Red Flags, Trolleys & More

Transcription

1 Red Flags, Trolleys & More September 29 October 1, 2018

2 l

3 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour 2018 Rules of the Road Disabled vehicles should report their location via cell phone to John. No more than two vehicles should stop to provide roadside assistance. If you encounter problems with your vehicle and must stop, pull as far off the roadway as possible. If you do not need assistance, please give a Thumbs Up signal to passing vehicles, so they know you are OK. We try to avoid the busier highways, but that can t always be the case. Always keep sufficient intervals between vehicles so an overtaking vehicle can blend. In reality it is the second vehicle that bears the responsibility in passing situations. If you are holding up traffic, please pull over and give faster vehicles the right of way. Rain, shine or worse we continue to roll and all vehicles are expected to do the best for themselves under the circumstances. Open top vehicles may need to seek shelter. Individual judgment will be the order for the day. Get a compass or GPS if you are not always sure of directions. These route instructions serve as a guide only. You are free to deviate and learn about other parts of the territory. We have purposely refrained from relying on mileage or time references in our directions. Odometers will vary, so any references that do occur must be treated as approximate. In case of emergency call John

4 2018 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour Day1 Sunday, September 29 Brighton to Mount Pleasant Remember that you are in Amish country, watch out for pedestrians and horse drawn vehicles. In Brighton, you will be parked on the east end of east Washington St. Leave Brighton by driving on Washington and turning right on N Benton St N Benton St. becomes W40 and changes to several other names as we continue. Remain on W40/H28 as the name changes to Germanville Rd, then W40/Vetch and continue straight as H28 splits off. Just past this intersection and the crest of the hill, Hillcrest Country Store is on your left. This optional stop is a small Amish store which provides a wide selection of groceries, fresh produce and some handmade items. At the Stop sign turn right, continuing on W40. Turn left at the Stop sign onto 218th Blvd. (in Lockridge this road becomes W Main) Continue straight at the stop sign in Lockridge and you are now on Old Hwy 34. This short stretch of Old Hwy 34 is one of the few remaining sections from WWII with very narrow lanes and curbs on each side. The curbs were originally thought to be a safety feature, but the narrower tires of that era didn t take to them well. It is extremely rough in places so be careful. This section is on the county s five-year plan for improvements. In about 2 miles the road improves greatly. 4

5 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour 2018 Continue on Old Hwy 34 when it turns left. Old Hwy 34 continues through Rome and crosses Franklin Ave. By the Country Club the road curves right and the last section is Goodyear St. At the Stop sign, turn left onto 235th, which later becomes Washington in Mount Pleasant. Continue through the downtown area and past courthouse. Turn left at the 4-way stop sign onto S Grand Continue to the second Traffic signal at Baker and turn right to the Quality Inn hotel at the end of the street. 5

6 2018 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour Day 2 Monday, September 30 Mount Pleasant to Harvestville Farm From the Quality Inn, return to Grand Ave. Turn right onto Grand Ave. and continue approximately 1 mile watching for the Hwy 34 West directional sign / Turn left, then stay in the right lane to enter Hwy 34 West Continue on 34 to the crossroad exit for Lockridge At the Lockridge cross road, turn left onto Cty W40 (aka Wintergreen Blvd.) Continue on W40 and as the road curves to the right it becomes H46, now follow H46 At the crossroad with W30, turn left onto W30 (The sign says Redwood, you don t know you are on W30 until about a mile downroad) At the T intersection turn left, staying on W30 to Stockport There is a Freedom Rock in Stockport, it is by the depot park on the left as you drive through town. Turn right onto Hwy 16 At the T intersection with Hwy 1, turn left onto Hwy 1 Follow Hwy 1 thru Keosauqua and onto the Historic Hills Scenic Byway Cross the river and in a short distance turn left onto Cty J40 and continue to Bentonsport 6

