Along 66, Feb. 2021: The Chat 'n Chew in Normal, Illinois During Jim Crow Days

FEBRUARY 23

Chat 'n Chew near Route 66 in Normal, Illinois, catered to black customers during the Jim Crowe era.  It was a restaurant and grocery, one of a very few places black travelers along the Mother Road could use.  It was located at 403 North Fell Street, a block off Route 66.

It was owned by Richard Anson and was one of the few places black students at Illinois State University (Normal School back then) could eat.  A place by the campus called the Pilgrim Cafe would not serve blacks.  However, in 1947, protests by black and white veterans led to it being integrated.

I wonder if this was listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book?

Hard to believe that this was also in a northern state.

--RoadDog

7 Historic Iowa Hotels-- Part 5: Hotel Pattee and Black Hawk

HOTEL PATTEE in Perry

This is known as one of the finest boutique hotels in the world with 40 individually-themes rooms and even a bowing alley.  

Back in 1912, brothers Harry and William Pattee announced they were going to build a three-story hotel in honor of their father, D.J. Pattee.  Unfortunately D.J. died before it opened in 1913.

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

BLACK HAWK HOTEL in Cedar Falls

Located in downtown Cedar Falls and listed on the NRHP and has been updated throughout the years.  There are 43 rooms of historic charm and modern amenities.  Several restaurants and bars are within walking distance.

--RoadDog

7 Historic Iowa Hotels-- Part 4: Hotel Grinnell and Hotel Ottumwa

HOTEL GRINNELL, Grinnell

Perfect example of a repurposed building.  From 1921 to the late 1970s this was a junior high school.  Rooms have chalkboards.    Looks like a junior high school from the outside, but NOT when you get inside.

I taught junior high students for 33 years.  I should take a trip back and stay here.  Might just do that when you-know-what is over.

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

HOTEL OTTUMWA, Ottumwa

Located near Main Street and done in a neoclassical style.  Sixty-one rooms reasonably priced.  Full service, made-to-order breakfast and a 50s style cocktail lounge.  World famous canteen sandwiches.

Maybe while in Ottumwa we could stop out by Radar O'Riley's and see how he is doing.

--RoadO'Riley

7 Unique Iowa Hotels: Hotel Winneshiek in Decorah

HOTEL WINNESHIEK

This is considered the premier hotel in Decorah, Home of the Nordic Fest which salutes its Scandinavian heritage.   Right on Main Street with lots to do.  Once you step inside this hotel, you feel like you've been transported to the 19th century.

It was completely restored in 2000 and the rooms are stunning.  And, they have a really nice bar.

Constructed 1904-1905.  There have been many hotels at the site over the prior years to this one's construction.

We also stayed at this place when we were in Decorah to see the famed eagles.

--RoadDog

7 Unique Iowa Hotels-- Part 2: Hotel Julien

HOTEL JULIEN, DUBUQUE

Located right downtown and has hosted many important folks over the years, including Abraham Lincoln, "Buffalo Bill" Cody and Mark Twain. In 2009, a major renovation project was undertaken and the result is a hotel with 133 luxury rooms  and suites along with the restoration of the historic  lobby and Grande Ballroom.

Since 1839, a hotel or inn has occupied the site.  The hotel was destroyed by fire in 1913 and the current structure was rebuilt in 1915.  Reportedly, Al Capone at one time owned it.  

Sylvester Stallone stayed there while filming the movie "F.I.S.T."  

This is one of the two hotels on the list that we have stayed at.

--RoadDog

Traveling Iowa: Seven Unique and Historic Hotels-- Part 1: Historic Park Inn in Mason City, All That and Frank Lloyd Too

From Travel Awaits site October 15, 2020, 7 unique and historic hotels in Iowa for the perfect stay" by Sara Broers.

And, we have even stayed in two.   One of our favorite states to visit, is Illinois' neighbor, Iowa.  Right 'Cross the river as they say.

And, you know me and lists.  Hard to resist.

1.  HISTORIC PARK INN, MASON CITY

Then last remaining hotel in the world designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  The original opened in 1910, but there were big renovations complete in 2010.

If you like the Prairie Style architecture this is the place to be.

Right downtown.

Plus, check out Mason City's connection with "favorite son" Meredith Wilson and that famous musical, many of whose characters were based in Mason City folk.

The city also has the largest collection of Prairie-Style structures in Iowa, some 33 of them.

