Along66, August 2021: A Grant to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge-- Part 1

AUGUST 12

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge gets $990,000 federal grant to improve visitors area. The Great Rivers Greenway is running this project.  On the bridge's west side is where much of the work will be done.  The entire project is expected to cost $5 million.

Work on it is expected to begin at some time in 2022 and last from 19-12 months.

Different aspects of the project will deal with the removal of invasive plants, new nature trails, upgrading parking areas and installing additional security features like lighting,  cameras, fencing and more.

One of the major problems at this time revolves around vehicle break-ins on the west side.  The west side of the bridge is near a very dangerous group of people, unfortunately, who are doing the vehicle break-ins.

--RoadDog

Why Go Anywhere Else?-- Part 3: A History Meeting, Buddy Frank, Celebration of Life for Dennis Dohse, Da Bears and Da Bloody Mary

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Few things I enjoy more than going to a history group and learning something new about that subject and today, for the first time since September 2019, I was able to go to a meeting of the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society.  And, we learned about the time the Towne Theatre in Fox Lake, Illinois, had an explosion.  Fortunately, no one was injured, but the theatre was a loss.

They now know this was part of a move by organized crime to make them and other theater owners allow the Film Projectionist Union in.

I got to catch up with the last year and a half with buddy Frank.

That afternoon, we went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for a Celebration of Life for our good friend Dennis Dohse, who died  a week and a half ago of a sudden heart attack.  We've been friends of his since the old NTN days and he was the main reason we ended up having the '85 Firebird redone.  We will sure miss him.  The place was packed.

A great as that victory two weeks ago over Georgia Tech was for NIU, today was a different story with a 63-10 destruction by the University of Michigan.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

The usual, internet, blogs and radio.  Then watched part of the Bears game at home in Margaritaville, our downstairs bar, and then the rest of it at the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed the $2.50 Adequate Bloody Marys.

--RoadDog

Lincoln Highway, Aug. 2020: Working On Wilkinsburg, Pa's Lincoln Statue-- Part 2

News about the Lincoln Highway.

Continued from December 23, 2020.

The statue was placed at that intersection in 1916 because of the completion of the coast-to-coast Lincoln Highway.  Wilkinsburg's Penn  Avenue is a segment of that famed highway.

But, the Lincoln statue's ensuing misadventures are legendary and include the  1981 incident in which an intoxicated couple stole the statue by braking it off at the ankles.  They took it to a Westmoreland farm near Greensburg where, fearful that they might be discovered,  they proceeded to bury the statue in a shallow grave before turning themselves in to authorities.

Old Abe was returned to his spot in 1984, but his weakened ankles couldn't withstand a 1992 wind storm that knocked him off his pedestal once again.  Though he was repaired and rededicated in 2001, it became obvious after the 2018 car incident that a whole new structure was needed.

Artists from around the world contacted the  Wilkinsburg Historical Society to express interest in creating a new statue, but a Pittsburgh area artist was chosen for the job.  His identity is being kept secret until closer to the dedication.

--RoadLincoln

Stealing Stuff from Vehicles in 1920

From the September 9, 2020, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1920, 100 Years Ago.

"William Pooler of Carlton was the only person to report to the police station that anything had been stolen yesterday during the celebration.   He left his automobile standing out in front of a house on the corner of Third and Franklin  streets, while he went uptown.  

"When he returned he found that someone had taken his spare tire,  his blanket and several other articles of value.  He immediately notified the police and gave a good description of the property.  The police are on the lookout but it is doubtful if the thieves will be apprehended."

Not sure what the celebration was.  Probably Labor Day.

--RoadIDidn'tTakeIt

100 Years Ago, Horse Thieves; 75 Years Ago, Stolen Cars

From the May 27, 2020, MidWeek "Looking Back."

1920, 100 Years Ago.

