Please Talk to Me

Don Milne here with Reader Comments about ROADTRIP-'62 ™. Many of you have been kind enough to write with compliments, and some have even sent pictures. This week I'm sharing it all with the rest of you. If you have any comments or questions of your own, photos you want to share of US-23, US-6 or 1962, or even comments on the comments, please send them in. I’ll add new things to this page as they come in. So check back here from time-to-time and see what’s new!

September 19, 2018

Have you ever done US-12? I've followed parts of it on the Empire Builder and I did the Michigan portion years ago.

- Kenneth Bailey

Funny you should ask, Kenneth. I just completed a short review of US-12 in February. Enjoy!

April 21, 2018

Great compilation of nostalgic memories! Thanks!

- Dwain Greer

April 12, 2018

In June of 1962, Chevrolet Truck Division left Milford testing grounds in Detroit and traveled to Cabos San Lucas Mexico. From there went North through Oregon and returned to Detroit. They used this trip to promote the new 63 Truck lineup. "Check the Champ" was the name of the promotion. I have literature of this trip and was thinking of redoing it in 2022, 60 years later.

- Norman Meloche

Good luck on the trip planning, Norman. He has graciously allowed us all to see his historical material of the "Check the Champ" promotion on his Google Photos page.

February 26, 2018

I love your site and think you might be the best person to ask about a project I am working on at the moment. I would really like to get an expert's opinion on the quality of the route 66 guide I have put together.

Thank you so much - Andrea Kenny, My America Holiday.

Thanks for asking, Andrea. You have a nice page, despite your cartographer making an error and routing US-66 through Las Vegas. I've included the link above: hope you're successful.

End of US-66 sign, Chicago, Illinois (Apologies for my fuzzy, nighttime photo.)

October 25, 2017

While I don't generally post reviews on Roadtrip-'62 ™, I felt I should forward this info from reader Rani Lakus. He stayed at the Curtis House in Woodbury CT, which I mentioned in a discussion during our US-6 roadtrip. Rani had a very bad experience there with insects in his room and wanted to let my readers know.

And as a reminder, though I have visited many of the places I discuss, this is a virtual roadtrip and I have not been everywhere. Please gather information from other sources you find credible and make your own decisions.

July 17, 2017

Hello, I have run into a Edu-card Corp. product and have not been able to find any info on it. I thought you might be able to shine some light on it. I have a Laurel and Hardy Feelable Movables that I ran across in my grandma's things. I was wondering if you may know anything about it.

Thank you for your time - John Vegar.

Thank you for reading and for the new information, John! While I have not yet found information on a Laurel & Hardy Feelable-Moveable, I do have information on other Feelable-Moveable sets. There were at least 2 others, both issued in 1971. These are Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse Feelable-Moveable, and Walt Disney’s Donald Duck Feelable-Moveable. From what I found, the Laurel & Hardy Card Game was first issued in 1972, so it would be reasonable to think that a Laurel & Hardy Feelable-Moveable could have been issued that same year.

May 18, 2017

I was searching the web for information on Massachusetts and saw your great post. I just wanted to give you a heads up that I recently wrote a blog post you might like. It’s a detailed, up-to-date 7,000 word guide on the 100 best things to do in Massachusetts and is packed with detailed tips and advice. Keep up the great work!

- Jesse Miller, Jen Reviews.

March 8, 2017

Regarding the What Day Is It? - Calendars of 1962 page, "The Frog, Switch & Manufacturing Company must have had these (calendars) printed for many years--we have a 1938. The girls are known here as "Miss Carlisle". The The Frog, Switch & Manufacturing Company and Brown & Bigelow (the publisher) are both still in business!!"

- Lynn Hofer, Frog, Switch & Manufacturing Company, Carlisle, PA

Bill Medcalf Wall Calendar for Frog, Switch & Manufacturing Company - December 1962

February 23, 2017

Regarding the How Sweet It Was page, "I loved the 10:30 bar...It was the best! For some reason I can't find one picture of this candy bar. If I could find out what was in it I'd make my own. I wish they would bring this candy bar back."

- Antonia Hopper

January 8, 2017

I just stumbled across your Highway 6 Road Trip site, which provided a couple hours’ worth of entertainment. In return, I'd like to fill you in on some curious history about Highway 6. A (distant) relative of mine worked on the project to pave US-6 from Davenport to Council Bluffs, Iowa. One of the early problems they had to solve was to determine how to keep people on the right road. They accomplished this by painting all of the telephone poles along the route white and by letting the world know about “the great white pole road.” The state officials were so impressed by this road that they started a highway commission and hired (the man) as its first commissioner.

