neon sign to the Billboard Museum.

The restaurant has been closed for five years and the sign had already been taken down    They also donated a neon entrance sign and a menu board.

They cooked their last burger on September 11, 2016.  It opened in 1958 and the sign went up in 1960.

The Billboard Museum, however,  still doesn't have a location.  But, as I say, you can never have enough museums or neon signs.

Hanging On to Those Old Neon Signs.  --RoadDog

Along66, Sept. 2021: U-Drop Inn's Restaurant and a 9/11 Garden in Winslow

SEPTEMBER 9

U-Drop Inn's restaurant officially reopens for the first time in decades.   First time in 25 years.  It was built in 1936 and has that striking architecture.  Maybe we'll stop in for a bite next time through.

I went to their Facebook page and boy, those pies, ice cream concoctions and chicken 'n dumplings.  A definite stop.

*****************************

SEPTEMBER 11

There is a 9/11 Garden in Winslow, Arizona, has a beam from the fallen Twin Towers.

That is a definite direct piece of history.

--RoadDog

Along66, Sept. 2021: Lowell Davis Tribute Set for Red Oak II in Carthage

SEPTEMBER 7

A tribute to be held at Red Oak II on Saturday, September 11.  More details will emerge.

It is to pay tribute to the recently deceased folk artist Lowell Davis.  Red Oak II is located near Carthage, Missouri and is his tribute to his youth and a place for his art.  This will also be a tribute to the victims of 9?11.

Lowell Davis died November 7, 2021.  This did not happen them because of the pandemic.

We count ourselves lucky to have had a chance to meet and talk with him back when he put up the Welcome to Carthage sign by the Boots Court where we were staying at the time.  What an experience.

He is one of those reasons why Route 66 is such a great road.

Pipe, anyone?

Talk About Being in the Right Place at the Right Time!   --RoadDog

US-14 (Northwest Highway) - US-12 (Rand Road) 2021 IHSA Football Showdown After First Round

After last weekend's first round of games, US-14 leads 5-3over US-12.

US-14 teams losing last week:  Barrington, Hersey, and Crystal Lake South.

US-14 (NORTHWEST HIGHWAY) teams remaining:

8A

Palatine

Maine South

6A

Cary Grove

Crystal Lake Central

Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge

***********************************************

US-12 teams losing last week:  Lake Zurich and Hersey

US-12 (RAND ROAD) teams remaining:

8A

Palatine

6A

Wauconda

4A

Richmond-Burton

Go teams!  --RoadFan

2021 IHSA Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Showdown: The Remaining Lincoln Highway Teams

At the start of the competition last week, Lincoln Highway had a 15-14 edge over Route 66.  This week Route 66 has a 9-8 edge over Lincoln Highway.

These Lincoln Highway teams lost last week:  Plainfield Central, Plainfield East, Lincoln Way West, Sterling, Kaneland, Dixon and Aurora Christian.

These teams remain:

8A

Plainfield North

Lincoln Way East

7A

Batavia

Geneva

5A

Rochelle

Aurora Marmion Academy

4A

Joliet Catholic

2A

Sterling Newman Catholic

--RoadDog

IHSA First Round Standings Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Showdown

Going into the first round last weekend, there were 14 Route 66 teams and 15 Lincoln Highway teams.

As of today, there are 9 remaining Route 66 teams and 8 Lincoln Highway teams remaining.

ROUTE 66 TEAMS

Last weekend, Edwardsville, Plainfield Central, Plainfield East, Chatham-Greenwood, Normal Community West. lost.

These teams remain

8A

Plainfield North

7A

Normal Community

6A

Springfield

East St. Louis

4A

Joliet Catholic

Sacred Heart-Griffin

3A

Williamsville

Carlinville

2A

Wilmington

--RoadDog

Along66, September 2021: Work To be Done at the Shamrock Court in Sullivan

SEPTEMBER 6 

A Roof rehab Event planned for Shamrock Court in Sullivan, Missouri planned for September 9.

Rich Dinkel, "Roamin' Rich" and president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri has received a $30,000 cost/share grant from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program tp stabilize the building's subfloors, dormers, roof, gutters, HVAC system and the electric and plumbing systems.

The old motel with its distinctive giraffe stone exterior dates back to the 1940s and was previously owned by the Weiland family for nearly 70 years.

In the late 1970s it was converted into efficiency apartments with living quarters for long-time owners John and Rose Weiland until they died.

(However, this was postponed because a plan of action for the grant was not in place.)

--RoadDog

The Return of the Rand Road (US-12) vs. Northwest Highway (US-14) IHSA Fooball Showdown

I also have in the past, until last year of course, pitted these two local roads against each other as well as Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway.

The winner is the last road with a team still in the playoffs.

Here are the NORTHWEST HIGHWAY (US-14) TEAMS:

8A

Barrington  (5-4)

Palatine  (6-3)

Maine South (Park Ridge)   (8-1)

7A

Hersey  (Arlington Heights)  7-2

6A

Cary Grove  (9-0)

Crystal Lake Central  (6-3)

Prairie Ridge   (Crystal Lake)   (7-2)

Crystal Lake South   (5-4)

Here are the RAND ROAD (US-12) teams:

8A

Palatine  (6-3)

7A

Lake Zurich  (5-4)

Hersey  (7-2)

6A

Wauconda  (9-0)

4A

 Richmond  (9-0)

May the Best Road Win.

--RoadDog

Here It Is; The Route 66/Lincoln Highway 2021 High School Football Showdown Lincoln Highway Teams

Fifteen high schools along the Lincoln Highway are playing in the IHSA football playoffs.  Route 66 has14 teams.

The top two schools remaining in each of the eight classes will play each other at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Illinois, at the end of this month.  (This is the home of Northern Illinois University.)

8A

Plainfield North (7-2)

Lincoln Way East  (7-2)

7A

Batavia  (9-0)

Plainfield Central  (8-1)

Plainfield East  (5-4)

Geneva   (5-4)

Lincoln Way West  (5-4)

5A

Sterling  (7-2)

Rochelle   (7-2)

Kaneland   (5-4)

Aurora Marmion Academy  (6-3)

4A

Joliet Catholic   (9-0)

Dixon  (6-3)

2A

Sterling Newman Catholic  (6-3)

1A

Aurora Christian   (6-3)

The winner between these two roads is the one with the most or last teams playing.

