There’s a sad phenomenon in so many of these precious old towns. Generally, more people lie under the ground than on top of it. I thought back to an experience I had in London. The date was November 11, and … Read More
The Ghost of a Roadside Inn
Took a nap beneath this sign, sharing space with the ghosts of travelers who stopped here long ago to add a sticky chapter to their Route 66 journey. It was a time when cars had crank-down window air-conditioning and tube … Read More
Ready to fight the world? Get a dose of homestyle instead
In my earliest memory, before they got rid of highway lips, before time, before anything, there was Nick’s Homestead. In any spot, at any time of day, I react willingly to those three magic words, “Pass the gravy.” Friends gathered … Read More
Despite Sheridan, Bison making comeback
General Philip Sheridan’s statue stands on the New York state capitol grounds. Why do we honor this ruthless killer? Missouri’s Highway 13 cuts through a rogue’s gallery of America’s most brazen killers. The most ruthless killer in this area was … Read More
Whistle Stop
The train was late. That didn’t matter to seven men awaiting its arrival. “I’ve learned to be patient,” said Mason, sitting next to me in his prison issue gray trousers and white T-shirt. Earlier that morning, seven inmates had been … Read More
UFO?
Relax, it’s a street lamp in Hershey, PA. But if this giant Kiss was a UFO, where would it hide? Beneath the boughs in Hershey Gardens.
Cape May
Gorgeous summer homes line Cape May’s neighborhood streets along the Jersey shore. We couldn’t decide which home to pick. So tonight we’re sleeping in the lifeboat.
Mass Grave in Jefferson City
This monument stands atop a mass grave in the Jefferson City National Cemetery. Beneath are buried the 147 Civil War Union soldiers killed responding to the Centralia Massacre. “On September 27, 1864, Bloody Bill Anderson’s guerilla gang—including a young recruit … Read More