- Scott Harris

November 4, 2016

I enjoy your trips down memory lane. Drove a truck over there (US-49 in Mississippi and Arkansas) once when I had a load of groceries. It is very scenic.

- Threefeathers Colby, responding to our Roadtrip-'62 ™ Newsletter. Sign up today!

June 10, 2016

Love road trips on historic roads, and I clearly remember 1962!

- Virginia Davis, Main Street Travel of Dexter

December 26, 2015

Hi, Don -

Great blog you've got here; what a lot of work and so very interesting! But, I just had to let you know about a small error in your Davenport, Iowa, section. In two places you have noted you were in Davenport, Illinois (not). As a native daughter and former copy editor at the Quad-City Times newspaper (in Davenport, Iowa), I just couldn't let this error go uncorrected ;) You also might be interested to know that the Iowa PBS video about Ernie Mim's Captain Ernie TV show on WOC includes the former Features Editor of the Q-C Times, Bill Wundram, my former boss at the Times. He is a WEALTH of information on the Quad-Cities, if you ever want more info on this area. He only just retired in 2015. Best wishes and continued success with your blog!

- Rita O'Brien-Young

Thanks, Rita! Glad to see someone catching my typos: I guess I need an editor. I have of course made the changes to my page about Davenport, Iowa.

Fejérváry Park’s Mother Goose Land, Davenport, Iowa, in 1960. (Photo by Bill Young, former Fejérváry Park groundskeeper from Flashback Moline, used by permission.)

December 24, 2015

What an interesting site! In 1962, I was just becoming aware of things in the bigger world, beyond my childhood. Your site brings back memories of that time. I, too, am a road tripper. Have been for years. Always looking out for places and things that haven't been assimilated into our generic culture. I'm finding fewer and fewer places that retain their unique feel. Thanks for putting together Roadtrip-'62. You are welcome to use any other of my photos that fit your needs.

- Bruce Fingerhood

October 1, 2015

Hello Donald -

My father owned Precision Assembly Corporation in New York. We did the packaging for Edu-Cards in Long Island City. We shared the same building together. The owner of Edu-Cards was Irving. We also did packaging for RTV Sales which consisted of Great Moments in Music and Great Art Treasures. If you know the game Yahtzee we did the packaging for them which was owned by E.S. Lowe. You have a very interesting and informative web site.

- Sincerely, Alan

August 7, 2015

Really, really miss IBM Selectric electric typewriters. Can't seem to find one. Also miss the Suwannee and Suwannee Swifty grocery stores of S. GA and N. and Central FL. Would like to learn what happened to them. Big stores have some advantages, but there\'s nothing like shopping in small stores with friendly employees on which customers can depend for service and genuine interest in resolving problems. Shopping in all venues has just become too sterile--not like a social visit anymore.

This is my first visit on your site. Enjoyed it! - Charlene Reel

Charlene, Thanks for reading and I'm glad you enjoyed the site! I have seen IBM Selectrics at antique stores; you might try those. Information on the Suwanee Swifty Stores seems to be hard to come by, but I did find some. They filed for bankruptcy in 1996 and it appears they were effectively gone within a couple of years. Some litigation continued into 2000, but they lost that. Hope the information is useful.

August 7, 2015

I have a set of Ed-U-Cards from my childhood. It is the Animal-Fish-Bird set, but I don't have the instructions, and sadly, I don't remember how to play it. I have many grandchildren and want to play this game with them. Could you send me a copy of the instructions?

Thanks - Carol White

I was able to send Carol a set of instructions I scanned from my personal collection of Ed-U-Cards. Check out my discussion of these great games on Ed-U-Cards: Games to Grow Up With.

Ed-U-Cards Animal-Fish-Bird game instructions

August 7, 2015

Hey Don, I just stumbled across this cool site! Thanks for the shout out to Ficke Cattle Company.

- Del Ficke

August 7, 2015

Do you have a facebook or other social media page I can see?

- Janet Phillips

Yes Janet, I have a Facebook page: thank you for reading! You can also find us on Pinterest, Flickr, or Tumblr. Enjoy!

