Dana Thomas House II

Photo: Dana Thomas House - A North Overhang Against Sky


Photo: Dana Thomas House - Dana Thomas' 143rd Birthday Party!


Photo: Dana Thomas' 143rd Birthday Party Magic Show!


Photo: Dana Thomas House - West Face

At a later date I'll Post a story on the wonderful Dana Thomas birthday party - her 143rd!

Dana Thomas House I

Photo: Dana Thomas House - East Face View


Photo: Dana Thomas House - South View of Main Entrance


Photo: Dana Thomas House - Close Up of Main Entrance Arch


Photo: Frank Lloyd Wright Patterned Reflections


The Dana Lawrence-Thomas House is one of Springfield, Illinois' crown jewels. Dana Lawrence-Thomas commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design an addition to her parent's existing Victorian home. Frank Lloyd Wright used the opportunity to completely recreate the entire home - leaving just a few interior rooms of the original structure.

I'll add more to this post soon.

We're History

We're History
by JeromeProphet

You claim I never understood you, or a word you said.
You smiled, and you kissed me, and we shared your bed.
You told me that we're all actors, and this life is a play.
And then you went away.
And then you went away.

You came into my life - you said you wanted me.
Your charm was just a weapon in this game of we.
You left my heart aching. It was me who paid.
And then you went away.
And then you went away.

We'd burn for each other till the end of time.
Our bodies, minds, and souls forever entwined.
I think of all the promises we made that day.
But now there's only pain.
When you went away.

Sometimes I'll see your face in a place we paired.
I can't understand why it was only me that cared.
Did you ever understand me or the the dream we shared?
Before you went away.
Before you went away.

You told me one day that you'd come back to me.
We'd get together, and make a family.
But I see you have another, and it's easy to see that now we're history.
Yes, we're history.

Photo: South face of the Dana Thomas House in Springfield, Illinois. The Dana Thomas House is a stunningly beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright designed home, which was essentially one hundred years before its time.

If It's Wrong I Don't Wanna Be Wright?

Photo: Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Window (enhanced)

About the Image: Photograph taken October 5th, 2005 at the Dana Thomas House. The Dana Thomas House is a Frank Lloyd Wright designed home located at the corner of Fourth, and Lawrence in downtown Springfield, Illinois.

Oh yes, cameras are strictly prohibited at the Dana Thomas House so watch it!

Priskers & Koshi Cat Meet Mr. Mantis

Photo: Priskers The Cat Meets Mr. Mantis


Photo: Koshi Cat and Mr. Mantis Play Hide & Seek


Photo: This Was One Curious Arthropod


Photo: Mr. Mantis Says Goodbye to Koshi Cat

This rather large, and curious praying mantis attracted the attention of two of our four cats.

Both the feline, and the praying mantis are predators. Like my cats, this mantis was extremely curious. I suspect the mantis was attracted to the bright red LED flashes from the red eye reduction system on my camera.

Incredibly this praying mantis followed my camera step by step for nearly twenty feet. It walked off of a window ledge, down from a brick wall, across our porch, down several steps, and traversed a walkway into our lawn.

I took dozens of photographs of this unusual trek - four of which I present here in this post.

When my camera finally ran out of memory I left the mantis in the lawn, and began to walk back into the house. To my amazement I noticed that the mantis had turned around and followed me out of the grass, onto the sidewalk, and up the porch steps!

Strange, but isn't life always!

The series of photographs included for this post were taken in Jerome, Illinois - a bedroom community of Springfield, Illinois on Wednesday, October 5th, 2005.

As we can see from these photographs, my cats took a special interest in this large, and curious praying mantis. Despite any pretensions, the mantis is totally harmless to both humans, and cats. My innocent looking cats would have made cat's play out of Mr. Mantis.

Mr. Mantis, if the weather forecast holds true, will be facing his first hint of Fall weather tonight with expected lows in the forties forecast for the rest of this week. It's a tough life being a bug - sorry, I meant insect.

My cats on the other hand have it made!

Here's a photograph of a a praying mantis in action. If you have a weak stomach, or don't want to see a photo of a praying mantis devouring a humming bird which it caught, killed, and devoured quickly avert your eyes.
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Photo: Praying Mantis Captures, and Devours Humming Bird*

Click on the Birdwatcher's Digest link below if you're interested in reading the story behind the photograph of the Mantis & the Hummer above.

*External Photograph Source: Birdwatcher's Digest.
All external images in this post are reproduced under "Free Use" rules for educational purposes only, and retain any and all copyright protections.