Plus, there is the Len Jus  Building with its sheet metal facade  by the Mesker Brothers.

--RoadFrankLloyd

Along 66, Feb. 2021: New National U.S. Scenic Highways in California and Missouri and a Chain of Rocks Bridge Water Intake Building

FEBRUARY 17

California Route 66 from Needles to Barstow has officially become a Scenic U.S. Highway.  That covers some 150 miles  This covers the Mojave Desert stretch of 66.

Also, about 300 miles of Route 66 in Missouri has been declared an official U.S. Scenic Highway.

Nope, don't surprise me none.  None at all.

FEBRUARY 21

A rare inside view of one of the St. Louis water intake structures near the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.  Pictures were taken of what we have often seen from the outside, especially on those delightful times we crossed the Mississippi on the bridge on one of those Illinois Route 66 Association Motor Tours.

So, that's what it looks like.

--RoadDog

Top Ten Weird European Sights-- Part 2: Weird Museums, Bill Clinton and the Statue of Liberty

5.  RYNEK UNDERGROUND, KRAVOV, POLAND 

An underground museum like none you've ever seem.  Modern tech and holograms everywhere.

4.  FEKETE SASPATIKMUZEUM, SZEKESFEHERVAR, HUNGARY

Dating back to 1688.    All sorts of pharmaceutical paraphernalia.

3.  THE VISNES STATUE OF LIBERTY KARMOY, NORWAY

Scaled down version.  The copper used on our statue came from this area.

2.  STATUE OF BILL CLINTON, BILL CLINTON BOULEVARD, PRISTINA, KOSOVO

In Kosovo?  Really?

1.  THE ALTAR OF RAGUTIS, VILNIUS, LITHUANIA

Altar to the God of Beer.

I'll Drink to That!!  --RoadShot

Top Ten Weird Europe Attractions: Magic and Wild West and Narrow, Real Narrow

From the March 19, 2021, Listverse by C.J.Phillips.

Want to go to the offbeat.  well, here are some ideas.  I am just listing and saying one thing about each.  For more info and pictures, go to the site.

10.  TRING NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, TRING, ENGLAND

Lots and lots of taxidermy.

9.  THE MAGIC HILL, DUNDALK, IRELAND

You vehicle might act weird.

8.  RIDE AND EAT ON THE BUSTRONOME, PARIS, FRANCE

Six courses while traveling through the streets.

7.  MINI HOLLYWOOD, TABERNAS, SPAIN

America's Wild West in Europe.  Where "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and other Spaghetti Westerns were filmed.

6.  SPREUERHOFSTABE, REUTLIGEN, GERMANY

The narrowest street in the world.  (12.3 inches wide)

Interesting, Very Interesting.  --RoadStrange

Along 66, Feb. 2021: No Fun Run in Arizona This Year. No Mo 'King of the Road' Challenge, So Sad

FEBRUARY 12

COVID-19 pandemic cancels Arizona Route 66 Fun Run for second straight year.  It is usually held in early May and always looks like a lot of fun.  Maybe in 2022.

FEBRUARY 16

Cookin' from Scratch restaurant in Doolittle, Missouri to close next month after 20+ years in operation.

They had the Route 66 "King of the Road" Challenge.  Which was a 66-ounce burger with bun and nine pieces of  cheese, 1.5 pounds of fries, pickle slices, lettuce tomato and onion.  You got 66 minutes to eat it. ($49.99)

I guess not no more.  But I sure would have wanted to see that monstrosity.

We stopped there once on a Missouri Route 66 Association Road tour.  Neat place.  But, I always hate droving through Doolittle.  There's hardly anything there but a 35 mph speed limit that seems to go on forever.

That'sa One Big Burger.  Sadly, No Mo' --RoadAteTooMuch

Along 66, Feb. 2021: Will Summer 2021 Be Better?

FEBRUARY 11

Should tourism on Route 66 be up or down for 2021?

I know tourism had to have been bad last year.  Even Liz and I did not go out on it.  Not so much from fear of getting it, but if I make the effort to drive somewhere I want to enjoy it on my own terms.

But, I'm hoping that this year will be better as it seems the virus is dying down some, plus the vaccines should definitely help.

Liz and I are planning to be out for Ramona's 50th anniversary at the Munger Moss in June, plus, I'm ready for several days or more in Springfield, Illinois.   Ready for some Route 66 Hotel, Curve Inn and Motorheads.