7 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour 2018 Keosauqua was laid out in The word Keosauqua derives from the Meskwaki and Sauk name for the Des Moines River, Ke-o-saw-qua, which literally translates as Bend in the River. The Hotel Manning, a three-story relic from the Des Moines River s steamboat days, is Keosauqua s most notable landmark. Also located in Keosauqua are many other notable historic sites. The 1847 Pearson House was a stop on the underground railroad. Bentonsport Once a thriving port of call on the Des Moines River, with an estimated population of 1,000, it is now a much quieter town with a population of 40 residents and several quaint shops. Many of these residents, and shops, still inhabit the original 1840s structures adding to the charm of this small town. Entering Bentonsport / After crossing the Des Moines River and the long curve to the right, turn right onto Wall St., the very first street after the curve. Downtown Bentonsport streets are all crushed gravel, but at low speed and ample spacing between vehicles this will not be a problem. Be sure to check-out the signs describing the historic buildings. / At the Camping sign go left and return to J40; then turn right onto J40 toward Bonaparte 7

8 2018 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour Bonaparte The area, on the banks of the Des Moines River, was established in 1837 by William Meek and named Meek's Mill. The lots were resurveyed in 1841, and the name was changed to Bonaparte. Another townsite called Napoleon was established across the river, though it was never developed. William Meek was an admirer of the Emperor and was responsible for both names. The river was integral to the development of Bonaparte in its early years. The river mill complex owned by the Meek brothers drew businesses and residents to the area and the woolen mill was eventually internationally known for the quality of the wool it produced. The first wing dam was constructed across the Des Moines River for use by the mills. Later, in 1846, a massive stone masonry lock and dam was built at Bonaparte as part of the Des Moines River Project, which was to enable navigation up and down the river. Part of the locks can still be seen in historic Riverfront Park. When the river project fell through because of floods, the money and supplies were transferred to the railroad companies to enable the construction of railroads connecting Iowa towns. This construction had a positive impact on Bonaparte's industry and manufacturing, and unlike many river towns, Bonaparte continued to thrive. At its peak, Bonaparte had a population of almost 1,000 people. In 1903, a major flood destroyed the dam and shortly afterward the Meek Mills were sold to pay debts. A major fire also occurred in the downtown area that year, destroying fourteen buildings on Main Street. Within a five-year period, the population dropped from 969 to 643 people. From this point on, Bonaparte stopped growing. In 1986, Bonaparte's downtown businesses were disappearing and the town was on the verge of dying. Several concerned individuals came together and developed Township Stores. They were able to restore many of the downtown buildings in keeping with the historic architecture and enable several businesses to stay open. 8

9 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour 2018 Bonaparte to Harvestville Farm At the stop sign in Bonaparte, turn right and cross the bridge on J40 CAREFULLY(!) merge onto Hwy 2 going east as the highway curves to the west. (We will be joining a very busy highway just after the vehicles on that highway make a 90-degree hard right heading south. The way the roads meet, you have to look behind you over your right shoulder to see the oncoming traffic. I don t think south bound highway traffic will be able to see us very well and with weeds, bad necks and blind spots in our own cars, we can t see them either.) / Continue on Hwy 2 into Farmington where it turns right and onto Donnellson / Continue through Donnellson, cross under Hwy 218/27 and shortly afterward turn left into our lunch stop at Harvestville Farm. 9

10 2018 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour Harvestville Harvestville Farm is a 5th generation farm located in the heart of farm country in rural Southeast Iowa. Throughout the spring & summer months the farm features a variety of items ranging from plants, annuals, seeds, fresh garden veggies, local fruits, Farm to Table Dinners and Home and Garden Decor. In September and October 40 acres of pumpkins, squash and gourds turn the farm into a harvest haven along with two large play areas for families of all ages to enjoy, a 10 acre corn maze, wagon rides and special fall events. In November the farm transforms once again into a winter wonderland that features fresh cut trees, wreaths, roping, gift items and arrangements up until the Christmas holiday. Throughout the year they also have fresh baked breads, cookies and cobblers, along with a variety of soups, salads, panini's, sandwiches and flatbread pizzas served right here at the farm in "The Pitchfork Cafe." Harvestville Farm to Mount Pleasant by way of Keokuk, Nauvoo, IL and the Great River Road From Harvestville, turn left onto Hwy 2 toward Ft. Madison / Continue east to Hwy 61 and exit south onto 61 / Continue south approximately 8 miles to the Montrose exit and turn left to enter the Great River Road (GRR) (Keep a sharp eye, the signs and intersection are a bit hard to see.) 10

