Day 15 - End of the Rain
It was pouring when we left Edwardsville but at least we were on the right side of the river and the right side of the weather. The forecast was looking brighter, even if it would take all day to find it!
The city Court House in Carlinsville has something of a reputation. Just before the turn of the 20th century the cost blow out of this structure soured to $1 million and it's known as a bit of a white elephant in a town of just 5000 people. An expensive one at that!
Not sure what turkey would have authorised it but there was a turkey or two in the early 1920's that left their mark in Nilwood... impressions in the concrete a reminder of how well parts of this old road have lasted.
90 yr old Bill Deck, the grandson of the Pharmacist who started Deck's Drug Store back in the 1880's came in especially to chat to us about the three generations of pharmacists who kept everyone in good health for all those years.
In Auburn the Red Brick Rd also reminds us of the quality of road structure back then. In parts it's still completely original for a mile or two of cobbled brick road.
The Corn Dog (read hot dog for the Kiwis) uses cornmeal for batter and was invented in Springfield Illinois by Ed Waldmire at the Cosy Dog Drive Inn.
It wasn't to everyone's taste but with that box ticked it was on to Cliff's on Fifth in Lincoln.
Cliff McCumber runs the Phillips 66 Gas Station and a small bar with slot machines, since the state loosened up it's gambling laws. he and mate Dave gave us a chat about everything mid America from politics to guns. The real America shines bright in this part of the world.
Atlanta's top eatery is Palms Cafe and we sat for a late lunch before finding the mid point in our final state at Funks Grove.
The Sugar Oak Trees provided an amazing canopy and a compulsory stop for a shot.
At Funks Grove Sirup shop we were enlightened as to the production process and history of Sirup. Yes the spelling's correct. Sirup before processing and Syrup as an end product.
Bloomington's famous for Beer Nuts, thanks to the MASH Colonel McLean Stevenson, and grand old mansions.
One of the best is the David Davis house, a beautiful finish to our penultimate day on the road.