Chompin' At the Bit, You Know.  --RoadDog

Along 66, Feb. 2021: A Flour and a Bar

FEBRUARY 9

Online petition to prevent the demolition of Yukon's Mill gains 2,200+ signatures.  The 100-year-old mill has that wonderful huge "Yukon's Best Flour" sign.  There is also a neon sign attached to it.

Yukon, Oklahoma.  I sure hope they don't tear the mill, and especially the signs down.  We've driven by it and man are they impressive.

FEBRUARY 10

The Museum Club of Flagstaff, Arizona, has a new owner whom promises to reopen soon.

This is one of our most favorite (and unique) bars on the route and we are sure glad to see that.

--RoadDrink

The Unforeseen Consequences of American Interstate System-- Part 4

 GHOST TOWNS ANDSEGREGATED CITIES

Construction of the interstates went full speed ahead.

As parts of the interstates were completed and former busy roads, especially U.S. Highways, saw people driving on them drop to nearly zero, many small communities died out and even became ghost towns.

Another aspect of the interstates, especially in the larger cities, was of a social impact nature.  The new highway layouts appeared to follow the pattern of Jim Crow America, further segregating Blacks.

The Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago, which runs from downtown south to Indiana was used to  separate public housing, leaving a black area on one side  with a white area on the other.  To make matters worse, many existing black communities along the routes were destroyed in order to make room for the new  expressways.  Ultimately families were displaced  and forced to move into crowded ghettos.

At the same time, the highways were losing popularity among some Americans and as damaging aspects of the projects became known, many white Americans fought to keep them out of their communities (Illinois Highway 53 in the Chicago suburbs is an example of that).

Many local  economies were also hurt  as a result of the national interstate highway system,  when motorists who once stopped in their communities for conveniences on their way to their final destinations were now bypassing  these places.

The Bad With the Good.  --RoadDog

The Unforeseen Consequences of the American Interstate System-- Part 3: In Case of Imminent Nuclear Attack

President Eisenhower was still a firm believer in the interstate system.  He had also driven on Germany's Autobahn at the conclusion of World War II and experienced the degree of efficiency it offered.

The United States had been embroiled in the Cold War by the time Eisenhower took office and their were concerns of how fast people could be routed from cities if nuclear strikes were imminent.  

In 1956, Congress passed the National System of Interstate Defense Highways Act, an upgraded version of the previous highway acts.  Now, $26 billion  federal dollars would be available to complete the 40,000 mile-long project.

--RoadDog

The Unforeseen Consequences of the U.S. Interstate System-- Part 2: Eisenhower's 1919 Military Convoy

After World War I ended, then Lt. Col. Dwight D. Eisenhower took part in a cross-country convoy on the new Lincoln Highway -- the nation's first transcontinental highway from Times Square in New York City to San Francisco. This was partly a celebration of victory and also to show the need for much better roads.  It took his 280 men and 72 vehicles two months to make the trip.

This set the need for what became Eisenhower's interstate system in his mind.

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

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION GETS  FEDERAL SUPPORT

While the states were initially finding the interstate infrastructure projects, there was a growing call for the federal government to step in.  That wouldn't happen until 1944 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Federal-Aid Highway  Act that outlined a plan to build a 40,000 mile national interstate system of highways.

With World War II raging, however, there was no money available for the project which left everything essentially at a standstill until the 1950s, when the former Army officer Dwight D. Eisenhower took office as U.S. president, just under 7,000 miles of the project had been built.

--RoadDog

The Unforeseen Consequences of the American Interstate System-- Part 1

From the March 10, 2021, Cheddar by Lawrence Banton.

The early 1900s marked the beginning of Americans traveling more and more by automobiles as prices for them came down.  The problem then, as now, has been roads.

New York opened the New York State Parkway in 1908 to link cities with recreational areas.  A year later, Daniel Burnham submitted plans for building and elaborate highway system in Chicago  that would connect outlying suburbs to the urban center.

In the 1910s, states began working  together to create their own interstate systems so businesses could transport goods to  multiple states and people could travel to a larger number of destinations.

One of the first major interstate systems was the Dixie Highway created in 1915, connecting  Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on the Canadian border, to Miami, Florida just as Florida was beginning its real estate boom.  (Actually the Lincoln Highway, the first hard surface transcontinental highway was two years earlier than that.

