Ryan Sponsler @ Art

Photo: Artist Ryan Sponsler with Paint & Easel @ 6th & Adams


Photo: Ryan Sponsler Applies Paint to Ameren's Window


Photo: Ryan Sponsler's Route 66 Festival Window Mural


Photo: A Route 66 Reflection - Jerome Prophet Self Portrait

Ryan Sponsler admitted that this mural is the largest one he's done so far. It looks great! Definately a Chicago skyline in the background there. I'll always remember my father telling me as a child that route 66 started in Chicago, and ran all the way to the Pacific. Ryan will spend about fifteen hours to create this mural. The Mural will remain on display possibly through March 2006.

To locate Ryan Sponsler's Route 66 Mother Road Festival window mural you just need to drive down Route 66 - Oops, I mean 6th Street into the heart of downtown Springfield, Illinois.

The mural is located on the south west corner of the Ameren CIPS building. Local Springfield, Illinois history buffs will know the Ameren building by another name - the Illinois Building. The Illinois building is an art deco high rise located at the corner of Sixth, and Adams street, just across the street from the Illinois Old State Capitol.

Route 66 Festival Rolls Royce Art

Photo: Holy Land Diner Route 66 Festival Window Art

The Holy Land Diner located at 518 E. Adams in Sprinfield, Illinois provides this incredible Route 66 Mother Road Festival window art. They offer a fantastic view of Illinois' Old State Capitol, and a scrumptious all you can eat buffet!

I love Holy Land Diner's food. The owner is a very nice woman, and a fine cook too. The photograph above is of a Route 66 Festival window mural hosted by Holy Land Diner. The automobile is a classy vintage Rolls Royce. The reflection of Illinois' Old State Capitol adds interest to the mural, as well as the arched window frames.

Route 66 Drive Inn Window Mural

Photo: Route 66 Window Art by Shelley LaMantia & Susan LeMasters

The photo above features more excellent Route 66 Mother Road Festival Window Art. This time by artists Shelley LaMantia, and Susan LeMasters. The Theme illustrates the Route 66 Drive Inn featuring the 50's Horror Flick, Creature from the Black Lagoon.

This window art is on display at Uptown Looks. Uptown Looks is located in the Old Broadwell Drugstore at #1 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, in Springfield, Illinois.

Downtown Springfield, Illinois will play host to the 2005 Route 66 Mother Road Festival this weekend.

Here's an excellent list of Route 66 Drive Inns. Most are closed, yet a few remain open, like the Sky View Drive Inn which operates in Litchfield, Illinois.


Image: CFTBL DVD Cover*


Movie Poster: Creature From The Black Lagoon **

Creature From The Black Lagoon is an amusing "B" horror flick, that certainly represents it's genre well. It's been many years since I've seen it, but composing this post has me interested all over again. With a cast like Richard Carlson, Julia Adams, Richard Denning, Antonio Moreno, Nestor Paiva, and Whit Bissell no movie could go wrong. Now which one played the creature?

* DVD Cover Link: Amazon.Com
**Movie Poster Link: Kensforce.Com

Castle Car Wash by B. McVay

Photo: Route 66 Mother Road Festival Window Art By B. McVay

I'm not unbiased, Becky McVay has practically been a second mother to my daughter, but even if I hadn't known who she was I'd still have to envy her artistic talent. Check her window art out at Brewhaus located at 617 E. Washington in downtown Springfield, Illinois.

The 2005 Route 66 Mother Road Festival will be hosted this weekend in downtown Springfield, Illinois.


Photo by Dave Clark: Castle Car Wash Ogden, IL

For more information about the Castle Car Wash visit this site. There's an interesting story about the Castle Car Wash written by Dave Clark of the Route 66 Association of Illinois.

Spartan's 2005 Homecoming Banners

Photo: Three Spartan Homecoming 2005 Banners


Photo: Spartan Drum Line


Photo: Spartan & Senator Post Game Handshakes

Just wanted to add a few more photographs of the Spartans vs. Senators game.

