Making the Most of a Change of Plans: A Historical Marker in the Cold, Cold, Cold

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

I had planned to be in DeKalb and attend the NIU Huskies Spring Football game and spend the night, but the weather sure didn't cooperate.  It was 30 to 35 degrees with a blustery wind blowing the cold right into you.  We also had alternating rain/sleet and even snow.  Complete yuck.  

I was glad I decided to change my plans.  Sitting out in those open flat fields around DeKalb in the cold is just not a good idea.

Worked on blogs and listened to the radio.

At 11:10 am, I drove over to Fox Lake to be at the dedication of a new historical marker (or History on a Stick as some call it).  I had been told it was going to be at the Fox Lake shopping plaza and along Grand Avenue, but didn't see anything there.  Drove through the plaza and saw a group of people freezing out by the gazebo in Millennium Park on Rollins Road and drove over to check them out.

They were the ones dedicating the marker and there was also something going on for Earth Day as well.  They were getting ready to walk over to the marker, but I decided to drive back to it.  It was seriously miserable weather as forecast.

Waited in the nice warm car until they came then ventured outside and immeduately wished I had worn warmer clothes.  That was serious cold being blown onto us by a brisk wind.

--RoadFroze

Okay, First Plans Don't Work Out, So Time to Improvise

This past weekend did not work out as I had planned, mostly because of weather.  I had been going to go out to DeKalb, Illinois, for the NIU Spring Football Game on Saturday, but the weather sure didn't cooperate.  Temps were around 30 degrees with sleet, rain and snow (thankfully no accumulation) and a blustery wind which blew it right through you.

There was no way I was going to sit outside for any length of time.

I was also going to go from DeKalb and spend several days out at one of my favorite towns along the Mississippi River (and on the Lincoln Highway as is DeKalb), Clinton, Iowa.  I would be driving the Lincoln Highway there.  

From there I was going to Galena, Illinois for several days and attend the dedication of a bust honoring Sgt. Henry Taylor of Galena who received a Medal of Honor for his actions at Vicksburg during the Civil War this Saturday.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 21

I went over to pal Frank and Liane's place and had an excellent steak dinner and watched shows on Netflix before going to the Fox Lake American Legion for pull tabs and found out that the Fox Lake Historical Society and the village were dedicating a historical marker tomorrow.

Since I had already decided not to go to the football game, I decided to go history.

--RoadWeather

About Illinois' Heritage Corridor Destinations

Same source as last three posts.

Heritage Corridor Destinations (formerly known as the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau) is dedicated to promoting tourism in LaSalle, Grundy, Will, Putnam, Bureau and Livingston counties.  It works to attract visitors to the region, promote local businesses and organizations, and boost economic development.

The Heritage Corridor markets the region to potential visitors, both domestically and internationally.  

The focus is on overnight and group travel to maximize the economic impact of tourism for communities.  The organization works with municipalities, hotels, restaurants and other entities to highlight the region's unique cultural, historical and natural attractions.

This group was one of the two main ones promoting Scott Slocum's Great American Road Trip on Route 66 from end-to-end, Chicago to Santa Monica.

--RoadTrip

About That First Hundred Miles of Route 66 in Illinois

From same source as last three posts.

The First Hundred Miles is a comprehensive tourism brand, linking the communities between Chicago and Pontiac in Illinois.  At TheFirstHundredMiles.com, you'll find feature articles dedicated to noteworthy attractions, lists of fan favorite restaurants, inspiring photo galleries and comprehensive business listings.  

You'll also find convenient maps and pre-built road-trip iteneraries, directing you to popular boutique shops, sprawling nature preserves and delicious dining destinations.

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MY OBSERVATIONS

Downtown Chicago, the beginning point of Route 66 in Illinois has its attractions, including the Sears Tower (I don't call it by the other name), Union Station and, of course, Lou Mitchell's.  However, from there it goes through a rather dangerous area and suburban sprawl has really wiped out most of the rest of it until you get to Joliet.

--RoadHundred

Cross Country Great American Road Trip This Week and Next-- Part 3: Red Carpet Corridor Festval

Whether you're looking to chart a cross-country trip from Chicago to Santa Monica,or simply experienece a unique getaway that's close to home, the First Hundred Miles of Route 66 is the best place to start your journey.