August 6, 2015

I was just enjoying your Roadtrip-'62 page, when I caught an error. US 6 did not bypass Wauneta until AFTER 1962, either in 1963 or 1964, as you can see by these maps from the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR). This means you missed out on the charming town of Wauneta, the Little Grand Canyon, and probably the most beautiful stretch of US 6 in all of Nebraska. Fortunately, I have plenty of photos, if you would like to rectify this omission.

Love your site! - Dave Darby, Executive Director, Iowa US Route 6 Tourist Association

Badlands near Wauneta, Nebraska (photo Dave Darby, used by permission)

You will all be happy to know that I made the change that Dave recommended, on Day 28 of our US-6 trip. And here's one of his great photos. If you spot errors or omissions, please write!

March 27, 2015

Wonderful. Morton Arboretuem is now on my bucket list.

Thanks for that, Don. - William Bailey

February 25, 2015

I love to follow your travels. It cleans my cobwebs on all the trips, tours, etc we have done with our family.

Bless the traveler - Wanda Wildey

January 18, 2015

Growing up in New England, not only did we make a weekly pilgrimage to our local Howard Johnson's for fried clams and ice cream, but the chain was our preferred motel choice while vacationing. They are not quite what they once were, and most no longer have a restaurant on site.

Thanks for the memory - Al

November 10, 2014

I enjoy your updates and I have posted your updated link on our webpage today. Will keep it up for a while.

Thanks - Wayne Taylor, Thomas Jefferson Port Arthur Class of 1962

July 30, 2014

I just started reading your Roadtrip-'62. Its a great read, looking forward to reading your future "posts". We hope to travel some of those routes in the near future. We live 2 mi south of Route 6 in Indiana, so that added some personal interest to your travel blog.

- Ken Dyer

Grain elevator along US-6, Waterloo, Indiana

July 7, 2014

Thanks Don! And awesome site you have!

Happy trails out there! - Sherman Cahal, American Byways

May 28, 2014

I don't mean to be picky, but you listed a steel mill in Worthington, Kentucky. That's the Ashland Works of AK Steel which was formally Armco. That mill may technically set in Russell, Kentucky but I'm not sure. I do know it's not Worthington. I grew up in Russell only about a mile worked there in the 60s (summers) when it employed over 5,000, had two blast furnaces, 8 open hearth furnaces, two basic oxygen furnaces, a hot strip and finishing mill. It ran 24/7 and often lit up the night sky when they dumped molten slag. New people to the region thought it was the Northern Lights.

Take care and keep up the good work - Michael Shelton

Thanks for all the information , Michael. I will check to make sure what city the steel mill is in.

May 5, 2014

I enjoyed your article about St. Patrick's Day Parades. Also thank you for using my old photo taken in 1961 or 62 at Alfred, New York. It was a tradition at Alfred University beginning in the 30s. St. Patrick is the Patron Saint of the Ceramic Engineers and the State University of New York College of Ceramics is at Alfred Univ. Hence, my connection to having taken the picture that day so long ago.

- George Lane

March 7, 2014

Great website! I will check back weekly!

- Roger Kobus

December 12, 2013

I'm enjoying reading your website too and will keep my eye open for 1962 goodies I stumble across. Here's a McDonalds ad for the one that used to be on US 6 in Lorain at Leavitt Road. The ad ran in the Lorain Journal in late December 1962. It has a nice corporate sentiment.

Happy Holidays - Dan Brady, Brady's Bunch of Lorain County Nostalgia

1962 McDonald's ad from Lorain Journal (photo from Dan Brady, used by permission)

September 12, 2013

My comment is actually a question. We traveled from Kentucky to Michigan a lot during the 1950s and 60s. We used to take a shortcut through Portsmouth, Ohio from US-52 to US-23. We would leave 52 and go over a mountain and end up on 23 by a Big Boy restaurant. Everyone then was looking for a way to lessen the drive time. When we first moved north, it took like 16 hours to make the drive. Every shortcut was a real help. Also, do you remember the Blue Pig Inn in Portsmouth?

Thanks in advance – Ken Varney

Ken, I don't remember the Blue Pig Inn in Portsmouth, because I did not actually travel through Portsmouth back in the day. My travels are more recent, but a bit of research discovered something about it. I found it was on Gallia Street, apparently near the point where US-52 now splits into one-way streets (Robinson Street), and was probably demolished to build that split. As for finding a good shortcut around downtown Portsmouth, I'm not sure I can, though I once traveled the opposite way from US-23 to US-52 through the residential area, looking for one. Every time I go through the downtown area it seems congested! If anyone reading this can help Ken, please write to me and I can forward the information.

