RoadDog's RoadLog Blog: Being my travels down those great two lane highways of this nation as well as news I learn about them from media sources. Since I'm also very interested in historic preservation, there will be a lot of that as well.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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"
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"
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
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
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
