RoadDog

I have a nephew who calls them "Awful Houses." We don't have them around the northern part of Illinois and I like to eat at these places when on the road. I like their food and especially those great hashbrowns.

Welcome to the forum. I'll bet you really have the stories to tell like the above one. Why were you interested in the place in Dekalb, Illinois? That is where I went to college. Great town right there on Lincoln Highway. We used to do what we called the Lincoln Crawl from bar to bar. One of my wife and my favorite performers is Pat Dailey from out at Put-in-Bay, Ohio, and he says there are a lot of stories in those lines on his face. Imagine you could relate to that.

In his annual review of the events that "shook" the world in 2006, columnist Dave Barry had this to say about the 50th anniversary of the US interstate system: "On a happier note, the United States marks the 50th anniversary of the Interstate Highway System, an engineering marvel consisting of 47,000 miles of high-speed roads connecting 157,000 Waffle Houses. A formal ceremony is planned, but has to be cancelled when Dad refuses to stop." Very funny guy, this Dave Barry.

Nothing finer than hitting the highway and getting to know the greatest group around, the roadies. Looking forward to seeing people at the Rt 66 Assoc. of Illinois' Motor Tour, the Lincoln Highway Convention, and Rt. 66 Festival in Clinton. Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway (if we can afford the gas by then). --RoadDog

Sounds good to me. I'd be up for it. I haven't done much with the Dixie Highway except US-41 through Indiana to Nashville (if that is a part of it)..

I went through that area around Thanksgiving, but on the superslab. That was something seeing that huge Confederate Battle Flag flying on the hill above 40 between Knoxville and Nashville. I did try to follow US-70 from NC through the mountains once, but got lost. There are no directions through there. Keep on Down that two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

Here's a new NTN Topix Trivia Contest from Dec. 15, 2006. Road Songs 1. Who did "On the Road Again"? 2. John and Paul wrote a song about a "Long __ _____ ____". 3. What was the big road hit by AC/DC? 4, Who performed "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"? 5. What state was John Denver singing about in "Take Me Home Country Roads"? 6. Who warned you not to come home "no more, no more, no more"? 7. In Sheryl Crow's "Walk With Me". what kind of a road did she refer to? 8. What was Judas Priest's song about the open road? 9. The Flying Buritto Brothers sang about how many days on the road? 10. Who sang about "Highway 29"? 11. "Trailers for sale or rent, rooms to rent 50 cents." What song? 12. What 60s-70s soul singer did "The End of Our Road"? 13. Bachman Turner Overdrive wanted you to "___ Down the Highway". 14. Choose the incorrect city in "Get Your Kicks on Route 66": Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Flagstaff, Barstow, Denver 15. Ozzy Osborne sang about what road? See how you do.

Well, Pat wasn't too sure either. Looks like they would have at least done a little research before taking the Route 66 "trip". I did see the next show that they did at least know where it went and showed a map of it. At least it was great to see the shield several times during each show. Let's see, is Amarillo on the road? Keep "Wheelin'" Down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

Just saw that the Wheel is visiting the Mother Road this week. Let see what Pat has to say about it.

I was just able to purchase three Charles Kuralt books at a used book store. Reckon I'm in for some good reading. Has anyone read any of his books?

We had a #8 finish. Cooter got a 13,771 out of the 15,000 possible, but some WAGgin took place. Would have done much worse, but thankfully had a younger person there who knew the Judas Priest and Ozzy Osborne questtions. First six questions very easy, like you said, then watch out. Did any other road people play? If so, how did you do?