August 29, 2013

Hi, I'm a Chardon resident and the Chardon Motel is open and has been open since the 1950s. They rent rooms to basically less fortunate individuals who can't get other housing options. They rent the rooms at a weekly rate. This motel will not be going out of business anytime soon. Just wanted to let you know. And you are correct someone did drive through one of the rooms and it has been repaired since.

- Jim Masitto

Thanks for the additional information, Jim; I've made an update to the page.

Chardon Motel sign

August 20, 2013

You have a very nice site - I really enjoyed looking around! To give you (and your readers) a sense of the bank in 1962 here is an excerpt from our Annual Report: The Main Office of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland serves directly the member banks located in the northern and central portions of Ohio, including such centers as Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Toledo, Lima and Columbus. Deposits of member banks located within the Main Office territory amounted to $8,995 million as of December 31, 1962. Total number of checks cleared at the Main Office during 1962 amounted to 160 million. At the end of the year 735 were employed at the Main Office.

- Sincerely, Joanne O’Dell, Librarian, Research Department, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Thank you for the information, Joanne. It's a nice little snapshot of 1962.

June 30, 2013

A quick note on the You Can't Buy That Anymore page. Studebaker announced the shutdown of its South Bend Indiana plant on 12/9/63 the last day of production was 12/20/63. Interesting site, I recall the "Toni" brand from years ago "Which of the twins has a Toni?" was an advertising campaign at least down here in Australia. Best of Luck with your site.

- John Clements

Thanks for reading! Based on your comment, I just created a new link on that page, because I have the final production date mentioned on another page. Check out the bottom of the Vintage Products page for more on Studebaker, whose last model was introduced in 1962. And, the Toni Twins was also an ad campaign used here in the US. It ran in the late 1940s and early 1950s, and maybe later; more info at BrandlandUSA. Thanks for letting me know it was used elsewhere!

May 3, 2013

My name is Edward Green and I am a writer for Truckers Report. I have been a trucker for 20 years and love seeing the country. I am writing you because I have been researching the oldest highways in America and came across your page. I just wanted to express my pleasure in finding it - very well written. Please keep up this great site and I hope to hear from you soon!

- Edward Green, Truckers History Report: America's Oldest Highways

Thanks, Edward. Nice history report with lots of highway factoids and some links I've used for research myself.

US-6 beginning sign, Provincetown, Massachusetts

May 2, 2013

I really like your site.

- Mike Middleton

May 2, 2013

I subscribed to your rss feed, btw. Looking forward to reading more from Roadtrip-'62. Keep in touch!

- Brian Noe, The Daily Dispatch

March 23, 2013

I own a 1962 Pontiac Catalina...see it here at Gary's 1962 Pontiac Catalina page. Have a great trip down US 23!

- Regards, Gary L. Franks, Historic Perrysburg, Inc.

March 22, 2013

Wow, that looks really cool. I only took a brief look now since I'm at work (and they kind of expect me to work while I'm here), but I'm definitely going to dig deeper when I get a little time. I'll definitely be adding links to your site.

- Bob Mortell, Road and Rail Pictures

Thanks for the links, Bob. Readers: you should check out Bob's awesome slideshows of US-6 and US-23 on his site. Drive from your favorite chair at home!

November 13, 2012

Hi again, I wanted to let you know that me and my partner have bought the Ed-U-Cards trademark. We are re-releasing all the games that we can that do not violate copyright. Since most of the non-Disney games have fallen into public domain, we are going to start with Cowboys and Indians, Space Race, Mixies and Batter Up Baseball.

- Thanks for all your help, Stephen Leon

Awesome project, Stephen! If any of you other readers want to help, or buy his new editions, check out his Kickstarter project and see if it's right for you.

Ed-U-Cards Cowboys And Indians card game

August 28, 2012

Cool website, BTW. My wife is a travel writer and she loves road trips like these. I’m gonna show her your site.

- Paul Wilder, librarian, The Harness Racing Museum

August 9, 2012

Hey, your site looks really cool! I'm going to dive in and check it out. I love a road trip!