Levi, Ray & Shoup Dragster

Photo: Levi, Ray & Shoup Dragster on 6th


Photo: Levi, Ray & Shoup Dragster Pipes


Photo: Levi, Ray & Shoup Dragster Engine


Photo: Levi, Ray & Shoup Dragster on Route 66

The Levi, Ray & Shoup Dragster was on display at the 2005 Route 66 Mother Road Festival held in Springfield, Illinois this weekend.

The LRS dragster was positioned on the street space in front of Maldaner's restaurant. Maldaner's is located at 222 S. Sixth street in the heart of Springfield's historic district. Sixth street for those who may not know was part of historic Route 66.

This post features a series of photographs featuring the Levi, Ray & Shoup dragster. The LRS dragster is beautiful in form, and function. The sleek aerodynamic curves of the machine are as beautiful as the precision, and power of its engines.

My favorite photographs of the LRS dragster are those in which victorian era buildings are seen in the background. The 21st Century dragster looks as if it's about to take off into space right from the street Abraham Lincoln practiced law from.

LRS is based in Springfield, Illinois, and is considered one of Springfield's premier employers.

Tinsley's Dry Goods Gift Shop

Photo: Tinsley Dry Goods Gift Shop - Downtown Springfield, IL


Photo: Ron Homann - Business Owner & Manager of Tinsley's Dry Goods Gift Shop


Photo: The Beauty of Tinsley's Dry Goods Gift Shop

Abraham Lincoln and partner William Herndon operated their law office on the corner of Sixth, and Adams streets in downtown Springfield, Illinois. The second floor office, situated across the street from Illinois' Old State Capitol, was located above the Seth Tinsley Dry Goods Store from 1843 through 1852.

Adjacent to the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office State Historic Site is the Tinsley Dry Goods Gift Shop located at 209 S. Sixth Street. The gift shop, which openned in the Spring of 2005 after extensive renovation, offers visitors a uniquely tasteful shopping experience.

While the building is part of the Lincoln-Herndon Historic Site, and is operated by the Old State Capitol Foundation, the Tinsley Dry Goods Gift Shop is a for profit business.

A visit to the gift shop is like stepping into the 19th Century, but with a style, and understated beauty that makes simply stepping into the shop invigorating. Renovation of the shop meant replacing the flooring with white oak timbers similar to those found in the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office.

Photographs for this post were taken on Sunday, October 2nd, 2005, the last day of the 2005 Route 66 Mother Road Festival. Gift shop keeper Ron Homann seemed as proud as a new father when reviewing photographs, and in telling the story of the remarkable renovation, and rebirth of this incredibly beautiful shop.

Richard Kohlrus's Del's Mural II

Photo: Richard Kohlrus Paints Mural With Little Girl In Pink

Actually, I'm posting this photo because I like the image of the mother, and little daughter both wearing pink pants. I'm not sure if they had just departed Del's or not, but I can imagine the little girl must have looked up to see the man standing on the ladder painting the funny pictures on the Del's window.


Photo: Left Half of South Mural at Del's Popcorn Shop



Photo: Right Half of South Mural at Del's Popcorn Shop

An update on the Del's Popcorn Shop Route 66 Festival Mural. The Mural is sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council, and hosted by Del's Popcorn Shop in Springfield, Illinois.

The last two photos for this post were taken on the final day of the Route 66 Mother Road Festival - Sunday, October 2nd, 2005. Artist Richard Kohlrus had confessed earlier in the week that he was taking much longer than planned to finish the mural. Kohlrus wouldn't be the first artist to miss a deadline.

Once the mural is finished I'll post the results here.

Flowers LeGrand's Route 66 Mural

Photo: Flowers LeGrand Route 66 Window Mural

This post features Tony Grant's Route 66 Festival Window Mural. The Mural is sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council, and is hosted by Flowers LeGrand at 631 E. Adams street located in downtown Springfield, Illinois.

As I prepared this photograph for posting it occured to me how much it looks like a postcard - just missing a stamp it seems. I enhanced the photograph to bring out its "postcard" qualities.

Recycled Records Route 66 Mural

Photo: Springfield Furniture & Recycled Records


Photo: A Passerby Checks Out Recycled Record's Route 66 Mural


Photo: Recycled Record's Route 66 Festival Mural


Image: Gary Puckett & Union Gap CD Cover*

This time we'll look at the Springfield Furniture & Recycled Record's Route 66 Festival window mural. Recycled Records is located at 625 E. Adams in downtown Springfield, Illinois.