In a Daily News article by John Skeer from Dec. 14th, the California cities of Palmdale and Lancaster are putting up signs to mark US-6. US-6 is called the nation's longest continuous highway, running from Provincetown, Massachusetts, to Long Beach, California. Fred Hahn, past two term mayor of the City of Lancaster is trying to build up interest in Route 6 comparable to Route 66. He became interested six years ago after vacationing on America's historical roads. He kept coming across Route 6. He became involved with the US-6 Tourist Association and now serves as its executive director for California. US-6 has been called the Roosevelt Highway (after Pres. Theodore Roosevelt), Midland Trail Roadway, and its official title is The Grand Army of the Republic Highway. That was the name of the organization of Union veterans set up after the Civil War. It originally started as a short route between Provincetown and Brewster, NY, but was extended.

DOT BEATRICE LEAVITT Owner of Dot's Mini Museum in Vega. Texas Dot Leavitt died September 11, 2006 at age 89. She opened and ran the popular Dot's Mini Museum in Vega and was a must-stop for Route 66ers. Her establishment is marked in the Hampton Inn Landmark series. She was always more than happy to show visitors the contents of her museum and would spend hours talking with them. A true friend to all. We were fortunate enough to get to visit with her at length back in September. Her daughter awakened her from her nap and she came out to give us a tour. She was a classic on the Mother Road and will be greatly missed.

Excellent book. We used it on a trip through Iowa on the Lincoln this past spring and found it to be of great use. I understand he is doing a companion book soon to be published.

Russell Buchanon-106- One of last World War I Vets Russell Buchanon died December 6th in Watertown, Massachusetts. He joined the Navy in the last few months of WWI after being turned down by the Marines because he did not meet the minimum 118 pound weight restriction. He was actice even into his hundreds and regularly walked his local mall. He also participated in this past November's Veterans Day ceremonies. In a Veterans Day ceremony in 2001, he said, "Stand up for the USA and give all you can, even if it hurts." I imagine he had some memories of the early days of the US highway system. With his passing, there only remain 14 confirmed US veterans of the War to End All wars. Sad to see his generation passing away.

Some of the markers along Illinois roads are over 70 years old and in need of repairs, replacement, or correction. One even has the incorrect definition of abolitionist. The organization in charge of them, the Illinois State Historical Society, has been placing and maintaining the almost 500 markers since 1934 and estimate that 20-24% need to be refurbished or replaced. New markers cost between $1800 and $2800. The cost of this project is estimated at around $100,000. The problem is that there is no money. Money for the signs is not a high priority in the financially strapped state government right now. The ISHS relies on member dues, sponsors, and corporate donations to meet costs. It is hoped this project will be completed by the time Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday arrived in 2009. For the last five years, the ISHS has been working with Springfield high school students to map all the markers using GPS. Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

I bought a copy of the DVD from Target and it came with an extra DVD of specials.

Yes, it is at 9 PM Central. I'm hoping to play and test my knowledge. Go to Buzztime to check out sites near you if you're unfamiliar with the game. Pretty much every Buffalo Wild Wings has it. Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

After doing the obituary of one of the founders and reading about the chain, I decided that I had to stop by one. They are only located in California (mostly) and a few in Arizona and Nevada. We came across one in Kingman. Arizona, and stopped in. The first thing I noticed was that they only had four things on the menu. We got the double burgers and that was some of the best eating I've ever had. The french fries are cut fresh on site. We also found one in Las Vegas and stopped for a second round. Judging from the large crowds, I'd have to say the place is quite popular. I recommend that anyone cruising those states from elsewhere should stop and partake. They date back to the 40s and are considered to be the first place with a drive-thru. Keep on Down that two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