--RoadDog

Here It Is, The 2021 Lincoln Highway/Route 66 High School Football Showdown

These are the high schools representing Route 66 with theu Class and regular season record.

8A

Edwardsville   (5-4)

Plainfield North  (7-2)

7A

Plainfield Central  (8-1)

Plainfield East  (5-4)

Normal Community  (9-0)

6A

Springfield  (6-3)

East St, Louis (7-2)

Chatham Glenwood   (6-3)

Normal Community West  (6-3)

4A

Joliet Catholic  (9-0)

Sacred Heart-Griffin (Springfield)   (8-1)

3A

Williamsville  (8-1)

Carlinville   (7-2)

2A

Wilmington  (9-0)

Next, the Lincoln Highway high schools.

--RoadDog

It's Back Again, the Route 66/Lincoln Highway Illinois State High School Playoffs

 Last year, we didn't have it because  of you-know-what.  But I have been running this every years since 2012.  And, since we have the IHSA football playoffs again this year. we're back as they say!!

Right now, the overall series stands with Lincoln Highway leading 4-2 with two ties.

I go through all eights section levels in the state and find high schools whose towns are along Route 66 and Lincoln Highway.  I then make a list for each road and the contest begins.  As teams lose and are eliminated, they are taken off the road teams until just one (or possibly none) are left in the final round, the state championship.

This year, I have 14 high schools listed along Route 66 and 15 listed on Lincoln Highway.

Overall, the top 256 high school teams are involved in it.  Out of nine regular season games, a school has to have at least a 5-4 record (but usually they end up playing a 9-0 or 8-1 team).

Best of Luck to Both Roads.  --RoadDog

The Drive's Halloween A to Z: 'Riders On the Storm'

They're doing the alphabet again at Chicago's WDRV. 97.1 FM.  As a matter of fact, they are doing it right now.  

Here are the last songs they played:

SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT--  Bruce Springsteen

SPIRITS IN THE MATERIAL WORLD--  Police

SHOT IN THE DARK--  Ozzie Osbourne

RUNNIN' WITHTHE DEVIL--  Van Halen

RIDERS ON THE STORM--  Doors

RHIANNON--   Fleetwood Mac

PSYCHO KILLER--  Talking Heads

PEOPLE ARE STRANGE--  Doors

PARANOID--  Black Sabbath

PAINT IT BLACK--  Rolling Stones

NIGHT FLIGHT--  Led Zeppelin

MONSTER MASH--  Bobby "Boris"  Pickett

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR--  Beatles

MAGIC POWER--  Triumph

MAGIC MAN--  Heart

MAGIC CARPET RIDE--  Steppenwolf

MAGIC BUS--  Who

MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER--  Elton John

LUCIFER--  Bob Seger

LET IT BLEED--  Rolling Stones

Well, I'm scared now.  It's still going and its streaming.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I See A Red Door."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Paint It Black"

Some Scary Songs for You Because of You-Know-What: 'Monster Mash'

These were the songs Bob Stroud (well, Baron Von Stroud) played today on his Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.  They will play again tonight at 10 om, CDST.

I PUT A SPELL ON YOU--  Screamin' Jay Hawkins

SPIRITS IN THYE MATERIAL WORLD--  Police

SEASON OF THE WITCH--  Donovan

CLAP FOR THE WOLFMAN--  Guess Who

SCARY MONSTERS--  David Bowie

GODZILLA--  Blue Oyster Cult

DEVIL INSIDE--  Inxs

MONSTER MASH--  Bobby "Boris" Pickett

DANCING WITH MR. D--  Rolling Stones

WEREWOLVES OF LONDON--  Warren Zevon

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Oh No, There Goes Tokyo."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Godzilla"

Along66,September 2021: That Lexington, Illinois Neon Sign

These are taken from the Route 66 News blog which has one or more entries every day along with pictures and much more information.  I just pick out the ones of most interest to me. 

SEPTEMBER 1

That neat neon sign pointing the way off Route 66 to Lexington's downtown celebrates its 75th anniversary.

It was placed there on August 31, 1946 with the purpose of getting folks off that big old highway to spend time and money downtown Lexington, Illinois.  It was restored a few years ago.  It is located by the bike trail that used to be the southbound lanes of Route 66.

It also points to the old Route 66 alignment known as Memory Lane which is opened a few times a year for special occasions (often when the Illinois Route 66 motor tour comes through)  This segment was the original Route 66 and used until 1946.

I remember one particularly hot motor tour when the good Lexington folks were handing out much-needed cans of pop along with copies of maps of the old road.

Thanks, Lexington.  --RoadDog

Along66: August 2021: Pops, Glancy and Roger

AUGUST 25

Clinton agency approves plan to remodel Glancy Motel, Pop Hicks properties.

The Clinton, (Oklahoma) Economic Development Authority has authorized $7.75 million for work on the two properties at 217 W. Gary Boulevard (Route 66)

The Glanton Motel has been in decline for years and in 2019 was condemned by the city for numerous code violations.  It was built in 1950 and extensively remodeled in 2007.

The former Pop Hicks restaurant is right next door to the Glanton Motel and opened in 1936.  It burned down in 1999 and was never rebuilt.

AUGUST 27

There will be a new Roger Miller mural in Erick, Oklahoma.

It will be on the side of the building that used to house his museum which closed in 2017.

Roger Miller was born in Texas, but spent his formative years in Erick.

He had some really great songs; favorites of mine like "King of the Road," "Dang Me, "Chug-a-Lug" and "Little Green Apples."

"Trailers for sell or rent.  Room to let 50 cents."  

--RoadDog

Good Times: Halloween Decs, Legion, Pack Wins. So Does NIU and the White Sox

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10

Still enjoying this really warm weather.  I got to sit out FP again (Front Porch).

Worked on Halloween decorations.  Man, it sure came up fast.

Went to the McHenry American Legion and watched the Packers win their game.

But, best news yesterday was that Northern defeated our arch rivals, Toledo in a game which went right down to the final seconds.

And, also great news was that the Sox played like they are able on occasion to play.  After getting down 6-1 (and all things sad), they came back for a 12-6 victory.  At least we will have a game tomorrow.

