Monday, on our way out to see the bald eagles along the Mississippi River, we stopped at usual place just east of Freeport on US-20, the Freeport/Stevenson County Visitors Center, one of the best we've ever stopped at in our travels.
This appears to be built structure and not a converted one.
One thing I like about the place is that they always feature some aspect of local history. Last year they had an exhibit on uniforms worn by locals during World War II.
This year the Lincoln-Douglas debate that took place in town was the feature. I really liked the maps show the voting in the state that took place during the election. There was quite a divide between Democrats downstate and Republicans in the north. Back then, senators were selected by state legislatures.
Well Worth a Stop. --Cooter
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sanitary and Ship Canal Now on NRHP
From Feb. 17th CBS Chicago.
Sounds a bit unsanitary and actually, in the early days, it was. This caused a great fight between Chicago and points further south along the Illinois River and St. Louis.
The construction of this 28-mile-long canal made it possible for Chicago to reverse the flow of the Chicago River in order for the city's waste to go to the Illinois River and not to Lake Michigan, the source of the city's drinking water (hence the name Sanitary). I can't imagine something like this being done today, but back then, Chicago was "The City of Big Shoulders."
Begun in 1892, it too eight years to complete it and it connected the South Branch of the Chicago River with the Illinois River at Lockport. On May 2, 1900, Spanish American War hero Admiral George Dewey came to dedicate it. In 1907, it was extended from Lockport to Joliet, which took the construction of a lock to handle the 36-foot drop between the two cities.
This, of course, was good for Chicago, but not so good for those unfortunate towns downriver. Chicago's sewage got flushed downstream instead of to Lake Michigan.
St, Louis threatened to sue, but Chicago opened the canal early, before the suit could go through.
The canal is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, the issue isn't so much sewage as it is Asian carp.
A Real Stinky Situation. --Cooter
Sounds a bit unsanitary and actually, in the early days, it was. This caused a great fight between Chicago and points further south along the Illinois River and St. Louis.
The construction of this 28-mile-long canal made it possible for Chicago to reverse the flow of the Chicago River in order for the city's waste to go to the Illinois River and not to Lake Michigan, the source of the city's drinking water (hence the name Sanitary). I can't imagine something like this being done today, but back then, Chicago was "The City of Big Shoulders."
Begun in 1892, it too eight years to complete it and it connected the South Branch of the Chicago River with the Illinois River at Lockport. On May 2, 1900, Spanish American War hero Admiral George Dewey came to dedicate it. In 1907, it was extended from Lockport to Joliet, which took the construction of a lock to handle the 36-foot drop between the two cities.
This, of course, was good for Chicago, but not so good for those unfortunate towns downriver. Chicago's sewage got flushed downstream instead of to Lake Michigan.
St, Louis threatened to sue, but Chicago opened the canal early, before the suit could go through.
The canal is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, the issue isn't so much sewage as it is Asian carp.
A Real Stinky Situation. --Cooter
Saturday, February 25, 2012
What About Lake County's Real Early History?
From the Fall/Winter 2011 Hometown Heritage bulletin of the Fox Lake-Grant Township (Il) Area Historical Society.
That would be Lake County, Illinois, in the northeastern corner of the state.
Many of the lakes in the Chain of Lakes were created when the Wisconsin Glacier melted. Indians of the central Algonquin Indian tribes lived in the area for many years. This would include the Miami, Mascouten Fox and Potawatomi. They led a semimobile life hunting, fished gathered wild plants and grew corn.
In 1673, Joliet and Marguette passed through what is today the Chain of Lakes State Park during their Illinois explorations. French trappers and traders were the first Europeans to explore the area. The first European settlement was at Fort Hill, near Mundelein. This was a large mound formerly used as a lookout post by the Indians.
In the 1800s, Europeans began settling in the area, especially after the Indian removal. But there were few settlements because of the transportation difficulty.
A Quick Lake County Background. --DaCoot
That would be Lake County, Illinois, in the northeastern corner of the state.
Many of the lakes in the Chain of Lakes were created when the Wisconsin Glacier melted. Indians of the central Algonquin Indian tribes lived in the area for many years. This would include the Miami, Mascouten Fox and Potawatomi. They led a semimobile life hunting, fished gathered wild plants and grew corn.
In 1673, Joliet and Marguette passed through what is today the Chain of Lakes State Park during their Illinois explorations. French trappers and traders were the first Europeans to explore the area. The first European settlement was at Fort Hill, near Mundelein. This was a large mound formerly used as a lookout post by the Indians.
In the 1800s, Europeans began settling in the area, especially after the Indian removal. But there were few settlements because of the transportation difficulty.
A Quick Lake County Background. --DaCoot
Some More Last Lines from TV Series
Name the series these words (or signs) were the last scene.
1. Shut it down.
2. All right, hey, you've been great! See you in the cafeteria.
3. The sky's the limit.
4. We've been waiting for you.
5. The day the running stopped.
6. Good-bye (spelled in stones).
NEED HELP?
a. 24 Hours
b. Fugitive
c. Star Trek: The Next Generation
d. Seinfeld
e. MASH
f. Lost
ANSWERS
1. a
2. d
3. c
4. f
5. b
6. e
I Got a Whole One Right. --Cooter
1. Shut it down.
2. All right, hey, you've been great! See you in the cafeteria.
3. The sky's the limit.
4. We've been waiting for you.
5. The day the running stopped.
6. Good-bye (spelled in stones).
NEED HELP?
a. 24 Hours
b. Fugitive
c. Star Trek: The Next Generation
d. Seinfeld
e. MASH
f. Lost
ANSWERS
1. a
2. d
3. c
4. f
5. b
6. e
I Got a Whole One Right. --Cooter
Friday, February 24, 2012
Gangland Violence at the Manning Hotel
From the Fall/Winter 2011 Hometown Heritage bulletin of the FoxLake-Grant Township Area Historical Society.
The Chain of Lakes here in northeastern Illinois has a long history of being a destination of gambling and drinking, even before the village incorporated in 1907. So, it was no big surprise to find that certain Chicago gangland sorts made their way out to the area, including Al Capone and his rival George "Bugs" Moran.
The two rivals supplied beer and alcohol throughout the Chain of Lakes region. The mobsters personal hideouts and speakeasies were located all over the lakes. Since they were competing for the same business, it is no surprise this led to violence.
It exploded June 1, 1930 when machine gun-toting gangsters carried out a hit at the Manning Hotel in Fox Lake (on Pistakee Lake). Five persons, including members of the Capone-allied Druggan gang were shot and three died.
This took place just one year after the more famous St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago. There were several witnesses, but the crime was never solved.
The Manning Hotel still stands today, but is a private home. I've heard that there are still bullet holes in the wall where the bar used to be, but have never been inside. Interestingly enough, it is located next door to the K.K. Hamsher Funeral Home.
No Copper's Gonna Get Me. Y'hear? --DaCoot
The Chain of Lakes here in northeastern Illinois has a long history of being a destination of gambling and drinking, even before the village incorporated in 1907. So, it was no big surprise to find that certain Chicago gangland sorts made their way out to the area, including Al Capone and his rival George "Bugs" Moran.
The two rivals supplied beer and alcohol throughout the Chain of Lakes region. The mobsters personal hideouts and speakeasies were located all over the lakes. Since they were competing for the same business, it is no surprise this led to violence.
It exploded June 1, 1930 when machine gun-toting gangsters carried out a hit at the Manning Hotel in Fox Lake (on Pistakee Lake). Five persons, including members of the Capone-allied Druggan gang were shot and three died.
This took place just one year after the more famous St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago. There were several witnesses, but the crime was never solved.
The Manning Hotel still stands today, but is a private home. I've heard that there are still bullet holes in the wall where the bar used to be, but have never been inside. Interestingly enough, it is located next door to the K.K. Hamsher Funeral Home.
No Copper's Gonna Get Me. Y'hear? --DaCoot
Famous TV Series Finales-- Part 1
From the Dec. 2011 AARP Bulletin.
1. Sorry, we're closed.
2. Good-bye kids.
3. Come on Ace, we've got work to do.
4. Oh, I went ahead and ordered something for the table.
5. I don't care what you say, I'm coming to work Monday!
6. Until we meet again.
Need help?
These are the shows to pick from.
a. Sopranos
b. Cheers
c. Oprah Winfrey Show
d. Dr. Who
e. Coach
f. Howdy Doody
Answers
1. b
2. f
3. d
4. a
5. e
6. c
Well, I Got One of Them. Cheers. --Dum 'ol Cooter
1. Sorry, we're closed.
2. Good-bye kids.
3. Come on Ace, we've got work to do.
4. Oh, I went ahead and ordered something for the table.
5. I don't care what you say, I'm coming to work Monday!
6. Until we meet again.
Need help?
These are the shows to pick from.
a. Sopranos
b. Cheers
c. Oprah Winfrey Show
d. Dr. Who
e. Coach
f. Howdy Doody
Answers
1. b
2. f
3. d
4. a
5. e
6. c
Well, I Got One of Them. Cheers. --Dum 'ol Cooter
Thursday, February 23, 2012
A Town Called Wilmot-- Part 1: It's a Hatch Thing
As in Wilmot, Wisconsin.
We have been to this little unincorporated place with a 442 population many times, especially now that it is about six miles from where we live.
Most of the time was to a place called the Riverside and later Mar's Trading Post Inn. When you think of a small town Wisconsin bar, this is the place you think of. It was small, but folks were friendly, food great and prices even better. It is still open now as Wilmot Riverside, but we rarely go. It just isn't the same.
Gander Mountain used to be located here as well, but now its an American Girl place.
HISTORY
Wilmot began as a settlement in western Kenosha County, but, unlike nearby Twin Lakes, Silver Lake and Paddock Lake, never obtained recognition by the government.
Lewis Hatch came from New York to become the town's first settler in 1837. Two years later, he sold his land and log house to Asabel W. Benham. He and his family had at first settled in Salem, at the intersection of today's Highway 83 and C, which was later named Benham's Corners.
In 1844, Benham built a house on the purchased Hatch property and it later became the center of what is today Wilmot. The place was named Gilead after his hometown in Connecticut.
Ten years of growth followed with mill production from the Fox River which runs through town and lots of farming. The residents of Gilead met to select a different name for the settlement. One resident named Wilbur sarcastically suggested it be called Wilmot after the current popularity of the Wilmot Proviso. That joke became the town's name even to today.
From a Gilead to a Wilmot. How About That? --Cooter
We have been to this little unincorporated place with a 442 population many times, especially now that it is about six miles from where we live.
Most of the time was to a place called the Riverside and later Mar's Trading Post Inn. When you think of a small town Wisconsin bar, this is the place you think of. It was small, but folks were friendly, food great and prices even better. It is still open now as Wilmot Riverside, but we rarely go. It just isn't the same.
Gander Mountain used to be located here as well, but now its an American Girl place.
HISTORY
Wilmot began as a settlement in western Kenosha County, but, unlike nearby Twin Lakes, Silver Lake and Paddock Lake, never obtained recognition by the government.
Lewis Hatch came from New York to become the town's first settler in 1837. Two years later, he sold his land and log house to Asabel W. Benham. He and his family had at first settled in Salem, at the intersection of today's Highway 83 and C, which was later named Benham's Corners.
In 1844, Benham built a house on the purchased Hatch property and it later became the center of what is today Wilmot. The place was named Gilead after his hometown in Connecticut.
Ten years of growth followed with mill production from the Fox River which runs through town and lots of farming. The residents of Gilead met to select a different name for the settlement. One resident named Wilbur sarcastically suggested it be called Wilmot after the current popularity of the Wilmot Proviso. That joke became the town's name even to today.
From a Gilead to a Wilmot. How About That? --Cooter
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Bonnie and Clyde Guns Fetch $210K
From the Jan. 23rd Chicago Sun-Times.
Two guns believed to have been used by the famous bank-robbing, cop-shooting Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow sold at the Mayo Auction in Kansas City, Mo., for $210,000.
The Joplin Globe reported that an online bidder from the East Coast bought the weapons believed to have been seized at their hideout in Joplin, Missouri in 1933. They were a .45-caliber, fully automatic Thompson submachine gun, better known as a Tommy Gun and a 1897 Winchester 12-gauge shotgun.
Until recently, the two guns had been on display at the Springfield, Missouri, Police Museum since 1973. They had been seized in an April 1933 shootout with law enforcement at an apartment in Joplin which left two police dead (I've seen the apartment).
In a related story, in January 1933, Springfield, Mo., police officer Tom Persell pulled over a suspicious car. he got off his motorcycle, went to the car where Clyde leveled a shotgun at him and ordered him to get in and show them how to get out of town and avoid the police.
They drove back roads at night for six hours before getting to Joplin where the pair released him unharmed.
Too bad I'd never heard of that police museum in Springfield as I sure would have liked to have visited it.
Interesting Story. --DaCoot
Two guns believed to have been used by the famous bank-robbing, cop-shooting Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow sold at the Mayo Auction in Kansas City, Mo., for $210,000.
The Joplin Globe reported that an online bidder from the East Coast bought the weapons believed to have been seized at their hideout in Joplin, Missouri in 1933. They were a .45-caliber, fully automatic Thompson submachine gun, better known as a Tommy Gun and a 1897 Winchester 12-gauge shotgun.
Until recently, the two guns had been on display at the Springfield, Missouri, Police Museum since 1973. They had been seized in an April 1933 shootout with law enforcement at an apartment in Joplin which left two police dead (I've seen the apartment).
In a related story, in January 1933, Springfield, Mo., police officer Tom Persell pulled over a suspicious car. he got off his motorcycle, went to the car where Clyde leveled a shotgun at him and ordered him to get in and show them how to get out of town and avoid the police.
They drove back roads at night for six hours before getting to Joplin where the pair released him unharmed.
Too bad I'd never heard of that police museum in Springfield as I sure would have liked to have visited it.
Interesting Story. --DaCoot
USS Helena CA-75
Back on Jan. 14 and 15, I wrote about meeting "Doc," a sailor on the heavy cruiser USS Helena. he was quite a character.
Here are some facts about the USS Helena.
The previous USS Helena had been a light cruiser at Pearl Harbor during the attack and had been sunk in action in 1943. It was commissioned September 4, 1945, just a few weeks after World War II ended. It's main mission during the Korean War was to pound shore targets, something it was admirably equipped to do with its huge guns.
Its main armament was nine 8-inch guns and twelve 5-inch. Her crew was 1,142.
During the month of June 1951, it almost continually bombarded shore targets in North and South Korea before returning to the June 1961 Rose Festival in Portland, Oregon, something "Doc" mentioned. Sister ship USS Saint Paul was supposed to lead the river parade in Portland, but in April, a powder fire in Turret #1 killed 30 sailors and the ship was too damaged to be shown in public. This took place off Kojo, North Korea.
The USS Helena was decommissioned in 1963 and scrapped in 1974. The ship's bell is in Helena, Montana.
The Story of a Ship. --Cooter
Here are some facts about the USS Helena.
The previous USS Helena had been a light cruiser at Pearl Harbor during the attack and had been sunk in action in 1943. It was commissioned September 4, 1945, just a few weeks after World War II ended. It's main mission during the Korean War was to pound shore targets, something it was admirably equipped to do with its huge guns.
Its main armament was nine 8-inch guns and twelve 5-inch. Her crew was 1,142.
During the month of June 1951, it almost continually bombarded shore targets in North and South Korea before returning to the June 1961 Rose Festival in Portland, Oregon, something "Doc" mentioned. Sister ship USS Saint Paul was supposed to lead the river parade in Portland, but in April, a powder fire in Turret #1 killed 30 sailors and the ship was too damaged to be shown in public. This took place off Kojo, North Korea.
The USS Helena was decommissioned in 1963 and scrapped in 1974. The ship's bell is in Helena, Montana.
The Story of a Ship. --Cooter
Monday, February 20, 2012
What is the Cape Fear (Besides the Name of a Movie)
From WECT Wilmingtonm, North Carolina.
The first mention of Cape Fear was about 400 years ago as being by the Lost Colony. John White, the head of the group, mentioned almost getting marooned on Frying Pan Shoals and he called it Cape Fear.
Also, one Edward Teach, better known as the pirate Blackbeard also called it that because of the dangers associated in sailing by it.
The name stuck.
From 1524 and for 140 years after that, it was called Rio Jordan because of Verrizzano and then the name changed with each new ruling country. It became the Charles River after English King Charles I, but renamed after Charleston started expanding. The name was then the Clarendon River.
When the Carolinas were split into North and South, it became the River of the Cape Fear in 1733 and later just the Cape Fear River.
So, Now You Know. --Cooter
The first mention of Cape Fear was about 400 years ago as being by the Lost Colony. John White, the head of the group, mentioned almost getting marooned on Frying Pan Shoals and he called it Cape Fear.
Also, one Edward Teach, better known as the pirate Blackbeard also called it that because of the dangers associated in sailing by it.
The name stuck.
From 1524 and for 140 years after that, it was called Rio Jordan because of Verrizzano and then the name changed with each new ruling country. It became the Charles River after English King Charles I, but renamed after Charleston started expanding. The name was then the Clarendon River.
When the Carolinas were split into North and South, it became the River of the Cape Fear in 1733 and later just the Cape Fear River.
So, Now You Know. --Cooter
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Well, I Have Lots of Other Things I Can Do
Blogger says no-no support for the browser right now so until this all gets squared away, looks like no soup for me.
Hey, my study's looks like a hoarder lives there, so I can sure clean that out now that I have so much time.
Typing this in on a different computer.
Fun and Games woth the Google folks. --Cooter
Friday, February 17, 2012
Fort Dearborn: Massacre or Battle
From the Aug. 14, 2009, Chicago Tribune "Another Fort Dearborn skirmish at the park" by Ron Grossman.
Generations of Chicago and suburban school children have been taught about "The Fort Dearborn Massacre" a sad part of early Chicago history when many early settlers and soldiers were killed by Indians during the War of 1812.
Today, a new battle brews, what to call it.
Back in 2009, a patch of ground at 18th Street and Calumet Avenue was dedicated the "Battle of Fort Dearborn Park."
This apparently is a bit of political correctness, but it sure goes against the city's legend and lore.
What took place here back on August 15, 1812, was horrible, however. Back then the U.S. and England had gone to war for a second time. Soldiers and settlers abandoned Fort Dearborn and, arriving at the site of the park, were ambushed by 500 Potawatomi warriors. Two-thirds of them, 61-63 men, women and children were killed along with 15 Indians. Ever since then, it has been called the Fort Dearborn Massacre.
The Indians won and took the survivors captive and later sold them into slavery to the British and they also burned Fort Dearborn. However, this just made the US government more sure about a complete Indian removal to west of the Mississippi River. By 1833, when Chicago was incorporated, all Indians had been removed from the area.
Of course, calling it a massacre would be insulting to Indians. Any group that massacres is always seen in a negative light in history.
More to Come. --Cooter
Generations of Chicago and suburban school children have been taught about "The Fort Dearborn Massacre" a sad part of early Chicago history when many early settlers and soldiers were killed by Indians during the War of 1812.
Today, a new battle brews, what to call it.
Back in 2009, a patch of ground at 18th Street and Calumet Avenue was dedicated the "Battle of Fort Dearborn Park."
This apparently is a bit of political correctness, but it sure goes against the city's legend and lore.
What took place here back on August 15, 1812, was horrible, however. Back then the U.S. and England had gone to war for a second time. Soldiers and settlers abandoned Fort Dearborn and, arriving at the site of the park, were ambushed by 500 Potawatomi warriors. Two-thirds of them, 61-63 men, women and children were killed along with 15 Indians. Ever since then, it has been called the Fort Dearborn Massacre.
The Indians won and took the survivors captive and later sold them into slavery to the British and they also burned Fort Dearborn. However, this just made the US government more sure about a complete Indian removal to west of the Mississippi River. By 1833, when Chicago was incorporated, all Indians had been removed from the area.
Of course, calling it a massacre would be insulting to Indians. Any group that massacres is always seen in a negative light in history.
More to Come. --Cooter
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Fox Lake, Illinois: A Resort Town-- Part 3
This series is from the Spring 2010 Fox Lake grant Township Area Historical Society bulletin.
Rates for the resorts back in the early 1900s were really reasonable compared to today's rates, but costly to those folks. They ranged from $1.50 to $2 per day and from a whopping $9 to $10 a week. These rates included food and free use of rowboats (no motorboats back then).
The ones built on lower elevations were sometimes plagued by spring floods. But the biggest fear of business owners was fire. The buildings were made of wood and there just wasn't much as far as fire fighting equipment and even then it would be difficult to get the stuff where it was needed considering the sorry shape of area roads.
Many burned down.
So that's the Chain of Lakes, Illinois. --Cooter
Rates for the resorts back in the early 1900s were really reasonable compared to today's rates, but costly to those folks. They ranged from $1.50 to $2 per day and from a whopping $9 to $10 a week. These rates included food and free use of rowboats (no motorboats back then).
The ones built on lower elevations were sometimes plagued by spring floods. But the biggest fear of business owners was fire. The buildings were made of wood and there just wasn't much as far as fire fighting equipment and even then it would be difficult to get the stuff where it was needed considering the sorry shape of area roads.
Many burned down.
So that's the Chain of Lakes, Illinois. --Cooter
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Fox Lake, Illinois: A Resort Town-- Part 2
Sadly, there are not many resorts left today. The Roxana reopened several years ago as a B&B. The Mineola still stands and has a bar restaurant open in the lower level, but current ownership does little to maintain the rest of the building and it will be just a matter of time before it deteriorates beyond repair. Both of these are on Fox Lake.
The Oak Park Hotel and Bar on Pistakee Lake is still there and is still a hotel and bar, although the hotel is more of a transient clientele.
Other old resorts are now private homes, including the one where a Chicago Gangland shootout took place on Pistakee Lake.
About ten years ago, Pink Harrison's on Pistakee Lake was torn down to make room for a row of lakeside McMansions. One line of cabins still remain of the old place.
McMansions have replaced many resorts.
I Would Have Sure Liked to Have Seen the Chain of Lakes Back Around 1900. --Cooter
The Oak Park Hotel and Bar on Pistakee Lake is still there and is still a hotel and bar, although the hotel is more of a transient clientele.
Other old resorts are now private homes, including the one where a Chicago Gangland shootout took place on Pistakee Lake.
About ten years ago, Pink Harrison's on Pistakee Lake was torn down to make room for a row of lakeside McMansions. One line of cabins still remain of the old place.
McMansions have replaced many resorts.
I Would Have Sure Liked to Have Seen the Chain of Lakes Back Around 1900. --Cooter
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Fox Lake, Illinois: A Resort Town-- Part 1
Fox Lake and the Chain of Lakes area today is a major boating destination during the summer for boaters, but back around the turn of last century, it was a big resort area for the Chicagoland area. Once train connections were made, people would come out and spend a weekend or several weeks at one of the many resorts in the area.
In a 1909 Fox Lake promotional book, there were advertisements for 34 resorts or hotels, five taverns (most hotels and resorts also had their own bars), four boat lines (many of which took people out to their resorts since roads were very poor, two boat builders (the American Legion occupies one of these), two livery stables, a grocery store, a general store, an ice cream parlor (plenty of ice, you know), a blacksmith, tinsmith, an ice house and a milk dealer.
Some of the hotel and resorts were the Waltonian, Lakeside, Woodlawn, Rose Villa, Oak Park (still there), East Side, Lippincott, Schulz's, Bay View, Willis Inn, Liberty Club and Lotus Cottages.
More to Come. --DaCoot
In a 1909 Fox Lake promotional book, there were advertisements for 34 resorts or hotels, five taverns (most hotels and resorts also had their own bars), four boat lines (many of which took people out to their resorts since roads were very poor, two boat builders (the American Legion occupies one of these), two livery stables, a grocery store, a general store, an ice cream parlor (plenty of ice, you know), a blacksmith, tinsmith, an ice house and a milk dealer.
Some of the hotel and resorts were the Waltonian, Lakeside, Woodlawn, Rose Villa, Oak Park (still there), East Side, Lippincott, Schulz's, Bay View, Willis Inn, Liberty Club and Lotus Cottages.
More to Come. --DaCoot
TV Personalities' Grand Exits-- Part 2
Whose last words were:
1. "That's the news and I am outta here."
2. "Say Goodnight, Gracie."
3. "Ya'll come back now, hear?"
4. "Bless your pea-pickin' hearts."
5. "That's the news. Good night and have a pleasant tomorrow."
6. "I bid you a very heartfelt good night."
Need help. These are the folks:
a. The Clampetts
b. Tennessee Ernie Ford
c. Dennis Miller
d. Johnny Carson (on his last Tonight Show)
e. George Burns
f. Chevy Chase and Jane Curtin
Answers
1. c
2. e
3. a
4. b
5. f
6. d
Don't Know Much About Goodbyes. --Cooter
1. "That's the news and I am outta here."
2. "Say Goodnight, Gracie."
3. "Ya'll come back now, hear?"
4. "Bless your pea-pickin' hearts."
5. "That's the news. Good night and have a pleasant tomorrow."
6. "I bid you a very heartfelt good night."
Need help. These are the folks:
a. The Clampetts
b. Tennessee Ernie Ford
c. Dennis Miller
d. Johnny Carson (on his last Tonight Show)
e. George Burns
f. Chevy Chase and Jane Curtin
Answers
1. c
2. e
3. a
4. b
5. f
6. d
Don't Know Much About Goodbyes. --Cooter
Monday, February 13, 2012
About Those Souvenir Oval Pennies
From the Feb. 10, 2010, National Geographic.
I'm pretty sure most of you have ne or more of those funny-looking pressed oval pennies somewhere in a drawer or box. Call them "Penny" souvenirs if you will, but there is money to be made with them.
In 1893, a Chicagoan jeweler used a metal-rolling machine to stretch coins and press the words "Columbian Exposition" into them. Today, thousands of these pressed coins say "I was there" not only in the US, but around the world.
There is even a company called Press-A-Penny that manufactures the rolling machines. American customers put two or four quarters into the machine along with a penny which will be pressed. Probably four quarters in Chicago where you go to get ripped off.
Few of the coins are worth anything, but then there's that memory thing.
Some neat and somewhat rare ones:
1893-- Columbian Exposition
1927-- Lindbergh's flight (some of the ones from this era had a punched hole in them for a key chain or necklace.
1963-- Oswald shot.
1991-- Desert Storm
1904-- St. Louis World's Fair
1935-- World Series
1977-- Hindenburg anniversary
2004-- West Nile Virus
I Think i Have About Ten or Twenty. --Cooter
I'm pretty sure most of you have ne or more of those funny-looking pressed oval pennies somewhere in a drawer or box. Call them "Penny" souvenirs if you will, but there is money to be made with them.
In 1893, a Chicagoan jeweler used a metal-rolling machine to stretch coins and press the words "Columbian Exposition" into them. Today, thousands of these pressed coins say "I was there" not only in the US, but around the world.
There is even a company called Press-A-Penny that manufactures the rolling machines. American customers put two or four quarters into the machine along with a penny which will be pressed. Probably four quarters in Chicago where you go to get ripped off.
Few of the coins are worth anything, but then there's that memory thing.
Some neat and somewhat rare ones:
1893-- Columbian Exposition
1927-- Lindbergh's flight (some of the ones from this era had a punched hole in them for a key chain or necklace.
1963-- Oswald shot.
1991-- Desert Storm
1904-- St. Louis World's Fair
1935-- World Series
1977-- Hindenburg anniversary
2004-- West Nile Virus
I Think i Have About Ten or Twenty. --Cooter
Saturday, February 11, 2012
TV Personalities' Grand Exits-- Part 1
Who said what to close out their shows?
1. Good night and good luck.
2. Good night, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.
3. Good night and Grease for Peace.
4. Goodnight Dick.
5. See you on the radio.
6. And that's the way it is.
7. And so it goes.
OK, need help? These are the people.
a. Sha-Na-Na
b. Dick Martin
c. Charles Osgood
d. Edward R. Murrow
e. Linda Ellerbee
f. Jimmy Durante
g. Walter Cronkite
OK, Here are the answers:
1. d
2. f
3. a
4. b
5. c
6. g
7. e
This Just Drives Me Crazy. --DaCoot
1. Good night and good luck.
2. Good night, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.
3. Good night and Grease for Peace.
4. Goodnight Dick.
5. See you on the radio.
6. And that's the way it is.
7. And so it goes.
OK, need help? These are the people.
a. Sha-Na-Na
b. Dick Martin
c. Charles Osgood
d. Edward R. Murrow
e. Linda Ellerbee
f. Jimmy Durante
g. Walter Cronkite
OK, Here are the answers:
1. d
2. f
3. a
4. b
5. c
6. g
7. e
This Just Drives Me Crazy. --DaCoot
Fox Lake's Egyptian Lotus Flower
From the Spring 2010 Fox Lake Grant Township Area Historical Society.
Fox Lake, Illinois', official flower is the very fragrant lemon-colored Egyptian Lotus Flower. At one time, when the Chain of Lakes was much lower and boat traffic much less, huge lotus beds covered parts of the lakes.
Today, there are far fewer, primarily near Crabapple Island where the water is too shallow for boating.
The Chain of Lakes, here in northeastern Illinois, is the only place in the US where they have been found growing in the wild. No one knows for sure why that is.
A Flower By Any Other Name. --RoadDog
HOW'S THAT AGAIN? Under the weather...(not feeling well. Probably came from going below decks on ships due to sea sickness, thus you go below, or under the weather.) Today I am a bit "Under the Weather." Dadburn cold that I have.
Fox Lake, Illinois', official flower is the very fragrant lemon-colored Egyptian Lotus Flower. At one time, when the Chain of Lakes was much lower and boat traffic much less, huge lotus beds covered parts of the lakes.
Today, there are far fewer, primarily near Crabapple Island where the water is too shallow for boating.
The Chain of Lakes, here in northeastern Illinois, is the only place in the US where they have been found growing in the wild. No one knows for sure why that is.
A Flower By Any Other Name. --RoadDog
HOW'S THAT AGAIN? Under the weather...(not feeling well. Probably came from going below decks on ships due to sea sickness, thus you go below, or under the weather.) Today I am a bit "Under the Weather." Dadburn cold that I have.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Around Here: What'd Folks Do Before Refrigerators?
From the Special Edition Spring 2010 Fox Lake Grant Township Area Historical Society.
They used ice in ice boxes, where that term used for refrigerators comes from. Then, how did they get ice during the summer months. Answer, they cut it out of lakes during the winter and stored it in special structures built to hold the cold in.
One of the earliest industries in Lake County and around the Chain of Lakes here in northeast Illinois was ice harvesting.
Every winter, when the lakes froze to a depth of 18 to 24 inches, ice cutting crews would move out onto the lakes and begin cutting ice into standard-sized blocks which were then stored in sawdust insulated ice houses to be used during the summer.
Much of the ice was used for area hotels, resorts and restaurants. But, a lot was shipped by rail to Chicago.
The channel where we keep out boat in Fox Lake originally was built to haul the ice to a storage shed. The Alpine Inn in Round Lake was the bunk house for ice harvesters.
A Freezing Affair. --Cooter
They used ice in ice boxes, where that term used for refrigerators comes from. Then, how did they get ice during the summer months. Answer, they cut it out of lakes during the winter and stored it in special structures built to hold the cold in.
One of the earliest industries in Lake County and around the Chain of Lakes here in northeast Illinois was ice harvesting.
Every winter, when the lakes froze to a depth of 18 to 24 inches, ice cutting crews would move out onto the lakes and begin cutting ice into standard-sized blocks which were then stored in sawdust insulated ice houses to be used during the summer.
Much of the ice was used for area hotels, resorts and restaurants. But, a lot was shipped by rail to Chicago.
The channel where we keep out boat in Fox Lake originally was built to haul the ice to a storage shed. The Alpine Inn in Round Lake was the bunk house for ice harvesters.
A Freezing Affair. --Cooter
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Death of the Last World War I Veteran: Florence Green-- Part 2: The Great Flour Attack
The death of Mrs. Green brings her generation to an end. There are no more remaining men or women who served during the War to End All Wars as they called it.
Fortunately, she was identified as a World War I veteran before her death, but not by much. In 2009, a researcher was reading a Norfolk newspaper at the time Mrs. Green was turning 108. The article mentioned that she had served in the Great War. Research was done and her service records were found in the British Archives. She received official identification as a Great War veteran in Jan. 2010.
She was based at Narborough Airfield where she saw what was probably the most benign attack of any sort during the war. When news of the Armistice came November 11, 1918, RAF flyers from nearby Marhan Airfield flew over Narborough and "bombed" it with sacks of flour. The Narborough boys returned the favor, only they used bags of soot.
She also served seven months at RAF Marham.
After the war, she married Walter Green, a railroad worker. He died in 1970.
WOMEN'S ROYAL AIR FORCE (WRAF)
The original aim of the WRAF was to provide female mechanics to allow men to serve on the front lines. Soon, women were filling other jobs such as drivers and, in Mrs. Green's case, waitresses in the officers mess which used to be done by men.
Another Great Generation Leaves Us.
Fortunately, she was identified as a World War I veteran before her death, but not by much. In 2009, a researcher was reading a Norfolk newspaper at the time Mrs. Green was turning 108. The article mentioned that she had served in the Great War. Research was done and her service records were found in the British Archives. She received official identification as a Great War veteran in Jan. 2010.
She was based at Narborough Airfield where she saw what was probably the most benign attack of any sort during the war. When news of the Armistice came November 11, 1918, RAF flyers from nearby Marhan Airfield flew over Narborough and "bombed" it with sacks of flour. The Narborough boys returned the favor, only they used bags of soot.
She also served seven months at RAF Marham.
After the war, she married Walter Green, a railroad worker. He died in 1970.
WOMEN'S ROYAL AIR FORCE (WRAF)
The original aim of the WRAF was to provide female mechanics to allow men to serve on the front lines. Soon, women were filling other jobs such as drivers and, in Mrs. Green's case, waitresses in the officers mess which used to be done by men.
Another Great Generation Leaves Us.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Death of the Last World War I Veteran: Florence Green-- Part 1
Was a member of the of the Women's Royal Air Force at the end of the war.
Florence Green died Feb. 4th at age 110, just two weeks before her 111th birthday. Born Florence Beatrice Patterson in London on Feb. 19, 1901, she joined the WRAF in September 1918 at age 17.
She worked as a waitress in the officer's mess at RAF Marham in eastern England and was serving there when the war ended.
It wasn't until recently that her status as a World War I veteran was fortunately found. In 2008, she said, "I met dozens of pilots and would go on dates. I had the opportunity to go up in one of the planes, but I was afraid of flying."
The RAF marked her 110th birthday back in February 2011 with a cake and ceremony. When asked what it was to be 110, she replied that it wasn't much different from being 109.
I have been following the last of this other great generation the last several years. The last combatant, the Royal Navy's Claude Choule, died last year, as did the last US veteran, Frank Buckles. Click on the World War I Survivors label.
More to Come. --The Last of an Era.
Florence Green died Feb. 4th at age 110, just two weeks before her 111th birthday. Born Florence Beatrice Patterson in London on Feb. 19, 1901, she joined the WRAF in September 1918 at age 17.
She worked as a waitress in the officer's mess at RAF Marham in eastern England and was serving there when the war ended.
It wasn't until recently that her status as a World War I veteran was fortunately found. In 2008, she said, "I met dozens of pilots and would go on dates. I had the opportunity to go up in one of the planes, but I was afraid of flying."
The RAF marked her 110th birthday back in February 2011 with a cake and ceremony. When asked what it was to be 110, she replied that it wasn't much different from being 109.
I have been following the last of this other great generation the last several years. The last combatant, the Royal Navy's Claude Choule, died last year, as did the last US veteran, Frank Buckles. Click on the World War I Survivors label.
More to Come. --The Last of an Era.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Twenty-Five Great Movie Exits-- Part 5
Name the movie these last lines came from.
1. "That'll do, pig. That'll do."
2. "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn't exist. And, like that, he's gone."
3. "Oh, no. It wasn't the airplanes. It was Beauty that killed the Beast."
4. "Boys' let's watch the cigarette butts, shall we? This is my house, not a pigsty."
5. "For a moment there, I thought we were in trouble."
Need help? These are the movies.
a. Babe
b. The Usual Suspects
c. King Kong (1933)
d. The Odd Couple
e. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Still need help? The answers.
1. a
2. b
3. c
4. d
5. e
I Have to Start Paying More Attention to Movies. --DaCoot
1. "That'll do, pig. That'll do."
2. "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn't exist. And, like that, he's gone."
3. "Oh, no. It wasn't the airplanes. It was Beauty that killed the Beast."
4. "Boys' let's watch the cigarette butts, shall we? This is my house, not a pigsty."
5. "For a moment there, I thought we were in trouble."
Need help? These are the movies.
a. Babe
b. The Usual Suspects
c. King Kong (1933)
d. The Odd Couple
e. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Still need help? The answers.
1. a
2. b
3. c
4. d
5. e
I Have to Start Paying More Attention to Movies. --DaCoot
Twenty-Five Great Movie Exits-- Part 4
Here are the quotes. You tell what the movie is.
1. "No prisoners!"
2. "Wanna Dance, or would you rather just suck face?"
3. "Play ball!"
4. "Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads."
5. "I'm 60."
OK, need help. here are the movies.
a. The Pride of the Yankees
b. Murphy's Romance
c. On Golden Pond
d. Back to the Future
e. Animal House
Still don't know? here are the answers:
1. e
2. c
3. a
4. d
5. b
I didn't do well on this one. --Cooter
1. "No prisoners!"
2. "Wanna Dance, or would you rather just suck face?"
3. "Play ball!"
4. "Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads."
5. "I'm 60."
OK, need help. here are the movies.
a. The Pride of the Yankees
b. Murphy's Romance
c. On Golden Pond
d. Back to the Future
e. Animal House
Still don't know? here are the answers:
1. e
2. c
3. a
4. d
5. b
I didn't do well on this one. --Cooter
Monday, February 6, 2012
A British and American Thing This Date
This morning, I was looking at the Chicago Tribune This Date in History section and quizzing my buddy Cruz about it. He reads three to four newspapers a day and is a regular font of information, both useless and otherwise.
He did quite well on past events taking place this date.
SURE SAVED US
I was very interested in the fact that this date back in 1778, an event that probably when further than most anything else took place when Benjamin Franklin and two others got the French to sign the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance.
The second one meant that France would come to our aid and fight their old enemy, the British. The unexpected American victory at the Battle of Saratoga went a long way to getting the French to come in on our side.
HAPPY 60TH TO THE QUEEN
Also, this date, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne after the death of her father. This 60th year that she has ruled makes her one of the longest reigning British monarchs.
Some Important Stuff This Date. --Cooter
He did quite well on past events taking place this date.
SURE SAVED US
I was very interested in the fact that this date back in 1778, an event that probably when further than most anything else took place when Benjamin Franklin and two others got the French to sign the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance.
The second one meant that France would come to our aid and fight their old enemy, the British. The unexpected American victory at the Battle of Saratoga went a long way to getting the French to come in on our side.
HAPPY 60TH TO THE QUEEN
Also, this date, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne after the death of her father. This 60th year that she has ruled makes her one of the longest reigning British monarchs.
Some Important Stuff This Date. --Cooter
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Don't Want Them Dollar Coins
From Dec. 15, 2011, Chicago Tribune.
Production of the new presidential dollar coins is being slashed as yet another effort to get Americans to stop using their dollar bills has evidently failed. But, these are not the only dollar coins that haven't done well.
1794-1795 Flowing Hair
1795-1894 Bust
1836-1839 Gobrecht
1840-1873 Seated Liberty
1849-1854 Liberty Head
1854-1856 Small Indian head
1856-1889 Large Indian head
1873-1885 Trade
1878-1904 and 1921 Morgan
1921-1928 and 1934-1935 Peace
1971-1978 Eisenhower
1979-1981 (short run in 1999) Susan B. Anthony
2000 to current Sacagawea
2007 to current Presidents.
I Remember the Last Four. --Cooter
Production of the new presidential dollar coins is being slashed as yet another effort to get Americans to stop using their dollar bills has evidently failed. But, these are not the only dollar coins that haven't done well.
1794-1795 Flowing Hair
1795-1894 Bust
1836-1839 Gobrecht
1840-1873 Seated Liberty
1849-1854 Liberty Head
1854-1856 Small Indian head
1856-1889 Large Indian head
1873-1885 Trade
1878-1904 and 1921 Morgan
1921-1928 and 1934-1935 Peace
1971-1978 Eisenhower
1979-1981 (short run in 1999) Susan B. Anthony
2000 to current Sacagawea
2007 to current Presidents.
I Remember the Last Four. --Cooter
Friday, February 3, 2012
Twenty-Five Great Movie Exits-- Part 3
Here's three more. Match the last line spoken in the movie.
1. "I now pronounce you men and wives."
2. "Mein Fuhrer, I can walk!"
3. "I've got a flat tire, and I don't got no spare."
4. "Hell, he's a natural-born world shaker."
5. "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
Need,help? Here are the movies:
a. Bonnie and Clyde
b. Cool Hand Luke
c. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
d. Love Story
e. Dr. Strangelove
Still Having Problems? Here are the answers:
1. c
2. e
3. a
4. b
5. d
Of These, I Liked Cool Hand Luke the Best. --Cooter
1. "I now pronounce you men and wives."
2. "Mein Fuhrer, I can walk!"
3. "I've got a flat tire, and I don't got no spare."
4. "Hell, he's a natural-born world shaker."
5. "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
Need,help? Here are the movies:
a. Bonnie and Clyde
b. Cool Hand Luke
c. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
d. Love Story
e. Dr. Strangelove
Still Having Problems? Here are the answers:
1. c
2. e
3. a
4. b
5. d
Of These, I Liked Cool Hand Luke the Best. --Cooter
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Twenty-Five Great Movie Exits-- Part 2
Famous parting words in movies.
1. "His name will live as long as there is a ball, a bat and a boy."
2. "I know the perfect place, you guys will love it. Trust me."
3. "Stella! Hey, Stella!"
4. "As you wish."
5. "There's no place like home."
In case you're having problems, these are the five movies mentioned above.
A. The Princess Bride
B. A Streetcar Named Desire
C. The Wizard of Oz
D. The Babe Ruth Story
E. Beverly Hills Cop
In case you're still having problems, the answers:
1. D
2. E
3. B
4. A
5. C
I Got Them All, Thanks to Process of Elinination on #2. --Cooter
1. "His name will live as long as there is a ball, a bat and a boy."
2. "I know the perfect place, you guys will love it. Trust me."
3. "Stella! Hey, Stella!"
4. "As you wish."
5. "There's no place like home."
In case you're having problems, these are the five movies mentioned above.
A. The Princess Bride
B. A Streetcar Named Desire
C. The Wizard of Oz
D. The Babe Ruth Story
E. Beverly Hills Cop
In case you're still having problems, the answers:
1. D
2. E
3. B
4. A
5. C
I Got Them All, Thanks to Process of Elinination on #2. --Cooter
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Twenty-Five Great Movie Exits-- Part 1
From the Dec. 2011 AARP Bulletin.
As we were signing off 2011 at the time. What movie were these the last lines?
1. "Merry Christmas, and may God bless us, every one."
2. "Eliza, where the devil are my slippers?"
3. "I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."
4. "After all, tomorrow is another day."
5. "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
If you need some help, these are the movies:
a. My Fair Lady
b. Cassablanca
c. A Christmas Carol
d. Gone With the Wind
e. The Shawshank Redemption
ANSWERS
1. c
2. a
3. e
4. d
5. b
How'd You Do. --Cooter
As we were signing off 2011 at the time. What movie were these the last lines?
1. "Merry Christmas, and may God bless us, every one."
2. "Eliza, where the devil are my slippers?"
3. "I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."
4. "After all, tomorrow is another day."
5. "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
If you need some help, these are the movies:
a. My Fair Lady
b. Cassablanca
c. A Christmas Carol
d. Gone With the Wind
e. The Shawshank Redemption
ANSWERS
1. c
2. a
3. e
4. d
5. b
How'd You Do. --Cooter
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