Spartan's Homecoming Defeat

Photo: Spartans Flag Twirlers - HomeComing 2005 09.24.05


Photo: Spartans Cheerleaders - HomeComing 2005 09.24.05


Photo: Spartans Cheerleader Springfield, IL Southeast High

Except for turnovers, and penalties the Spartans played very well. O.K., what does that mean? It means that tackling has greatly improved, the defense was much more consistent, and the offense made some good plays. It also means that the Spartans could have won the game if it just kept their fingers on the ball, and off of the other player's jerseys.

Both teams played very well, with neither side giving up. The game went tied 28-28 into overtime, and was decided with a Senator's field goal ending the game at 31-28. No one's going to forget this game. If the Spartans continue to improve they should be able to put several wins behind them before the end of the season.

As always the pom squad, cheerleaders, and the band put on a great performance!
Southeast Springfield High School is located in Springfield, Illinois.

ALPLM Garage

Photo: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum From ALPLM Garage 1st Floor


Photo: ALPLM Garage Stairs B/W 09.22.05


Photo: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum from Garage 4th floor


Photo: Union Station on Madison St. from ALPLM Garage Roof

My Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum obsession continues. I captured this series of photographs in the ALPLM Garage located on the north side of Madison street between Fifth street, and Sixth street in Springfield, Illinois.

Once again I spent a little time hanging out in a garage in downtown Springfield, Illinois. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum parking garage was just too tempting of a photo opportunity to resist.

I began to wonder what type of perspectives of downtown Springfield, Illinois would make themselves available from this brand new garage. Finally, I could resist no more, and took the plunge. Actually I just walked in, with camera in hand, walked up a few flights, and snapped away.

I liked the idea that I may just be the first person to make art from this space.

The green tinted glass, and the bird's eye view afford a unique perspective of both the north west side of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, as well as the north face of Union Station - which is also a part of the ALPLM complex.

Sunlight beams througg green tinted windows bouncing softly off of white walls, and stairwells. The effect is augmented with the soft yellow hues originating from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. I feel that the first photograph recreates the feel of the mixture of colors the best.

The pattern of the windows, and stairwell railings create a shadow pattern that I felt was best illustrated with a black and white image.

The final two photographs were taken from the top floor of the garage. I have never seen the ALPLM from this perspective. Most photographs of the ALPLM complex feature teh main entrances along Jefferson. As I have said in the past, the entire ALPLM complex is one great photo opportunity. It's just a very beautiful building.

I was tempted to turn the last photograph on its side, but I present it as I took it. Looking at it recreates the feeling of vertigo which I felt when I leaned over the edge of the garage to capture the image. I love this shot. Something about looking down a highway filled with cars I guess. I also like the historic nature of the photograph as the image includes the ongoing construction project at Union Station.

Let me say once again that I can't stand the huge ugly power poles, and power lines that totally destroy the multi-million dollar effect which the Union Station Projects seeks to create. I plan to write the Mayor of Springfield, Illinois to ask about this issue. Springfield looks like a small town with those horrible poles running through it. It's time for them to go.

Union Station Park Dedicated

Photo: Empty Platform - Dignitaries Left an Hour Earlier than Scheduled


Photo: Dedicated Dirt - Still Aglow With Governor's Footprints!


Photo: Union Station Project Engineer Joe Rein

Wednesday afternoon Union Station Park was dedicated. Various dignitaries attended, including Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, Director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Richard Norton Smith, project promoter Julie Cellini, and others.

The Governor's schedule demanded that the ceremony be advanced by one hour, leaving me unable to photograph the dedication, however I did photograph the empty platform, and dirt!

I was told that a great deal of effort was put into preparing the dirt so that it would be easily scooped up by the dignitaries with their shovels.

I found it odd that a ALPLM security guard was posted next to the platform. I asked him what he was guarding since the ceremony was over. He explained that he was there to inform all those arriving on time for the ceremony that the dedication had already taken place, and that all the dignitaries had already left.

I spoke with one gentleman who arrived on time for the ceremony only to find the emply platform. He seemed rather shocked that the dedication had been moved up by one hour to accomodate the governor's schedule.