Go Sox.  --RoadSox

Good Times: The Legion, Two Bands and a Gun Raffle

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

We went to the Fox Lake (Illinois) American Legion on US-12, right on Nippersink Lake for their annual Sons of the American Legion Gun Raffle, a major money-maker for the organization.  The place was packed, because along with the raffle and instant raffles, they had entertainment.

We saw the same group we had seen there last week, Tony & the Effects who always bring along a considerable crowd of their followers.  They play only 50s and 60s music and do it quite well.  I've never heard another local band do many of the songs they have in their repertoire (I had to look up how to spell this word).

They finished playing in the bar area at 6 and then a group named the Loony Tunes played 60s and 70s classic rock in the banquet room.

We met friends Glen and Barb there, whom we had had a fish fry with yesterday at the Diamond Deli in Fox Lake.

Any day with two good bands is a pretty good day.

As usual, I didn't win a gun.  I don't know what I would do with one if I did.

Afterwards, we went over to Stucky's.

Oh, Well.  --RoadDog

Good Times: John Lennon's 81st Birthday and the Impact the Beatles Had On Me

SATURDAY. OCTOBER 9

Today would have been John Lennon's 81st birthday.  He was not my favorite Beatle (George Harrison was), but that group really turned my life around.  I'd never paid much attention at all to music before that, but when they came.  Wow!!   It was all over the radio and that music!!  Wow!!  Like nothing I'd ever heard before.

I started listening to the two main Chicago stations that played their music and other music that young people listened to:  WLS, 890 AM and WCFL, 1000 AM.  I couldn't get enough.  I even started buying 45s and albums and my condition just got worse and worse.  I was hooked on music.  Couldn't get enough.

I still am hooked on music.  I still record music on cassettes and have several thousand pre-recorded and recorded cassettes as well as hundreds of 45s, albums and CDs.  I even had a deejay business for almost 30 years (at one time I made almost as much in that as I did my full time job, teaching).

Yep, I'd say the Beatles had somewhat of an impact on me.

--RoadBeatle

Good Times in the Area: About That Good Old High School Football

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

One of my favorite places to go this time of the year is to the local high school Friday night games on good weather days.  You get all the action  of college and pro football with a whole lot less of the hassle and costs.

Sadly, I haven't been to a game now since 2019, that's two years that I've missed.  Of course, last year, Illinois didn't have high school football until a shortened six game season in the spring.  I'm hoping to get back to the games next year.

I usually go to either the Richmond-Burton or Johnsburg High School games as they are the closest to me.  I pull for both rivals, but when they play each other, I pull for Richmond-Burton as a lot of my money goes there.  That school serves Spring Grove and Richmond, Illinois.

I also follow Palatine High School and even rival Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois.  I went to and graduated from Palatine High (and even went to Fremd for my freshman year as the frosh-soph for Palatine went there, juniors and seniors to Palatfox line High).

I also pull for Round Lake High School as that is where we lived for 17 years and we taught for 33 years in that school district.  Also, pull for Grant High School in Fox Lake as we spent much time boating.

Two other schools I back are Mt. Carmel in Chicago because NIU quarterback Jordan Lynch is head coach there.  Also Goldsboro High School in North Carolina because that is where I was born and lived for five years.  My grandparents lived just down the block from that school.

--RoadHigh

Good Times in Area: Sad Sox Strike Again, Fish Fry, the Legion and That Good Old Fall Pumpkin Anything

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8

As bad as yesterday's Sox American League Division Series game was, today's was even worse.  The Bad Sox outdid themselves losing 9-4.  Looks like it will be a short series.

Every bad thing the Sox did during the last two months when they played a blistering .500 (fortunately in a very weak Central Division) has come out big.  Sox bats go silent and a frightening relief.  At least back then the starters were doing well, but not so much in this series.

I didn't like MLB having all the most playoff games until the World Series on non-broadcast networks.  I listened to the game on the radio at home.

Oh well, sometimes not so much good times in the area.

We met Barb and Glen and Kevin and Kelly at Diamond Deli for their fish fry.  Our waitress was Patti who used to be at Dino's Den for many years before it closed.  It was good to see her again.

Afterwards, we went to the Fox Lake American Legion for fifty-fifty.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

If it is Fall, it must be pumpkin time, and I mean eating and drinking the tastes of the season.  I added a new taste this year:  Clyde's frosted pumpkin doughnuts.  Pop that into the old microwave for 15 seconds and it is a bite into mighty good.  I also am working on my gallon of apple cider (not apple juice).  Other highlights of the season for me are candy apples with peanuts, pumpkin spice cappuccinos and pumpkin spice cereal.

Waiting for That Good Old Pumpkin Soap.  --RoadDog

Good Times in the Area: Weekday Radio, 1970 and Da Sox Lose

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

Listened to the usual weekday stations while working on these blogs.  I listen to WDRV, 7.1 FM over the air waves and the Surf, WVCO 94.9 FM out of North Myrtle Beach over the internet.    Bob Stroud went back to a great college year for me, 1970, spent at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb on his Ten at Ten show on the Drive.   The #1 album back then was "Cosmo's Factory" by my favorite group, Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Liz and I went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg to watch the first game of the ALDS between the White Sox and the Houston Astros.  The place was crowded and people watching the game and there would have been more cheering, but sadly, this was the Bad Sox/Sad Sox playing and the bats were essentially silent, plus pitching questionable.  It was a 6-1 loss.

But, I had what I consider the best Chicago hot dog anywhere at Sunnyside, and, for just $2 and an extra $1 for fries.  Beat that deal!!

Drowning My Sorrows, You Know.  --RoadDog

Good Times in the Area: Da Ten at Ten, Da Reef, Da Trivia, Da Jeopardy and Da Sox

Again, plenty to do around here as we stay close to home because of you-know-what, even though we have both shots.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6

Bob Stroud was to 1982 for his Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV 97.1 FM.  I had finally gotten my Masters Degree from NIU and was hard at work getting things together to start deejaying.  That meant listening too a lot of music, much of which he played today.

We went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and played live trivia and watched Jeopardy which still had that guy with the amazing streak of wins and money playing, Matt Amodie.  Jeopardy is going to have to d something about players like him and James Holzhauer.  It is not fair for regular folks, even really smart regular folks to have to play them.  It gets boring.