"In these gasoline days, horse thieves are scarce and local police  were much surprised when they received word yesterday to look out for an outfit belonging to Alfred Reed of Sycamore, which had disappeared Saturday."

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

1945, 75 Years Ago.

"A car involved in an accident last night when it left the road and knocked down fence posts and the mail box of the Cliff Hunt place just east of the city was later stripped.

"When the wrecker went out to haul in the car this morning it was found that the windows had been broken and that the car had been stripped  with the radio, spare tire and wheel, three blankets, fog light, tools and other accessories having been stolen."

Not Even Safe Back Then.  --RoadLeaveMyHorse

Juvies Mark Car 100 Years Ago: Okay Eva, Myrtle, Iona and Wilbur, You Know Who You Are

From the May 20, 2020, MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1920, 100 Years Ago.

"Dr. P.L. Smith is pretty sore about the way some kids marked up the rear of his roadster.  He was making a house call on Gurler Street on Sunday (house call, Sunday?)  and left his car standing out front.

"When he came back out, the rear of his car was  marked with the names of 'Eva, Myrtle, Iona and Wilbur.'  The kids are supposed to be in the neighborhood of 16 years (their age), and if found, Perry is going to make an example of the,."

Juvenile Delinquents Back then?  You Know.  --RoadDog

Auto Gunfight Between Cops and Automobile Bandits in DeKalb County in 1919

From the Nov. 27, 2019, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1919, 100 Years Ago.

"Three of the four alleged automobile bandits who chased over the countryside from Somonauk to Kaneville  in a running gunfight on September 18, and are now in DeKalb County jail at Sycamore. will plead guilty when arraigned December 8, State's Attorney Smith says.

"These men , it is charged, stole $500 worth of tires from the Bruenig and Dolder garage at Somonauk.  In the pursuit which followed, all but one, dubbed the 'patriach' because of his white hair and 75 years, were wounded."

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

1994, 25 Years Ago.

"The City of DeKalb recently erected a new welcome sign at the south entrance on Route 23 near Brad Manning Ford."

--RoadDog

Along 66, July 2019: Grants and Punishment on the Mother Road

JULY 25--  The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announces final cost-sharing grants.

Since 2001, they have awarded $2.27 million to 152 propositions for cost-sharing activities.  It is unlikely that Congress will renew it.  Too bad as that money was put to good use.

JULY 29--  The Beacon Car Wash has come up with a novel way of punishment for a teen's flag theft.  The Beacon Car and Pet Wash in Pacific, Missouri, noted for their reuse of the Old Beacon Motel sign on its premises.

The station has three huge U.S. flags and one was stolen by a 19-year-old who said he "accidentally" stole it.  He was caught and punishment will be handing out 150 small U.S. flags to customers and apologizing to each one.

That teenager might just think about the embarrassment the next time he "accidentally" steals something.  Hard to believe that in this day and age, some parents would be willing to have their son punished like that.  Good for them.

Hey Sonny, How 'Bout a Flag?  --RoadFlag

Camp Joy Cabin Dedicated at Lebanon Route 66 Festival in Missouri

JUNE 19, 2019:  The sole remaining cabin of Camp Joy in Lebanon, Missouri, has been moved to Boswell Park, restored and dedicated as the capstone of Lebanon's annual Route 66 Festival.

It has taken four months of restoration and about 100 gathered by it for presentation of plaques to those responsible for it.

One plaque was given to Lee Sing who donated it.  Others went to Mayor Jared Carr and City Administrator Mike Schumacher.  Bruce Owen was the driving force behind the whole project.

Camp Joy was an early tourist camp across from present day Cowan Civic Center and founded in 1927 by the Spears family, one year after the gravel road through town became Route 66.  The children of the Spears were in attendance.

The cabin measures 16 foot square today, but the original was 12 by 16 foot, with the extra 4 feet added for a bathroom.  There were 4 acres in Camp Joy and a Sinclair gas station.  Some famous overnight guests were the outlaws Bonnie & Clyde, Pretty Boy Floyd and singer Tex Ritter.

Liz and I were very happy to be there.

--RoadDog

Along 66, Jan. 2019: Camp Joy Cabin in Lebanon and Bedrock City in Arizona

JANUARY 30--  The last standing cabin of Camp Joy in Lebanon, Missouri has been donated to the Lebanon Route 66 group.  It is a 16-foot square structure.  It is located across the street from The Cowan Civic Center.

Camp Joy was built on a four-acre site in 1927 and closed in 1981  Some famous folks who stayed there were Bonnie and Clyde Barrow, Pretty Boy Floyd and Tex Ritter.  After that the cabins became long-term rentals.  All but this last one were torn down in 2010.

The cabin was donated by its owner, Lee Sing of Sing rentals.

The cabin is to be restored. But nothing was said about where it would be.  Liz and I read about it in the excellent tourist booklet put out by the county this past summer and drove over to see it.  We didn't know it was there before that.

JANUARY 31--  Bedrock City, near Williams, Arizona, inspired by "The Flintstones" TV show, has closed.  It is on 30 acres near Valle, Arizona.

--RoadDog

Along 66, January 2019: "Roamin' Rich" and How To Avoid Crime on 66

JANUARY 27--  "Roamin' Rich" Dinkela, becomes Missouri Route 66 Association's new president, replacing long-time President Tommy Pike.   Many thanks to Mr. Pike for the job he did.

"Roamin' Rich" as he calls himself is a social-media Route 66 activist who is very involved with the whole road, especially, of course, the Missouri stretch.

He is quite the get-up-and-go sort of guy.

JANUARY 29--  How to avoid crime on Route 66.  Along with the great fun you'll have cruising the Mother Road, there is also, unfortunately, the possibility of bad things happening to travelers.

Ron Warnick, whose Route 66 News these items are taken from, acknowledges this and prepared a list of helpful suggestions to keep your trip "fun."

**  Keep everything locked up as much as possible.

**  Stay aware of your surroundings.

**  Don't engage in risky behavior.

**  Nighttime is not the right time.  Be extra careful.

**  Smaller towns are better as far as safety, but still beware.

**  Carry non-lethal defensive weapons.

Thanks Ron.  More details at his site for this date.

Timely Information.  --RoadDog

Along 66, Nov. 2018: A Turkey Thief On the Loose

November 24--  The metal turkey marking Illinois Route 66's famous "Turkey Tracks" has been stolen.

This stretch of the road dates to the 1920s, and at one point after it was laid, some wild turkeys crossed it, leaving their mark for posterity with 34 tracks.

These are near Nilwood, Illinois.

Sometime before or on November 11, the metal turkey was stolen from what is now known as Donaldson Road.  This stretch was built between 1926 and 1930.

The site is marked well now, but, when we first saw it in 2002, it was hard to find and I must admit, we were more than a little disappointed with it.  But, well, it's Route 66 history.

Return the TURKEY Or Get Broasted or Deep-Fried You Turkey Snatcher!!  --RoadDog

Along the Lincoln Highway, July 2018: Mail Pouch Chewing Tobacco

Continued from the last post.

There were Mail Pouch Chewing Tobacco barns in twenty-two states (mostly in the Midwest).  Farmers who had the ads placed on their barns were modestly compensated by the Wheeling, West Virginia, based tobacco company.

They employed painters.  One of whom was Harley Warrick of Ohio who estimates he painted 20,000 barns over his long career.  Hus retirement marked the end of the Mail Pouch barn-painting era.

One of the remaining Mail Pouch signs is in Marshall County, Indiana.  Her family has owned the farm, six miles east of Plymouth, since 1890.    She readily acknowledged that the barn was in bad shape and she was debating options of what to do with it.

On Tuesday, July 17, she found a 7 by 21-foot section of the barn gone.

Sign Stealers On the Loose.  --RoadDog

Along 66, July 2018: St. Louis Arch and Sign Thefts

These are taken from the Route 66 News blog.  I only take the posts of the most interest to me.  There are a lot more stories and pictures as well as much more information.  Check it out.

JULY 4--  Renovated Gateway Arch Museum in St. Louis reopens to the public.

Too bad that I won't be going there for awhile as I have a boycott against St. Louis for removing the Confederate statue.

It was a $380 million renovation which also includes a major renovation of the grounds around the Arch.

JULY 8--  There has been a rash of  Route 66 sign thefts in Kansas, and that is just a 13 mile stretch.  So far, nine have been stolen, causing much nuisance and inconvenience, not to mention the cost of replacing them.

I really hate it when signage is not there.

--RoadDog

Stolen Autos in 1918

From the February 21, 2018, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

"Kit Carson of Waterman was arrested at his place of business there by Chicago detectives on a charge of buying stolen automobiles, and is now in custody in Chicago.

"The detectives had been on the trail of the cats for some time past and after investigating conditions at Waterman arrested the man who and also seized four cars that are alleged to  have been stolen."

A real Bad Boy From 1918.  --RoadDog

Along 66, March 2018: That Stolen Gas Pump and the Tropics

MARCH 24--  The pump stolen from the Miami, Oklahoma, gas station was recovered.  It is nearly 100 years old and stolen February 25  from the 1929 gas station.

It was found at a store in Ozark, Missouri.

The gas station is located at 331 Main Street on the Route 66 segment leading out to the famous Sidewalk Highway.

MARCH 24--  The co-founder of the Tropics in Lincoln, Illinois, died.  Helen Francis Schwenoha died February 28 at the age of 98 in California.  She and her husband Vincent started the Tropics after World War II.

I am glad we got to stop in there a couple times while it was still open.  We even watched a Chicago Bears game there one time.  So glad the sign was saved, restored and soon will be put back up at the former location, now a McDonald's.

Don't Steal My Pump.  --RoadDog

The Case of the Purloined Cash Box in 1917

From the June 28, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"One of the conductors of the DeKalb-Sycamore street car line was on his way yesterday afternoon at three o'clock, ready to turn in for the day.  His strong box containing tickets and money was in the rear of the car as usual.

"At Sycamore, there was a crowd of youngsters taken on an outing at Electric Park.  When the youngsters left the car, one of them took the strong box along, and for a short time the conductor was a triffle worried.  He went to the park on the next car, and with the aid of the school ma'am recovered the property."

Juvenile Delinquents 100 Years Ago.  --RoadDog

Horse Rustling in DeKalb in 1917

From the October18, 2017, MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Mark Campbell reported to the police station last night that someone had stolen his horse from the hitch rail yard on Second street.

"The owner did not leave his address, merely said the horse was a sorrel and then started out of the station on the run, in an effort to locate the animal."

Not too many horses stolen in downtown DeKalb any more.  You know what they do to horse thieves around these parts.

Sounds A Bit Horsey to Me.  --RoadHorse

Poor Mr. Spickerman, His Car Stolen

From the February 8, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Andrew Spickerman of Malta has just purchased a new Ford car, and in fact had just been taught how to successfully operate the machine.

"Yesterday morning early someone came along, tired of walking, and knowing that Mr. Spickerman had a new car, broke into the barn and started out with the car.  Neighbors heard the car leaving the barn, but did not pay any attention to it until later when the alarm was spread."

Those Lousy Car Thieves Strike Again.  --RoadDidn'tDoIt

"Entitled To Be Peeved" in 1917

From the May 17, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"John McCann of the news stand is feeling just a trifle peeved today owing to the fact that someone stole his bicycle last night and has yet been unable to locate the guilty party or the wheel.

"McCann says that he would not have blamed a man for running away with a roll of money, but when it comes to stealing bicycles especially from such a business as his, he thinks he is entitled to be peeved."

--RoadDidn'tDoIt