Savannah Bound-- Part 7: No Flight, Found Lost Book

Still April 3, Wednesday

It rained the whole time I was in Milwaukee.  Lots of puddles at the airport.  The pilot said they were readying to leave, but a minute later said a gauge was not checking out, but they were working on it.  Several minutes later, he came back on and said that everyone would have to deplane while they went further with there investigating.

But, he was certain they'd have it righted shortly.  

After we were all off, an announcement was made that the flight was cancelled.  

Oh boy.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get any information on my cell phone and there was a huge line at the gate wit people making other plans.

I decided to go home and made that long walk down the terminal, past the TSA check point and out to the front area.  I figured that as long as I was there and that Renaissance Books was open, I'd go there and see if I had left the book I had bought what seemed like many years ago, might be there.

The owner came over to the checkout counter and I told him what had happened, but before I could name the book I'd lost, he held it up.  I had forgotten the book at the counter after I had paid for it and the gal there hadn't noticed until I was gone.

Mystery solved and the mess at the gate had at least allowed me to get my book back.

Reading Material.  --RoadBook

Savannah Bound-- Part 6: Boarding a Plane and On My Way

At 1:45 a plane drew up to our gate and a lot of people got off.  Most were pulling carry-ons or toting back packs.  

After awhile, we started boarding.  Boarding goes by group.  Guess which of these nine groups I was in?

Listed in order of when called to board:

Free Board (persons with children or needing help

Active/retired military

First Class

Diamond Medallion

Travelers Class

Sky Priority

Main 1

Main 2

Main 3

Being somewhat of a peon, I got on with the last group.  Most people got on in the last three groups.

But, at least I'm on the plane and waiting to leave.  I found that I had a screen in front of me with lots of movies offered and started watching it.

Last On, But On My Way (Or So I Thought).  --RoadFlying

Savannah Bound-- Part 5: Where's My Gate, Cell Phones

April 3

I am on Concourse D and had seen at Gate 49.  It was at the end of a long hallway which then split and went in two directions.  I looked at a sign which told which gates were where.  But, no Gate 49.  One direction said Gates 36 to 48 and the other sign said Gates 51 to 58.  Walked around a bit, but didn't find any Gate 49.  Looked at my ticket again.

Oh, Gate 47.  I now knew where my gate was.

I had worked up a hunger and since there is very little food on the planes anymore, I went to a place and bought a $7 giant bagel with cream cheese.  Very filling.

I found out that my flight had been delayed 44 minutes.  No problem with my connection however.  Still had plenty of time in Atlanta to get tom my next gate.  Pretty much all Delta flights go through Atlanta.

So, I missed reading my book that I had somehow misplaced and sat at the gate watching people.  Everyone was on their cell phones.  But one guy was on a smart phone, but put it away and pulled out a book to read.  Whoa!!  What's this?  Then I saw he was charging his cell phone but evidently had a backup plan.

More and more people showed up and soon they announced that there was going to be a problem with carry on storage and they would check your carryon through to your destination with no charge.  I volunteered my piece.  However, my glasses were in it and I found that to be a problem when I got to Atlanta.  Everyone had carryon luggage.

--Still in the Airport.  --RoadDog

Savannah Bound-- Part 4: Now the Fun Starts

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3rd

Left the bookstore and quickly encountered the TSA security check in line.  Again, no line and had to produce my driver's license and begin disrobing.  Off came the belt, shoes, wallet, everything in my pockets, my sweatshirt, cell phone and then came the full body scan.

I tell you, it is enough to discombobulate you.  And it sure did.  I was able to sit down and redress and get everything together, but wait a minute.  Something is missing.  Where is that book I just bought?  Checked all over.  No book.  Went back to the TSA check in line and after awhile got someone's attention as to my plight and was told they would ask the other agents.  Waited a while and no response, so asked another one who said they had not found it.

Little did I know at the time, but this was the very beginning of happy times in the airport.  Just as I had feared.  

With a sad heart at my loss, I started down the hallway to my gate.

--RoadDog

Savannah Bound-- Part 3: So Far, So Good and a Good Book

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3rd

At first everything went well at the Milwaukee Airport, even though I had to do some looking to find the Saver Parking Lot, but eventually did and got my ticket and there was a bus waiting right where I parked and took me and a couple other people to our check-in areas on the lower level.  I got off at Delta and approached the check-in, worried that I would have a line or have to mess with those kiosks.  I am not very good at kiosks.