Of course, much excitement about the White Sox playing in the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros.  If the Sox play to their ability this should be fun, but there is just as good a chance that they will play like they did the last two months of the season.  If that happens, the Cub fans will have something to cheer about, though most are at least reluctantly pitching in for the Southsiders.

--RoadDog

Going Back to 1971-- Part 3: 'Madman Across the Water'

Cruising back to those yesteryears.

ANGEL--  Jimi Hendrix

AIN'T NO SUNSHINE--  Bill Withers  (I know, I know, I know....)

ONE OF THESE DAYS--  Pink Floyd

MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER--  Elton John

SIGNS--  Five Man Electric Band

REASON TO BELIEVE--  Rod Stewart

I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE--  Carle King  (She was sure all over the radio back then with her "Tapestry" album.

TELL MAMA--  Savoy Brown

STATESBORO BLUES (LIVE)--  Allman Brothers Band

INNER CITY BLUES--  Marvin Gaye

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Ooh Baby, When I See Your Face Mellow As The Month Of May."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"I Feel the Earth Move"

Going Back to 1971-- Part 2: 'Angel From Montgomery'

I was driving a 1963 Rambler station wagon that used a quart of oil every fifty miles or so.  You always knew where I was, just whiff the air.  Called it the "Ramblin' Wreck" for some reason.  Of course, station wagons were the SUVs of their day.

It stuck out at UGA where most all the rich boys and girls had newer and much more expensive vehicles.  It blended in at NIU whose students weren't as rich.

STARSHIP TROOPER--  Yes

TIRED OF BEING ALONE--  Al Green

ANGEL FROM MONTGOMERY--  John Prine   A great Chicago performer.

 CROSSEYED MARY--  Jethro Tull   They won the Grammy's first Heavy Metal Group Grammy.  Heavy Metal?

SUNSHINE--  Jonathan Edwards

PROUD MARY--  Ike and Tina Turner

NO ONE TOO DEPEND ON--  Santana

BROWN SUGAR--  Rolling Stones

TOO MANY PEOPLE--  Paul McCartney

SMILING FACES--   Undisputed Truth

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Well, How Much Does It Cost, I'll Buy It."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

Sunshine"

Going Back to 1971-- Part 1: 'Baby Blue'

This past October 9, 2021, Saturday Morning Flashback on Chicago's WXRT went back to 1972.  That's 49 years ago for those of you counting.

This was a college year for me, split between the University of Georgia and Northern Illinois University so these songs mean a lot to me.

Johnny Mars was our tour director.

BABY BLUE--  Badfinger

GOING TO CALIFORNIA--  Led Zeppelin

BEWARE OF DARKNESS--  Leon Russell

HALF MOON--  Janis Joplin

LOOKING FOR A LOVE--  J. Geils Band

TUPELO HONEY--  Van Morrison   I had heard that tupelo honey was considered the best honey around.   friend of mine, Robert, from the McHenry American Legion comes from that par of Florida by where the panhandle attaches to the rest of the state which is where it is produced and he got me a bottle of it.  It is every bit as sweet as Van says it is.

JUST MY IMAGINATION--  Rolling Stones   Doing an old Temptations song.

I'M EIGHTEEN--  Alice Cooper

BARGAIN--  Who

WANG DANG DOODLE--  Howling Wolf

MILITARY MADNESS--  Graham Nash

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You Can take All The Tea In China."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

Along66, August 2021: Reopening the Old Meramec River Bridge in Missouri

AUGUST 24

The Great Rivers Greenway plans to restore the bridge at Route 66 State Park in Missouri.

The Meramec River Bridge has been long-closed and its deck removed ten years ago.

The cost of reopening the bridge has been placed at $9 million.

It was built in 1932 at Times Beach, Missouri.  In the 1980s, Times Beach had to be abandoned because of dioxin contamination owing to attempts to keep the dust down.

The soil of the town was incinerated and then it became a part of the Route 66 State Park with its main office at the old Steiny's Inn and the bridge connected the two parts of the park, but it was found that the bridge could no longer support traffic, leading to its closure.  

Now, you have to get back on I-44 to go to the two parts.  Kind of a dangerous thing.

We were fortunate to get a chance to drive across the bridge before it was closed.

--RoadDog

About Last Weekend: Two Legions, a Band, No Fireworks, Margaritaville, Da Bears and Da Sox

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2

We went to the Fox Lake American Legion on US-12 and enjoyed the 50s-60s music of Tony & the Effects from 3 to 6 pm.  We then went to Stucky's for a bite to eat and drink those $1 draft pints.  We had expected to see the Johnsburg fireworks from Stucky's but couldn't see them from there, unfortunately.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3

Watched the first part of the Bears game at our home bar, Margaritaville, and then went to the McHenry American Legion for the second half.  And, Da Bears won which was a big improvement from the manhandling of last week where our qb was sacked nine times.  Offensive line?  They were just plain offensive last week.

The White Sox lost the last game of the season, but won the previous five games so hopefully they will be going into the playoffs on a roll.

Go White Sox.  --RoadDog

Along66, August 2021: The Route 66 Monarch Flyway in Illinois

AUGUST 19

The Route 66 Monarch Flyway in Illinois.

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway and Illinois Department of Transportation have partnered to develop a 66-mile wide Route 66 Monarch Flyway.

Route 66 follows a natural migratory path for the famed butterflies whose numbers have been dropping dramatically in recent times.  

The effort will involve around 400,000 acres of roadside vegetation and other sides extending for 33 miles on either side of the Mother Road.

Current Illinois sites are in Litchfield, Elkhart, Wilmington and Darien.

Myself, I have been growing milkweed plants at several locations in my yard and plan on adding more plants for next year.

--RoadFlyWay

Along66, August 2021: Got $29,000 Laying Around? Apache Motel in Tucumcari

AUGUST 11

Muffler man for sale.  Just $29,000.  You can buy it from Lumberjack's Firewood in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

I would like t buy it, but I doubt our local Subdivision group would appreciate it.

AUGUST 18

Apache Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico won't reopen anytime soon.  Property put back on the market.

Had been scheduled to reopen this year in June.

For sale for $685,000 asking price.

Here's hoping it will get sold.

--RoadDog

Along66, August 2021: The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge-- Part 2

Work on the Old Chain of Rocks bridge is one of 19 projects nationwide to develop new or to improve 15 parks and 4 trails in economically disadvantaged areas.