11 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour 2018 The Great River Road The Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The scenic route passes through 10 states and hundreds of river towns. The Great River Road is arguably the longest and most important scenic byway in America. Great River Road to Keokuk to Nauvoo Follow the GRR signs thru Montrose, continuing straight across the stop sign corner. Turn left onto Elm St. staying on the GRR (Enjoy the water lilies and tunnel of trees and note the 15 MPH limit for a couple miles.) Follow the GRR signs into Keokuk, continuing thru the historic riverside homes district. At the stoplight corner with Main St., turn left onto Hwy 136. Continue across the Mississippi River into Illinois through Hamilton. Angle left onto Hwy 96 toward Nauvoo following the Ill-National GRR signs. There are many scenic pull off areas along this stretch for photos and to stretch your legs. 11

12 2018 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour Nauvoo, Illinois The known history starts with the Sauk and Fox tribes who frequented the area. They called the area Quashquema, named in honor of the Native American chief who headed a Sauk and Fox settlement numbering nearly 500 lodges. Permanent settlement by non-natives was reportedly begun in 1824 by Captain James White. By 1827 other white settlers had built cabins in the area. By 1829 this area of Hancock County had grown sufficiently so that a post office was needed, and in 1832 the town, now called Venus, was one of the contenders for the new county seat. However, the nearby city of Carthage was selected instead. In 1834 the name Venus was changed to Commerce because the settlers felt that the new name better suited their plans. In late 1839, arriving Mormons bought the small town of Commerce, and in April 1840 it was renamed Nauvoo (a Hebrew word meaning beautiful place or city beautiful ) by Joseph Smith, the prophet of the Latter Day Saint movement. Nauvoo s population peaked at about this time in 1845; it may have had as many as 12,000 inhabitants (and several nearly as large suburbs) rivaling Chicago, whose 1845 population was about 15,000. Within two years of Joseph Smith s death by a mob in 1844, most of the population had departed, fleeing armed violence. Most headed west with the group led by Brigham Young. In 1849 Icarian s moved to the Nauvoo area to implement a utopian socialist commune. In the early and mid-20th century Nauvoo was primarily a Catholic town, and the majority of the population today is Catholic. 12

13 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour 2018 Nauvoo Temple The Nauvoo Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was originally built between but was abandoned as mobs drove the Mormons out of Illinois in Damaged first by fire and then a tornado, the structure was no longer standing by The LDS Church eventually reacquired the land in 1962 and rebuilt the temple on the original footprint between The exterior of the current temple is nearly a replica of the original structure. Nauvoo to Fort Madison From Nauvoo continue north on Hwy 96 to Niota. Turn left to cross the bridge to Ft. Madison it sneaks up on you! Suffice it to say this is a most unusual bridge; with tight narrow lanes, corners on both ends, an old toll house in the middle and a train running under it. As you re-enter Iowa note the old Ft. Madison Penitentiary to the right Fort Madison Toll Bridge The Fort Madison Toll Bridge is a tolled, swinging truss bridge over the Mississippi River that connects Fort Madison, Iowa and unincorporated Niota, Illinois. Rail traffic occupies the lower deck of the bridge, while two lanes of road traffic occupy the upper deck. It is widely considered the longest double-deck swing-span bridge in the world. Completed in 1927, it replaced an inadequate combination roadway/single-track bridge completed in The main river crossing consists of four 270-foot through truss spans and a swing span made of two equal arms, 266 feet long. In 1999, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 13

14 2018 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour The bridge is privately owned by BNSF Railway and is the river crossing for the Southern Transcon, BNSF's Chicago to Southern California main line. About 100 trains are hosted daily on this bridge. Amtrak's Southwest Chief crosses the bridge with one eastbound train in the morning and one westbound train in the evening. Per Coast Guard regulations and the BNSF Fort Madison River Bridge operations manual, river traffic has the right-of-way over train and vehicle traffic on the bridge. The length of time for an opening varies due to weather, river current, size and number of boats, and occasional mechanical problems. A typical opening for a tow with 15 barges will take 15 to 20 minutes. The bridge logs over 2000 openings per year, an average of more than 5 per day. Fort Madison to Hotel Once on land continue straight onto 2nd St., which becomes old Hwy 61 Take the Hwy 61 North ramp and continue on Hwy 61 to mile marker #32 Enter the left-turn lane and turn left onto Hwy 16 toward Denmark After passing thru Denmark, turn right onto Cty X23 toward New London At the junction with Hwy 34, carefully cross the median and turn left to Mt. Pleasant. Continue straight on 34 as it transitions from divided highway to a street. A block or two beyond the Hy-Vee angle right at the 4-way Stop onto Grand Ave. / Continue on Grand to the second traffic signal and turn right onto Baker to the hotel. 14

