By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current
When I Wasn’t Old
In 1957 my dad and I went to Florida. I can remember seeing a water fountain at a gas station in Florida with a sign that read, “Whites Only.” We’re all familiar with the Chevrolet logo. Its nick name is “bow tie.”
A few days ago I sold my (deceased) mom’s 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL. It only had 70,000 miles. I can remember how she so loved that car. She could no longer drive and I remember her crying when we drove it home from Cape Cod. A long time ago I drove it over the Rock River bridge between Carbon Cliff and Colona. There was no traffic and in that short of speedway I hit 120+mph. Sad, but we don’t need 3 vehicles.
I had asthma as a kid. It was no fun and they didn’t have breath-a-lasers, or whatever you call those gadgets. My parents bought a big International Harvester window air conditioner and that helped somewhat during the pollen season. Could not have a dog as it was thought at that time it caused asthma attacks. Last attack was in Corfu, Greece at age 21.
Knew two classmates in grade school that came down with polio. Both had braces on their legs. Sad to say some kids made fun of the two. I hope I wasn’t one of them.
My dad pulled some strings and when I graduated from high school I worked as a stock chaser at International Harvester, East Moline. Made $2.33 an hour. Got laid off, took the post office test and carried mail at $2.16 an hour.
Remember “Kings?” You would cross your two fingers and hold them behind your back. This way it was okay to not tell the truth. All this when I wasn’t old.
Sorry Hummingbirds
The bees of plenty have taken over our two hummingbird feeders. They are so bad that they will not let the little birds have a drink. The bees were not bad until maybe two or three weeks ago.
Fishing Report
Last week myself, and two other friends fished in the morning on a private
lake. We caught 14 nice crappies, 8 bass, two bluegills and a big snapping turtle. At 11 a.m. they just completely quit. Had some crappies for supper and they were “so” good! Tried “Siggy Bay” recently on the canal and caught & released 3 nice size pumpkin seeds. I think they are the most beautiful fish of the sunfish family.
Sadly to Mention
Glenn Sigwalt, former Geneseo Ikes Board Member, recently passed away. Some years ago a sign, "Siggy Bay" was erected by the bay honoring all his work on various projects. Submitted Photo
Two members of the Geneseo Izaak Walton recently passed away. Glenn Sigwalt joined in 1994 and Rex Rogers in 1999. I really did not know Rex Rogers very well other than he was a good volunteer and a nice person.
Glenn Sigwalt was also a good volunteer. He used to ice fish the canal bay east of the Ike’s lodge and did a lot of work with the various Izaak Walton events. Some years ago, the canal bay was named, “Siggy Bay” and a sign was erected in his honor. Both fellows will be sorely missed!
Grant Hatch, Colona, recently took this photo of Mr. Bob Cat as it prowled the Green River hamlet area of Colona. Submitted Photo
Ag Days/Harvest Festival Successful
Bishop Hill’s “Annual 19th Century Harvest Festival” was really great. Lorna and I volunteered, as did others, at the Henry County Historical Museum. I gave a program on “Military Cutlery.” I was very happy with the turnout of visitors.
We had 181 that registered and toured the museum. It also happened to be the “40th Anniversary of the Henry County Historical Society Museum.” There were a lot of compliments on the former school turned museum.
Humor
What would the terminator be called in his retirement? Ans: The exterminator.
Some of you may not know it, but Bob Kuhns is not only a “musician,” but also a “magician.” Some think he is doing his disappearing act too often. I disagree.
I think it’s just a stage he’s going through! How do you organize a party in space? Ans: You planet.
Quote of the Week
“Death and life have their determined appointments, riches and honors depend upon heaven.”
Confucius