The 5,300-foot bridge was built in 1929 and had the famous 22-degree bend in the middle of it.  

The New Chain of Rocks Bridge carries I-270 across the Mississippi River and opened in 1966.  The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge closed in 1970.

The Old one was in a key scene of 1983's "Escape From New York.

At one time it was thought that the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge would be destroyed, but that would be too expensive.

In 1988, Trailnet leased it for $4.5 million for use as a cycling and pedestrian trail.  It was added to the NRHP in 2006.

We have been fortunate to cross the bridge several times over the years as it was on the itinerary of the Route 66 Association of Illinoi' annual Motor Tour.  Quite an experience.

--RoadDog

Along66, August 2021: A Grant to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge-- Part 1

AUGUST 12

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge gets $990,000 federal grant to improve visitors area. The Great Rivers Greenway is running this project.  On the bridge's west side is where much of the work will be done.  The entire project is expected to cost $5 million.

Work on it is expected to begin at some time in 2022 and last from 19-12 months.

Different aspects of the project will deal with the removal of invasive plants, new nature trails, upgrading parking areas and installing additional security features like lighting,  cameras, fencing and more.

One of the major problems at this time revolves around vehicle break-ins on the west side.  The west side of the bridge is near a very dangerous group of people, unfortunately, who are doing the vehicle break-ins.

--RoadDog

Along66, August 2021: Cost-Share Grants for Route 66 Corridor

SEPTEMBER 6

The newest cost-share grants from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program have been announced.

Six projects, including four historic sites will receive more than $103,000 under the auspices of the National Park service.

Among them:

**  Imperial Motel sign restoration in Albuquerque $24,675.  Part of the long-defunct 50s-60s Imperial 400 Motel chain.

**  Shamrock Court restoration in Sullivan, Missouri:  $30,000 (Our own Rich (Roamin' Rich) Dinkela.

**  Road Runner's Retreat sign, Chambless, California $5,386

**  Threatt Filling Station restoration in Lither, Oklahoma:  $20,872

**  Music and Entertainment Project on Missouri Route 66:  $7,484

**  Route 66 Women film.

--RoadDog

Along66: August 2021: New Book on Sports on Route 66

AUGUST 3

Review of a new moon:  "A Sports Fan's Guide to Route 66" by Ron Clements.

The book follows a traditional east-west trek across the famed Mother Road stopping at professional, College Division 1 and smaller schools.  There are even some high schools in it.  Also included are golf courses, race tracks, rodeos, hunting and fishing spots.  Every site is either on the route or within a few miles of it.

Some of the places visited are the Chicago United Center (I'm guessing Soldiers Field, but probably not the recent possibility of Da Bears moving to Arlington Park Race Track), Pasadena Rose Bowl, Dodger Stadium, Jackie Robinson playing at Pasadena College.

There is a place in Normal, Illinois, that I have often wondered about called the Corn Crib which hosts a team called the Normal Cornbelters.

Hinsdale Central High School in Illinois has won 103 state championships.

Plus, there is Ken Leonard, coach of Sacred-Heart-Griffith High School in Springfield, Illinois (who are always in the running for a state football championship.

Myself, I am a big sports fan, this book is of interest to me.

Go Bears!!  --RoadSports

Why Go Anywhere Else?-- Part 3: A History Meeting, Buddy Frank, Celebration of Life for Dennis Dohse, Da Bears and Da Bloody Mary

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Few things I enjoy more than going to a history group and learning something new about that subject and today, for the first time since September 2019, I was able to go to a meeting of the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society.  And, we learned about the time the Towne Theatre in Fox Lake, Illinois, had an explosion.  Fortunately, no one was injured, but the theatre was a loss.

They now know this was part of a move by organized crime to make them and other theater owners allow the Film Projectionist Union in.

I got to catch up with the last year and a half with buddy Frank.

That afternoon, we went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for a Celebration of Life for our good friend Dennis Dohse, who died  a week and a half ago of a sudden heart attack.  We've been friends of his since the old NTN days and he was the main reason we ended up having the '85 Firebird redone.  We will sure miss him.  The place was packed.

A great as that victory two weeks ago over Georgia Tech was for NIU, today was a different story with a 63-10 destruction by the University of Michigan.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

The usual, internet, blogs and radio.  Then watched part of the Bears game at home in Margaritaville, our downstairs bar, and then the rest of it at the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed the $2.50 Adequate Bloody Marys.

--RoadDog

Why Go Anywhere Else?-- Part 2: Wisconsin, Trivia, Cheap Drinks, Decking It, Nathan's Hot Dogs and Paul's relish and a Fish Fry

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Went to Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia and half price drinks.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Sometimes, just staying home and enjoying the house is just fine with me.  Today, I had a great lunch out on the deck on a wonderful day, weather wise.  And, I had a Nathan's Hot Dog, complete with Nathan's Mustard and Paul's relish.  Paul's Relish comes from North Carolina.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Went to Stucky's in Johnsburg and had their great fish fry.

--RoadDog

Why Go Anywhere Else?-- Part 1: An Oldies Car Show for the '85 Firebird

The summer and fall in northeast Illinois.  Great times.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Bob Stroud back to a great year, 1982 for his Ten at Ten.  Great news, letter from IRS saying we didn't pay enough so had to send a check for another $545.

Washed the '85 Firebird.  One of the problems living out here in farm land is all the dust put up when certain people are working in the fields.  Took it over to the McHenry Moose Lodge where they were having a car show, this week featuring  Pontiacs.  And, since the Firebird is a Pontiac. I figured this would be great first intro to this world of car fanatics.

However, I didn't pitch my chair and sit beside the car like so many do or spend my time getting specks of dust off it.  Enjoyed walking around and there must have been at least thirty Pontiacs there, mostly GTOs and Trans Ams, but a couple Firebirds and even a couple Fieros.

Temps dropped real fast and I left, then Liz and I went over to Stucky's.

--RoadDog

20th Anniversary of 9/11-- Part 4: 65 Sons and Daughters of Firefighters Who Died That Day are Now Members of NYFD

In McHenry, Illinois.

Three shots signal that the battle could start.

The Northern Illinois Pipe & Drums were in attendance, dressed in full Scottish attire.  Kilts and bagpipes and performed several times.  Including "Amazing Grace" which brought tears to the eyes.