15 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour 2018 Directions to Jerry s Restaurant From the hotel return to Grand Ave. and turn left.. At the Stop sign turn left onto US-34 BR / E Washington St Continue on Washington toward Hwy 34/218, Jerry s is at 2105 E Washington Street, Mt Pleasant, IA Dinner at Jerry s Jerry s Restaurant is a local institution, it s been around for 50 years, and all under the same owners! I ve made a reservation for us to dine as a group after our Sunday drive, but feel free to select a different dining option if you prefer. We ll drive by Jerry s as we enter Mount Pleasant from Hwy 34, but here s directions from the hotel. They are best known for their pizza, but they have a full menu as well. 15

16 2018 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour Day3 Tuesday, October 1 Directions to Midwest Threshers From the hotel return to Grand Ave. and turn left. At the Stop sign turn right onto Washington. At the next stoplight turn left onto Walnut Ave. Continue a few blocks and enter the Midwest Thresher grounds across from 1st Presbyterian Church (watch for the yellow poles). Angle right, staying on pavement and wrap around the grandstand. After passing the grandstand turn onto the first gravel drive to the left. Continue on the drive to the headquarters building where you will be directed to park. Midwest Threshers The Midwest Old Threshers Reunion is an annual event that takes place in Mt. Pleasant and runs for five days, ending on the Labor Day weekend. It was first held in 1950 and has taken place every year since. When first started, it focused on steam engines and antique agricultural equipment, but has developed into an entertainment event with a wider sphere of activity. Old Threshers Reunion, as an event, attracts visitors from around the world, attracted by both the permanent exhibits on the reunion. Permanent Exhibits The Heritage Museum is open year around, featuring a variety of exhibits that celebrate the rural heritage of the Midwest. The Midwest Electric Railway operates a 4 ft 8.5 standard gauge trolley line around the reunion campground. A number of well restored Iowa trolleys operate on this line, including Water- 16

17 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour 2018 loo Car 381, the last trolley to operate in public service in Iowa and Car 9 from the Albia Interurban Line. MERA also operates Car 320, a beautiful wooden interurban from the Chicago Aurora and Elgin line in Illinois. Additional favorite cars come from as far away as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Milan, Italy. In a time almost forgotten, troupes of performers circulated rural America presenting repertoire theatre. From the 1850s to the 1950s, five generations reveled in the clean fun and sociable respite offered by these traveling companies. These versatile "troupes" entertained audiences with comedy, farce, Broadway hits, adapted classics and suspenseful mysteries in settings that ranged from small-town opera houses to empty-lot tent theatres. The Theatre Museum houses a most unique collection of memorabilia from early American popular entertainment. Priceless stage drops, quaint artifacts, a massive computer catalogued library, scripts and music scores dating from 1850s are arrayed for the curious visitor and the dedicated scholar. The photographs, show heralds, playbills, scrapbooks, newspapers, costumes and scenery are from touring companies that played in hundreds of American opera houses, town halls and tent theatres. The collection also includes items from Chautauqua, showboats and minstrel shows. 17

18 2018 Red Flags, Trolleys, & More Tour Freedom Rock The year 2018 marks the 20th year Bubba Sorenson has been painting Freedom Rocks in Iowa. The goal to have a unique Freedom Rock in each of the 99 counties in Iowa is near completion. The Van Buren County Freedom Rock is the 71st painted and was completed in May of This rock features the Van Buren County Courthouse built in Keosauqua in It is still in use in its original purpose and is the oldest courthouse in Iowa. In 1845 the courthouse served as the location for a trial resulting in the first death penalty in Iowa history. The gentleman who s eyes follow as you move around the rock is Voltaire Paine Twombly He was born near Farmington when Iowa was still a Territory. Twombly is a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient and after being mustered out of service in 1865, he entered politics. Through his life Twombly was treasurer of Van Buren County as well as the new state of Iowa. He also served as the mayor of Keosauqua. Phil Stong was born in Pittsburg, Iowa. He was an American author, journalist and Hollywood scenarist who is best known for his novel State Fair, which was adapted as a film and as a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical of the same name. Each featured his song All I Owe I Owe Ioway. 18