This famed trek takes you off the interstate and encourages you to explore the communities that line the Mother Road.  From the hustle and bustle of Chicago's awe-inspiring Magnificent Mile to the picturesque farmland of Central Illinois. 

The First Hundred Miles of the original two-lane blacktop is lined with throwback diners, fascinating museums and some of the most popular photo ops you'll find along the entire route.

And, remember, May 6 and 7, just a couple weeks away, the stretch between Joliet and Bloomington-Normal is having their  annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival.  Every town has events going on.  

Lots of Fun.  --RoadRed

Cross Country Broadcast on 66-- Part 2

Radio personality Scott Slocum, who has the morning show at WJOL 1340 AM, will make dozens of stops to record interviews with legendary people along the Mother Road to intersperse with the live interviews from each morning broadcast.  

He'll also play interviews conducted at some of the best places along The First Hundred Miles, including the incredible new Route 66-themed Harvester Park in Burr Ridge, Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in Willowbrook, the Old Route 66 Family Restaurant in Dwight (which he did today) and more.

The WJOL Great American Road Trip is fueled by The First Hundred Miles, Heritage Destinations and Enjoy Illinois.  Go to The First Hundred Miles on Facebookfor bonus articles featuring some of the great attractions that will be featured during the Great American Road Trip.

--RoadTrip

Take a Cross Country Broadcast on Rt. 66 Starting Next Week-- Part 1

From the April 8, 2023, Northwest Herald (McHenry County, Illinois) "Catch cross-country broadcast of Great American Road Trip" by Ryan Searl.

Join WJOL 1340 AM morning radio host Scott Slocum on an iconic road trip across America, via the legendary Route 66.

Starting this Minday, April 24, Slocum will embark on a two-week trip traveling the entirety of Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, California.  This is brought to you by The First Hundred Miles and Heritage Corridor Destinations.

The trip will begin with a live broadcast from the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Illinois, and will conclude Friday, May 5, in Santa Monica.

Slocum will broadcast 10 morning shows from notable locations along Route 66 as he makes his cross-country trip.  In addition to Pontiac, broadcasts will take place in Collinsville, Illinois; Joplin, Missouri; Oklahoma City; Amarillo, Texas; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Sedona, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; Victorville, California;and Santa Monica, capping his odyssey.  Well, Sedona and Las Vegas not actually on the Mother Road.

I Must Admit to Being a Bit Jealous of This Guy.  Lucky Dog.  --RoadWishingDog

Drive-In Theaters Featured in My Cooter's History Thing Blog

I will be writing about drive-in theaters in my Cooter's History Thing blog this upcoming week.  They have had a resurgence compliments of the pandemic of late.

I will be highlighting several, including Route 66's 66 Drive-In Theatre near Carthage, Missouri, and also the one near me in McHenry County, Illinois.

--Road-In

Roadside Attractions on Illinois Route 66's First Hundred Miles

From the February 12, 2022, Northwest (McHenry County, Illinois) Herald "Discover roadside attractions along old Route 66" by Ryan Searl.

JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM AND ROUTE 66 WELCOME CENTER

204 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet.

Life-size statues of the Blues Brothers -- "Joliet" Jake and Elwood Blues -- are photo-ready at the Joliet Historical Museum's interpretive Route 66 Welcome Center kiosk.

While there, you can climb into the white, drop-top convertible in the drive-in display, a photo-worthy exhibit complete with classic carhop and Route 66 signage.

Don't forget to visit the gift shop and load up on a great selection of Route 66 memorabilia.

--RoadDog

Music to Go Cruisin' in 1974: 'Another Park, Another Sunday'

From Bob Stroud's April 13, 2023, Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, The Drive, Classic Rock.  These were all songs from 1974.  That's 49 years ago to you and me.

