A Hippo is Really Heavy - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

When I Wasn’t Old

There used to be a ferry from Rock Island to Davenport. I think it was 5 cents to ride, but not sure. I only rode on it once with my Uncle Harlan. It was up river from the Centennial Bridge.
I also remember, that, for a short time there was a Navy Patrol Craft Escort tied up on the Davenport side of the Mississippi River. It was above the Government Bridge. I can remember that I was always afraid whenever my parents would drive over that bridge. Petersons Von Maur in downtown Moline’s 5th Avenue used to have a beautiful Christmas display. I loved to see the model electric trains. For a time my mom worked at Petersons as a sale’s clerk. Across the avenue was Parker’s store.
At different times both my mom and I worked for Grosman’s store on the 1600 block of 5th avenue. It was a Jewish run store and the owner, Sid Grosman, and others there were really nice. I had a crush on a waitress at Hughes restaurant that was just down the avenue. I was too scared to ask her for a date. Ha! She was almost twice my age.
When I could drive a car many of us would drag race the one ways in Rock Island and Moline. My first car was a 1954 Willys Aero and it was a dog.
One time some friends and I were walking on 15th St. just north of 19th Ave in Moline. All of a sudden we saw a car drag race by us and it hit a man carrying groceries. It made me so sick I threw up. I knew the kid who hit the man. Myself and friends had to go to court as witnesses.
Speaking of 19th Avenue, I’m sure not many remember, but there used to be a long boulevard from 15th St. west to about 2nd St. It was a two-way street until they tore it all up and made it partially 4 lanes as it is today. All this when I wasn’t old!

Bison Meat

Last week I made our annual trip to CSI Homes in Cambridge to purchase a good supply of bison meat. I always get the ground bison meat at $8.00 per pound. Lorna doesn’t care for it, but I sure do. It’s healthy as there is less fat. CSI also sells bison boneless roasts, ribeye bison steak and other bison meats.

Saukenauk BPS Annual Meeting

The Bi-State Sportsman’s Association, 571 Cleveland Rd., Colona, will host the Saukenauk Black Powder Shoot meeting on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10 a.m. Membership dues are $100.00 if paid prior to March 1, 2025.

Illinois Fall Trout Fishing

Reminder: The Illinois Fall Trout Season opens Saturday, October 19, 2024. The limit of trout is 5. Make sure you have your fishing license and Trout permit.

Henry County Historical Museum

Starting Thursday, October 31, 2024, this Bishop Hill museum will be closed. It will reopen on May 1, 2025. It’s just a short drive to Bishop Hill so enjoy the beautiful fall sites Bishop Hill has to offer. They have four really nice restaurants, too.

Drive Carefully

A short reminder to everyone that there are still farm fields to yield their corn ‘n beans so have patience if you encounter a slow combine, tractor, wagon and/or other farm vehicles. Also, watch out for deer, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.

Humor

What is the difference between a hippo and a zippo? Ans: A hippo is really heavy and a zippo is just a little lighter.

Sometimes I hear music from my printer. I found out it’s just the paper jamming.

Quote of the Week

“Brave actions never want a Trumpet.” - Thomas Fuller