I did run into the Project Engineer for the Union Station Project. Mr. Joseph Rein (pronounced Ryan) kindly gave me a short interview. Mr. Rein is with BRIC Partnership LLC, of Belleville, Illinois. He explained that the original clocktower foundation had to be removed, and a new one poured in order to prepare for the installation of a new clocktower.

I mentioned to Mr. Rein that a clocktower had been promised for decades, and that the people of Springfield, Illinois will be very happy to finally see a clocktower installed.

When this project is complete the entire area will be transformed.

Katrina Horror Story

This afternoon I spoke with a woman living in Beaumont, Texas. The subject of Hurricane Rita which is currently spinning a path toward the Texas coast came up.


Photo: Hurricane Rita - GOES-East Gulf of Mexico Infrared 09.22.05

After a brief exchange of concerns relating to the possible path of Hurricane Rita this resident of Beaumont, Texas confessed that the horror of Hurricane Katrina had very much made its way into her life.

She explained that she was becoming burdened with stories which Hurricane Katrina's survivors had shared with her in recent weeks. Beaumont, the woman explained, is a short drive up the coast from New Orleans, and many of those who sought refuge from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina are now staying in Beaumont.

She shared with me the story of one man's struggle to survive the hurricane, and to put his life back together since the devastation.

The young man resided in New Orleans with his roomate. Their home had weathed the high winds of Katrina, but became flooded, like most of the city, once the sea walls broke. He, and his roomate had scambled up to their attic taking only their persian cat with them.

Once in the attic, rising flood waters forced them to frantically chop a hole in the roof. They climbed out, and noticed they were completely surrounded by water. They stayed on the roof for three days, and nights without anything to eat, or drink.

On day four they decided that no one was coming to rescue them, and that they'd have to do something before sucumbing to the lack of food, and water.

The young man had parked his car down the street, which was on higher ground. They decided to swim to the higher ground.

They bundled their cat in a shirt, and began to swim towards the car. One of the young men was a stronger swimmer, and he took the cat with him. Tragically, the other man drowned in the attempt.

The surviving roomate swam back to rescue his friend, but it was too late. By the time he reached his friend he was already dead. He retrieved his drowned friend, and dragged his body to the truck.

He placed his friend in the back seat, and released the cat into the car. He then got behind the wheel, started the car, and somehow managed to drive out of New Orleans. He drove all the way to Beaumont with the body of his friend, and the cat in the car along for company.

Not having eaten, or having any water in four days he was in miserable shape when he reached Beaumont.

The young man is now dealing with post traumatic stress from his experience.

Let's hope, and pray that Hurricane Rita somehow putters out. It will be awful if it comes barrelling into areas where Huricane Katrina survivors are. I can only imagine what it would be like to have to seek refuge twice, to be uprooted a second time, from two hurricanes in less than a month.

One thing that Hurricanes Katrina, and Rita have made clear is that living in the Midwest may be boring, but it's also safer to live in a town like Springfield, Illinois than it is to live right along the gulf coast in these monster hurricane days in which we appear to be living in.

Two More from Spartans vs. Titans

Photo: Freshman Titans Depart Spartan Field


Photo: This one's for you John

The Spartans suit up for Southeast Springfield High School in Springfield, Illinois, while the Titans play for nearby Chatham-Glenwood, Illinois.

And that's it until next time!