There was no line at the counters and walked right up, gave them my name and they gave me both boarding tickets I would be needing today.

So far, no problem.  Even my suitcase was proper carry-on size.  

I went up the escalator and there was a place I was hoping would be there, the Renaissance Book Store that I remembered from previous flights out of Milwaukee.  This is an old-time bookstore selling all sorts of used books, especially two whole sets of shelves on Civil War books.  And, I had plenty of time to look for a book.  I bought a $12.50 book and the life and times of Charles Read, CSN, who had quite a distinguished career in the Confederate Navy.  It was titled "Sea Wolf of the Confederacy."

Now, You just Don't Expect to Find an Old Bookstore at an Airport.  --Old B-R'er

Savannah Bound-- Part 2: Snow and a Good Deal

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024

So here I am getting ready to drive to the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.  It is named for Army General Billy Mitchell who was raised in Milwaukee and was an air power advocate for the military.

And, what a day to be heading up into the skies.  It started snowing heavily around 3 am and continued all morning, eventually amassing around 3 inches on the deck railings by the time I left.  It then proceeded to snow the whole way until I got to about 15 miles from the airport.  Sloppy driving, but at least no road accumulation.

I did some last minute packing and found that I could get all my clothes into what I hoped could be considered a carry-on piece of luggage to avoid the $35 extra to check in a larger piece. Even then, I felt I had a good flying deal at a $317 round trip price.  At first I had considered driving, but after I paid for gas, eating, as well as a motel room both ways that would about equal the plane flight.  Not to mention the wear and tear on the car for the 3000 miles.

--RoadBird

Savannah Bound: Back on the Plane

From April 3 to April 9 I visited my sister and her boyfriend in Pooler, Georgia, outside Savannah not too far from the Savannah International Airport.

This was the first time I had been on a plane since at least 2011, nor had I been on them much before that.  However, in the 70s, 80s and 90s Liz and I often flew to destinations.  Liz became uncomfortable flying and stopped and I later joined her when it seemed to me that the airlines had stopped being nice to their customers and, of course, the obstacle course you had to go through to get out to the gate going through the TSA checkpoints. 

Kind of made me feel like the folks going through the Nazi checkpoints in the WW II movies.  Plus, you had that full body scan and almost had to disrobe.  No shoes, no belts, no keys, no wallets.  A regular no shirt, no shoes, no service thing.

Plus there was the the extra charge for luggage enacted as well as all the food you get in regular seats.

I hate lines and crowds.  I avoid them as much as I can.  And then there is the question of what you can have in your luggage, especially in the pills and toiletries department.  Also, a whole lot of it is done via smart phones, something I am learning but not good at.

Scared at the Airport.  --RoadDog

Quite the Story Behind the Gemini Giant-- Part 3: In Case You're Wondering Why They Are Sometimes Called 'Muffler Men'

Businesses along Route 66 and other roads needed a way to stand out among the competition so many bought large fiberglass statues for advertising.  The statues, including lumberjacks and cowboys, eventually became roadside attractions in their own right.

They later earned the nickname "Muffler Men" from the founders of the travel website Roadside America.com, who had seen some of the roadside giants holding car mufflers.

A former owner of the Wilmington, Illinois restaurant, The Dairy Delight, later renamed The Launching Pad during America's Race to Space, bought the Gemini Giant in 1965 where it remained, said Joel Baker, founder of American Giants, a company dedicated to finding the statues and sharing their stories.

--RoadDog

Quite the Story Behind the Gemini Giant-- Part 2

Ryan Jandura huddled with Gregory Peerbolte, CEO of the Joliet Area Historical Museum in Peebolte's office during the March 20, auction of the Gemini Giant.  Jandura had already raised $60,000 through a GoFundMe page and preparing to chip that money in if the cost of the statue went above the museum's budget from a state grant.

The museum found itself outbid when the price went over a quarter of a million dollars.  It got down to just about 20 seconds to submit a higher bid.  With just 4 seconds remaining, they were able to have their final bid of $275,000 accepted.

That's how close Route 66 came to losing the Gemini Giant.

I'm sure glad some private collector didn't get him.