All the best, Darlene, The Candy Wrapper Museum

July 16, 2012

I haven't driven US-6 but I have seen where it begins in Bishop, California! I was there when we drove US-395 a few years ago. I will enjoy browsing your website because I'm a fan of old highways. :) Thanks for drawing my attention to your site!

- Wendi

June 19, 2012

Hi Don -

I looked at your website – great idea, that must be lots of fun. One thing you have to cover if you are talking about 1962 in RI is Narragansett beer. It was probably at its peak then and was a Red Sox sponsor. It’s now demolished brewery was in Cranston, not far from Route 6. The brand basically died out and then was revived about eight years ago. The company itself encourages nostalgia and there are tons of articles, photos, etc available.

- Tim Lehnert

May 13, 2012

Great website by the way, Can't wait to explore it more.

- Len Arzoomanian

May 07, 2012

This so neat. My maiden name is "Hallett" (2 t's).

- Fossil Sue

Sue is referring to the Hallet’s Ice Cream shop photo on Day 2 of our US-6 trip.

May 04, 2012

Please settle an argument between my cousin and myself re your road trip. She thinks you are actually on the road, as you post entries. I think virtual means that you are not actually making the trip. Whichever it is, we both have sure enjoyed reading about it anyway.

- Thanks, Ruth Ormsby

You’re right, Ruth. When I say "virtual roadtrip" I mean this is not happening in real time. It is a composite of various trips I have taken during my life, along with new research just for Roadtrip-’62 ™ .

April 30, 2012

I love the cape. I spent time in Fall River, Mass and we used to drive up to the cape on weekends. Safe travels looking forward to your next post.

- c2clistener

April 27, 2012

Those were the days when people knew how to dress. That's why we enjoy Mad Men every Sunday night.

- Janice Neves

To see what Janice is talking about, check out the vintage women’s dresses from the Snowden Galleries Historic Costume and Textiles Collection at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

March 31, 2012

What an interesting project. This sanctuary was founded in 1958. We pre-date the Cape Cod National Seashore. This property was originally the Olive Austin Ornithological Research station and that was founded in 1928. That is over 80 years of bird conservation, education and research. I’ve attached a few of the images from the early years. It was taken in 1960 or there about. The old bridge was on our Goose Pond Trail and allowed visitors to cross the creek and get out to one of our beaches. Call or email if you have any questions. Good luck with your project.

- Robert Prescott, Sanctuary Director, Mass Audubon/Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

old bridge at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (photo from Mass Audubon/Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, used by permission)

March 29, 2012

What fun! I have been to Nantucket and along Cape Cod but never got to sit around a campfire on the beach.

- Thanks for sharing!, Cali

March 28, 2012

I was typing in on Yahoo...Daniel's Saginaw, MI in history and your article popped up. I liked the article.

- Roxanne Degesero

March 15, 2012

Hello Donald:

Your Ed-U-Cards article tipped me off to your site - well done! I know quite a few folks with tons of knowledge on the 1962 baseball cards...I can get you some good stuff.

Cheers! - Dave, Topps Archives

March 7, 2012

Sounds like a great trip. You see so much of America on the secondary roads. Expressways pretty much look the same.

- ChelseaLad

ChelseaLad was commenting on our the SECOND virtual ROADTRIP-'62 ™ , along highway US-6. Be sure to follow along!

February 28, 2012

Hi Don,

My husband and I enjoyed traveling the roads as you do and staying off the freeways as we explored the west mostly as we were so in love with the Rockies. We met many other folks like our selves who liked the same things. We hit every fishing hole along the way too. We have visited every state in the west but Nevada. Missed it somehow.

- Helen Dunn

February 20, 2012

Wow, what a cool website! Yes, you may use the postcard photo! If you see any others you like, please feel free and just credit Alpena GenWeb, part of Michigan GenWeb. I think my users would really appreciate a cool site like this.

- Concetta Phillipps, Alpena GenWeb County Coordinator

Here's another great postcard from Alpena GenWeb; thanks Concetta!

Alpena postcard (photo from Alpena GenWeb, used by permission)

February 17, 2012

I would love a copy of the Ed-U-Cards list and any information of the companies that are using the name in a generic way. I love those cards.