Southeast High School Football Roster 2005

Photo: Spartans & Titans Leave Field At Halftime 09.17.05


Photo: Titan's Matt Pierce #11 Evades Spartan Defense & Lofts Ball Downfield

Springfield, Illinois
Southeast High School
2005
Varsity Spartan Football
Roster

Numb Name Position Weight Year

1 White LaShaun WR/DB 150 11
2 Dismukes, Josh TE/LB 210 12
3 Hale, Brandon WR/DB 150 12
4 Hernandez, Travis WR/DB 150 10
5 Shelby, Darrian QB/DB 175 12
7 Parker, Channon QB/DB 160 11
8 Acers, Carleston WB/DB 150 11
10 Montgomery, Jairus WR/DB 195 11
11 Graettinger, Nick LB/RB 190 11
13 Ray, Zachary QB/DB 160 10
15 Shepherd, Justin WR/DB 190 11
20 Akuoko, Barimah RB/DB 170 10
21 Doss, Tim RB/DB 190 12
22 Lograsso, Dan RB/LB 180 11
23 Foloyan, Gabe RB/DB 160 10
25 Williams, Searcy DB/WR 160 11
27 Smith, Mark WR/DB 135 12
31 Stratton, Dennis LB/DE 200 12
34 Bates, Landis RB/DB 170 10
40 Morgan, Lance LD/RB 160 10
42 Beler, Harrison TE/DE 210 11
44 Ferry, Jeremy LB/RB 180 11
45 Baumberger, Eric RB/LB 175 10
51 Nation, Rick DL/OL 200 11
52 Roan, Cody OL/DL 240 10
55 Ogden, David OL/DL 225 11
57 Simpson, Geoff OF/LB 220 11
61 Collins, Jessie OL/DL 250 12
62 Wade, Ryan OL/DL 210 10
63 Savage, Craig OL/DL 200 10
68 Johnson, James OL/DL 225 11
70 Williams, Andre OL 270 10
71 Smith, Trevor OL 270 12
72 Norris, Jared OL/DL 250 10
73 Wheatley, Chris OL 240 12
74 Rogers, Royce DL/OL 200 11
75 Lipscomb, Chris OL/DL 210 12
77 Ousley, James OL/DL 300 12
78 Taylor, Chris OL/DL 225 10
79 Jordan, Johnathan OL/DL 300 11
80 Dismukes, Curtis TE/DE 240 11
82 Lanier, Chucky WR/DB 170 12
85 Nash, Troy WR 200 11
90 King, Demetrius DE/DL 225 12
93 Lott, Stacy RB/LB 215 12
n/a Gillispie, Jurrell OL/DL 220 10
n/a Pugh, Chris DE/RB 200 12
n/a Saunders, Mario OL/DL 230 12


Photo: Southeast Band Half Time 09.17.05

Southeast Springfield High School is located in Springfield, Illinois. All photographs in this post were taken by JeromeProphet.

Spammer Beemer Famous!

Photo: Spammer Beemer's Fifteen Seconds of Fame?

A blogger in Portugal has posted a link to Springfield, Illinois' Spammer Beemer!

Here's a link to the post, and here's a link to the site.

The blog's post caption reads:

"Vamos dar uma voltinhana Galarza-motinha?"

I don't yet know what that means, but I'll find out and post the translation.

Note: Springfield, Illinois' Spammer Beemer is a BMW Motorcycle with two large Saddle boxes (utility boxes) which look exactly like cans of SPAM luncheon meat.

Spartans Vs. Titans 09.17.05

Photo: East Side Pride - Spartan Coaches watch Chatham Glenwood's P.A.T.


Photo: Row of Spartan Cheerleaders - Springfield, IL South East High School


Photo: Band Players - Springfield, IL South East High Band Sax and Trumpet


Photo: Springfield, IL South East Spartans Play Chatham Glenwood's Titans 09.17.05

Car Cage

Photo: Car Cage - Saint John's Parking Ramp - Madison & Sixth - Springfield, IL


Photo: Red Stairs - Municipal Parking Garage 7th & Washington 08.31.05


Photo: Square Windows - Springfield, IL Municipal Parking Garage 08.31.05

Car Cages

Lurking about the parking ramps of downtown Springfield, Illinois sounds spooky!
Actually my brief tour of Springfield's parking garages with camera in hand openned up several photo opportunities.

Parking in d downtown Springfield has always been problematic. Downtown Springfield needs more parking spaces. Through the creation of diagonal parking zones, the City of Springfield has added dozens of parking spots along Adams street east of sixth street and west of fifth street. Yet, the demand for parking will only increase as downtown reinvents itself into a tourist, and specialty shop mecca.