Very Thankful He Remains in Wilmington.  --RoadDog

Quite the Story Behind Saving the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois

From March 30, 2024 AOL, Chicago Tribune  "Wilmington unites to save 'iconic' piece of Route 66 history-- the 30-foot Gemini Giant statue.  'It was pretty crazy'  by Rebecca Johnson.

And we all owe a huge thank you to Ryan Jandura of Wilmington, Illinois, and the Joliet Area Historical Museum for saving it.

They were locked into a high-stakes, high-value online auction.

"The item up for grabs-- which eventually sold for $275,000-- wasn't jewelry or a painting.  It was a 30-foot statue of an astronaut  wearing a helmet and carrying a rocket, a fixture of Route 66  tourism-- that until recently stood in Wilmington since the 1960s.

"For Jandura and others, the Gemini Giant has personal and historic significance, and they didn't want a private collector taking it out of the far southwest suburb."

--RiadThankful

Route 66's Iconic Stops

From the March 24, 2024, "On the Road:  Iconic stops on USA's Route 66" by Prannay Pathak.

I always enjoy these lists.

**  Bob's Gasoline Alley in Cuba, Missouri.  All the gas station stuff you'd ever want to see.    I haven't personally seen it, but went looking for it once.

**  Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois.  We know about the situation there.

**  Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, California.

**  Oatman, Arizona  Home of the Burros With Attitude.

**  The Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma

**  Pops in Arcadia, Oklahoma  Can't miss it with that giant neon pop bottle outside.

--RoadDog

Update on the Wilmington Gemini Giant-- Part 2

Earlier this month, Holly Barker, owner of the Giant and the restaurant, said she was only auctioning off the Giant and its trademark rights.

The auction started Wednesday with an opening bid of $100,000.

The Joliet Area Historical Museum placed the winning bid at $275,000.  The purchase was made possible through a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Guided by the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, the Giant was carefully taken down, protected and transported offsite for temporary storage.

Earlier this year, the Wilmington City Council approved plans to reimagine the entrance to South Island Park, which sits directly along Route 66, adjacent to the city's historic downtown and along the Kankakee River National Water Trail.

So Glad to Get the Giant Out of There.  --RoadGiant

Update on the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois

And, good news.

From the March 25, 2024, Daily Journal  "Gemini Giant sells for $275 k, will remain in Wilmington."

I was sure hoping it would remain in Wilmington.  Nothing like entering the town from the north and seeing that giant guy.  To me, it has always meant, "You're on Route 66!!" And, so it will be, but in a different site.

It has stood watch since 1965 at the former Launching Pad restaurant.  Sadly, that place has proved a no-go and out of business.

The Giant was purchased last week for $275,000 at auction and DONATED to the City of Wilmington.  The city plans on placing it alongside a planned  Route 66  monument at South Island Park by late spring of this year.

I was sure hoping Wilmington would get it.  It belongs in Wilmington.  

--RoadGiantFan

Things to See in the Northwestern Illinois Area

I was given a copy of the Northwest Quarterly magazine because of an article on Civil War Round Tables, but upon reading that article, I looked at the rest of it and there are many things in it of interest to those of us who like to go places, especially places in history.  It's just something about Road Tripping Through History with me.

The magazine focuses on things located in the northern part of Illinois with side trips to Wisconsin.

The most recent one had a page with information about three interesting things to see.

**  Garrison School Lofts in Rockford, Illinois.  How'd you like to live in an old school that opened in 1887.

**  DeKalb County's Civil War Memorial (Illinois) in front of the court house.  A statue to Union soldiers, dedicated in 1897.

**  The Riviera in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, right on the shore of Geneva Lake.  Unique architecture dedicated in 1833.

--RoadDog

What Is On a Proper Chicago Dog? (Hint: Ketchup Is Not One of Them)

In the last post I wrote about one of my favorite foods, he corned beef & cabbage.  Here is another one.

One of my all-time favorite things to eat (but without sports peppers).  Give me a good ol' Chicago Dog.  Our local Home Depot is mighty mean as they have a hotdog stand at the exit which has gotten me quite often.

Hey, just that wonderful smell.  You know.

Then that first bite.

Your "proper" ingredients:

Kosher pickle spear

Celery salt

Yellow mustard

Sport peppers (well, not for me)

Neon relish

Diced onions

Fresh Tomatoes

Now, I have never quite understood my wife Liz's hot dog choice:  a plain hot dog, maybe with a squirt of ketchup.  And she is a Chicago native, born and grew up there.)

