This past April 19th, Liz and I went to Springfield for the Sons of Confederate Veterans Illinois Division meeting at the Hilton.
After the convention, I joined Liz and Missy, wife of Camp Douglas Camp 1507 commander John, and did a little bit of bar hopping around the city.
Met them at Celtic Mist, an Irish bar across the street from the Abraham Lincoln Hotel. I then walked around the corner to one of the fast disappearing mom and pop record stores, Recycled Records where I bought used CDs by Peter Frampton, a Mexican mariachi band, and Carole King's "Tapestry" CD, all for $10. They even had a three piece band playing by the front window with music piped into the street.
Next, walked over to the Alamo, on the site of Lincoln's first law office, well, actually the outdoor garden is. Normally, it is closed on Saturdays until evening, but was open for a breast cancer walk. Met the owner who was bar tending. Very friendly person.
NORB ANDY's
Found out he also owns Norb Andy's, a historic Springfield place (building dating to the 1840s and restaurant to around 1904) located about two blocks from the capitol building. It closed about two years ago, much to our regret. This was a great place to eat (we had our first horseshoes here) and definitely enjoyed the $1 taps and live music on the weekends. John, a lobbyist, was always there and provided his own entertainment.
In the past, many of Illinois' movers and shakers were customers.
Asked the owner why he closed it and was told that the city had torn up the street in front of it for six months causing business to really drop off. He is trying to sell it and says it is in go-condition inside. Everything is ready to be used if someone buys it.
Sure hope someone does.
More to Come. --RoadDog
Being an account of some things I'm interested in, what I'm doing, and reflections on my past, especially music.
Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.
Showing posts with label Spring Trip 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring Trip 2008. Show all posts
Monday, May 5, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
April 20th-- Rt 66 Meeting-- Meeting of the Great Rivers-- Bird Vengeance and Monster Tacos
On April 20th, we weren't too happy to find that the $100 we paid to stay at the Hilton did not come with their fabulous breakfast buffet because we were on a group discount. Otherwise, it costs about $13. We weren't going to pay it. When we got back to the room, we found that John and Missy had left early and had given us their coupons, so we got to eat anyway.
Took the superslab, I-55, to Hamel, Illinois, about twenty miles out of St. Louis. We would have driven 66, but were running behind time. Attended the Rt. 66 Association of Illinois at Scotty's, an old Rt. 66 tavern and inn that used to be called Tourist Haven. We were surprised to see Ernie Edwards (the Old Coot of 66) and wife Fran there as he is not getting around as easily as in the past. There are 970 members in the organization.
RUNNING ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI
We then drove over to Alton, Illinois, right on the Mississippi and dropped south to Hartford and saw where the Missouri River flows into the Mississippi right near the Lewis and Clark encampment museum. Got gas for the most I've ever paid, $3,66. Saw they are building a tower out by the highway, which is the start of the Scenic Byway. We were disappointed that a big levee ran between the highway and river although lots of bicyclers were riding along the top ot it.
At Alton, we stopped and played NTN at Tony's, a famous Italian restaurant dating back to the 1950s. We also saw the famous Piasa Bird painted on the cliffside at a park outside town. From here on, this was mighty great river driving. There was a clear view of the river off to the left and cliffs to the right. A bike trail ran along the whole route.
Plus, I think every motorcyclist in the area was out and driving along this route. At Grafton, we saw where the Illinois River flows into the Mississippi and lots of neat bars and restaurants we'll have to visit if we can afford the gas to get back. Walked around the lodge and hotel at the Pere Marquette State Park, but thought the $125 a night was too much, so drove to Litchfield.
BIRD VENGEANCE AND MONSTER TACOS
Cruising back on some great country roads, some bird, or birds, really let loose on us as we drove under a wire. There had to be at least 12 big splotches on the windshield. And as you know, you can't simply turn on the windshield wipers to get that stuff off. Stopped at a station in Jerseyville and used their squeegie and after a lot of effort, got it off. "Birdie, Birdie in the Sky, Why'd You That..."
We checked into the Super 8 at Litchfield and drove over to Jack-in-the-Box for Liz's favorite meal, the Monster Tacos. At 99 cents a good deal these days and greasy to the extreme as ever. I don't usually like to stop at chain stores on trips, but this is the closest Jack to home, so a definite stop any time through town.
