Along66, June 2022: Get a Sneak Look at the Red Cedar Inn

JUNE 23

The Route 66 Association of Missouri's 2022 Motor Tour will now include an exclusive tour of the Red Cedar Inn in Pacific, Missouri.

The former famous restaurant is being convereted into a visitors center, museum and genealogy site.

The tour will be September 23-25 and will run from St. Louis to Lebanon, Missouri.  Cost is $50 for adults.

The Red Cedar Inn was built in 1932 by the Smith Brothers and closed abruptly in 2005.  It is on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

The city of Pacific purchased it in 2017.  In 2020, the Missouri Association assisted in the restoration of the place's neon sign.

Liz and I had planned to have a bite in the place back when we first "found" Route 66 in 2002, but didn't go to it on a couple occasions, and then it was closed.  I always wanted to go into the building so now's a chance.

--RoadDog

37 Years Ago, Route 66 Ended in Joplin, Missouri (the Last Stretch of It in the State)

Frm the July 24, 2022,  KOAM News by Shannon Becker.

On July 24, 1985, the last Route 66 signs came down in Missouri with no ceremony around Joplin.  The other Route 66 shields between Joplin and St. Louis had already been removed by 1977.

The Joplin area was the final portion of  the historic route in Missouri to remove the 66 shields, 37 years ago.

Of course, we already knew that we are coming up on the centennial of the Mother Road's establishment.  It was one of the original U.S. Highways and wasn't paved all the way until 1938.

What caused the death of Route 66 was President Dwight D. Eisenhower's Federal Interstate Highway System.

No single interstate road was designated to replace it.  Route 66  is Interstate 55 from Chicago to  St. Louis, I-44  to Oklahoma City and I-40 to California.

Some states have kept the 66 designation, albeit as state roads.  Missouri, Routes 366, 266 and 66 are all original sections of the highway.

So Sad.  --Road66

Along66, June 2022: Oklahoma Trip Guide, Route 66 Museum of Oklahoma and Doc's Just Off 66

JUNE 15

The latest Oklahoma Route 66 Association Trip Guide is now available.  It is their 2022-2023 edition.  It is free and you can order it or pick it up at many places along the Mother Road in that state.

We have used it many times.  A great source of information and directions.

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JUNE  20

The Route 66 Museum on Clinton, Oklahoma, will be hosting the Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductions and will also feature the Jerry McClanahan photo show.  

Induction is held every two years.

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JUNE 21

Doc;s Just Off 66 in Girard, Illinois, formerly Doc's Soda Fountain has opened to the public.

They have done extensive remodeling and have all-new menus.  They will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 am to 8 pm daily.

A Must Stop.  --RoadDog

Along66, June, 2022: The Will Rogers Museum and 'The World's Ugliest Court House'

JUNE 9

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, is to undergo a $14 million expansion and renovation.  It opened in 1938 and this is the first time major work has been done on it since then.

There will be new exhibits including one featuring movie posetrs from the 1920s and 1930s, including some of Will Rogers' films.

They want to have it all done by 2026, the 100th anniversary of you-know-what.

It is about a mile off Route 66.

Like I Said Before, You Can Always Use More Museums and Neon.

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JUNE 14

"The World's Ugliest Court House" is on Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, and has been placed on Landmarks Illinois' Endangered List.

The Will County Court House is located on the southbound lanes of an alignment of Route 66.

It was built in 1969 and is in danger of demolition since the county is not showing any interest in it these days.

The original 1887 court house was torn down when they built this one.

It sure is an ugly structure, though.

--RoadDog

Welcome to DeKalb (Illinois) Arches Built in 1922

July 1922.

"Through the efforts of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce the large arch west of DeKalb on the Lincoln Highway will be completed within the next few days.

"The area bearing the inscription "DEKALB" will be identicle to the one  eracted at the eastern entrance to DeKalb a few weeks ago.  When finished,  the two arches will make the entrances to DeKalb very interesting."

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They are no longer there, but it would be neat to have them reconstructed.  The arch in Dixon looks quite impressive.