Some are calling for the municipal government to build several more parking ramps to solve Springfield's parking problem once, and for all, but the city has never wanted to step up to the plate. Aside from tourist having nothing to do in the evening, parking is perhaps the biggest factor holding back continued growth for downtown.

The City of Springfield needs to change its approach, and sell some bonds to raise funding for the construction of several more parking ramps in the downtown area. This act would put to rest once, and for all the parking problem which has haunted downtown for decades. Talk about spooky!

About the Photographs:

The photograph I've titled Car Cages plays upon the feeling I had that people use cars as horse were once used. We no longer use stables, but parking garages. The cars remind me of living beings locked up behind wire mesh cages awaiting their master's return.

The red stairs photo is very interesting with the gold light streaming in from the windows. I don't see these stairs leading to hell. They look like they lead to an interesting place. I love the geometry of the stairs.

The square windows photograph speaks for itself. Geometry which encloses, yet opens up to the world beyond. Fuzzy, yet clear. This photograph is one of my favorites.

Springfield Spammer Beamer

Photo: Spam Beamer


Photo: Spam Beamer Girl


Photo: Spam Beamer Box


Springfield, Illinois Spammer Beamer

I found an interesting BMW Motorcycle parked in downtown Springfield, Illinois. I'm not quite sure what the story behind the bike is. It's a bit of a mystery. The SPAM saddle-boxes, and there are two, one on each side, are covered with stickers - I guess of biker conventions.

I suspect a local artisan, and I won't say where this motorcycle is parked, owns this bike - and probably did the artwork himself. The same parking lot had a BMW automobile parked in it the next day, but the bike was missing.

This artisan must be a big fan of SPAM, and BMW Motorcycles! This post had been up for several days when I began noticing several visits from Portugal. I tracked the visits back to a website which reposted my photograph, with a link to my site. At least that mystery is solved, now if I can obtain an interview with the owner of the Springfield, Illinois Spammer Beemer I'll be able to solve the mystery of the Springfield, Illinois Spammer Beemer!

St. John's Medical Waste Incinerator - Post II

Photo: FlagStack - St. John's Hospital Incinerator - Springfield, IL 09.12.05


Photo: FlowerStack - Landscaping Overcome by St. John's Incinerator 09.12.05


Photo: St. John's Hospital Medical Waste Incinerator - Springfield, IL 09.12.05

Saint John's Incinerator Stack - Reminder of Springfield, Illinois' Ugly Past

As development along ninth, and eleventh streets slowly redefines the look of Springfield, Illinois' near east side, remanents of Springfield's less beautiful past loom overhead. The city of Springfield needs to sort out exactly what type of city it wants to be. While Saint John's Hospital employs thousands of local residents, there is no danger that it could relocate if the City forced the Hospital to move its incinerator.

When will Springfield's political players get the nerve to tell Saint John's it's time? Perhaps when enough development along nineth, and eleventh streets forces a change in perception among city leaders? When the perception is that downtown Springfield would be a truly beautiful place if it wasn't for Saint John's ugly incinerator it will be time for it to go.

That day may never come, but I feel it is only a matter of time. In fact I feel that by forcing the relocation now, this part of downtown, and all of downtown Springfield can only gain.

About The Photographs

See that little white cloud above the incinerator stack in the third photograph?
Do you have any idea where that smoke came from? Someone's amputated leg perhaps? They say it's safe? It needs to come down.

Adam's Farmhouse - A Lincoln-Era Treasure

Photo: Beautiful House - Adam's Farmhouse 07.22.05



Photo: A Lonely Window - Adam's Farmhouse 07.22.05



Photo: North East - Adam's Farmhouse 07.22.05



Photo: Abraham Lincoln Era - Adam's Farmhouse 07.22.05

Adam's Farmhouse - A Lincoln-Era Treasure

One of Springfield, Illinois' historical treasures faces destruction at the hands of the Illinois Audubon Society. Unless someone, or some organization is willing to move the farmhouse in the coming weeks it will be destroyed to make way for a garish modern facility which the Illinois Audubon Society will build on the same site.