On the Road Again. --RoadDog
Took the superslab, I-55, to Hamel, Illinois, about twenty miles out of St. Louis. We would have driven 66, but were running behind time. Attended the Rt. 66 Association of Illinois at Scotty's, an old Rt. 66 tavern and inn that used to be called Tourist Haven. We were surprised to see Ernie Edwards (the Old Coot of 66) and wife Fran there as he is not getting around as easily as in the past. There are 970 members in the organization.
RUNNING ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI
We then drove over to Alton, Illinois, right on the Mississippi and dropped south to Hartford and saw where the Missouri River flows into the Mississippi right near the Lewis and Clark encampment museum. Got gas for the most I've ever paid, $3,66. Saw they are building a tower out by the highway, which is the start of the Scenic Byway. We were disappointed that a big levee ran between the highway and river although lots of bicyclers were riding along the top ot it.
At Alton, we stopped and played NTN at Tony's, a famous Italian restaurant dating back to the 1950s. We also saw the famous Piasa Bird painted on the cliffside at a park outside town. From here on, this was mighty great river driving. There was a clear view of the river off to the left and cliffs to the right. A bike trail ran along the whole route.
Plus, I think every motorcyclist in the area was out and driving along this route. At Grafton, we saw where the Illinois River flows into the Mississippi and lots of neat bars and restaurants we'll have to visit if we can afford the gas to get back. Walked around the lodge and hotel at the Pere Marquette State Park, but thought the $125 a night was too much, so drove to Litchfield.
BIRD VENGEANCE AND MONSTER TACOS
Cruising back on some great country roads, some bird, or birds, really let loose on us as we drove under a wire. There had to be at least 12 big splotches on the windshield. And as you know, you can't simply turn on the windshield wipers to get that stuff off. Stopped at a station in Jerseyville and used their squeegie and after a lot of effort, got it off. "Birdie, Birdie in the Sky, Why'd You That..."
We checked into the Super 8 at Litchfield and drove over to Jack-in-the-Box for Liz's favorite meal, the Monster Tacos. At 99 cents a good deal these days and greasy to the extreme as ever. I don't usually like to stop at chain stores on trips, but this is the closest Jack to home, so a definite stop any time through town.
On the Road Again. --RoadDog
Thursday, May 1, 2008
April 19th-- A Day in Springfield, Illinois
At 9, Liz drove me over to the Hilton in downtown Springfield for the Illinois Division meeting of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV). I must say that Springfield really has a lot of stop lights. And...I don't think I missed a single one on the way over.
Twenty-four SCV members showed up and we did he business first. There are 159 members in Illinois, spread around six camps. The largest is my camp, Camp Douglas, named after the infamous Civil War prison in which over 6000 Confederates died in 18 months.
Incidentally, this was on the same day back in 1861 when Lincoln declared a blockade on all seceded Confederate states. Springfield is also the home of Abraham Lincoln.
When officers and Division positions were being filled, I raised my hand to ask exactly what the historian had to do. This became my job for the next year. Next time, remind me not to ask.
After lunch, the Lt. Cmdr. of the SCV, Ron Casteel, gave us an inspiring talk on the role the press, of which he retired from, in the problems facing southern heritage organizations such as ours face.
BAR HOPPING
Met up with Liz and Missy and took a walk around downtown Springfield to visit local establishments.
Met them at the Celtic Mist (an Irish place) by the hotel. Then walked over to the Alamo, a favorite watering hole for us. Usually they are not open Saturday afternoon, but had today because of a breast cancer march. Saw pictures of the march which featured many men hilariously trying to cope walking along in high heels. Now, That WAS REALLY FUNNY.
To Be Continued...
SCV and Springfield. Good Combination. --RoadDog
Twenty-four SCV members showed up and we did he business first. There are 159 members in Illinois, spread around six camps. The largest is my camp, Camp Douglas, named after the infamous Civil War prison in which over 6000 Confederates died in 18 months.
Incidentally, this was on the same day back in 1861 when Lincoln declared a blockade on all seceded Confederate states. Springfield is also the home of Abraham Lincoln.
When officers and Division positions were being filled, I raised my hand to ask exactly what the historian had to do. This became my job for the next year. Next time, remind me not to ask.
After lunch, the Lt. Cmdr. of the SCV, Ron Casteel, gave us an inspiring talk on the role the press, of which he retired from, in the problems facing southern heritage organizations such as ours face.