Oh Well.  --RoadHotDog

Finally Got My CB&C

The first two attempts I made to get cb&c (corned beef & cabbage) dinners this past Saturday ended in failure.  No cb&c for me.  Sadly, this is the only time of the year you can get it.  I sure wouldn't mind if I could find a place to get it year round.

Plus, I have a particular way I want my cb&c.  Each fork full needs to have equal parts corned beef and cabbage.  Plus I like a bit of medium horseradish on it.  And, of course, the whole thing needs to be liberally peppered.

I also like to have the mini potatoes, cooked onions and carrots and a piece of rye bread heavily buttered.

But, the third attempt proved to be the charm as I got a heaping plate full of cb&c at Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove and yesterday, the actual St. Patrick's Day, I got another plate of my beloved at the St. Baldrick's celebration at the Fox Lake American Legion.

So, Two for Four's Not So Bad.  --RoadCorned

When Irish Eyes Weren't Smiling So Much

The Day before St. Patrick's Day and I still haven't had any corned beef & cabbage (cb&c).  Not that I haven't tried.  I am now 0 for 2 in attempts.

First I went to the Lake Villa (Illinois) St. Patrick's Day celebration.  Sadly, by the time I got to the VFW, they had sold out of cb&c.

Then, I drove to Johnsburg with intentions to get cb&c at Sunnyside.  Yesterday, I had stopped in and seen them advertising what I was looking for.  Unfortunately, I hadn't noticed in the fine print that it was being offered at Cullom Knoll over in McCullom Lake near McHenry and not at Sunnyside.

The woman who owns Sunnyside also operates Cullom Knoll.

So, so far no corned beef and cabbage for me.  But, in a few minutes I'll be heading over to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove and I understand they have cb&c.

Here's Hoping.  --RoadLessCornedBeef

Getting My Irish on Tomorrow

Well, I have three options for tomorrow.  A lot depends on the weather which sounds a bit iffy.  Ans, of course, there are the crowds.  Tomorrow seems to be the bigger of the two weekend days even though St, Patrick's is actually on Sunday.

The biggest one tomorrow would be the McHenry (Illinois) ShamROCK the Fox which includes the dying green of the Fox River, a parade and bands.  That is usually a bit too crowded for me.  This involves five bands throughout the day in huge tents. 

If I decide against McHenry, I will go to Lake Villa (Illinois) for their annual parade and then to the VFW for the corned beef & cabbage dinner and a band afterwards.  

If that doesn't work out, the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society is having a group come in at the museum and give an old-time radio broadcast.  Then, it would be a trio to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes (Wisconsin) for free corned beef & cabbage.  Layer, Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove for green beer and entertainment.

SUNDAY, ST. PATRICK'S DAY, McHenry continues bands in the tents and fireworks at night.  The Fox Lake American Legion has St. Baldrick's Day where folks have their hair cut off for a good cause.  (I'm not, I'll donate.)  Then a corned beef and cabbage dinner and entertainment.

Here's Hoping My Tongue Doesn't Get Too Green.  --Road O'Dog

Time to Get Those 1920 License Plates On Your Car

From the March 25, 2020, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1920, 100 Years Ago.

"Some of the automobile owners in DeKalb County  are going to get in 'Dutch' with the sheriff if they don't pay attention to the license  law.  There are some people who are still using the last year's license number on their cars.

"They should have had them changed the first of the year but police have made allowances for the delays that sometimes occur.  Now, however, they are going to arrest any person with a 1919  license plate and the fine  is $25 to $200."

And, you can still get fined for having out of date stickers on those tags.

Reckon You'd Better Update That Thing.  --RoadFineOtherWise

What to Do on a Tuesday

Yesterday was a good one for me.

I drove to Woodstock, Illinois, and saw a movie then went to the Woodstock Library and looked at some books on Woodstock history.  

Then, I met a group of members of the McHenry County Civil War Round Table at 3 Brothers for dinner before moving back to the library where we had the first meeting of the year.  We do not meet December to February.

We had a presentation on Confederate Railroads.

--RoadCivil

So, What's to Do Around Here-- Part 2: Wendy's Breakfasts, Fish Fry

MARCH 7, THURSDAY

Drove to McHenry and had the Baconator breakfast sandwich at Wendy's and if you like bacon, this sam's for you.  Went to Meijer and bought their last brick of Maxell cassette tapes.  This is the only place I know of around here that still sells them.  I still record on them.  Then went to Hobby Lobby and bought flowers for Liz's grave as well as her parents.  Time to take the Christmas ones down.