Since these highways were state-run projects, that meant no federal money was allocated.    To cover the costs of these projects states began charging gas taxes.  Oregon instituted a gas tax  in 1911 and by 1932, every state was  imposing the taxes.

Since only the people using the roads were paying the tax, this was fair.

Next:  Dwight D. and Cross Country on the LH.

--RoadDog

Along 66, Feb. 2021: Gasconade River Bridge, Graffiti in Springfield and Most Every 66 Town Video

FEBRUARY 3

Missouri rejects the latest bid to save the Gasconade River Bridge.  The Route 66 Association of Missouri hopes to take over the bridge, but MoDOT turned them down  because they did not have enough specifics.

Let's hope someone is able to save that neat old bridge.  I'd like to see it turned into a park area with picnic tables on the roadbed.

FEBRUARY 7

Crime Stoppers group offers reward for solving graffiti damage to Route 66 mural in Springfield, Illinois

$2,500 reward.  The mural is in a railroad viaduct on Ninth Street.

FEBRUARY 8

Videos document nearly every town on Route 66 end-to-end.  Quite an accomplishment.  A great tour de force.  I've seen the ones for Illinois, Missouri and Oklahoma.

--RoadDog

Along 66, Feb. 2021: Ramona Lehman's 50th Anniversary at the Munger Moss Motel This June

FEBRUARY 5

The Munger Moss Motel is holding a celebration for its big anniversary in June.  And, I am talking about the 50th year that Ramona Lehman has owned it.  It will be held June 18-19.

Her husband Bob died in 2019.

If there are two more people than these two who sum up the Route 66 experience I don't know who'd they be.  Sadly, we called a few days after we heard about it and the place is already sold out, but we will be there, even if we have to stay elsewhere that weekend and then get a room afterwards.

One of my absolute favorite Route 66 things to do is go to the office in the morning and talk with Ramona and Bob.  There are always other 66ers there as well.

The name of the motel refers to  the name of a former sandwich shop in Devil's Elbow, Missouri, built in 1936 by Nellie Munger and her husband Emmitt Moss.  The building still exists as the Elbow Inn (but is currently closed while undergoing renovations.  To say that it is/was rustic would be an understatement.)  This is another one of Liz and my favorite stops for a cold brew after a hard day's cruise.

They relocated to Lebanon, Missouri after Route 66 bypassed Devil's Elbow and the Munger Moss Motel was built in 1946.

Plus, this is the 75th anniversary of the Munger Moss Motel.

--RoadMoss

Along 66, Feb. 2021: Lots of Great Songs on That 'Cars' Soundtrack, Don't Cha Know

I take these from the Route 66 News site which pretty much has everything and anything you could want to know about what is going on along our Mother Road, and, in a timely fashion, not a month or more like this.

It also has more items, at least one a day.  I just pick out the ones of most interest to me.   Plus, there is a lot more information on the site.  Check it out.

FEBRUARY 1

The movie "Cars" has three of the Top Nine most popular Pixar songs according to Spotify, including the #1 song.

#7  "OUR TOWN"--  James Taylor  10 M streams

#5  "REAL GONE"--  Sheryl Crow  25 M streams

#1  "LIFE IS A HIGHWAY"--  Rascal Flats  26.7 M streams

I was so excited when I heard that there was going to be a movie about Route 66, but then so disappointed when I learned it was going to be an animated one.  I didn't much like animated films back then.  But this one rocked my world.  I am now a big fan of animated films.  Thanks, "Cars."

--RoadDog

Lincoln Highway Passports in Iowa-- Part 4: Tourism Brings in the Revenue and Provides Jobs

According to Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa  Finance Authority Director Debi Durham,  "Iowa's scenic byways offer both a breathtaking view of our state's diverse landscapes and a journey through Iowa's cultural heritage through  historic sites, national landmarks and other attractions that tell our state's story.  The new Scenic Byways Passport is a great way to explore Iowa all year long."

The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway stretches more than  460 miles from Clinton on the Mississippi River to Council Bluffs at the western edge of the state.    It's Iowa's longest  and most historic byway.  Travelers experience rural landscapes and urban vitality, original landmarks like service stations and road markers, a wide variety of Iowa's unique topography along with wineries, breweries, distilleries, eateries, museums and other attractions.

Tourism in Iowa generates nearly $9 billion in expenditures and $517.5 million in state taxes, while employing  70,200 people statewide.  The Iowa Tourism Office is part of the Iowa Economic Development  Authority.

For more information, visit the traveliowa.com site.

--RoadHawk

Lincoln Highway Passports in Iowa-- Part 3: 'Roads Less Traveled'

Places to get your Iowa Lincoln Highway Passports:

**  Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad in Boone

**  Lions Club Tree Park in Grand Junction

**  Thomas Jefferson Gardens in Jefferson

**  Eugen Koch  Memorial Park in Westside

**  Harrison County Historical Village and Welcome Center in Missouri Valley

**  Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs

"Transportation is essential to connecting people with all the wonderful things Iowa has to offer," Marley said.  "Our state's scenic byways system helps travelers recognize both main roadways  and roads less traveled that highlight the uniqueness of out great state."

--Road(Hawk)Eye

Lincoln Highway Passports in Iowa-- Part 2: Where To Get Signed Up

Travelers can sign up for the passport at prrcd.org/lincoln-highway-heritage-corridor-byway, said Iowa Department of Transportation  Director Scott Marler.  Signups and checkups  can also be done by scannng the QR Code at these locations along the way:

**  Sawmill Museum in Clinton

**  National Czech and Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids

**  Murals and City Park in Clarence

**  Lincoln Highway Bridge in Tama

**  Preston's Station in Belle Plain

**  Prairie Rivers of Iowa office in Ames

--RoadDog

Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway in Iowa Has New Free 'Passport' Promotion-- Part 1

From the Our Quad Cities.com by Linda Cook.

The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway, managed by the Ames-based not-for-profit Prairie Rivers of Iowa is one of a dozen  scenic byways participating   in the new Scenic Byways Passport program.

The free  digital Scenic Byways  Passport encourages people to explore scenic highways in  more than 100  unique attractions and destinations.  Geofencing at  participating  locations allow travelers to check-in on the passport, earning them  entry into a monthly drawing for  a prize package including an overnight stay, gift certificates and more valued at  about $200.

Select businesses along the byway will offer  deals exclusively to passholders.  The promotion runs through December 31, 2021.

"We are so excited to partner with Travel Iowa on this passport program.  The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway  has much t offer the traveler, and we are excited about the new program to showcase unique, educational and fun locations  along the byway," says  its coordinator Jan Gammon. 

--RoadDog

Lincoln Highway: Mini Grants Available in Pennsylvania

From the Jan. 8, 2021, "Gettysburg (Pa.) Times  "Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor announces mini grant"

The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor (LHHC) is currently taking applications for its 2021 mini grant Opportunity for nonprofits and municipalities along the Lincoln Highway in Westmoreland, Somerset, Bedford, Franklin, Fulton and Adams counties in Pennsylvania.

This opportunity requires a cash match and is designed for smaller projects.

--RoadDog

6000th Post in December

Well, and I missed it altogether.  But at some point in December 2020, this blog, my oldest blog passed the 6,000th post.  This actually makes post 6059.

This, as I said, was my very first blog (I now have eight of them).

I was returning from a visit with my mom in North Carolina and stopped at my nephew and niece's place in White House, Tennessee (just north of Nashville).  I had been thinking about starting a blog and I knew my niece was good at this computer stuff and she set this blog up and off I went.  Thanks Andrea.

2021 marks the 15th year of this blog.  My very first post was April 25, 2007 and I wrote about Dwight, Illinois, and its new Route 66 coffee place, the newly redone Ambler-Becker gas station and Smatterjax's (the old Fedderson's).

I Really Need to Find Something Else to Do Rather Than These Dumb Old Blogs.  --RoadDog

Along 66, Jan. 2021: A Death and a Closing

JANUARY 29

Forrest Nelson, long-time clerk and friendly face at Old Riverton Store, Kansas, dies at 98.  It is said that he liked to talk and had found himself a perfect place to be.  One of those many people who make the Mother Road as much fun as it is.

I don't remember him specifically, but am sure we must have talked with him as we never drive through that we don't make a stop there.

JANUARY 31

The Four Way restaurant in Cuba has closed.

It is in a vintage Phillips 66 station.  The new place was open for five years and last year was extremely hard on them because of you-know-what.

The station was built in 1932 by Paul T. Carr.

We hadn't stopped in yet but hope someone reopens it before long.

We'll definitely stop the next time through.

--RoadDog