- Thanks, Stephen Leon

February 9, 2012

My company, Victorian Vanities, Inc. is an educational non-profit organization whose mission is to teach people about American History. We are currently taking a course on how to write a blog that matters and today we were to visit other blogs whose audiences are the same or who interest us and follow them. Yours, I found interesting for the older adult program that we are developing. Our blog posts relate history to that which we can use today. When I saw yours, I thought, OK, this is interesting and will appeal to my senior readers. So that’s where I am—today we have started to put our social media strategy in place and part of that is to find other bloggers to follow. Thank you for having such an entertaining blog. I am looking forward to following it.

- Rochelle Christopher, Executive Director, Victorian Vanities, Inc.

January 20, 2012

Thank you for adding us to your website. It’s a pretty neat idea.

- Joanie Long, Visitor Services Manager, Saginaw Children's Zoo at Celebration Square

November 30, 2011

I checked out your website. Very interesting. I plan on spending more time following your site.

- Jim Sewell, Interim Executive Director, Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis Board of Tourism

October 20, 2011

Interesting...I was born in 1962 so I'm curious! I understand Indian Springs was a hopping place during that time and folks rode up and down, and often rival groups would fight over girls and show off their hot rods! (Welcome to the South). I do have a good photo of some of the guys on their motor cycles too from that era.

- Frankie Willis, President, Butts County Historical Society

October 7, 2011

You may use the photograph with my blessing (if it's not too late). Now you've given me another site that I'll have to keep tabs on.

- Brian Clouse, Places To Go, Buildings To See

Night skyline of Atlanta, Georgia (photo by Brian Clouse, used by permission)

October 6, 2011

I was just checking out your 1962 website and it is really great. I also drive a time machine, although mine is a 1971. I am a motorcyclist and your site reads like a great motorcyle ride.

- Shawn Rowles

October 2, 2011

I am looking for the original black jack candy and cannot seem to find the original. Remember the white, pink and black taffy, that came indiviually wrapped. Do you know who makes this candy?

- Shelly Fernandez

Thanks for asking. I do remember getting these for Halloween! The Primrose Candy company makes a licorice taffy in a similar wrapper. They say they are not allowed to use the trademark "Blackjack Taffy", and therefore call it "Black Taffy", but they also claim they use the same formula. I guess you'll have to judge that yourself, as I haven't tried it. You can buy some at Amazon, either One Pound or Five Pounds. I hope you enjoy the candy and reading Roadtrip-'62 ™ !

September 14, 2011

Don,

Check out DineMichigan. We have several places like Angelo's Coney Island (Flint, Michigan) that you would like.

- Optimistically, Dave Coker

August 30, 2011

Super cool as always! :)

- Amy Carl

Amy was responding to the Roadtrip-'62 ™ e-mail newsletter. This newsletter contains NEW information that does not appear here on the website, along with special deals on merchandise from our sponsors! Just click to Sign up today!

July 28, 2011

I love your articles. Feels like I've been to some of these places with you. Did they really have seat belts back in '62? You always mention let's buckle up and go. I seem to remember seat belts were installed in my Dad's car later then this. I can't recall the type of car, but it had push buttons on the dash instead of a shift. Keep on writing these interesting articles, and good luck!

- Cheryl

I’ll answer your questions here at ROADTRIP-'62 ™ too, so for Cheryl, I remember his car was a Plymouth Valiant. These types of transmissions were used from at least 1957 to 1964. I believe Plymouth also used it in the Fury, so here’s a photo of one below. Seat belts were first offered by American car manufacturers Nash in 1949, and Ford in 1955. A federal law making them mandatory for new cars was passed in 1968, but they were not widely adopted by the public until state laws with penalties for non-use were passed beginning in 1984. I’ll buckle up now and see you all on the road again soon!

1962 Plymouth (from magazine ad)

July 26, 2011

I really enjoyed browsing your site at roadtrip62.com.

- Erica Hunter

July 23, 2011

As kids our folks always took us to the Smoky Mountains via US 23. We fell in love with it as kids and now have a cabin rental business in the Smoky Mountains just off of old US 23. Life comes full circle sometimes.

Thanks for the jog down memory lane.

- Kevin Beauchesne, Hidden Creek Cabins

June 14, 2011

Hi Don.....

Your blog looks like a lot of fun and I'll check in from time to time to follow your travels. Your post looks great...Thanks for the photo credit....You did quite a lot of research into country music history for the post, but I can tell it's a labor of love and you're having a great time. Thanks for letting me know about the post....stay safe.....and I'll keep checking back!

- Sherry

June 08, 2011

I looked at your website and it looks good. We're working on finding some things from 1962 and yes we can provide your website link on ours. This sounds really cool!

- Jennifer Criswell, Highlands Museum & Discovery Center

National Association of Letter Carriers Ladies Auxiliary souvenier ashtray from 1962 (photo from Highlands Museum & Discovery Center, used by permission)

May 26, 2011

They look great! I live in German Village, so am happy to see some of those landmarks too. I love browsing the Book Loft.

- Gayle Strege, Historic Costume & Textiles Collection Ohio State University

May 21, 2011

Wow is right!! You have done a lot of research on candy. I liked the list you have and I remember just about all of them. Either from my childhood or from you and your siblings. Keep it up. I love the book.

- Elizabeth

May 17, 2011

Here are a few pictures of Rusty's Grandpa's trucks. (I think I found the right era, we have a few older ones also.) His company hauled the material to build US 23 along with others in the area. We have not been able to find pictures of the project yet. If you think they are of interest to the project, send them along.

Have a great Day. - Robin

Russell "Duke" Finch Jr. with truck used during US-23 construction (used by permission of the Fitch family)

May 16, 2011

This is fun - yes I will check into it. That would have been 5 years after the Bridge opened. Our site is the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce founded in 1955. Other tidbits, The Chamber of Commerce was open from June 15 to September15 (we now stay open through most of October with the busy Fall Shopper Festival). In 1962 - Audie's was Downing's Cafe, The Econo Lodge next door was Karl's Cabin's, Darrows restaurant was founded in 1957 and had been a hot dog stand. Teysen's Gifts and Teysen's Cafeteria on S. Huron: breakfast $1.00, lunch $1.25, dinner $1.50-2.00. Phone numbers were listed as HE prefix: for example HE 6-7011 was Teysen's and now it’s 436-7011. The other Econo Lodge on Huron does not have the little cottages any longer, but new built chalets. Up by the Fort was the Fort Gift Shop and Candy Kitchen. There was a restaurant upstairs. We called ourselves "Michigan's Vacationland" on our promotional brochure.

Thanks for the walk back in time!

- Dawn Edwards, Executive Director, Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce

May 16, 2011

Don,

Hello! I just browsed through your site and think it is very interesting! I will also encourage the Heritage Route Management Council to look at your site to see if they have any information to add or correct about the communities along 23.

Thanks for contacting me!

- Denise Cline, GIS Specialist/Community Planner, Northeast Michigan Council of Governments

May 14, 2011

Don,

I think this project is great.

- Sue, Capri Motel of Mackinaw City

Capri Motel, Mackinaw City, Michigan. Lakefront lodging since before 1962. (used by permission of Capri Motel)

May 11, 2011

I went to your site; looks nice. FYI Crackerjacks were only made in Marion from 1998-2007.

- Gale E. Martin, Director, Marion County Historical Society / Wyandot Popcorn Museum

April 21, 2011

Forget to mention how much I love the 'Sea Hunt' magazine (comic) on your site. God, I loved that show. Sea Hunt takes me back to my youth sitting in the living room eating potato chips and Kool Aid.

- Bill Bailey, The Bailey Mandolin Strap

Hey Bill, here's some more Sea Hunt covers for you! (available at Lonestar Comics)

1962 Sea Hunt comics (images from Grand Comics Database)

April 2, 2011

Still enjoying your blogging. Makes me feel like I’m driving around home.

- Ron (from Arizona)

March 26, 2011

Don,

This is sure an ambitious project. The Ohio Railway Museum has fallen into neglect and isn’t open to the public. The big thing in 1962 was the operation of their N&W steam locomotive #578 6 times a year. They also provided rides on streetcars and interurban cars. The Worthington Inn is still open as it was in 1962 going back to the 19th Century. It is an upscale restaurant and small hotel now. Columbus Union Station was torn down in the 1970s, but the old T&OC station on west Broad St has been restored and is used as a fireman’s union hall. Driving into Columbus in 1962 the big land mark was the Lincoln Leveque Tower on W. Broad St. That is still there, looking pretty good. In 1962 driving south from Columbus you would have passed the Hartman Farm. I have a photo of the farm taken in the early 1900s when Rt 23 was a dirt road.

- Alex Campbell, ColumbusRailroads.com

East Columbus, Ohio in early 1960s, with train under Steltzer Rd., photo by Dave Bunge, used by permission of Alex Campbell)

March 23, 2011

Hello Don,

Very interesting project, and thank you for contacting us! If you can come to Toledo, we have collections with postcards, photographs, from specific times at the Canaday Center for Special Collections. Toledo's Attic exhibits focus on commercial and industrial history over a greater period of time. There is another digital library also, maintained by the Toledo Public Library, which has a rich local history department.

Good job on your site! Please let me know if you plan to come by. Best regards,

- Arjun Sabharwal, Digital Initiatives Librarian/Assistant Professor, University of Toledo

February 12, 2011

Interesting site Don, I used to have a 62 Impala (red with white top) I now have a 66 Caprice. I still have our 8mm home movies of the area your site has started at. My family is from the U.P. of Michigan. I used to ride the ferry before the bridge and we even seen the bridge being built. My mothers uncle worked on the ferry.

Keep up the good work.

- Gerry Godin, All Things Buick

Buick plant #36, Flint Michigan, 1962 (used by permission of Gerry Godin)

February 11, 2011

Hi Don....

We may have some pics that are CLOSE to 1962, but could be 5 years either way?? I like your concept, and wish you good luck...

- Mark Hill, Inland Water Route Historical Society

PS I have passed your links on to others already.

February 02, 2011

Hi Don!

I love the blog! Very retro, which is my thing. Let me know if I can help or advise in any way.

- Hope, Mind's Eye Design

January 28, 2011

Hello Don,

Very Cool site!!!!! Linda here and I'd love to share our Old US23 Poker Run Cruise with you. Our intent was to go back to 1941 that was THE HUB BUB of US23 through our burg of Milan. By 1962 the freeway went around Milan town, and the boom era was done.

Great concept can't wait to watch it go!

- Linda, Milan Area Historical Society

January 28, 2011

Don,

I just got a chance to view your site. It looks like a fun trip for you. I will have to keep tabs on your journey. This is an awful cold time to be coming through Michigan, but if I remember right back in 1962 one of our mottos would have been "Winter Wonderland". Unfortunately you shouldn't be speaking to me because I wasn't born till 1963 so I didn't exist yet lol. Anyway one of the things I really wanted to point out to you before Ken and Donna bring things together for you is that you may want to stop at the Fenton Hotel here in Fenton.

The building sits right on what used to be the original US23. It is a landmark for Michigan. It holds the distinction of the longest running continual establishment in Michigan and its right at the center of town. It used to be a hotel and restaurant but now it is just a restaurant. It was established in 1857. Very good food too by the way. I can send you any history you want on it that I have researched if it interest you. It is also listed in the book Haunted Michigan (I think that's the name of the book offhand) as one of the most haunted places here in the state. A very interesting stop over if I may suggest a place for lunch or dinner. It has limited business hours so you may want to plan ahead.

- Cheryl Hill Canty, Fenton Historical Society

LeRoy St (US-23), Fenton, Michigan, 1958 (used by permission of Fenton Historical Society)

January 28, 2011

Hi Don,

Wow, how cool! I am including Linda in this reply because, she is a Milanite from 1962 for sure where as I am not. I am a transplant. I love your idea and will have her correspond with you as opposed to me. Linda is the secretary and her husband the president of our local car club, Back Street Cruizers. Last year they put a US 23 cruise, that was a ball. And Linda and Jim grew up in Milan so they will know the businesses that were here then. The society probably has photos of those businesses as well. I checked out your website, it looks like a very fun project.

Good luck, I have already stored your site in my favorites.

- Sara K Ford, Milan Area Historical Society

Milan powerhouse building, Milan, Michigan (used by permission of Milan Area Historical Society)

Remember, you can find ALL the ROADTRIP-'62 ™ articles listed conveniently on the Archives page. Or read the Latest Post. Read comments from other readers at our Comments Page. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and receive info and deals that do not appear here! And you can send me your Comments: I'd love to hear from you!

January 31, 2011

Hi Don,

Thanks for sharing your new website! It's an interesting theme and I'll be visiting often to check out your updates.

- Syd, Roadside Peek

January 13, 2011

Don:

Just quickly checked out your web site...its fantastic! I'll plan try to take more time reading your site...I'm hooked!

- Terry Campbell

All photos by the author and Copyright © 2015 - Milne Enterprises, Inc., except as noted.

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