MARCH 8, FRIDAY

Met Kevin and Kelly at 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road for the fish fry.  Then to the Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.  All sorts of fun next Sunday at the Legion.  St. Baldrick's, corned beef & cabbage dinner and entertainment.

MARCH 9, SATURDAY

Drove to Fox Lake and had the 2 for $3 breakfast biscuit special and senior drink.  Bought too much stuff at Dollar Tree (well, Dollar Twenty-Five Tree now).  I need to stay out of that place.  Stopped at Thornton's for my iced drink and a guy backed into my car when I was leaving.  I checked for damage but couldn't see any so we went on our way.

Went to Sunnyside for the afternoon

MARCH 10, SUNDAY

Daylight Savings arrived, so that kept me busy for a bit.  Always like its arrival.  We're almost over winter.  Bob Stroud featured songs with the word "Light" in their titles on his Rock and Roll Roots show on Chicago's WDRV, the Drive.

Went to Saylor Mick's and enjoyed $3 pint Bloody Marys and a huge $7 cheeseburger and fries.

Summer's Almost Here.  --RoadSaving Time

So, What's to Do Around Here: Bar Hopping, Cheap Beer and Food

Okay, so it's still winter for a few days (starts the 19th) and it has been a fairly warm one so far.  So, what is there to do around here (northeast Illinois) until summer gets here.?

MARCH 3, SUNDAY

Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, then to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove where I had a great $3 Bloody Mary and $7 Italian beef sandwich and fries.

MARCH 4, MONDAY

Sunnyside for $1.50 pints, the Monday special.

MARCH 5, TUESDAY

Back to Saylor Mick's for $1.50 tacos and live trivia.

MARCH 6, WEDNESDAY

Drove to Wisconsin and went to Best Bargains which sure lives up to its name when it comes to groceries.  Filled up with gas at the BP in Twin Lakes for $3.35 (it had been down to $2.50 a month ago).  Still better than Illinois where it is around $3.90.

Played live trivia with Uncle Jeffie at Donovan's Reef.

--RoadDog

Just Looking for Some CB&C

Well, it's coming up on St. Patrick's Day again.  That means I am looking for some of that good old corned beef & cabbage CB&C).  I love that stuff.  I wish it would be available in places throughout the year, not just now.  I don't care about health questions, I just love it like good ol' Eastern Carolina BBQ (well, any sort of bbq).

And, as we start the final countdown to St. Patrick's Day (on a Sunday this year 9 days from now), I have two places pegged for some CB&C.  Next Saturday at the VFW in Lake Villa, Illinois, after the annual parade, next Sunday at the American Legion in Fox Lake and the following Thursday at the Fox Lake senior luncheon.

Looking for some places this weekend and maybe even some St. Patrick's parties.

--Road-O'Dog

Kishwaukee River Flooding Back in 1949

From February 20, 2024, "Looking Back ."

1949, 75 years ago.

A combination of ice and high water choked up the Kishwaukee River through DeKalb and offered city crews  something different in problems Saturday.

"High water had reached the upper portions of the bridge at Annie's Woods, and the crews had dislodges floating ice there before moving up to the Lincoln Highway Bridge, where a large  flow offered another problem. Blasting powder was used to shake up the ice masses and the current started moving it down."

--RoadDog

Here's Hoping Wilmington Does the Right Thing

It always gives me great pleasure to enter Wilmington, Illinois, on Route 66 and there on the east side is that 30-foot tall guy holding the rocket in apace suit and helmet, you know, that Gemini Giant.  It means you are home on 66.  

And, for many years you could stop there and get a delicious bite to eat at the adjacent Launching Pad Restaurant.  Sadly, it closed quite a few years ago and despite efforts has not been able to reopen and stay open.  (But one problem eating there was that it was too close to that Polka Dot place in Braidwood.)

Anyway, I hope the city of Wilmington acquires the Gemini Giant and finds a place for it.  It is too much of an icon of Route 66.

Save the Giant.  --RoadDog

Some More on Wilmington's Gemini Giant

From the Feb. 28, 2024, My Plainview (Illinois)  "The fight to save Route66's Gemini Giant" by Dominic Genetti.

The Gemini Giant is one of the popular muffler men who are used for promotions and attractions throughout the country.  They are, to say the least, eye catching.  But the Gemini Giant stands out from them all.  This 30-foot guy is dressed completely differently than his brethren.

He is named after NASA's Gemini Space Program of the early 60s and is decked out in a space suit with boots and holding, instead of a muffler, a rocket.

Legends of America calls him Wilmington's most-photographed inhabitant.

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

From Wikipedia

Stands at 810 E. Baltimore St. in Wilmington, Illinois.

Built 1964.  Restored 2019.

Height:  30 feet

Weight:  438 pounds

Fiberglass

In the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame.

--RoadGiant

Save the Gemini Giant

From the February 28, 2024, Edwardsville (Illinois) Intelligencer  "The fight to save Route 66's Gemini Giant" by Dominic Genetti.

And we all love those Route 66 roadside attractions and one of the top ones is that repurposed muffler man that stands outside the Launching Pad Restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois.  It is made up to look like an astronaut holding a rocket and has the name Gemini Giant.

Sadly, now its future is unknown.  The restaurant has been closed and opened many times in the last ten years, now it appears to be heading to oblivion.  Both are going up for auction March 20.  I would sure hate to see a private collector get it and remove it from view.

But a GoFundMe page has been started by Ryan Jandura.

As of Wednesday, the page has raised $3,000 of $100,000 requested.

Let's Hope It's Saved.--  RoadGiant

Fried Chicken Po' Boy at Merichka's

Okay, here's one that I don't think is right on Route 66, but close to it.  And, here the fried chicken comes in a po' boy.

MERICHKA'S 604 Theodore Street, Crest Hill, Illinois.

In Crest Hill, near Joliet and a very popular local site.  They have been in business since 1933 and are known for their po' boys which also are made with chicken.  They are family-owned-and-operated and take great pride in using Chicago USDA and quality hand-cut meats, from the famed chicken to the freshly hand ground hamburger.

Merichka's is incredibly authentic and has an interior of the quintessential supper club, boasting dark rich paneling, red-checkered tablecloths and a generously-sized bar where you can order a libation or two before your meal.

Menu items include great steak and chops, as well as an extensive seafood selection.  And, then there is the fan-favorite Garlic Butterine that can be added to just about every item on the menu, enhancing the flavor of nearly any classic dish.

A 6 ounce Poor boy steak costs $13.95 and 6 ounce poor boy chicken $12.55.

Stop in and try some exciting fried chicken at this icon of Old Route 66.  They also have a neat old sign.

--RoadChicken

More White Fence Farm-- Part 2

White Fence Farm was built by multimillionaire coal executive Stuyvesant Peabody  in the 1920s so he could entertain his Chicago friends in a country setting.  The building has now grown to 11 dining rooms and can seat over 1,200 hungry chicken eaters at a time.

Kids of all ages will be entertained by the White Fence Farm's on-site petting zoo, as well as the restaurant's Car and Antique Museum.

Be sure to commemorate your fried chicken road trip by snapping a picture with the larger-than-life chicken mascot near the main doors.

A half chicken with all the afore mentioned goodies:  kidney bean salad, cole slaw, cottage cheese, pickled beets and corn fritters will set you back $21.58.  Fritters and relishes will be replenished on request.

--Gettin' Hungry.  --RoadDog

Fried Chicken at White Fence Farm on Route 66 in Illinois-- Part 1

WHITE FENCE FARM

1376 Joliet Road, Romeoville

When you see the giant water tower with the letters "WWF" on it, you'll know you're at one of the earliest and most famous dining establishments along Route 66.  They are celebrating their 65th year in business and is an actual farm.

They have been serving up, as they brag, "The World's Greatest Chicken" to several generations of hungry travelers.  Fried chicken fans from all over the country are drawn by their twice cooked process, which involves baking and then frying the chicken to produce that distinctly thin yet crispy crust.

In keeping with the  authentic  farm theme, every meal comes with a selection of sides that have become as famous as the chicken:  cole slaw, cottage cheese, bean salad, pickled beets and mashed, baked or French-fried potatoes.