BAR HOPPING
Met up with Liz and Missy and took a walk around downtown Springfield to visit local establishments.
Met them at the Celtic Mist (an Irish place) by the hotel. Then walked over to the Alamo, a favorite watering hole for us. Usually they are not open Saturday afternoon, but had today because of a breast cancer march. Saw pictures of the march which featured many men hilariously trying to cope walking along in high heels. Now, That WAS REALLY FUNNY.
To Be Continued...
SCV and Springfield. Good Combination. --RoadDog
Friday, April 25, 2008
Spring Trip-- Route 66-- Springfield-- Part 1
We just got back from a six day mini-trip before gas gets so expensive we can't afford to go anywhere anymore. We were gone April 18th to the 23rd.
DWIGHT--
Took Il-47 as usual to avoid the Chicago hassle. Once in Dwight, we had a great buffet at Smaterjax's on Rt. 66, but were sorry to see that they had taken down all that great car memorabilia, including a complete run of Illinois license plates from the early 1920s to the 80s. Now, that was impressive.
Impressed with how the 1930s gas station looks now as it was falling apart when we first started cruisin' the Mother Road in 2002. They really need to repaint the Rt 66 shields on the road as they are getting so worn and faded, it's hard to see them.
ODELL
Took 66 to the 1920s Standard station in Odell and went inside. Saw about ten different countries listed in the sign-in book. They have a new old washer/dryer machine that looked like none I'd ever seen.
PONTIAC
Visited the new phoo exhibition at the Rt 66 Association of Illinois' Museum. This guy can see a photo in a scene like no one else can. Well worth a stop. Also toured the new Pontiac War Museum which is located next door.
TO SPRINGFIELD
Took the superslab, I-55, around Bloomington-Normal as usual. Not much remains of the old road througn these towns.
FUNK'S GROVE
Stopped at Funk's Grove Maple Sirup (correctly spelled) to get some of the great maple candy, but they were already sold out. Bought a CowBop CD, a group that will travel Route 66 in May and try to make ends meet by impromptu performances. They do a western swing/jazz sort of thing.
Ran into a motorcyclist there from Bloomington, Indiana, who was on his first Route 66 trip. Warned him to be careful as this is VERY ADDICTIVE. He told us he was already hookjed after just being on it from Towanda.
Went past Tall Paul and the world's ugliest water tower in Atlanta. Ernie Edwards was not out and about at the Pig Hip restaurant.
Got a room at the Days Inn on the southeast side of Springfield and played NTN at Capital City Bar and Grill.
DWIGHT--
Took Il-47 as usual to avoid the Chicago hassle. Once in Dwight, we had a great buffet at Smaterjax's on Rt. 66, but were sorry to see that they had taken down all that great car memorabilia, including a complete run of Illinois license plates from the early 1920s to the 80s. Now, that was impressive.
Impressed with how the 1930s gas station looks now as it was falling apart when we first started cruisin' the Mother Road in 2002. They really need to repaint the Rt 66 shields on the road as they are getting so worn and faded, it's hard to see them.
ODELL
Took 66 to the 1920s Standard station in Odell and went inside. Saw about ten different countries listed in the sign-in book. They have a new old washer/dryer machine that looked like none I'd ever seen.
PONTIAC
Visited the new phoo exhibition at the Rt 66 Association of Illinois' Museum. This guy can see a photo in a scene like no one else can. Well worth a stop. Also toured the new Pontiac War Museum which is located next door.
TO SPRINGFIELD
Took the superslab, I-55, around Bloomington-Normal as usual. Not much remains of the old road througn these towns.
FUNK'S GROVE
Stopped at Funk's Grove Maple Sirup (correctly spelled) to get some of the great maple candy, but they were already sold out. Bought a CowBop CD, a group that will travel Route 66 in May and try to make ends meet by impromptu performances. They do a western swing/jazz sort of thing.
Ran into a motorcyclist there from Bloomington, Indiana, who was on his first Route 66 trip. Warned him to be careful as this is VERY ADDICTIVE. He told us he was already hookjed after just being on it from Towanda.
Went past Tall Paul and the world's ugliest water tower in Atlanta. Ernie Edwards was not out and about at the Pig Hip restaurant.
Got a room at the Days Inn on the southeast side of Springfield and played NTN at Capital City Bar and Grill.
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