They also did a round about like we have on the Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive ceremony last month.  But instead of the trumpets, they use bagpipes.  First one plays, then several more at different times, joined in by drums near the end.

One speaker said that 65 sons and daughters of firefighters who died in NYC on 9/11 are now members of the NYFD.  Now that is honoring them in a huge way.

Three hundred and forty-three firefighters died that day.

The high school choir then gave quite a rendition of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," then "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America."

I was impressed at the many small children who were in attendance.  Way too young to have known anything about it, but at least their parents are letting them know the importance of the occasion.

20th Anniversary of 9/11 in McHenry-- Part 3

Continued from September 12.

The commemoration opened with a moment of silence for those Americans who met their deaths that day.

Then the honor guard hoisted a flag that had flown at a fire station in Manhattan that day.  It was raised up to the top of the flagpole, then lowered to half mast.

We then recited the pledge of allegiance and the McHenry High School chorus sang the "Star-Spangled Banner."

The mayor gave a few words, asking how people felt that day, and that it forever changed our world.  Our way of life was attacked.

The City of McHenry has commemorated this day ever since, even last year when it was on Facebook Live.

We lost a lot of Americans that day and many have died of illnesses sustained that day.

We had a three volley salute.

Along66, August 2021: Jubelt's and the Sidewalk Highway

AUGUST 2

Jubelt's Bakery and Restaurant named Litchfield's (Illinois) Business of the Year on eve of its centennial.

Their 100th year of operation will take place in 2022.

Third generation owner Jean Marie Jubelt says it wasn't easy staying open during COVID.

They were founded in May 1922 by her grandfather Paul and his brothers Fred and Albert.

We've eaten there several times including once when a whole lot of Route 66 E-mail group met there when the Festival was held in Litchfield.

AUGUST 4

Renovations of Oklahoma's famed "Sidewalk Highway" will begin in 2022.

It is near Miami, Oklahoma, and consists of seven miles of very narrow hard surface, much of it now covered with gravel.

It was built in 1925 and was a part of the original Ozark Trail which predates Route 66.

The renovations will last five years and cost $4 million.

--RoadSide

Good Times in the Area-- Part 3: Firebird Cruise, 80s Music, Stucky's, Saufen und Spiel in Johnsburg, a Parade and the Glockenspiel

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

After the ceremony at Veterans Park for 9/11, I went to Meijer's and got breakfast at Burger King.

Came home and continued recording the Drive's 80s A to Z as well as rerecording previously recorded tapes.

Took the '85 Firebird out for a cruise, of course listening to the Drive's A to Z 1980s music.  

That evening, we went to Stucky's for dinner and, of course, those $1 draft beers.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Enjoyed the FP for breakfast, coffee and the Tribune.  Continued rerecording the Drive's 80s A to Z.  At1:30, we drove over to Johnsburg for the Saufen und Spiel parade.  Saufen und Spiel is a celebration of Johnsburg's early days when so many German settlers came and set up homes and farms.

They have a really big parade.  We usually watch the parade at Sunnyside, but couldn't get anywhere near the place and after some backups from parade units, managed to get over to the shopping center where Angelo's Grocery Store and Stucky's is located and watched it from there.  This parade was even longer than usual and had a marching band form the high school and a bunch of floats with bands on them.

Went back home and then back to Sunnyside where I dropped Liz off and I went to the Saufen und Spiel grounds by the Johnsburg Community Club.  I just missed the Glockenspiel show which is always a treat.  It is like a German cuckoo clock with live people.  Go to You Tube and type in Milwaukee Germanfest Glockenspiel to see why it is so much fun.

They had a good band playing mostly 80s to current music called the Goo Roos.  Also one of the greatest brats (with sauerkraut of course) and corn on the cob.

Then back to Sunnyside and saw both the Bears and Packers get blown out.

--RoadDog

Good Times in the Area-- Part 2: NIU Beats Ga. Tech, Welcome Back Lawn Tractor, Mayor's Fish Fry, Legion and Twentieth Anniversary of 9/11

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Despite being 18 point underdogs. NIU beat Georgia Tech today 22-21 when the Huskies went for a two-point conversion with 45 seconds left instead of going for a tie.  On the rare occasion when Northern defeats on of the Power Five teams, this is HUGE news!!  Well, actually, this happened on September 4, 2021.  But, even so!!!  Way to Go Huskies.

We got the lawn tractor back today and it cost $380.  I really thought I'd have to get a new John Deere to replace the one we bought back in 1994.  The yard really needed cutting.

Met Glenn and Barb at the Fox Lake Mayor's Fish Fry at Lake Front Park on Nippersink Lake.  It was AUCE for $10 and was it ever good.  It was held inside a building which used to be Skipper Bud's Marina which sold Four Winns boats where we bought out second boat.

Afterwards, we went to the Fox Lake American Legion across the lake.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11  (A Sad Remembering)

Just like that day twenty years ago, we had absolutely gorgeous weather with the bluest of blue skies, just like we had back then.  I went to McHenry, Illinois, for the twentieth anniversary observance.  (Last year was done virtually.)  I have already written about some of the commemoration earlier this month and will finish it in upcoming posts.

--RoadDog

Good Times in the Area: Donovan's Reef, Sunnyside Tavern, Ace Hardware, Dog 'N Suds. Charcoburgers, Squaw Bar, Stucky's

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

We went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for beverages and trivia, then to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois, for more.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Liz had a hair appointment in Round Lake, Illinois, and I went along.  While she was inside, I went to the Round Lake Ace Hardware store which is still the largest Ace Hardware store in the United States. When we lived in Round Lake, we spent a lot of money in that store.

Liz's salon is right across from Magee Middle School where I taught for 31 years.  School's back in session, but I'm not.  Something about retirement.

We then went to the Dog 'N Suds on Rollins Road in Ingleside for their Thursday Charcoburger special ( 2 for $4).  Charcoburgers are one of our favorite burgers anywhere.  Have to eat them now because they close in a month.  There are only about seven Dog 'N Suds left in the United States and we have three of them within about fifteen miles of us.  And, of course, there's that great root beer.

Next, we went to the nearby Squaw Bar to see what was going on.  This is a bona fide dive bar if there ever was one and we have had a lot of fun there, especially on Sunday afternoons when the Chicago Bears play.  Bear fans all over the place.