--RoadChicken

Fried Chicken at Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in Willowbrook

DELL RHEA'S CHICKEN BASKET

645 Joliet Road (I-55 & Route 83)

Willowbrook, Illinois

Fried chicken lovers have been going to this venerable spot since it first opened its doors to Route 66 travelers in the early 1940sThis restaurant is a part of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and has been serving its chicken, cocktails and farmhouse recipes in a traditional supper club setting for more than 60 years.

Originally it was founded as part of a gas station.

Today's fried chicken is made the same way as it was in the heyday of Route 66.  And, they have other home-style classics like corn fritters, baby back ribs, homemade mashed potatoes and an all-you-can-eat salad bar.

It is a throw-back restaurant and located just 25 minutes from downtown Chicago.

You can find out why they boast:  "Get Your Chicks on Route 66."

They also have a daily lunch buffet for $17.99 (which, of course, includes that chicken stiff).

Salivating All the Way.  --RoadHungry

Eatin' Famous Fried Chicken on 66 in Illinois

From the Feb. 15, 2024, Northwest Herald "Famous Fried Chicken temps along Route 66" by Ryan Searl.

"Want a taste of real Americana on your Route 66 road trip?  This trio of fan-favorite dried chicken restaurants are must-stop destinations for foodies looking for a hot home-style meal.  

"As you travel along the Mother Road, you'll encounter some of the Midwest's most iconic eateries specializing in fried chicken, some of which have been serving up delicious golden-battered goodness for more that a half century.

"Be sure to start your journey hungry, you'll want to sample the food at each one of these time-tested locations."

Actually, it would be quite difficult to eat at each one as these three are all located near each other.  Liz and I ate at the first two places.

Wonder what their names are?  I'll be writing about them this week.

Greasy Fingers.  --Roadcheep

Garrett Morgan-- Part 2: Invented the Three Position Stoplight

From Wikipedia.

In 1923, after witnessing a horrible traffic accident at an intersection, he invented the traffic light that included a new signal that worked as a warning light besides just the traditional options of "go" or "stop."  We call it the yellow light today.

He acquired three patents for this invention in the United States, Great Britain and Canada.  

He eventually sold the rights to General Electric. for $40,000.

Thanks Mr. Morgan.  --RoadDog

Black History: Have You Ever Heard of Garrett Morgan?-- Part 1

I have been doing a lot of blog entries this month on Blacks in U.S. history in honor of Black History Month.  (From 2021)  For too long, their contributions have been overlooked and I am glad that is being addressed now.

From the Bowling Green (Kentucky) Daily News "Black History Month:  Garrett Morgan" by Ron Whitlock Sr.

Did you run a traffic light today or get mad because a bunch of them conspired against you to keep you waiting and waiting.  Well, you can than a Kentuckian for that privilege.  Just kidding because I'd be very afraid to drive if we didn't have those.

Kentuckian Garrett Morgan, a black man, received the patent for the stop light.  And that is very important to us old time roaders.

He was born in Harrison County in 1877 and Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr. was  a black inventor.  His father, Sydney Morgan,  was the son and freed slave of Confederate  Col. John H. Morgan, known for the famed Morgan's Raid, the only Confederate attack on Ohio.

At age 14, he moved to Cincinnati looking for work.  There he got a job as a handyman and hired a tutor to continue his education.

--RoadDog

Illinois Grants $3.3 Million for Route 66!!

Always good news to hear something like this.  Route 66 in Illinois can always use anything that furthers its name with the people of Illinois.  It is to attract visitors to 66 and boost local tourism.

And, I am not a big Gov. Pritzker fan, but I can sure agree with him here.  As he said: "These investments will enhance the visitor experiences and build on existing attractions to ensure Illinois and Route 66 remain vibrant elements of American culture and tradition for many years to come."

Good News.  --Road66

Back Again After Being Back Again Earlier

Back in December, I was so happy to be posting again.  A buddy with technology knowledge came over and got me back on line after being off since May.  I was a happy lad, but then it went down again and I decided I needed a new pc for upstairs.

I somehow got the new one hooked up and working (and believe me I am still amazed).  I now am trying to remember how to get back on my blogs and two e-mails sites.  Those passwords and verification codes are driving me to go to a bar tonight.  

But, I finally have gotten to this four blog site and have posted to day to all eight blogs.  However, today's posts was the last time for one of them.  Now, I only have one e-mail site to get back and I'll be somewhat set for the most part.

Just Loving All This Technology Stuff.  --RoadDog