The Lincoln and Douglas Debate

This weekend Jane and I went on a trip to Jonesboro Illinois to take in a few sites. Jonesboro is a small town located 37.4 degrees North and 89.2 degrees West. That is only 21.6 miles away from SIUC. While there we visited the historical site of the Lincoln and Douglas Debates. The location of the debate was a small town park that was used as a fair ground. In 1858 the spot we visited was filled with people waiting to hear the two men debate for Senatorship of Illinois. We found out that Lincoln ended up losing the race for Senator, but he did become the President of the United States in 1860. It was very interesting to find out that something this important had taken place in such a small town.

The Mighty Mighty Appleknockers! OOH AHH AHH!

Howdy y'all! I'm hollering out from the small town of Cobden, Illinois. I traveled 13.7 miles to this little town, 37 degrees 32'2 N, 89 degrees 15'19W. Ya know, this town isn't very big but thanks to the men's basketball team of 1964, everyone has heard of the Mighty Appleknockers. Rumor has it that everyone thinks they won the state tournament, but actually they did lose 50-45, but that was enough to get them on the map. Still today, many people refer to them as "the little town that won the state tournament of 1964." Amy explained, that even though they lost the game, everyone is still in shock that a small country team could get so far, and receive so much recognition for their achievement. Every person from the town still to this day is proud to be associated with the team of 1964, and to be called an Appleknocker. After all, they are the only Appleknockers in the whole world!

Tired little doggie

Traveling with the cowpokes sure is tiring. Brandi, Bobbi, Kumberly and Emily have taken me 1, 315.72 miles! How far is Dodge City anyway?

Enjoying a Piece of American Culture

Howdy, all!

Whew! I just went for a whirlwind ride with Emily and all her youngins! Talk about an eventful night. Turns out, Emily wanted to show her children (and ME!) how lots of folk back in the olden days watched movies. She loaded us all up in her van, which could hold cattle, and away we went driving to downtown Belleville, IL. What a fun trip that was! We got lost on the way, but after we finally got there, we found out that the Skyview Drive In is located at 38N latitude and 90W longitude and was only 84.86 miles one way! YEE HAW! The drive-in opened for business in 1949, had serious screen damage twice, and now holds two screens so people can pull in and watch whatever movie they want. Well, let me tell ya, the screen was the biggest one I ever saw! I sat on her daughter's lap as we watched a movie, just like way back when. Emily explained that years ago, speakers were attached to vehicles for sound, but now we just tune into a radio station. We snuggled up real tight and munched on some fine snacks. Emily tried to get a picture of me at the Skyview entrance, but it was dark. I think you can still see the entrance behind me, though. After this was all said and done, I was plum tuckered out from the eating and movie watching and riding in that van! You know, it seems people don't go to drive-ins a lot anymore and little by little there are fewer drive-ins to enjoy, but I sure am glad I got to see a little piece of this American culture.

Dusable Museum of African American History

Whew what a trip--Kumberly and I traveled 982 miles!
Hello every one i am still on the move. I traveled to The Dusable Museum of African American History located on the south side of Chicago 41 degrees latitude and 87 degrees longitude. I traveled 327 miles making a total of 491 miles altogether. I traveled to the Dusable Museum to experience meet African American inventors and leaders. The museum was very interesting and provided me with a lot of useful information. In fact the Dusable Museum located in Chicago is one of the only major institutions to help preserve African American history!

In celebration of Casimir Pulaski

We hit the trial again--we added another 76 miles to the journey log. Total mileage is 164 miles. Yee Haw--we're having a good time!! The town of DuBois is located at 38 degrees N and 89 degrees W.
Howdy all! Just got back from another great adventure, this weekend I traveled to Dubois, Illinois in honor of a great Polish-American Revolutionary War hero. I enjoyed some good grub and a grand parade in his honor (things got a little roudy when I had to fight the little buckaroos for the candy.)

Sometimes called the "Father of American Cavalry," Casimir Pulaski was born March 4, 1747, in Warka, Poland. While in Paris, Casimir heard of the American Revolutionary War and the colonies' struggle to break free from England. He wrote Benjamin Franklin, who was in Paris, to ask if he would consider hiring him to fight against the British. After hearing of his reputation as a great leader, Franklin recommended him to General George Washington. Joining the Revolutionary cause in 1777, he served at Brandywine and Germantown. In 1778 he resigned a cavalry command rather than continue in service under Gen. Anthony Wayne, and he organized his own cavalry unit, the Pulaski Legion, which saw a great deal of service During a battle in Savannah, Georgia, Casimir was wounded by a cannon. He died from complications of this wound. The first Monday in March has been designated Pulaski Day in Illinois. There is also Pulaski County honoring this great war hero.