On November 11, 2006, celebrations honoring Veterans Day and the 80th birthday of the Mother Road were held across the length of 66. I know of at least three of them in Victorville, Ca., Galena, Ks., and in Illinois from Pontiac to Joliet. About 40 cold souls ventured out into the blustery day and met at the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Illinois. where we had some delicious pastries and got to see the ongoing mural map by Bob Waldemire showing 66 through Illinois and sights along the way. Unfortunately, it is right by the bathrooms and I was filming it when a guy walked out. We had a very awkward moment. One can only imagine what he was thinking. We then caravaned to Odell and visited the Standard station where John Weiss discussed the new preservation project at the Mill in Lincoln. Four beautifully painted signs are to be erected this weekend to direct visitors to the station. Next stop was in Wilmington where we joined about 250 people for Veterans Day observance and the dedication of that part of Route 66 as a Blue Star Memorial Highway. John Weiss spoke a few words here as well. Then, on to the Joliet Historical Museum where a new Route 66 sculpture incorporating many facets of the road was dedicated. It has 66 in Joliet, the Blue Swallow, Chain of Rocks Bridge, Santa Monica Pier, and a Depression era father holding his child in it. Very impressive. We sang a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday and had cake. Then, there was a talk downstairs about the new things going on with the Route 66 Corridor. John Weiss dedicated an original Lincoln Highway marker in the fountain garden and his wife, Lenore dedicated the new Jerry McClannahan map mural of all eight Route 66 states and sights. Busy day for Route 66 in the Land of Lincoln.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2006, an original 1928 Boy Scout Lincoln Highway marker was dedicated in the fountain garden at the Joliet Historical Museum located on historic Route 66, a couple blocks from Lincoln. John Weiss, who was instrumental in obtaining it from IDOT, served as the master of ceremony. He explained that most every marker was installed on the same day across the length of Lincoln Highway. These markers were designed by a landscaping architect from Ravinia, Illinois. A group of four "model" Boy Scouts were chosen to go the whole distance before that day to advertise it and to exhibit scouting skills, One was Mark Hughes from Joliet. One of his relatives is still involved in scouting in Joliet, but unfortunately, was unable to attend. Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

I am not much of a superslab guy, but have to admit that I-75 from its western terminus in Utah, to Denver, is one impressive ride. Construction had to overcome formidible obstacles. The scenery is breathtaking.

GLEN LEONHARDT Dies- 93 Glen Leonhardt, of San Bernardino, Ca., who spent a lot of his life on and around Route 66, died September 18th at the age of 93. He was born in 1913 in Guthrie Center, Iowa and then his family moved to South Dakota where he became a mechanic. In 1937, he drove a 1936 Chevy to San Bernardino at 35 mph most of the way. He ended up going by way of El Paso as the Rockies were too high. In California, he managed to get his car stuck in the sand at a beach. During the Depression, he worked in the CCC in the Texas Panhandle and, while working on Route 66 around Vega, met Maxine Jackson and later married her in Tucumcari in 1939. During WWII he worked at army bases in San Antonio and was transferred to Norton AFB in 1944 He settled in San Bernardino where he lived the rest of his life and raised four children. He was master mechanic at Joe Lazaar Cadillac for 33 years. He bought a 1965 Cadillac and made numerous roadtrips throughout the southwest.

It was a pleasure meeting you in Springfield. Well, we completed the trip, and what a trip it was. Over 5400 miles, $480 worth of gas, and $1200 in motel bills. It was great getting together with the e-mail group at the Alamo in Springfield and putting some faces to names. I'd recommend roadie get togethers whenever possible during such events. Enjoyed the Grass Roots, even if they were singing a bit off key. Sad news was that Norb Andy's, one of our favorite Springfield places, was closed and had been for some time. Hope they reopen. This is where we had our first-ever horseshoes. Good eating there. Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

We visited the site on our Route 66 End-to-End Trip we just recently completed. It is off Main Street on the south side of town. We had problems finding it, but a police car was nearby responding to a call and asked if that was what we were looking for. Evidently a few people have come through looking for it. We did not see the supposed bullet holes, but couldn't get up too close to it as it is a private residence. Sure makes for an interesting story though. The old train depot is slowing falling apart with its art deco styling. Hopefully, Joplin will do something about it. One interesting sign we saw in town was one forbidding cruising Main Street between 8 PM and 3 AM. You could get fined for doing it. Hhhhmmmmm! Just a warning to you old car fanatics. You might want to think about it before cruising. Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog