Leading Up to St. Patrick's Day: No Dyed River, Parades or CB&C, But Old-Time Radio, A Beer and a Band

MARCH 16, SATURDAY

This was to be the big day of partying everywhere.  I had lots of options, but many I canceled if they involved spending time outside.  It was kind of cold and very windy.  Plus there would be crowds.  The older I get, the less I like any one of those things.

That meant a no go to McHenry to see the Fox River dyed green or the parade.  That also ruled out the parade in Lake Villa.  Sad, because I surely love parades.  I decided instead to go to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society's meeting and see the Lake County Old Time Radio Players put on an old time radio show.  They did "The Shadow."  Quite a neat and enjoyable job.

I then  went to Lake Villa and found myself in a long detour, but eventually got to the Lake Villa VFW which was having a corned beef and cabbage dinner.  I was sad to find they had already given out of it by the time I arrived.  Bummer.

However, I did luck into a seat at the very crowded bar and had a beer while enjoying the 50s-60s band, Accents.  However, the power went out and I left.

Not Finished With the Day Yet.  --RoadDog

Legions, Historical Society, NFL Playoffs, Bloody Marys and Beer

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

Met Kevin and Kelly at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois.  There are new owners there.  But still good food at reasonable prices.  Then went to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50.  We also have pull tabs for drink prices: 50 cents, half price and full price.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

Went to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society meeting at the museum on Washington Street in Ingleside.  Met Frank and Lian there.  Today's topic was show and tell and a lot of the talk was about the old Pupper Bar/ Eagle Point Park, where I worked several yerars as house deejay until it closed.  That was one really fun place.  Imagine getting paid to have a good time.

Later, in the afternoon, I went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg to watch NFL playoff games and had a nice talk with Wayne and Angie who are now at the McHenry Moose Laodge, but for many years at Stucky's.  Wayne sponsored me joining the Moose Lodge there.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22

I went to the Polish Legion of American Vets in McHenry for the $2.75 Bloody Marys and had a good time talking with folks.  Then to the McHenry American Legion which was packed.  Watched NFL playoff games at both places, then went to Saylor Mick's in Spring Grove and enjoyed half-price BLT pizza (this time with no sugar) and $1 Hamm's pints.  Had a nice talk with Dan and Chuck who live in Spring Grove as well.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?

Johnny's Cafe, Legion, Ray Chevrolet, USO, BBQ, Plaquing a Cabin

JULY 15,  Friday

Met the usual suspects at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois, and afterwards, adjourned to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50.

JULY 16, SATURDAY

Went over to Ray Chevrolet (where we bought our last two Malibus) in Fox Lake for their cookout to raise money for the USO and met Glen and Barb.  Outstanding brats for just $2 as well as a classic car show.  

We then went over to where Pink Harrison's used to be on Pistakee Lake.  The McHenry County Historical Association was plaquing one of the original vacation cabins and there was a huge crowd in attendance.  Makes you think that History might just have a chance.

Oak Park Lounge is right next to it and is an original Chain  O' Lakes bar and resort.  Pictures of it on display show that it still looks much like it did in the 1930s.  Had a couple brews there.  It opened in the 1890s.

--RoadOld

Mighty Cool and Rainy Spring: Granny's, Donovan's, Fox Lake Historical Society, Stucky's, Gas Over $5!!! and McHenry Legion

MAY 17, Tuesday

Met the Sunnyside crowd at Granny's Diner in Johnsburg for the weekly breakfast. Did some yardwork and cut the grass.  Saw two of my favorite movies on TV "Gran Torino" and "Guardians of the Galaxy."

MAY 18, Wednesday

Met the usual suspects at Donovan's in Twin Lakes.

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MAY 19, THURSDAY

I spent quite a lot of time cutting down weed trees by the back  deck

MAY 20, FRIDAY

Two more really good movies on TV:  "The Breakfast Club" and "Anchorman:  The Legend of Ron Burgundy."

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MAY 21, SATURDAY

Sad time at the Fox Lake Historical Society this Monday as our long-time president died Thursday.  

Gas above $5 in Fox Lake!!!  We need to do something about the GRBs!!

Liz and I went to Stucky's in Johnsburg for dinner and karaoke (and, of course, those wonderful $1draft pints.

MAY 22, SUNDAY

Man has it gotten cool.  The furnace was running this morning.  All in all, this has been a really crummy spring and with all this rain and wind, I was unable to burn the tree limbs and branches.  Today was the last day I could legally do this because I will be out of town next weekend.

Liz and I went to the McHenry American Legion and enjoyed the $3 rail drinks ($1.50 during happy hour which really makes me happy.

--RoadDog

Last Week: Fox Lake Yesterday and Today, McHenry Christmas Walk, Bears Lose

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20

I went to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society's meeting at the Grant Hall Museum in Ingleside, Illinois, after my mandatory stop at Thornton's for a large cappucinno coffee.  The museum has acquired the 24 historical signs that were up in Fox Lake in 2020 showing yesterday and today pictures of places around the community. Each one had an interesting story behind it.

In the afternoon, we went to the McHenry American Legion as our first stop on the McHenry annual Christmas Walk, where many stores, restaurants and bars have specials and Christmas-themed activities going on.

Later, we went to Grinder's, Old Bridge and ended up back at the Legion.

We were sorry to find out that Richmond-Burton had lost their game to Joliet Catholic, but no one was surprised.  That team should not have been in Class 4A.

Came home and watched "Ghostbusters" and "Ghostbusters II."

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Went to the McHenry American Legion and watched the Bears lose another game.  They have now lost six in a row.  People are calling to have Coach Nagy fired.

Stopped at Sunnyside on the way home.

--RoadDog

Two Bands, Five Bars, Yard Work and a History Meeting

FRIDAY, MAY 17

We met Kevin and Kelly at a new place on the Chain of Lakes called Fam's.  It used to be Korpan's Landing for a long time and is at Kamikazee Alley where Nippersink and Fox lakes come together.  Liz and I split a fish fry for $9.99 which had more than enough for both of us.

We then went over to Whiskey Waters on State Park Road and had a good time listening to the band Aging Teen Idols playing our kind of music.

FRIDAY, MAY 18

I went to the Fox Lake Historical Society meeting in the morning, then worked in the yard.  That night, Liz and I went to Stucky's in Johnsburg and had a good time with Uncle Will playing the guitar.  We spent the early part of his show doing protest songs from the sixties.

FRIDAY, MAY 19

Went back to Stucky's for their breakfast buffet, $8.99 for seniors including coffee or tea and made-to-order omelets.  After yard work, we went to Sunnyside and had a great time with the juke box and watching the Cubs game.

Good Times In the Area.  --RoadDog

A PLETHORA OF TIDBITS:  Actress Marilyn Monroe colored her hair using a shade of blond called dirty pillow slip.

From Great Lakes Navy Base to Kelly's 40th to Spring Grove Pub

SEPTEMBER 15, SATURDAY

I called my brother Bob in Goldsboro, N.C., who said he was without power as expected because of Hurricane Florence and there are many trees down.  he had eight inches of water in his basement.

Went to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society meeting and heard an interesting presentation on the Great Lakes Navy Base in North Chicago.  It dates to 1911 and is the only Navy training base in the United States.

Later, we went to the Legion for Kelly's 40th birthday party.  Great food and the band Ask Jimmy outside on the grounds overlooking Nippersink Lake.

Afterwards to Spring Grove Pub.

SEPTEMBER 16, SUNDAY

Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for the Packer-Viking game.  It is always more fun to watch the Pack in Wisconsin for some reason.  Unfortunately, after dominating the game early on, the Pack (we pull for the Packers unless they play Da Bears) let Minnesota back into the game and it ended up tied after overtime.

--ToadDog

Way Too Much Going On This Weekend: Getting Our Green On

It's gonna be a green time in the old area this weekend, but way too much.

Later today we are going to the St. Patrick's Day party at the Legion in Fox Lake with entertainment and cb&c  (corn beef & cabbage).

But then, it gets real busy Saturday since that is the actual day of St. Patrick's Day.  Other things going on Saturday are both the Richmond/Spring Grove Business Expos, the Fox Lake Historical Society has a meeting and talk about the Mineola Hotel.  The McHenry Binny's is having free glass etching if you buy Guinness Beer.

Then, McHenry is having their McHenry ShamrockFest.  They will be dyeing the Fox River green at 10 a.m., a parade at noon and then bands all afternoon in a heated tent at Miller Point Park.  Every downtown business and bar has St. Patrick's stuff going on.  More cb&c at the PLAV.

Lake Villa also has has a parade and big party at the VFW.

Sunday, the partying continues in McHenry.

Decisions, Decisions and All That Green.  --RoadO'Dog

A Football Kind of Weekend-- Part 2: A Homecoming Parade, Historical Society Meeting and Civil War Re-Enactment

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

I drove over to the Grant High School (Fox Lake) homecoming parade.  I love a parade, and this one had two marching bands and a Class of 1967 float, just two years ahead of me.

Then I went to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Area Historical Society meeting at the Grant Hall Museum in Ingleside where we learned about the huge commercial fishing operations for carp that took place at one time in the Chain of Lakes.

Next stop was in Hainesville where they were having their Second Annual Civil War Re=Enactment.  I got to talk with our Sons of Confederates affiliates in a Tennessee group, my old friend Bob Dawson who was portraying Elijah Haines, who is the founder of Hainesville as well as interesting talks by U.S. Grant and Jefferson Davis.

Stopped at Taco Bell in Fox Lake on the way home for their excellent Baja fish taco (99 cents) and spicy tostada ($1) and free senior drink.  A real hard deal to beat.

Parades, History, Civil War.  I Can Live With That.  --RoadDog

Plenty Going On Around Here This Weekend: Boating, Football, History, Civil War and Bands

A bit earlier today, I went out on the boat and in a short while, I'll be going to Richmond, Illinois, for the Richmond-Burton football game.  Nothing like a high school football game on a warm September Friday night.

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 16, Grant High School in Fox Lake, Illinois, has its homecoming parade at 9 a.m..  From there I am going to the Fox Lake Grant Township Area Historical Society for a presentation on Commercial Fishing on the Chain.

After that I will go to Hainesville, Illinois, for a Civil War re-enactment.

Later in the afternoon and early evening, several bars are having bands playing outside, including Oak Park Lounge's Oaktoberfest.

Sunday, there are more bands and, of course, Da Bears game.

Why Go Anywhere Else?  --RoadDog

Great Time This Past 4th of July Weekend-- Part 2: Parades, Parties and Fireworks

SATURDAY, July 2

Fox Lake, Illinois parade, Legion for 3 Aces band during the afternoon.  Party in Joihnsburg.

SUNDAY, July 3

Bob Stroud's Summer of 1976 on his Rock and Roll Roots radio show.  Fox Lake Historical Society Ice Cream Social.  Michael Lescher performing.  Captain's Quarters for the Hooked on Sonics band and one of those jukebox deejays.  No talk, just music.  Sunnyside Tavern.  Bonfire on the Grand strand at home.  Lots of fireworks.

MONDAY,  July 4

Spring Grove parade and festival grounds at Horse Fair Park. Sunnyside Tavern.  Watched the Spring Grove Fireworks display from the foot of our driveway.  At least three of our neighbors in the subdivision put on worthy fireworks displays of their own.

Why Go Anywhere Else?  --RoadDog

Gettin' Our Fourth of July On

I already have all my U.S. flags up outside.

Wednesday, we went out to Grant High School in Fox Lake and saw our American Legion team defeat Lake Villa 7-5, then stopped at Hello Folks and paid Rick for our summer pier space on Fox Lake.  Last stop was the Legion.

Yesterday, we went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin,  for their Italian beef sandwiches and then to Antioch, Illinois, for their It's Thursday concert.  We saw Barstool Soldiers and R Gang.

Earlier today, we had those great breakfasts at K.C.'s Cabin and in a few minutes we're off to the Legion.

Tomorrow, Saturday, we're off to Twin Lake, Wisconsin, for the parade, then back to Fox Lake for their parade and festivities, then to the Legion for a band, then to a party at a friend's house in Johnsburg.  Later, a bonfire on the Strand and watching fireworks from the house.

Sunday it's the Fox Lake Historical Society ice cream social at the museum and a band at Captain's Quarters.

Monday we have the parade in Spring Grove, the festivities, a band and then watching the fireworks from our front yard.

Tuesday, let's hope we get the boat in the water...finally.

A Salute to the United States.  Happy 240th.  Now, let's Find Someone to be President.  --RoadDog

Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society Meeting Today: Thanks a Lot, Bob

It starts at the museum in Ingleside, Illinois, in 45 minutes.  This is real history at its most local roots.

Today's topic will be Show and Tell where members bring along something historical to do that old school thing.

I am bringing several of the Beatles' first albums since we are in the 50th and 51st anniversaries of their arriving in America in 1964 and 1965.  They sure had an impact on me.  Before they came, I didn't listen to pop music at all.  Of course, being in seventh grade when they came meant that there was no way I could avoid them even had I wanted to do so.

I eventually had all the Beatles albums and was very proud of them and really took care of them, making sure I never touched the grooves.  I was so finicky about them that I left them at home when I went off to Northern Illinois University.  I was afraid they would get all scratched.  Little did I know that my brother would mess them up at home while I was gone.

Wendy Rice is back to 1967 on her Saturday Morning Flashback show on Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM.  She just played "New York Mining Disaster 1941" by whom I thought to be the Beatles back then, but it turned out to be the Bee Gees.  It streams until noon, CDST.

Thanks A Lot, Bob.  --RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  You've never, ever, eaten okra, either fried or boiled.

This Past Weekend-- Part 2: History in Ingleside, Eating in McHenry

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH:

I went to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Area Historical Society meeting in Ingleside, Illinois, in the morning. Gas in Fox Lake is "down" to $3.13 ($3.12 for most folks, but really $312.9). Learned that Ray Manzarek of the Doors lived in Ingleside from 1960-1961. Also that two major league baseball players, Billy and Bobby Klaus, came from Fox Lake, Illinois. Today's topic was Fox Lake in 1963, fifty years ago.

In the afternoon, we drove to McHenry for their annual Christmas Walk and Taste of Winter. Twenty places had special food items for $1 to $2. I first went to The Vinyl Frontier record store and bought a four-CD pack of music from the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival. We went to Old Bridge Tavern, After the Fox, Corkscrew Pointe, Little Chef, Bimbo's, Fox Hole, the Polish Legion, Gambler's and Main Street Station (the old McHenry train station) before being too full to continue.

Watched Northwestern lose to Michigan and that unbelievable Georgia-Auburn game at the Twisted Moose before coming home. We were wearing our NIU Huskie gear and got all kinds of congrats and high fives as well as discussions. It seems that we have made a lot of fans over the last several years.

At home, we watched the JFK special on CBS. Those muffled drums during the funeral procession still really get me.

Busy Day. --RoadDog

JSS: Cold-- History Thing-- 1975

JSS-- Just Some Stuff


1. COLD-- Before we left on vacation, it was too hot to go boating. Now it is too cold to go boating. Temps the last two three days have been in the low 60s and even down to the 30s at night.

I like my fall. Don't let it slip by.


2. HISTORY THING-- In about an hour, I go to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society meeting which is about local schools. After that, it is on to Lake Villa for Civil War Days where I will man the Sons of Confederate Veterans tent.

It is great to get together with folks who have similar interests.


3. 1975-- Wendy Rice is doing her Saturday Morning Flashback show on WXRT Chicago, 93.1 FM on 1975. I'll be listening to it as much as possible as her shows really take me back. Not only do you get the music but lots of other stuff that take you back.


Where Were You in 1975? --RoadDog


UNIVERSAL TRUTH: The last ten years I taught, even the new teachers looked younger and younger. I even stopped some in the halls and asked for their hall passes between periods. That old codger.

Doin' My Historical Thang

Last Saturday, I did my history thing for most of the day.

In the morning, I attended the meeting of the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society. We are currently compiling accounts of early families in the area.

We have 23 people who serve as docents. Not that any records are being kept, but Ruth Stark led all docents with 5 times. Two others had four apiece. Docents are on hand to greet and help visitors to the museum on Washington Street in Ingleside, Illinois. The museum is only open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but has been closed for the month of February.

In 2005, the first year it was open, the museum attracted 525 people. In 2006, it was 820, and last year, 836. We are hoping for 1000 this year.

We had a presentation by the Fox Lake Fire Department which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Village of Fox Lake just celebrated its 100th in 2007.

More on the fire department's presentation later.

History at the Grassroots Level. --RoadDog

Doing My History Thang this Past Weekend

It just ended up being an intense history weekend for me.

Saturday morning I went to the monthly Fox Lake Historical Society in Ingleside. I spoke about voting for my favorites among the 25 sites eligible for the million bucks from American Express and also told them about the Civil War Encampment in Lake Villa this weekend.

Heard an interesting presentation on the ice cutting industry in Fox Lake. Before refrigeration, summertime ice in the Chicagoland area came from the Chain of Lakes and other lakes in Lake County. Blocks were cut and put in huge wooden warehouses and used during the summers. Hence the name for refrigerators, ice box.

Then it was on to the Lehmann Mansion in nearby Lake Villa for the Civil War Encampment. The mansion was the former home of Ernst J. Lehmann, the founder of the Fair Department Store chain, based in Chicago. It was saved from demolition and now hosts lots of occasions, including many weddings.

I manned the Camp Douglas Sons of the Confederate Veterans table along with camp commander John for the afternoon. We talked with several prospective members.

I got to see a reenactment of what would be classified as a Civil War (although we in the SCV call it the War for Southern Independence, War Between the States, or War of Northern Aggression, but Civil War is just shorter, although incorrect) skirmish. The Confederates won the day. This took place in a field by the Illinois Highway 83 bridge. I can just imagine the motorists going over it wondering what was going on as they went over the bridge. All that smoke, cannon fire, and small arms going off like that.

They treated us to a great pig roast after the event closed at 4 PM. It was strange to see Robert E. Lee talking on a cell phone. Has it come to that?  Of interest, the gent playing Abraham Lincoln is a member of our SCV camp. Imagine that.

Yesterday, I went to the open houses at the Petersen Historical Farmstead in McHenry and the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery. These were held in conjunction with the American Express million dollar Partners in Preservation contest going on right now. The top vote getter gets its entire funding request and then the rest of the 25 sites will get a cut it.

The Petersen House and farm dates from 1843 and the city of McHenry wants to turn it into an operating historical farm. The very fast encroaching suburbia is rapidly taking its toll on area farms and we will soon be at the day when there won't be any left. This will enable future generations to see what it was like in the old days.

The Spring Grove Fish Hatchery dates to the turn of the century and was Illinois' first hatchery, providing fish for the Chain of Lakes, Lake Michigan, and other rivers and lakes as far south as Springfield.

A Historying I Will Go. --RoadDog