CALL ON ME--  Chicago

ROCK AND ROLL HOOCHIE COO--  Rick Derringer

PRETZEL LOGIC--  Steely Dan

ANOTHER PARK, ANOTHER SUNDAY--  Doobie Brothers

OL' 55--  Eagles

BRIDGE OF SIGHS--  Robin Trower

MOVIN' ON--  Bad Company

STAR BABY--  Guess Who

COME MONDAY--  Jimmy Buffett

COME AND GET YOUR LOVE--  Redbone

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Headin' Out to San Francisco For the Labor Day Weekend Show."  Answer below.  --Road'74

"Come Monday"

Regional Foods That Should Be in Military MREs-- Part 2: Musabi, Pepperoni Rolls and Cincinnati Chili

5.  Hawaiian Spam Musubi--  Regardless of what you think about SPAM, in Hawaii, its the bomb.  Musubi is fried or grilled SPAM on a bed of rice held together by  nori seaweed.

6.  Low Country Shrimp and Grits (South)

7.  West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls

8.  New Mexico Green Chili Stew

9.  Upstate New York's Utica Greens--  Any kind of leafy green sauteed in chicken broth and mixed with other items.

10.  Alaskan Akutiq--  Sometimes known as Alaskan ice cream

11.  Cincinnati Chili

I'd Like to Try Them All.  --RoadFood

Regional Foods That Should be in MREs-- Part 1: Crab Cakes and Biscuits & Gravy

From the April 21, 2022, We Are the Mighty  "11 regional foods we'd like to see in MREs" by Blake Stilwel.

He sure did a great job picking these.  I'd like to have them in anything, not just Meals Ready to Eat.

I did not recognize some of them and will tell what they are.  The ones I know, I just listed.

1.  A better Buffalo Wing.

2.  Baltimore Crab Cakes

3.  Southern-style biscuits and gravy

4.  South Dakota Chislic--  Grilled or fried chunks of meat, usually game or lamb, but can be beef.  Topped with seasoned salt or garlic salt and eaten with toothpicks.  And, don't forget the saltines.

--RoadDog

Along66, March 2023: Bringing Back the Meramec River Bridge and Saving the Santa Monica Pier

MARCH 5

Missouri budget plans include $6 million to rebuild the bridge at Route 66 State Park outside of St. Louis near Eureka.  It will be a pedestrian bridge.  

It is 20 feet wide and 1,008 feet long and closed October 2009 and the driving surface removed.

Known as the Meramec River Bridge and was built at Times Beach in 1932.  Times Beach was evacuated in the 1980s because of dioxin contaminant.

The main office of the park is at the former Steiny's Inn restaurant.

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MARCH 6

Santa Monica Pier was saved from destruction fifty years ago.  It opened in 1909 to carry sewage pipes out to sea.    By 1916, it started looking as it does today.

Sure glad they kept it.

--RoadDog

Going Back to 1973-- Part 3: "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'

Fifty years ago was quite busy for me.  I graduated from NIU, got married, bought my first car, got my first apartment and started a teaching career that lasted for 33 years.  These were songs that I sure associate with that time.

DANCING DAYS--  Led Zeppelin

LET'S GET IT ON--  Marvin Gaye  (Whenever I hear this song, I can't help but think about that episode in "King of Queens" when they went to the B&B.)

ROCKY MOUNTAIN WAY--  Joe Walsh

NO MORE MR. NICE GUY-- Alice Cooper

GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD--  Elton John

SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT--  Bruce Springsteen

JET--  Paul McCartney

HOCUS POCUS--  Focus

MONTANA--  Frank Zappa

WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND--  Grand Funk Railroad

ALL THE WAY FROM MEMPHIS--  Mott the Hoople

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I've Been Really Tryin', Baby."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Let's Get It On"

Going Back to 1973-- Part 2: 'Such a Night'

1973.  That's fifty years ago for those of you counting.

GET UP STAND UP-- Bob Marley & the Wailers

WALKIN' THE DOG--  Aerosmith

KARN EVIL  #9 PART 2--  Emerson, Lake & Palmer

SUCH A NIGHT--  Dr. John

TUESDAY'S GONE--  Lynyrd Skynurd

 SHOWDOWN--  ELO

HOUSE PARTY--  J. Geils Band

KODACHROME--  Paul Simon  (Did he really learn crap in high school?)

SOUTHBOUND--  Allman Brothers Band

LONG TRAIN RUNNING--  Doobie Brothers

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When I Think Back On All The Crap I learned In High School.:  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Kodachrome"

Going Back to 1973-- Part 1: 'Lake Shore Drive'

From the April 8, 2023, WXRT 93.1 FM Saturday Morning Flashback show with Johnny Mars.

