Posts Tagged ‘Lincoln Highway’
January 10, 2011
LINCOLN HIGHWAY NEWS IS A BLOG BY BRIAN BUTKO
The Tama-Toledo News reports that the most famous Lincoln Highway bridge — in Tama, Iowa — was hit recently by farm equipment, damaging one of the concrete rails which spell out “Lincoln Highway” and causing $1,500 damage.
In evaluating this damage, Schoonover Tuckpointing, Vinton, also found areas where cement is “spalling” – breaking up, flaking or pitting concrete. In addition, cracks caused by settling were also found. Total cost of these repairs and some spot painting was set at $4,382.
Mayor Chris Bearden urged city council members Monday night to approve the repairs. “The bridge is the only one in the country”, Bearden said. “It needs to be in top shape for the 150th anniversary (of Tama coming up in 2012.)”…. Tama’s bridge under went a renovation in 2006 costing $10,675 according to City Clerk Judy Welch.
The council also approved the purchase of seven new Lincoln Highway banners to replace ones street commissioner Stuart Eisentrager said are faded and showing signs of aging due to weather exposure. The new banners cost $153 each or a total of $1,071 plus shipping. The old banners will be offered for sale by the city with the sale procedure to be announced.
Tags:concrete historic bridge, famous old bridge, highway history, historic highway, Iowa, Lincoln Highway, roadside, Tama IA, travel
Posted in highways, history, Lincoln Highway, roadside, transportation | Leave a Comment »
January 6, 2011
Anyone who has seen the Pixar movie Cars — or thought for a moment about how roads have changed over the past half-century — knows that bypasses around towns have a tremendous impact on traffic patterns. The latest to experience this shift are Tama and Toledo on the Lincoln Highway in Iowa. As reported by the Cedar Rapids Gazette, the 7,500 vehicles that daily went through the towns on U.S. 30 have been reduced to a trickle since a bypass opened. Motels and restaurants such as the King Tower Restaurant, below, are feeling the impact.
Since acquiring the local landmark eight years ago, Kristy Tovar has made a decent living running the King Tower Restaurant on the east side of Tama. Since the $82 million bypass opened, though, King Tower is no longer visible from the highway. Tovar’s anything but confident about the restaurant’s future.
“I never really thought that having this highway change would make that much difference, because most of our customers were local. I’d probably say business has been cut at least in half or more,” she said….
Since the days when it was known as the Lincoln Highway, Highway 30 has been the lifeblood of Tama-Toledo. Visitors recall the distinctive Indian head souvenirs sign at King Tower, which has been open since 1937, and the Lincoln Highway bridge that was an early architectural feature of the first transcontinental highway….
Brad Crawford is manager of the 54-year-old Big T Maid-Rite in Toledo. He said rumors are already flying about big restaurant chains like McDonald’s snapping up the good real estate along the bypass to open new restaurants.
Crawford is saving to buy a service sign on the bypass, but the cost will cut into funds he’d otherwise spend to advertise in the local newspaper and high school yearbook.
Tags:bypass problems, highway history, historic highway, Iowa, Lincoln Highway, old roads, restaurant, roadside, Tama IA
Posted in highways, history, Lincoln Highway, Road trip, transportation, travel | 2 Comments »
January 5, 2011
LINCOLN HIGHWAY NEWS IS A BLOG BY BRIAN BUTKO
The famous (and world’s largest) Shoe Tree along the Lincoln Highway at Middlegate, Nevada, was cut down overnight last Thursday. The 70-foot cottonwood towered over U.S. 50 about 125 miles east of Reno. A gallery of photos such as the ones here can be found on Flickr.
According to the Lahontan Valley News, there are no suspects or motives:
There are a lot of angry people,” said Middlegate bartender Travis Anderton, describing the reaction from his customers. “That (the tree) helps out business. People come out to see the Shoe Tree.”… Anderton’s grandmother, Fredda Stevenson, is planning a memorial at the site of the tree on Feb. 13 from 2:30-5:30 p.m. The destruction of the Shoe Tree bothers Stevenson, who bought the Middlegate Bar and Restaurant 26 years ago. “I watched it grow up as a little tree,” said Stevenson, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years.
“We cried. It’s like losing a member of the family,” she said.
Rick Gray, executive director of the Fallon Convention and Tourism Authority, is another person who is outraged and hopes authorities can tie the loose ends together in finding the culprit or culprits.
“It was a quirky landmark on the Loneliest Road in America,” he said.
Click HERE for a page full of fond recollections. Note that comments on one of the news stories also included this viewpoint:
“That used to be a beautiful shade tree in the middle of the desert. It has since become an eyesore with all those stinky shoes hanging in it. An Historical landmark? Give me a break!… Good riddance to an ugly dead tree.”
Thanks to Loungelistener and Denny Gibson for the tip.