The Springfield Area Arts Council in cooperation with local area businesses have teamed up to sponsor a variety of window murals celebrating themes associated with Route 66. The 4th annual Route 66 Mother Road Festival is being held in downtown Springfield, Illinois.

Appropriately enough the Recycled Record's mural theme deals with music. Gary Puckett & the Union Gap will be performing during the 2005 Route 66 Festival, and artists Daisy Juarez, and Alexander Juarez dedicate their mural to Gary Puckett & the Union Gap.

I include an image of a CD cover from Gary Pucket & the Union Gap, as well as lyrics from Lady Willpower - one of their numerous 1960's mega-hits which I suspect played a role in the "Lady Motel" icon employed within the Juarez mural.

Lady Willpower**

Lady Willpower, it's now or never.
Give your love to me and I'll shower
Your heart with tenderness endlessly.
I know you want to see me but you're afraid
Of what I might have on my mind.
One thing you can be sure of
I'll take good care of your love
If you will let me give you mine.
Lady Willpower, it's now or never.
Give your love to me and I'll shower
Your heart with tenderness endlessly.
Did no one ever tell you the facts of life?
Well there's so much you have to learn.
And I would gladly teach you if I could only reach you
And get your lovin' in return.
Lady Willpower, it's now or never.
Give your love to me and I'll shower
Your heart with tenderness endlessly.
Lady Willpower, it's now or never.
Give your love to me and I'll shower.

Links:

An excellent Route 66 Link.

About externally copyrighted materials:

*http://www.gocontinental.com/artists/puckett_gary.htm
** Lyrics under copyright are used here for educational purposes only.

Richard Kohlrus' Prairie Archives Art

Photo: Prairie Archives Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, IL


Photo: Richard Kohlrus' Prairie Archives Window Mural


Photo: Richard Kohlrus' Prairie Archives Jaguar

Richard Kohlrus is the artist behind the Route 66 Mother Road Festival mural which adorns the Prairie Archives window on the Illinois' Old State Capitol Square.

Prairie Archives is a wonderful way to spend hours searching through stacks of thousands of old books, periodicals, and other printed materials. Prairie Archives owner, John Paul has transformed Prairie Archives into a Internet clearing house for antiquarian books. Before venturing into online book sales Prairie Archives was almost exclusively dependent upon the local demand in marketing its printed materials.

While the Prairie Archives still has the look, and feel of the used book store, it's very much operating a bustling clearinghouse of used books behind the scenes. Most books sold by Prairie Archives are never seen by the casual visitor to the store.

The owner holds a Ph.D., and was curator of the Illinois State Museum located in Springfield, Illinois. The building which currently host Prairie Archives was put to use for several years by Springfield's Lincoln Library during replacement of Springfield's Carnegie Library with the construction of the Springfield Lincoln Library back in the 1970's.

Prarie Archives for many years hosted Mike Manning, a local artist who resided, created his art, and ran his business out of the loft above the main entrance of the building. Mike Manning's artistic oasis is now located near the intersection of Seventh, and Lawrence just down the street from the Abraham Lincoln historic neighborhood.

Richard Kohlrus' Del's Route 66 Mural

Photo: Richard Kohlrus @ Del's on 66 (i.e., 6th)


Photo: Kohlrus Preps Window Prior to Painting


Photo: Kohlrus's Assistant Applies Paint 09.29.05


Photo: Kohlrus Paints Sky 09.30.05

These photographs were taken in front of Del's Popcorn Shop located at 213 S. Sixth Street in downtown Springfield, Illinois. Local artist Richard Kohlrus, and assistant were busy creating a Route 66 window mural for Del's Popcorn Shop.

Kohlrus was the artist behind several other window murals in downtown Springfield, Illinois including a Route 66 window Mural at Prarie Archives.

Kohlrus' mural project at Del's Popcorn Shop took several days to prepare, and several days to complete. Kohlrus admitted he's a perfectionist, and wants every detail to be just right.

When shoppers view Kohlrus' window mural from within Del's they will only find red, and white stripes. The mural is designed so as not to conflict with Del's "red stripes" theme.

The Del's mural as seen from the sidewalk presents a multi-seasonal chronology incorporating different Del's products popular with each season.

You might have to look closely to find the Route 66 theme present within the mural. Hint: Abe Lincoln is driving an automobile down a candy land Route 66!

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.