Bad News for Local Anglers
I figured one day it would come to the closing of the Carbon Cliff Bait & Tackle Shop. Sure enough, Debbie told me recently that they are closing their business at the end of this year. I sure do not blame Jay, Margaret and Debbie for closing shop after being open countless hours, seven days a week and 12 months a year. I think the only days they were closed was Christmas and New Years. The Pankeys’ would always donate bait for the Geneseo Izaak Walton Youth Fishing Tournament and the Charlie Palmgren Ice Fishing Tournament. They worked with the village on the Carbon Cliff Kids Rodeo. Jay also delivers bait to other businesses that sell bait including Rock Island’s Croegaert’s Great Outdoors. I talked to John at Croegaert’s and their place is for sale. He’s not sure if they will close at the end of the year? John is another good guy dealing with area anglers.
He has done a lot of work putting on the Ice Fishing Tournament at Lake George. I’m sure he’s volunteered and helped with various fishing events through the years. He has worked 31 years in the business and yes, he also deserves the good life. So, that would leave EZ Living in Milan for minnows, other baits and tackle. Another case of the small, “Ma ‘n Pop” business closing its doors. It is hard to compete dollar wise with the big stores like Super Walmart, Bass Pro, etc. Let’s hope some persons will purchase the stores and continue them as bait ‘n tackle stores. A reminder that both stores will remain open until the end of the year!
Mother Nature’s Rath
I hate to be pessimistic, but I think this planet of ours is in for more severe weather as time marches on. Whether it is climate change, global warming or whatever you want to call it, I’m afraid rough seas lie ahead.
Fading Footsteps
Some years ago, Dan Griffin gave me a very interesting book, Fading Footsteps by Joann Hanthorn Terry. The book is big and weighs a ton, but it’s filled with a lot of information about Henry County, Illinois, and way back in time. Anyway, get this! In 1812, if a white man lived in our area and wanted to marry a white woman, the couple had to make a trip to Edwardsville, IL, to get married. If, however, a white man married an Indian squaw (which was referred to as the “soldiers plan”) the couple did not need a license. The man could purchase the bride from the Chief for a pony or two. The number of ponies depended upon the worth of the Indian girl (I wonder what determined the girl’s worth?). Also, in 1812, Madison County was formed and it contained the land that would become Henry County. Henry County actually included nearly all of upper Illinois.
Henry County Historical Museum
Located about a block west of main street is this really nice museum which was a grade school at one time. They open this coming May 1st and are open 7 days a week, but closed during the winter months. On May 6th I will present a program on the American Civil War at the museum. The one hour presentation will be at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the meeting room. It is free admission, but a donation towards the museum is certainly welcome.
He’s for the Birds
Glen Anderson, Geneseo, was the recent guest speaker at the Geneseo Izaak Walton Members meeting. He is sending out the alarm to us that our bird population is on the fast decline. The lack of habitat, plants/food, etc. continues to cause declining problems for birds. Give him a call if you have questions concerning birds and our environment. He’s in the phone book, but it’s a tight fit!!!!
Jokes
Since Tony turned eighty eight, he’s become a real menace behind the wheel. The way he barrels around those hills and swerves all over the place! He is also really rude to other drivers, too! In short, I wouldn’t be caught on the same fairway with him!
Riddle: What do you call a history of a traveling Italian baseball official?
Answer: “The Rise and Fall of the Roven’ Empire.”
Humor
On the first day of school, Teacher Scheider said to her young students, “If anyone has to go to the bathroom, hold up two fingers.” A little voice from the back of the room asked, “How will that help?”