This streams and plays for until noon CDST.

It started at 9.

5:15--  Who

DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT--  King Harvest

TWO HANGMEN--  Mason Proffit  (This band played a lot at NIU when I was there so are a personal favorite.  I have all of their albums.)

DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO--  Rolling Stones

HYPNOTIZED--  Fleetwood Mac

THE JEAN GENIE--  David Bowie

LIVING FOR THE CITY--  Stevie Wonder

BRAIN DAMAGE/CLIPSE--  Pink Floyd

LAKE SHORE DRIVE--  Alliotta, Haynes & Jeremiah   (One great song about Chicago.  And, it will always be Lake Shore Drive to me, not that new name for the outer lanes, much like the situation with Comiskey Park and the Sears Tower.)

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "As I Rode Into Tombstone On My Horse Whose Name Is Mac."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Two Hangmen"

Along66, March 2023: How About That Illinois Route 66!!

I take these from the Route 66 News site.  I just pick the entries of most interest to me.  But, this site has new content every day and covers the whole road.  It also includes pictures, video and more information.  I strongly recommend it for any of you who are into the Mother Road.

MARCH 2

A new Route 66-themed mural will be unveiled at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois.  It has ten panels and stretches 40 feet long.  It will be displayed on the left side of the entrance.

And, as I have said before, along with neon and museums, you can never have too many murals.

MARCH 3

The American Giants Museum is planned for Atlanta, Illinois.  It will be an effort of Mr. Muffler man, Joe Baker.  The museum will be almost directly across from Atlanta's muffler man, the Bunyan Giant.

Now, if we could just get that smiley face off the water tower, things will be fine in Atlanta.

--RoadDog

Along66, Feb. 2023: The Boots' All the Way Open and Illinois' Red Carpet Corridor Expands

FEBRUARY 20

All 13 rooms at the Boots Court Motel in Carthage, Missouri, are now available for overnight stays.  And remember, none other than the famous Clark Gable stayed there in Room 6.

The place came close to being demolished in the early 2000s.

It was built in 1939 by Arthur Boots.  I know a place I'll stay the next time through.

FEBRUARY 27

Illinois' Red Carpet Corridor Festival adds a second day of fun and Bloomington-Normal have now joined.  It will be May 6-7.

It starts in Joliet, goes through 14 communities and covers 100 miles to Bloomington-Normal.

Each community has activities going on during it.  The towns:  Joliet, Elwood, Wilmington, Braidwood, Godley, Braceville, Gardner, Dwight, Odell, Pontiac, Chenoa, Lexington, Normal and Bloomington.  

I haven't been for awhile, but maybe this year if the weather cooperates.

Maybe Room 6 or Was It 66?  --RoadDog

Along66, Feb. 2023: Threatt Filling Station and Sugar Grove Nature Center

FEBRUARY 13

Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma, may open to public as an interpretive center by June.

It was built by Allen Threatt in 1915 and served as a place black tourists could get gas and services during the Jim Crow era.  I am glad they are doing something with it as this is an underlooked aspect of travel in the United States.

When we drove by it, we had no idea of the importance of the place.  It looked like just another run-down building along 66.

FEBRUARY 16

Sugar Grove Nature Center at Funk's Grove, Illinois, has sudden layoffs of staff.  There was no warning.  This consists of 1,000 acres of preserved forest.

It is the largest intact prairie grove in the State of Illinois.  Sadly, I have never been there.

--RoadDog

Got My Irish On for Two Weeks-- Part 5: McHenry's Sham-Rock the Fox and the Usual Bars

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

Enjoyed and recorded Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots which was to Jethro Tull's Aqualung album released this week way back when.  One of my favorite albums.

Went to my last day of my two week St, Patrick's celebration.  Drove to McHenry for Day 3 of their St. Patrick;s celebration "Sham-Rock the Fox."  This was quite a bit less than yesterday's party, which was okay for me.  

I went down to Miller Park and watched the band Onset play in the big tents and then to the PLAV for $2.75 Bloody Marys and then to the McHenry American Legion for the $3 rail drinks.  Then to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove for the $1 Hamm's pints.

Wartched March Madness at the last two places and home at Margaritaville.

--RoadO'Dog