--RoadDog

Hey, a 2 Cent Drop in Gas! (Back in 1922)

From the July 20, 2022, Midweek "Looking Back" for DeKalb County, Illinois.

July 20, 1922

"Two cents a gallon is the drop in price announced today by the Standard Oil Company that is effective today.  This will bring the price of fuel to 23.2 cents per gallon.

"The announcement will be greeted with much joy by the many tourists and people planning to take auto trips.

"The former price had been effective for several months and many people thought it had been fixed as a standard price.    The drop will be a big saving to many people."

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You know what they say about gas and taxes.  Sadly, that's about what it drops here in July 2022, about 2 cents a gallon every 3-4 days.  It sure went up to $6 quite quickly.

And a 2 cent drop from 25 cents is a bit different from a 2 cent drop from $5.60.

Even Back Then.  --RoadGas

How Much Does It Cost to Ferry Cross Lake Michigan?

I have been writing about places to go and things to do in and around the two places to which the SS Badger sails, Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  And, there sure is a lot to do.

But. that brings to mind the question about how much does it cost?

Both your vehicle and passengers have to pay a fee.

VEHICLES:  $78 one way, $140 round trip.

ADULTS:  $71 one way,  $129 round trip.

SENIORS:  $64 one way, $116 round trip.

There is an additional $7 security fee.

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DEPARTURES May 12 to October 16

Ludington (Eastern Time)  9:00 a.m.   Arrive Manitowoc (Central Time)  12:00 p.m.

Manitowoc   2:00 p.m.     Arrive Ludington   7:00 p.m.

All Aboard.  --RoadShip

Two Other Things to See in Manitowoc

From Wikipedia.

**  WISCONSIN MARITIME MUSEUM

The museum was founded in the 1960s by former submariners and civic people to  commemorate the role the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company played in building 28 Gato and  Balao-class sunmarines during World War II.  

In 1970, the U.S. Navy donated  the USS Cobia to the museum.  The Cobia is a Gato-class submarine like those constructed in Manitowoc  (but it was built in Groton, Connecticut, by the Electric Boat Company).

**  EIGHTH STREET HISTORIC   DISTRICT

Manitowoc's old downtown with many historic buildings.

**  A PIECE OF THE RUSSIAN SPUTNIK 4 SOVIET SPACE SATELLITE

On  September 5, 1962, a 20-pound piece of the 7 ton Sputnik 4 crashed  in North 8th Street.  A cast was made of the original fragment before the Soviets claimed it and is displayed at the Rahr Art Museum in  town.  A metal ring marks the location of where it landed.

Someone jokingly remarked that they should have a festival  in the crash's honor and the first one was, Sputnikfest, held in 2008.  The 2022 edition will be held Saturday, September 10 from noon to 9 p.m..

Keep An Eye to the Sky.  --RoadNik

Ferry Cross Lake Michigan-- Part 2: Some More Things to Do Around Manitowoc, Wisconsin (Try a 'Dead and Breakfast'for a Change)

DEAD BY DAWN  in downtown Manitowoc.  Do not expect a restful sleep here.  Innkeepers turn every "dead and breakfast" stay into a Halloween-style haunting in an 1851 building  that has a paranormal history.

Reserve a seat at the Shrunken Head Bar to learn more.  Maybe even have a drink if you're not too scared.

WEST OF THE LAKE GARDEN:  Admission is free and explore six acres on a former street car right-of-way in Manitowoc.  It is a pretty and restful place to while away an afternoon.

HAMILTON WOOD TYPE AND PRINTING MUSEUM in Two Rivers, studies,preserves and prints with type made from wood.  No other museum is devoted to wood type and Hamilton Manuafacturing was the nation's largest producer of it.

--RoadDog

Ferry Cross Lake Michigan, Things to Do in Manitowoc, Wi.--Part 1: Art, Golf and a Farm

On the other side of Lake Michigan from Ludington as the ferry (SS Badger) runs, is Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Here are some things there to experience:

**  The ART PRESERVE, near Sheboygan is the world's first museum devoted to artist0built environments.  Most were made by artists without formal art training.  One of them is the James Tellen Sculpture Park near lakeside Kohler-Andrae State Park.