The Adams's Farmhouse dates to the days when Abraham Lincoln lived in Springfield. Margery Adams donated the home, along with a large tract of land to the Illinois Audubon Society. The land had been the Adam's family farm, which Margery Adams allowed to return to the wild after the death of her parents.

While I applaud the efforts of the Illinois Audubon Society to protect natural habitats, the decision to destroy this historic house is horrible! It is a beautiful old farmhouse that has a great deal of 1850's charm. Many proposals have been made to save the house, but the Illinois Audubon Society Board of Directors seems dedicated to building a large, and costly modern structure.

I for one will never say a kind word about the Illinois Audubon Society if they carry out this horrible deed. If they plan to move into our fair city with the intent of destroying our history, and culture then they are no friend of mine, and I'm sure many residents of this city agree.

Burning down bridges to this city's most dedicated, and activist segment - those who care about this city's history - is certainly not the way to proceed f0r any organization which depends upon the good will of the community.

About the Photographs

While reading through some old State Journal Register newspapers (I often don't get around to reading them for months) this weekend, I happened to notice an article about a serial rapist who preys upon the women, and childern of Springfield, Illinois. This fine chap repeatedly raped a mother of two children right in front of her children. He is also a suspect in the rape of a nine year old girl.

Well I guess he served his bit, because he was let out on parole, and is now rehabilitated, and a member of Springfield society again.

About five days after our photo visit to Adam's Wildlife Sanctuary, (my spouse was with me), this scum of the earth rapist was stopped, and questioned by police out at the Wildlife Sanctuary. He had a knife, a scarf, and some rope - essentially a rape kit. I gather it's his Modus Operandi of choice, before graduating to killing his victims.

Most frightening was my recollection of how safe I felt out in the woods, and noticed how children had left their bicylces at the side of the road to enter the woods on foot. Little did I suspect that a rapist armed with a knife was stalking the area. The police, after asking this gentleman a few questions never took him into custody. They did take his knife. They say they were only interested in why an alarm had gone off at the Adam's Farmhouse.

Thankfully, this scumbag's parole has been revoked, because instead of stalking the woods for women, and children to rape he was supposed to be working. What a wonderful coworker I'm sure he'd make.

Yes, the criminal justice system - works great doesn't it?

Anyway, the house is truly beautiful, and needs to be saved. Once again I'm tempted to start playing the lottery just so if I ever won I'd start saving houses like these.

Springfield's approach toward's protecting houses like these isn't tough enough. The mayor's assistant is saying there's not much we can do - well then the ordinances need to be changed!

Welcome American Patriot Legion

Thanks to Dave at The11thHour for introducing a new Springfield, Illinois Blog. The American Patriot Legion by Bill Lewis. Mr. Lewis states that he has dedicated his American Patriot Legion blog to the important issue of civil, and human rights.

Welcome & Best of Luck to you Bill! I've added your blog to my blogroll!

JeromeProphet

New Salem, IL Historic Village

Photo: Picket Fence - New Salem Carding Mill & Wool House 09.10.05


Photo: Porch Row - New Salem, IL Historic Village 09.10.05


Photo: New Salem Interpreter Pete Ellertson - The Second Berry-Lincoln Store 09.10.05


Photo: Rail Fence - New Salem, IL Historic Village 09.10.05

New Salem Historic Village

New Salem Historic Village is located just twenty minutes north of Springfield, Illinois. The village is a recreation of New Salem. Abraham Lincoln resided in New Salem from 1831-1837.

There will be another post coming soon on New Salem

About the Photographs

Return soon for additional information about the photographs in this post

Lincoln & Eagles

Photo: Lincoln & Eagles - Abraham Lincoln Bronze Statue @ New Salem Historic Village

I couldn't have planned this photograph. I was very pleased when these two eagles soared overhead while I took photographs of an Abraham Lincoln Bronze Statue at New Salem's Vistor Center.

I'll be posting more on New Salem in my next post.

The photograph above was taken at the New Salem Historic Village which is outside of Petersburg, Illinois. Petersburg, Illinois is just twenty minutes north of Springfield, Illinois. All photographs for this post were taken by JeromeProphet.