Tags:highway history, historic highway, Lincoln Highway, Middlegate NV, Nevada, Road trip, roadside, Shoe Tree, vandalism
Posted in highways, history, Lincoln Highway, roadside, travel | 4 Comments »
December 22, 2010
LINCOLN HIGHWAY NEWS IS A BLOG BY BRIAN BUTKO
In July, I reported on the motorcycle trip of Chris Hutter, who traveled the Lincoln Highway this past summer to complete his following of the road all the way across the U.S. After reaching San Francisco, he rode to Seattle, then took US 2 westward. Just outside of Montana, he stopped for coffee at a road stop, and that was the start of a brief adventure that I’ll let him tell.
As I was ready to leave the rest area I spotted something on the ground about forty feet away. I rolled my bike over to find a wallet. The wallet had a drivers license, a military ID and some of the basic stuff you would find in a mans wallet. I looked for a phone number but had no luck and besides up in these hills there is little cell service. I figured it was lost or stolen and tossed since there was no money. I threw it in my pack and figured I would send it to back through the U.S. Mail with a nice note telling him where I found it. As I was riding, I kept thinking that this guy is probably going crazy looking for his lost wallet. I pulled over to see where he lived. Turned out he was from Missoula, Montana. The town of Missoula was south of US 2 and was a slight detour for me but I decided to make the delivery. It was the least I could do for a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. So I set my GPS to the address listed on his drivers license and off I went not knowing what I would eventually find…
I made a turn onto his street which was a typical small town street. As I rolled down the street near his house a middle age woman was standing in the driveway speaking to two younger woman in an SUV. The sound of my Harley caught their attention and they were all staring. When I turned into their driveway, stopped and took off my helmet they almost became slightly alarmed.
I politely introduced my self as Chris from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and that I was there to speak to the Nathan because I had something that belonged to him. Before I could finish my sentence they started screaming and cheering and repeatedly kept asking me where I found it. Within a moment, Nathan appeared and was walking down the sidewalk asking me where I found it. He was in total disbelief. He stated that he searched and searched and was getting ready to call his credit card companies to report the cards as lost. Turns out the wallet popped out of his pocket when he was pulling the leash for his dog that was also tucked in his back pocket. The dog took off and he quickly ran after it losing his wallet in the process.
He then began to ask me what he could give me and my reply was “nothing, it is the least I could do for a member of our armed forces.” It turns out that Nathan had already served four tours in Afghanistan. A few moments later Nate’s father came outside, on his hat it said U.S. Marines, Vietnam 69-74. Again, his father asked what he could do for me and my reply was I owe more to you than you could ever give to me. I explained to them that I truly felt this way and they graciously accepted my reply. They are a family of true patriots and have given more to our country than we could ever realize. We are all indebted to them for their service.
Without a doubt this was the best part of my 18 day trip. I quit blogging after this portion because it just could not get any better.
Tags:highway history, historic highway, Lincoln Highway, lost wallet, military, Montana, roadside adventure
Posted in highways, Lincoln Highway, Road trip, travel | 4 Comments »
December 16, 2010
LINCOLN HIGHWAY NEWS IS A BLOG BY BRIAN BUTKO
The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has completed the next in a series of Interpretive Murals stretching along its 179-mile corridor. The mural will be on the Geneva Masonic Lodge building at 10 S. Second Street in downtown Geneva, Illinois.
This mural showcases the Lincoln Highway in Geneva’s downtown, with a streetscape featuring the local motorcycle policeman. The vintage image is hand-painted in shades from a tonal color palette, bringing the images to life. As the designated byway management agency overseeing the 179 mile Byway, the ILHC seeks ways to recognize the significance of the highway and ways to make the stories come alive. After receiving a National Scenic Byway Grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism, Attraction Development (TAP) Grant, ILHC worked with Jay Allen of ShawCraft Signs to make this project come to life.
For more information on the Illinois Lincoln Highway, places to see and things to do, stories of the highway’s significance and history, or to request ILHC’s 2010 Visitor Guide, visit www.drivelincolnhighway.com
Tags:Geneva IL, highway history, historic highway, Illinois, Lincoln Highway, mural for highway
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December 13, 2010
LINCOLN HIGHWAY NEWS IS A BLOG BY BRIAN BUTKO
Visitors can again enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas at the Cody ranch with a tour of Buffalo Bill’s home on Friday, December 17 from 5:30 pm-8 pm.
The 1886 mansion, 1887 horse barn, log cabin, and outbuildings are all decorated with lights. The mansion will have 18 lighted and decorated Christmas trees and decorations in the interior. There will be a large lighted and decorated Christmas tree in the barn where visitors can make their own ornament to hang on the tree. Santa Claus will be there for the children, Buffalo Bill will talk to visitors, and music will flow from the old piano in the mansion. Outside there will be roasted chestnuts, hot apple cider, and cookies. Draft horse-drawn hay rack rides will also be available, weather permitting. Admission is $5 per person at the door, children 12 and younger are free. Park entry permit required.