Last two stops were at Sunnyside and Stucky's in Johnsburg.

Always something to do around here during the summer and fall.

Why Go Anywhere Else?   --RoadDog

Along66, July 2021: Picnic Tables Back at Camp Cajon

JULY 20

Century-old picnic table returned to Camp Cajon site in southern California at Lytle Creek Park in San Bernardino.

Camp Cajon was a welcome rest stop for motorists entering Southern California on the National Old Trails Road.  A flash flood destroyed Camp Cajon in 1938 and it was never rebuilt.  Dozens of picnic tables survived, but were relocated to two San Bernardino parks.

Camp Cajon is sometimes called California's original welcome station.

For travelers during the 1920s and 1930s, long before the era of interstates, rest areas, hotel chains and fast food places,  Camp Cajon provided  a roadside stopping place, complete with facilities for eating, camping and much more.

--RoadDog

Along66, July 2021: The Threatt Filling Station and 'Dafogey'

JULY 16

Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma, wins grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  It is one of 40 recipients of $3 million from the NTHP's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.

It was constructed in 1915 and is still family owned.  It is not known how much the station is getting.  A few weeks ago it landed on the list of America's Most Endangered Places.

I believe every effort should be made to preserve as many sites as can be found that were in the Green Book.  This is an important part of American history and should no loner be so overlooked.

JULY 18

Gary Cron, creator of the "Route 66 Radio", has died at age 72. He also created "Baby Boomer Radio".  He was known as "Dafogey" and lived in Wildwood, California.

He launched "Baby Boomer Radio" in 2009 and played classic rock on the internet.

I've listened to his shows before and enjoyed them.  Sad to lose him.

As in Old Fogey.

--RoadDogogey

Along66, August 2021: Worries About the Future of the Gasconade River Bridge in Missouri

I take these posts from the Route 66 News blog which had posts every day (sometimes more than one) and this site also goes into more detail.  I only use the posts that are the most interest to me.  But, if you really want to know what is going on along the Mother Road, check out the Route 66 News.

******************************

AUGUST 1

A Missouri official expresses misgivings about the possible demolition of the Gasconade River Bridge in Missouri.  He is Advisory Counsel on Historic Preservation and is concerned about the bridge being torn down.

The bridge was closed to traffic in 2014 because of the deterioration of the structure.

We were fortunate to be able to cross it several times before its closure.  The Route 66 Association of Missouri and several other groups have been battling to save it.  I'd love to see it turned into a park.

--RoadDog

Along66, July 2021: 66 Drive-Thru in Kingman and That 65-Foot Tall Guitar in Catoosa

JULY 26

Kingman, Arizona dedicates Route 66 drive-thru shield.

It is located at the city's visitors center.  I've seen a picture of it and it looks neat.  Just another reason to drive the Mother Road, especially if and when all this virus stuff gets over.

JULY 29

A 65-foot guitar was unveiled at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Catoosa, Oklahoma.  It is five stories tall and weighs 19,500 pounds.

The casino is owned and operated by the Cherokee Nation since 2004.

Supersizing Them in Oklahoma.  --RoadDog

That 80s Music Weekend A to Z Continues-- Part 3: 'You Shook Me All Night Long'

WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive in Chicago continued with their 80s A to Z for a second weekend.  These were the last songs played in this marathon of music.

*  Means I would record this on my 80s Greatest Hits cassette tapes.

YYZ--  Rush

*YOUR WILDEST DREAMS--  Moody Blues

*YOUR LOVE IS DRIVING ME CRAZY--  Sammy Hagar

*YOUR LOVE--   Outfield

*YOUNG TURKS--  Rod Stewart

YOU'VE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING--  Judas Priest

*YOU'LL ACCOMPANY ME--  Bob Seger

*YOU  SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG--  AC/DC

*YOU MIGHT THINK--  Cars

*YOU MAY BE RIGHT--  Billy Joel

YOU GOT LUCKY--  Tom Petty

*YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME--  Bon Jovi

YOU CAN'T KILL ROCK & ROLL-- Ozzy Osborne

Sure enjoyed listening to these songs over the last two weekends.  I now have eight cassette tapes recorded of different segments of the songs.  That will be some great cruisin' music for the '85 Firebird.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Shot Through the Heart And You're To Blame."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"You Give Love a Bad Name"

20th Anniversary Commemoration in McHenry-- Part 2: 'He Needs to Know'

I was also happy to see a really big crowd in attendance.  And, of course there were the three veterans organizations in McHenry: American Legion, VFW and PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans).  And, of course, there were a lot of police and fire fighters present.

The fire department had a huge American flag hanging from a large extendable ladder on one of their trucks.

It was a beautiful day for the ceremony, with blue skies reminding me of the skies over New York and even as the sky was in northeast Illinois that day twenty years ago.

Also a good sign was the ,large number of young kids in attendance, brought there by their parents.  I thanked a nearby Dad whose son was probably five and his dad said, "He needs to know."

The ceremony took place at the gazebo and had long lines of police and fire personnel and veterans lined up along the sidewalks leading to it.

20th Anniversary of 9/11, McHenry, Illinois, Ceremony-- Part 1

Just like twenty years ago, today was letter perfect.  Absolutely beautiful blue sky, comfortable September weather.  Twenty years ago sure didn't live up to expectations.  It was a terrible day in American history.  A sad day.  A day that needs to be remembered.

I went to McHenry, Illinois' Veterans Park for the 20th annual commemoration of that day.  Last year, they had it, but virtually because of you-know-what.

And remember it will judging by the number of young children who were there with their parents.  

Walking to the park, a woman complimented me on my eagle shirt and said that her husband had had one exactly like it.  I also had my USA hat on.  

Yesterday, I had replaced a small worn out U.S. flag by the grave statue with a veteran weeping over it.  Also, the 2 X 3 ft. U.S. flag out by the mailbox.  I already had a 3 X 5 flag flying in front of the house and another one on the gazebo.  

I remember.

One Day to 9/11

My flags are out.  I also plan on being at the 9/11 commemoration at McHenry, Illinois' Veterans Park tomorrow at 9 a.m..

Last night I was at Stucky's and talked with George who is a retired Marine Corps Vietnam aviation colonel.  He was retired from the service then and a pilot with an American airline.  He said that as a member of the Marine reserve, he was notified that morning to report to duty for possible service and had to inform his company that he would not be going to work.

They said that many of their pilots had also called in to say the same thing.

Four Days to 9/11

And, I'm not forgetting.  Hard to believe it was twenty years ago.  Especially this year and August when we essentially wrapped it up in Afghanistan with a loss to the Taliban.  Such a waste.

But a good reason to at least initially get involved.

9/11 is right up there with December 7, 1941, and November 22, 1963.

I'll have my flags out in remembrance and will go to a ceremony at Veterans Park in McHenry, Illinois, at 9 am.

That 80s A to Z Music Weekend Continues on the Drive-- Part 2: 'Lunatic Fringe'

And, like I said in the last post, it streams.  If this is a special decade for you, give it a listen.

I have been recording segments of it on cassette tapes and will go back and rerecord my favorites onto one, two or maybe three cassette tapes for play when I cruise in my newly refurbished 1985 Pontiac Firebird with its tape deck.  I have not yet been recording today, but have enjoyed listening to these songs.

Ones that I WOULD have put on the Greatest Hits tapes are shown with and (*).

*MANDOLIN WIND-- Bruce Hornsby

MAN ON A CORNER--  Genesis

MAMA--  Genesis

*MAJOR TOM (COMING HOME)--  Peter Schilling

MAGIC POWER--  Triumph

*MAGIC--  Cars

*LUNATIC FRINGE--  Red Rider

*LOVIN' EVERY MINUTE OF IT--  Loverboy

LOVE WALKS IN--  Van Halen

*LOVE STINKS--  J. Geils Band

LOVE SONG--  Tesla

*LOVE SHACK--  B-52s

*LOVE MY WAY--  Psychedelic Furs

*LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD--  Pat Benatar

*LOVE IN AN ELEVATOR--  Aerosmith

LOVE BITES--    Def Leppard

Name That Tune (from the above songs):   "You Love Her But She Loves Him."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Love Stinks"

That 80s Music Weekend A to Z Continues on Chicago's Drive-- Part 1: 'Middle of the Road'

They played 1980s music all weekend and are continuing today and are so many that they will continue playing 'em next weekend, starting at 2 pm CSDT on Friday.  These stream so give it a listen at WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive.  

I am recording some sections in  preparation for rerecording them on several 80s Greatest Hits cassette tapes for use in my 1985 Firebird when I do my cruises.  The ones with an asterisk (*) are ones that would have been on my Greatest Hits, but I am not recording right now.

Here are the songs they played since I got on the internet this morning with most recent at the top.

*MISUNDERSTANDING--  Genesis

MISSING YOU--  John Waite

*MINUTES TO MEMORIES--  John Mellancamp

MIDNIGHT RENDEZVOUS-- Babys

*MIDNIGHT BLUE--  Lou Gramm

*MIDDLE OF THE ROAD--  Pretenders

MESSAGE OF LOVE--  Pretenders

MEAN STREET--   Van Halen

MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB--  Stevie Ray Vaughan

MARTHA SAY--  John Mellancamp

MANHATTAN PROJECT--  Rush

*MANEATER--  Hall & Oates

Name That Tune(from the above songs):  "She Only Comes Out At Nights The Lean And Hungry Type."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Maneater"

A Great Weekend of Music on Chicago Radio: 80s Music All Weekend A to Z, 1978 and September 5, 1971

Nothing like sitting out on the Front Porch, Flats, Grand Strand, Gazebo, Lower Deck, Deck or Arboretum here at Key North in Spring Grove and listening to some good music all weekend like we have coming up for this Labor Day.  These are all "outdoor rooms" around the house.

As you can see, I have a lot of places to sit outside when I'm not inside.  Plus, I listen to a lot of music inside down here in the basement in the North Woods area or out in the sun room.

And this weekend, we have the music.  

WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive has an 80s weekend that has already started where they will be playing nothing but songs from that great decade of music, the 80s.  This was the last decade that I really liked most all of the music being played.  Since then, it is about 50% in the recent decades.

Right now, they are in the letter "C".

Then, tomorrow, Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM will spotlight the year 1978 on its Saturday Morning Flashback with Frank E. Lee from 9 am to noon.

Then Sunday, the Drive will take a break from the 80s to go back and play  the songs from September 5, 1971, fifty years ago, on Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots show from 9 am to noon.  These would be songs on the radio and in your record collection from back then.

And, of course, WXRT has Breakfast With the Beatles from 8 am to 10 am.

Time to Get In Some Serious Listening Music.  --RoadDog

Along66, July 2021: Keeping the Mother Road Festival in Springfield, Illinois

JULY 14

Springfield, Illinois, almost lost Route 66 Mother Road Festival.  Always a fun thing.

It returns in September for its 20th year after one year off for the you-know-what.  But, it was an almost wasn't as Bonner Events, which had managed it for so long is stepping away from it.  However, Greg Cooper will take it over.  

This year it will be September 24-26.  Typically it draws between 60,000 and 80,000 people over  three-day run Friday to Sunday.   Other than the Illinois State Fair, it is Springfield's most popular event.

We went to the first two events when it was the Route 66 International Festival and had a great time and was another reason why we ended up getting so hooked on the road and all old roads for that matter.  Since then, we have been to about four of them.

Here's hoping they have it this year as the you-know-what is storming back.

--RoadDog

Along66, July 2021: Gas Station in Commerce for Sale and No Birthplace of 66 Festival for You

JULY 9

Cleanup Day scheduled for July 17 at Allen's Fillin' Station in Commerce, Oklahoma.  The Oklahoma Route 66 Association.  The station at 1019 Main Street and had been used as a small souvenir store and photo op for years.

The cleanup will also include painting.

Owner Bobby Allen announced last summer that the station is for sale because of the death of his wife.

It is not on Route 66,but just off it.  We have not seen it (didn't know about it), but looking at pictures of it, definitely on the radar next time through the area.

I found an article saying the asking price was $30,000, but negotiable.

JULY 12

The Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, is canceled because of the COVID-19 upsurge.  Each year it draws between 60,000 and 70,000 people over its run.

It was scheduled to be August 13 and 14.

Too bad, but that's the time we live in.

--RoadDog