Eads Bridge 135 Years Old Today

The Post-Dispatch reports on the anniversary of the Eads Bridge. As talk continues for a new Mississippi Bridge, will the forthcoming span be as economically beneficial as the Eads was so many years ago?

Gone, But Not Forgotten

Primary Color Farm Implements

I wonder if it was intentional or not, but I had to stop and take a picture of these red, blue, yellow and green tractors and mowers parked alongside a highway near Eureka, Illinois.

Old Route 66, from I-55, Illinois

As we headed south on I-55, my father pointed a stretch of Route 66 that he and my mother used to drive on before the interstate system had completed I-55. Originally, it was actually four lanes divided in Illinois, and the southbound lanes became a frontage road, while the northbound lanes became the southbound lanes of I-55.

Family Farm, May 2009

Things are good around the family homestead outside of Deer Creek, Illinois. There was one loss over the last year; a shed from the Great Depression given by the government to farmers to encourage their business. The roof, as many other large objects do on the prairie during massive windstorms, flew off and landed hundreds of feet away in a field. As much as we didn't want to, we realized the life of this shed may have reached the end of its usable life. My father and I carefully disassembled one wall when we were there, saving the wood for patching of our two one hundred year old barns, and put the nails in an old sauce pan. This was one well put together shed; the nails were still shiny when we pulled them out of the wood.Amazingly the tree I was certain had bitten the dust in the same wind storm has shown new life; now entering the fifth generation of Naffzigers that it has seen.
Otherwise, things are looking good; the barns remain in good shape, one from the 1880's and the other from 1914, we think.Check out older posts here.

Also, here is a satellite image of the farm, if a little blurry.

Movement on the Avalon?

The Post-Dispatch reports that the city is moving on removing the historic Avalon Theater from limbo.

Calvary Mennonite Church, Washington, Illinois

This stately church has been central to my family's history for over one hundred years. My grandfather used his team of horses to excavate the basement, and attended the church for decades. It's a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts Neo-Classicism, and sits amongst a street of noble Victorian Period houses.Back in the 1940's or 50's, the church built a Sunday School addition in Mid-Century Modernist style. It originally boasted a front porch on the addition with the coolest little Modernist filigree that looked like a rectangular flame. As can be seen, the porch has been torn down in the last year or two. That is a shame, as it melded well with the more Neo-Classical lines of the original church.

Old Pancake House, Sunset, Goodfield, Illinois

I revisited the old diner at the intersection of I-74 and the road that heads north to Eureka, Illinois. At sunset, the setting is a dramatic scene, indeed.

Towel Creations

Staying overnight in Bloomington, my family and I were astonished to discover these towel creations in the bathroom of the Holiday Inn. I was just amazed that no one complained about staying in a Holiday Inn.

Lemp Mansion, Sunset

An Awesome House on Lindell

I came across this house on Lindell; it is truly exceptional, because it doesn't look like a house in St. Louis. It looks like it belongs in Boston or New York, but I am glad it is here regardless.

Rose Bush, Tower Grove East

This is the giant rose in my backyard; I have no idea exactly what species it is or anything. I have the feeling that it is very, very old. Someone must have planted it a long time ago, and I am grateful for it; there are over 200 blossoms on it right now. My neighbors and I are always remarking over the weird plants we find in our yards; right next door, tulips pop up everywhere, in no discernible pattern.

Benton Park

Score One for St. Louis City

The Post-Dispatch reports that the new coach for the Rams will be living in Lafayette Square

DeMenil Mansion

Irresponsible Maintenance and Neglect at the San Luis

The deterioration of the San Luis Apartments has accelerated, as the Archdiocese continues to sit on the property. Regardless of what you think of the hotel's merits, the lack of concern for following city ordinances is appalling.The building's interior hallways appear to be strewn with garbage, and have undoubtedly been left exposed to the elements due to open windows.In an attempt to strip the San Luis of its identity, the sign on the side and on the awnings have been ripped off, leaving blue fabric flapping ingloriously in the wind. It just looks awful.Likewise, I love this attractive nuisance; I can just see the news reports of a child drowning in this attractive nuisance. Not to mention all of the mosquitoes that will be happy to hatch in this cesspool.And finally, just a small sampling of the several dozen open or broken windows at various points around the hotel.