Buffalo Bill Ranch SHP
2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Rd
North Platte NE 69101
(308) 535-8035
Tags:Buffalo Bill, Christmas at old mansion, Cody mansion, highway history, historic highway, Lincoln Highway, Nebraska, North Platte NE, Scouts Rest Ranch
Posted in food, highways, history, Lincoln Highway, museum, Road trip | Leave a Comment »
December 9, 2010
LINCOLN HIGHWAY NEWS IS A BLOG BY BRIAN BUTKO
UPDATE: The local newspaper now reports the diner was moved to Pennsylvania.
A vintage diner along the Lincoln Highway in New Brunswick, NJ, has been demolished, reportedly on December 7, 2010. The 1941 Fodero-brand Mack’s Diner stopped serving food in 1968. It became a grocery, then was bought in 1976 for $7,250 and operated as All Ears’ Records until criminal activity closed that business in 2005.
A 2008 article in MyCentralJersey.com noted that owner Tareq Algharaybeh was hoping to find a buyer for the dilapidated diner:
Flanked by a record shop and a mini market on French between Seaman and Suydam streets, the Mack’s turquoise shell glimpsed daylight recently. Last month, the advertising posters that have for years obscured nearly its entire facade were taken down.
For about a week, the words “Mack” and “Diner,” on either side of the brick and aluminum portico tethered to the patina of decades, were again visible.
Inside, what appears to be the diner’s original tile and wood counter teeters against the test of time. But other than the ventilation hoods, stripped of their exhaust fans, little trace remains of the diner’s days and nights as a restaurant.
But Algharaybeh, who bought the diner two years ago, says it is otherwise sturdy…. Algharaybeh, who also owns and runs Sam’s Pizza and Chicken two blocks south on French Street, has little use for this period piece. With three years left on the lease for the pizza establishment, Algharaybeh wants to move that business, which he has operated for 20 years at French and Alexander streets, onto the Mack’s lot.
Tags:building demolition, Diner, highway history, historic highway, Jersey diner, Lincoln Highway, New Brunswick NJ, New Jersey, restaurant, roadside
Posted in food, highways, history, Lincoln Highway, roadside | 3 Comments »
December 1, 2010
LINCOLN HIGHWAY NEWS IS A BLOG BY BRIAN BUTKO
The Gettysburg Times reports that filming has begun on the second of three movies in John Putch’s Route 30 trilogy.
The first day of filming for a 19-day shoot of “Route 30, Too!” occurred in the Caledonia area, along the famous Lincoln Highway, according to director John Putch.
Other local scenes for the film are scheduled in Chambersburg, Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum in Orrtanna, the historic Round Barn, and the Totem Pole Playhouse.
“It’s three stories intertwined into one,” Putch said regarding the new film, unlike the original movie “Route 30,” which featured “three different stories” in 2008.
Putch, the son of famous actress Jean Stapleton and William H. Putch, an original member of the Totem Pole Playhouse, is an actor, producer, writer and director. He has appeared in an episode of “Seinfeld,” “Jaws 3” and various other roles as well as directed episodes of “Scrubs,” “Grounded for Life,” and “Ugly Betty.” His own film credits include “Mojave Phone Booth” (2006), “Bachelorman” (2003), “Pursuit of Happiness” (2001) and “Valerie Flake” (1999).
Since its release, Putch has travelled the country showing “Route 30” at various film festivals and to date the film has won 14 awards.
Tags:filming in PA, Gettysburg, highway history, historic highway, Lincoln Highway, Pennsylvania, Road trip
Posted in highways, history, Lincoln Highway, Road trip, video | 1 Comment »
November 19, 2010
LINCOLN HIGHWAY NEWS IS A BLOG BY BRIAN BUTKO
The Indiana Lincoln Highway Association will hold a Holiday Gathering and House Tour at the Kimmell House Bed & Breakfast on December 4, 2010, starting at 2pm. The event is open to the public (pre-register by Wednesday, December 1) for only $16, which includes entrée, beverage, tax, and gratuity.
The historic property offers casual dining in addition to overnight accommodations. It is one of several bed and breakfasts along the Lincoln Highway in Indiana. Owners Dean and Deb Stoops will provide a personal tour of the property to attendees. For more information, call (574) 210-6278or visit www.kimmellhouseinn.com/.
Kimmell House Inn Bed & Breakfast
1397 N US Highway 33
Kimmell, IN 46760
Tags:highway history, historic highway, historic lodging, Illinois, Lincoln Highway, lodging
Posted in food, highways, history, Lincoln Highway, lodging, Road trip, travel | 1 Comment »
Lincoln Highway News 