Old Station in Odell,IL.

    August 19, we found another old gas station in Odell, IL. Built in 1932...wow 80 years ago!! There was another volunteer here to show you around, also to sell to souvenirs from RT. 66. There is a lot of visitors here..some from foreign countries. We did see lot of foreigners along Rt.66 enjoying the drive!! Here are the pictures   https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/81914OldGasStationOnRt66InOdellIL#

  God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Amber-Becker Texaco, Dwight, IL.

       August 19, we drove without the Airstream up Rt. 66 looking for more attractions along the highway. We came into Dwight,IL. and followed the Rt.66 signs through town. There was an old Texaco Station here, the name was Ambler-Becker Texaco. There was a volunteer working there to show you around. First we took our picture thru a picture board of a Texaco Man, our heads fit thru the hole for that special picture?

       There was a 1914 American LaFrance Fire truck on the oil change rack, of course I had to sit on it... yes it was ok to sit.. got my picture here too. Then into the office to see the old cash register and also the Oil can rack too. there was uniforms on the wall too...Remember...Trust the man who wears the “Star”... This station was just like 50 years ago.

      When we went back to the truck I saw a new pump? It was an Electric hookup for electric cars to recharge while here... runs the $$$ charge by credit card then pull the cord and plug into your car....The old and new are here !!  Here are some pictures...  https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/81914AmblerBeckerTexacoInDwightIL#

    God Bless...AirstreamHobo & Mom

Pontiac Cars and more !!!

     August 19... After seeing the War Museum, we went over to the Pontiac Car Museum to see the cars. It was cool to see the Bonneville and also a GTO  too. They had the Hood ornaments on display too, I remember seeing those lighted ones back in the 50’s .. Grandpa Stanley had one. Here are the pictures   https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/PontiacCarMuseumInPontiacIL#

   God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Pontiac, Illinois.. Lots of Rt. 66 to see

        August 19, 2014.. Pontiac, IL. is a nice town to visit. We found a 4-H Fairground that has camp sites for $16.00 a night with water & electric hookups. The camp in clean and quiet, there are 14 full timers that live here full time while working for the Gas Company Construction in the county. We paid for 3 nights because there is so much to see here along Rt 66.

   The town has so much to see...first we drove around to see all the Murals and also the small cars that are painted on the sidewalks. The population here is 12,000 and has the county court house here , so we see lots of Lawyer offices downtown. I saw lots that we want to see when we come back in the morning.

     Next morning, we head downtown to see the Rt. 66 Museum, there is 3 floors to see. First floor has all the Rt.66 info and items to see, we even see a bus motor home and inside is a VW Bus Camper too. the second floor has local antiques and flea market items. 
      But the third floor is dedicated to The Veterans ...I never saw such a display of veterans in full uniform. There is 206 Veterans dressed in full uniform, all branches of the armed Services and also both men and women in their outfits. Each one was identified with a card with the person’s name and service that they served. If there was a Star on the card , they were killed in the line of duty. Most families donated their loved ones uniform to the museum for display. Most lived within 35 miles of Pontiac. There are Volunteers here helping to keep the display in great shape. The men were very proud of their museum. Here are pictures of the town ...  https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/81814PontiacIL#

 The War Museum....https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/PontiacWarMuseum#

   God Bless.. AirstreamHobo & Mom

Abe Lincoln Presidential Museum Tour

      August 16, while in Springfield, IL. home of Abe Lincoln we went to the Presidential Museum to see the displays of Abe Lincoln’s childhood and his adult life as a Lawyer and as President. The museum is setup with different ages of his life. It started with his home in a log cabin as a child. then just follow the hallways thru his childhood to Washington,D.C. They even had the different dresses that his wife wore also.

        One whole wall had lots of Political Cartoons which were very much negative comments toward the man. We also saw a theatre show in the library setting about ghosts in the library done in holograms...cool to watch... 
     Another area was the journey along the way to his Presidency. All the problems with the civil war and finally the Gettysburg Address...then the final room shows his shooting ..then the train ride thru the states from Wash D.C. to his final resting place in Springfield,IL. They even had  a room replica to his casket setting for the people to pass his casket as a final tribute.There were no pictures allowed in the History trail only in the lobby area. 

      We left here and went to his Final Resting Place to see the cemetery where he is buried. They sure have a lot of statues of Abe Lincoln throughout the area. What a tribute to this President !! Here are some pictures ...  https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/81614AbeLincolnMemorial#

   God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Cozy Dog !!!!

     Aug 16, Did you ever hear of “Cozy Dog” ? Well there is a place in Springfield,IL. along old Rt. 66, however it is surrounded by all the other fast food restaurants. We stopped in to eat a deep fried corn dog... pretty good we even ordered another one for each of us. This place reminded me of an old time drive-in from the 50’s . The staff was very friendly and helpful. It was fun to read the old newspaper clippings on the wall and seeing old license plates too. https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/CozyDogInSpringfieldIL#

  God Bless...AirstreamHobo & Mom

Henry's Rabbit Ranch... Staunton,IL.

  August 15, We are told to stop at Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton,IL. for a look. Here is a place with a few rabbits around in cages and also old VW Rabbits too. Some are buried nose down just like the Cadillac Ranch...so which came first ? We met the owner inside his old gas station among more rabbits. The walls were filled with Rt. 66 items for sale. We got the history of the place and enjoyed the stop to see the “Rabbits” Here are the pictures ...https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/81514HenrySRabbitRanch#

   God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Country Classic Cars, Staunton,IL.

       Aug 15, Did you ever see a car lot of old cars that were for sale? Here in Staunton, IL. is a large complex along Rt. 66. Over 600 cars are here in over 5 garages, they are parked bumper to bumper. It was like stepping back 30 years or more back to the old car lots. It was like a flash back for me to walk around these garages. There is a $1.00 donation to walk around..worth it !!. Yes they are a little dusty and some do show wear but they are all for sale. I saw them load up cars while I was here to ship/deliver somewhere. There was also a lot of buyers walking around looking for their favorite car. Here are a few shots ...https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/81514CountryClassicsCars#

    God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Old Rt.66 Sights

   August 14-16, Here are a few pictures along RT. 66. Old gas stations, gift shops, museums, giant statues, water towers ...there is so much to see all along this famous highway...join us ...  https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/Rt66Sights#

   God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Archway to the West, St. Louis, MO.

     August 14, Thursday, We left Cuba and headed east on Rt 44 looking for any Rt.66 exits. We decided too see the Budweiser Farm know as Grant’s Farm in St. Louis. Set the GPS and followed it into town to the farm. traffic was backed up at the gate as there was a charge to park. Ok ,lets see what it is ... $30.00 for RV & Truck...NO WAY .... So we circled around and out of the farm. We did see a horse and the Budweiser Trailer to haul them. On the way out we saw lots of cars along the road parked, now we know why? They all walked into the farm for free. Car parking was $12.00 each, not many cars were inside the lot.

     Off to the Arch, only 8 miles further into town. Through the construction and detours and we found our way to the waterfront street, we paid $4.00/each rig to park($8.00 total). We had the best spot right under the Arch. We ate lunch along the riverfront watching barges and ferry boats pass by the airstream, can’t beat the view!

     Then we walked up the steps..lots of them.. through Security into the underground of the Arch. There is a beautiful Museum under here too. There was no line for the elevator ride to the top so we bought tickets. Because we had National Park Pass our tickets were only $7.00 each, saved $3.00. We walked down the corridor and boarded this small cubicle that held 5 seats. Mom and I had the cube to ourselves, then the ride began. Not too bad to the top, the cube had a self leveling all the way up. 630 feet later we were at the top into a long narrow hallway with windows on each side. WOW... the View is Awesome... east over the river... we could see the Airstream down there along the waterfront. Then the west windows showed us the city of St.Louis. We even saw the Baseball stadium of the St. Louis Cardinals from up here. We were up her about 30 minutes and then went down in the cube again...going down is faster!!

     We then walked over to the Museum to see  the Historical facts about the area. The Rangers were giving talk/lectures at a few stations. Hard to believe this is all under the Arch. Gift shop too... Time to leave St. Louis, off to Rt. 55 to follow Rt.66 through Illinois , here we go !! Pictures from the Arch ...  https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/81414StLouisArch#

  God Bless...AirstreamHobo & Mom

Cuba, Missouri

      August 13, Wednesday, Today we drove around Cuba, a quaint little town which has lots of Murals painted on buildings around downtown. It was fun driving around the area seeing all the art work as well as the town. Here are the pictures... https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/CubaMo81314#

   God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Bob's Gasoline Alley

       August 12, Tuesday, Continued.... After seeing the biggest  chair, I inquired about a yard that had lots of gas signs that we saw from the highway. The girl in the gift shop gave me directions down the road to the lane. I drove back and ..Wow.. never saw anything this large of a collection of signs. No one was here but I was told you can walk around and take pictures, so I did..

          August 13th, we went to Cuba for breakfast at a Rt. 66 diner. What a good breakfast at this little restaurant, the waitresses were funny to talk to. One was 86 years old and had lots of stories to tell us.

       I heard Bob’s Garage had a furniture business in town, so I went over to meet him and say Thank-You for allowing me to roam his property yesterday. During our small talk he asked if I would like to see inside the barns?? YES..YES.. He said meet me in an half an hour at the garage. So we went back to the campground to pay for one more day because I knew I would be with Bob for a while.

      We arrived at the garage and Bob was there and turned on all the lights in the barn.....I can’t explain what I saw but to say just look at the pictures and you will agree. His tour of the place took over one hour to see all the garages. Bob and his wife have many banquets for Adults only through tour buses and clubs. The reason for adults only is he is afraid kids will touch or break something in his collections of all items, I can say I can’t blame him. I was very cautious to look and don’t touch.

        Here are the pictures...sorry for so many but it was hard to edit this file and not show you a lot.   https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/BobSGasolineAlleyCollection#

   I hope you like these signs....  God Bless...AirstreamHobo & Mom

World's Largest Rocking Chair

      August 12, Tuesday, We drove thru Cuba, MO. looking for The world’s Largest Rocking Chair. About 4 miles west of town we found a Rt 66 store with a Rocking Chair in the parking lot. There were several other tourists here too taking pictures of it.

      Rules were no climbing up on it. I met a man who helped build the chair and he tells me that once a month on a Saturday they bring a scissor  jack/elevator to lift people up to the seat to get their picture taken. The chair is bigger than the Airstream that’s for sure!

   We then go inside the store to see the Rt.66 items for sale. They are also a Archery Store for Bow Hunters, they have all kinds of Bows & arrows for sale. They even have a Target Range in the back for customers to use. We walk around checking the place out and then leave. Here are some pictures of the place   https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/WorldSLargestChair#

   God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Melba the Mouth.....

      August 5th, We left Baxter Springs, Kansas, ... our campsite here was a town park at the edge of town. It was a beautiful park setting, there was already a tent set up here. Rates are $10/nite with elec /water or $5.00 without hookups. Later that night 2 more came in and the local police stopped by about 8 p.m. to collect fees. Then Zzzzzz.

     Ok ..back to Tuesday the 5th we headed east on Rt.66 toward Galena,Kansas. When we arrived we drove around the streets looking at a lot of Murals. Then we found The Girls Gas Station where “Mater” the Tow truck is on display. We were greeted by Melba the Mouth ( she is in the 2nd movie “Cars” ) She gives us a 30 minute tour in about 5 minutes. Yes...she is a fast talker...I told her she should be an Auctioneer.....

         This station had a complete make over and looks like it would have back in the 30’s  40’s  50’s .What a great feeling to see the makeover. I even got to sit in the original tow truck before he was made into a “Mater” Tow Truck. She told us what else to see around town to take pictures. She wanted to see the Airstream and also posed by it. She was a “Hoot” I sure enjoyed meeting her, it sure made my day.

     Ok...continue East... We arrived at Springfield and got off the Rt. 66 and headed south 50 miles to Branson, Mo. to catch a few shows and see the area. We found Pea Patch Campground right behind Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Real close to the strip, only 1 block. We got full hookups, Cable & Wi-Fi too for only $22/ nite, we could stay for the week at that rate. ( Pass Port America Member).So we are taking a break of one week from Rt. 66 see you down the road next week.... Here are some pictures of Galena ... https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/GalenaKansas#

    God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom  

Miami, Oklahoma

   August 4th, continuing east on Rt. 66 we come to another interesting town.. Miami (not Florida) Downtown Historic District is worth driving around a few times. Which we did just to see all the old buildings and also find a place to park the big rig. We found a bank parking lot. Then walked one block to a Motorcycle Museum which had a few old cycles. The back room was a tribute to Evel Kinevel the Motorcycle Dare Devil from the 70’s . He performed many dangerous jumps and broke a lot of bones doing it. There was also some old Harleys Too.

  There was even an old station in town too that was a flea market too but closed on Mondays...

  While walking to the museum I passed a office door with the name “Ober” on it. Here he is an accountant with his business here. I talked with him and found out that he is the only Ober around. Cool, I stopped to have my picture taken at the front door.  Again I took a few pictures around town... https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/MiamiOkMuseum#

     God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Afton Car Museum , Oklahoma

  August 4th, We drive into Afton and see an old station with Rt. 66 flags flying and also a Packard sign telling us there is a car museum inside the station. We stop and go inside the station and are shown the museum entrance. They ask for a  $2.00 donation to help keep the place running, reasonable I think.

       You walk thru the inside door to the bays of the garage and see these wonderful old Packard's in mint condition. There are a few other makes here too. Then we walk out the back door to a big rounded garage thru the door to a room full of more rare cars. There is even a rare old Packard Motorhome...Luxury at it’s finest. The other cars were awesome too. We spent about an hour here and then left, I did take a few pictures... want to see them ? https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/AftonOkCarMuseumPackards#

  I hope you like old cars  ... God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Chelsea, Ok. Just a little town in Oklahoma...

    August 4th, After leaving Claremore , we followed Rt. 66 headed east, it wasn’t long till we came to Chelsea. I stopped along the road at several buildings to take some pictures. People sure like to paint their buildings with Rt. 66 pictures on them. I think it adds character to them and makes them one of a kind, don’t you agree? See the pictures  https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/ChelseaOk#

   God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Jim Davis Gun Museum, Claremore, Ok.

   August 3rd, We leave the Claremore area, but first we were told we must stop and see the Jim Davis Museum in town. It is easy to find downtown and the parking lot adjacent to it is a big one. We park the Airstream out back and go in for a look.

      Well I hope you like guns, there are hundreds of wall cases filled with 14,000 plus guns. This man must have been a gun fanatic and an avid collector of guns and also many other things. He also had hundreds of old movie posters along with lots of cowboy toys and games from long ago.

       This man loved his collection of guns so much that he is buried inside the museum an a vault on display next to his guns. There is Gatlin Guns around his tomb, protection? I guess? This Museum is a great history of all kinds of guns. They are all labeled and tagged for identification. Here are the pictures... https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/JimDavisGunMuseumInClaremoreOk#

   God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Vintage RV Rally in Branson, Mo.

      Aug 9th, Today in Branson at the KOA there was a Vintage RV Rally. They had Open House from 1-4 today. I went with camera in hand to see these Vintage RV’s, Wow I wasn’t disappointed. I talked to a lot of proud owners that loved to talk about their recreation of an old camper. I loved the decorating that was on display. I did get to take a lot of pictures, I hope you will enjoy them...https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/VintageRvRallyInBransonMo8914#

   God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom   

 

         Aug 2nd, After we saw the Homestead we drove into Claremore to see the Will Rogers Museum. Admission was only $4.00 for Seniors. The lady met us in the lobby and gave us a quick story and how to see the museum, she even took our picture in front of Will Roger’s statue.I liked his Motto.." I never met a man I didn't like".. That should be true of all of us, we all have something good about us !!

      We walked down the hallway to see a short movie on his life. He sure was a busy man, movies, radio personality,newspaper writer, his travels all over the world. It is amazing he had time for all this. The museum had lots of rooms with different eras of his life. The building was built like an old church structure, beautiful stone work and large arches everywhere. The grounds were impeccable with him riding a horse looking over the town. here are a few pictures https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/WillRogersMuseum8214#

God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom   

     August 2nd, Thursday. Down the road following Rt.66 to Claremore, Ok. arriving at Will Rogers homestead. We found a Army Corp. of Engineer Park at Oologah Lake at a little campground of just 12 sites. There was openings so we setup at site #3 paid for one night, would you believe $8.00 for water and electric and along the waterfront of a large lake, what a view !!! Across the lake there was a camp of 90 sites but we liked this one so much we decided to stay 2 more nights so we could explore Claremore. First we toured Will Rogers ‘homestead and it was a self guided tour of house and barn and the grounds, very simple farm house.Here are the pictures of the Homestead...   https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/WillRogerSBirthPlace8214#

   God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

Whoa....back up !! I forgot to post the  Rt. 66 thru Texas pictures so here they are... https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/Rt66ThruTexas72614#6041610235912475170

 

God Bless.. AirstreamHobo & Mom

    July 28th, We are at Arcadia State Park for 4 days($15.20/nite with electric and shared water)  so we can see the Oklahoma City and area sights. The park surrounds a lake for water recreation. There is a lot to see and I know we will miss it but we try to see most?

    Down the road from the campground about 4 miles is a place with a Giant pop bottle for a roadside sign for their business.  We stopped in and had a delicious hamburger and tried one of their bottle pops. They have over 750 flavors to pick from. Every  food table and booth was filled and the place was hoppin’. The bottles sell for $2.19 each and you pickup a cardboard 6-pack holder and pick 6 different pops to take home. I saw lots of customers do that by the case too.

  We then walked around the soda displays looking at all the flavors, I recognized A Penna. flavor “Kutztown Root Beer”. We were there at nightfall so I took some pictures of the Giant Pop bottle changing colors...impressive !!  here are some pictures   https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/PopsInEdmondOk73014#

    God Bless... AirstreamHobo &  Mom

     Aug 2nd, We also heard about a Big Totem Pole in Foyil. We are only 8 miles away so we drive up to see it. This is a 95 foot high Cement Totem Pole along the road in Foyil,Ok. There is also smaller statues of cement that were interesting to see and see the art work. The Man who built this also made Fiddles which were on display in the gift shop. Of course I had to buy a T-shirt and mom got a nice necklace and carry bag also. Here are some pictures of my find today ... https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/TotemPoleFoyilOk8214#

     God Bless... AirstreamHobo & Mom

         August 2, We heard about a Blue Whale along Rt 66 in Catoosa, Ok.  so we went looking for it and found it. I guess this is another American Icon you have to see in person. So cool and a fun stop here..Pictures Here.. https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/BlueWhaleCatoosaOk8214#

    God Bless.. AirstreamHobo & Mom

     July 30, While in Oklahoma City, I went to the National Cowboy and Historical Museum for the day. This place is huge and has lots to see. I saw art work in several hallways and rooms. Then I saw the cowboy rooms full of movie stars and many collections as a tribute to them, John Wayne, Roy & Dale Evans, Gene Autry, even Walter Brennan my favorite old cowboy character.

       Then there were tributes to the rodeos and also the ranch cowboys. There is no way you can skip through this museum in short time, I was here for 6 hours just wandering and reading many plaques about cowboys. Here are a few pictures... https://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/NationalCowboyWesternHeritageMuseum#

  God Bless.. AirstreamHobo & Mom