**  WHISTLING STRAITS, site of golfing's 2021 Ryder Cup is 560 acres along the Lake Michigan shore is near Haven.  You can tee off or dine at the golf course restaurant with all those gorgeous views.

**  FARM WISCONSIN DISCOVERY CENTER near Manitowoc is all about field to farm heritage production and diversity.  There are interactive exhibits, a gift ship and a cafe.  Admission includes a dairy farm tour.

--RoadDog

Ferry Cross the Lake, Some More Things in Ludington, Mi.-- Part 2: Ice Cream, Cheeseburgers and Dune Buggies

HOUSE OF FLAVORS:  Dip into some fresh-as-it-gets ice cream here in downtown Ludington.  This third-generation family business makes 25 million gallons of the stuff annually right next door to their place.

VALUE OF SPORTS at WHITE PINE VILLAGE:  Artifacts and stories of extraordinary athletes are more about character and life lessons than competition results.  Thirty historic buildings on site at the White Pine Village.

MAC WOOD'S DUNE RIDES:   Operating for 92 years.  You get open-air and up-close views of Michigan's sand dunes.  Or you can rent a vehicle in Silver Lake  -- aka "Dune Town" to explore on your own.

COUNTRY DAIRY:  Located about half way between Ludington and Muskegon (where the Lake Express, the other ferry across the lake, ferry docks in Michigan.    Try the cheeseburgers at this 4th generation business near New Era.  Everything is made with the farm's meat and cheese.  Orders come with a free pint of milk.  Cafe and market carries a Christian theme.  Farm tours are offered.

I Need My Milk.  --RoadBurger

Ferry Cross the Lake on Da Badger: What to See and Do in Ludington, Mi.-- Part 1

BORTELL'S FISHERIES:  A 15-minute drive from Ludington is a rural, 6th generation family business selling smoked and fried fish sold by the pound.  Seating is outside picnic tables.

SUMMIT PARK: Give the half-pound of smelt with fries a shot and watch the sunset.

CARTIER MANSION:  A room at the converted stable of the 1905 mansion built for a lumber baron and have breakfast featuring a sausage made with the chef's 22-ingredients.

SABLE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS ASSOCIATION:  Members are eligible to tend a Lake Michigan Lighthouse for one or two weeks.   Membership costs $60 for one person, or $100 for a family.  That includes free admission to four lights:  Big Sable, Little Sable, Ludington and White River.

That Would Be Interesting to Tend a Lighthouse.   But, I Don't Know About Those Stairs.  --RoadDog

Ferry Cross the Lake (Michigan)-- Part 4: Last of a Kind

Both the Badger and Spartan were were built with reinforced hull for ice-breaking. It was originally used to carry railroad cars, passengers and cars between the two sides of the lake all year long.  Today the ferry connects the segments of U.S. Highway 10 between the two cities  from May to October.

Launched  September 6, 1952, the SS Badger entered service March 21, 1953,  for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway.

The railroad car ferry service concept on Lake Michigan was facing serious economic problems in the 1980s and by November 1988 the Badger was the only vessel running.  In 1990, the Badger was laid up

After sitting idle for a year, the Badger and two other ferries were purchased by  Charles F. Conrad who undertook a major overhaul  of the ship to refit itfor passenger and car service only.

The Badger is the last  large coal-burning  steamship in the United States and is the last vessel on the Great Lakes to be powered by Skinner Unaflow engines.

On average, the Badger completes a trip across Lake Michigan in four hours, covering 60 miles.

--RoadFerry

Ferry Cross the Lake-- Part 3: On Da Badger

Gerry and the Pacemakers used to "Ferry Cross the Mersey," well you can ferry across the lake (as in Michigan) on the ferry.  As in the SS Badger.

Also, there is a song about it.  Go to You Tube and check out the Happy Schnapps Combo's "On Da Badger."

From Wikipedia.

SS BADGER is a pasenger/car ferry that has been in service on Lake Michigan since 1953.  Currently  the ship shuttles between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowac, Wisconsin, a distance of 62 miles and connects US Highway 10 between those two cities.

It is the last coal-fired passenger vessel operating on the Great Lakes and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2016.

The ship is named for the University of Wisconsin's athletic teams, the Badgers.

It runs on a seasonal basis between May and October.

It was constructed as a rail car ferry in 1952 by the Christy Corporation of  Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and she had a sister ship, the SS Spartan.  (The Spartan was named after the athletic teams of Michigan State.)

--RoadBadger

Ferry Cross the Lake-- Part 2: U.S. Highway 10 Crosses Lake Michigan on the SS Badger

The route the SS Badger takes across Lake Michigan is an extension of U.S. Highway 10.  This highway now runs from North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin to Michigan.  At one time it ran from Detroit, Michigan all the way through the current states and then through Montana, the Idaho Panhandle to Seattle, Washington, but lost most of its length as interstates (I-90 and I-94) were built on its right-of-way.

This is roughly the same route that U.S. Highway 12 covers.

It used to be broken into two segments by Lake Michigan, but in 2015, the ferry SS Badger between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin,  was officially designated as part of the highway.  The ferry operates from May to October.

The eastern terminus of US-10 is in Bay City, Michigan, and the western is  is in the city of West Fargo, North Dakota at the interchange with I-94.

--RoadDog

Ferry Cross the Lake (Michigan) and Avoiding Chicago

From the June 26, 2022, Chicago Tribune "Ferry Fun:  Lake Michigan car ferries make for enjoyable Midwest getaways, plus 16 things to do once you land" by Mary Bergin.

If you want to take a non-interstate drive around Lake Michigan and follow the shoreline, that easily exceeds 1,000 miles and 18 hours of road-driving time.  That is no vacation for the driver or travelers low in leisure time.

But, there is another option available.  Take the ferry, or, in this case, two ferries, to cross Lake Michigan.  This is a great and different way to make the tour and cut into some if that driving time.  And especially time lost by driving through or around Chicago.

You can sail one or both ways across the lake on the SS Badger, a National Historic Landmark, that is the nation's last coal-fired passenger steamship.    This ferry goes between Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Ludington, Michigan.

Instead of watching the roads and hazards, you can play bingo, watch movies, nap in a stateroom or roam around the ship and visit the on board museum and gift ship.  Or, you can just gaze at the lake, catch some rays and avoid getting seasick.

The other ferry is the Lake Express which goes between Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Muskegon, Michigan.

--RoadDogFerry

Along66, June 2022: A New Neon Sign in Tulsa and the Will Rogers Museum

JUNE 8

Josey Records' animated neon sign in Tulsa is the 40th business to receive a grant under the city's Route 66 grant program.

It is at 1020 S. Rockford Avenue at East 11th Street (Route 66).

That Tulsa is one gung-ho Route 66 city!!  It is always GOOD to have more neon!!

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JUNE 9

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, is to undergo a $14 million expansion and renovation.  It opened in 1938 and this is the first time this has happened since then.

It will feature new exhibits.  One is a poster collection from the 1920s and 1930s including some of his films.

They are trying to have it completed by 2026, the 100th anniversary of the road.

But, You Knew That Already.  --RoadDog

Along66, June 2022: Casper's Diner and a Packard Ride in Sapulpa

JUNE 2

Casper's Diner to move out of downtown quonset hut to another location in Springfield, Missouri.

They are  moving from 601 W. Walnut Street and will reopen in the old Anton's Coffee Shop on 937 S. Gemstone in late summer or early fall.

It first opened in 1909 and is one of the oldest restaurants.  It has only, however, been in the quonset hut for 37 of those years.  One of its earlier locations was at 1901 Gemstone.

It advertises itself as "The Oldest Diner on Route 66" but is actually located two blocks from it.  (Probably why I never saw it before.)  Also, Ike's Chili in Tulsa started in 1908.

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JUNE 5

The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is offering rides in their century old Packard.  The drive goes for a half hour and costs $11 a head.

Their Packard has long been on display at the place.  Packards are considered one of the finest cars ever made.

The museum also has that new 66-ft tall faux gasoline pump.

Thinking about taking a ride next time through and having a bite to eat at Casper's.

--RoadDog

Along66, May/June 2022: Route 66 Commission in Oklahoma, the Plainsman Coffeeshop Sign

I take these from the Route 66 News blog site.  This site has daily updates about what is going on along our favorite old road.  Its entries are longer and even have pictures.  I only take the stories of most interest to me.  I highly recommend you visit the site for a better knowledge.

MAY 31

The Oklahoma Route 66 Commission became law after the legislature overrode the governor's veto.  Good for them.

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JUNE 1

The Plainsman Coffee Shop neon sign in Holbrook, Arizona, has been taken down.  The place has been long-closed, 2009.  It is located at 1001 W. Hopi Drive (Route 66.

The place was built in 1966.

It didn't seem that anyone really knows who got the sign.

I am hoping some group that will keep it so that people can see it.  I hate when they go into private collections.

--RoadDog

Getaway to Lebanon, Missouri-- Part 2: And Don't Forget the Munger-Moss

**  Hike at Bennett Springs State Park

**  Nostalgic eats at  Swiss Inn Drive In.  Everything is essentially the way it was 55 years ago.

**  Antiquing along the Antique Trail to places like the Vintage Flower Market, Route 66  Antique Mall and  Marketplace or The Rooster Marketplace and then grab a  brown bag lunch special and a side at Wrink's Market.

**  Make it a weekend and stay at the Manor House Inn, formerly the Lenz HoMoTel with six  memorable rooms to stay in.  (I imagine a B&B.)

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Of course, they didn't say anything about what I consider the #1 attraction in town and that would be the Munger-Moss Motel.

--RoadDog

Getaway to Lebanon, Missouri

From the July 202 417 Magazine by Jamie Thomas and  Zachary Raines.

That great Route 66 town in Missouri.

A list of things-to-do while you're there.

**    Boswell Park:  Three large Route 66 murals, Camp Joy cabin and, of course, the Nelson Dream Fountain.

**  Route 66 Museum and Research Center:  In the Lebanon-Laclede County Library.  Recreations and lots of Route 66 history.

**   Mother's Garden:    Small park with fountains and walkways.

**  June  & Beyond Boutique:  An amazing variety of clothes.

**  Madison Street Grill:    Lunch or dinner.  All sorts of great steaks and seafood.

**  Float the Niangua River:    Four to 14 miles, two to eight hour trips.

--RoadDog

Along66, May 2022: Motels Closing in Needles and the Black Experience on Route 66 Pre-1960s

MAY 27

Two Route 66 motels in Needles are forced to close within a year.

The River Valley Inn on 66 has been cited with unsafe conditions.  It was built in 1963.

Also the Best Motel (which is not so best these days).

Both were red-tagged last June and showed no improvement.

Sad when a motel has to close, but sometimes there is no alternative.

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MAY 30

Interactive Metaverse Exhibit os coming to Springfield, Illinois, and will involve the Negro Green Book.  It will be located in a former Texaco station at 737 E. Cook Street, now called Route History Museum.

It will primarily be about the experiences Blacks living along Route 66 and those traveling on it back before the 1960s which was not such a wonderful thing for them.  

The Negro Green Book, published from the 1930s to 1960s, listed establishments which would serve them and where they would not receive racist treatment.  It also listed "Sundown Towns" where a black person could not be after sundown.

A Sad Chapter in Our History.  --RoadDog

Time for Some More Summer Music- Part 4: 'Surfin' USA'

Let's keep that fun feeling going.  One more round of summer songs.

SUMMER BREEZE--  Seals & Crofts

BUS STOP--  Hollies   One of my favorite British Invasion bands.

WAKE UP SUNSHINE--   Chicago

ONE SUMMER DREAM--  ELO

SUMMERTIME--  Big Brother & the Holding Company    You know, Janis.

SITTING IN THE MIDDAY SUN--  Kinks

SURFIN' USA--  Beach Boys

SUMMER MEANS FUN--  Bruce & Terry

SUMMER IN THE CITY--  Lovin' Spoonful

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "All That Summer We Enjoyed It, Wind And Rain And Shine."  Answe below.  --RoadDog

"Bus Stop"