More On WW1 Picket
I found out more on the WW1 steel picket that I showed in last week’s column. The “screw picket” was introduced during the war in 1915. They were used for the placement of barbed wire. They were manufactured by Crown Iron Works Co., Minneapolis, MN, and were also used in WW2. Over 10 million were made. The French called them, “pigtails,” and the British named them, “corkscrews.” The first year of the war, 1914, wooden poles were used by pounding them into the ground. Even though it was done at night, the enemy could hear the noise and fired in that direction. Screwing the steel picket auger was much quieter.
Brunch House
Now there are a lot of fine restaurants in Geneseo and other Henry County locations. However, if you happen to get the hungries while traveling west on Cleveland Road, heading west towards Colona, try the Brunch House. It’s located in the building close to the Shell station. It’s really convenient for us as it’s less than a mile from our house. They really have good food and service.
Congrads To ISU
Congratulations goes to Iowa State Women’s Basketball team on beating Texas to win the Big 12 Championship last Sunday. Of course, as an old Moline resident, “Congrads” also goes to the MHS boys on winning their state championship. Lastly, If you’re a Bears’ fan like we are, you have to be happy with the behind-the-scenes trading concerning the draft picks.
Glasses
I really, really wish someone would come up with a remote that I could press and my glasses would buzz to let me know where I left them! I’m okay with other items like my hearing aid, billfold, car keys, etc. I know it’s my age but I just get mad at myself.
My Questions
If I was born again, would I have two belly buttons? If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting? If most car accidents occur within 25 miles of home, why doesn’t everyone just move 30 miles away?
The Good Old Days
Would you like me to check under your hood? Free mug with a fill-up! Love my new 8-track. Hey, “Daddy O,” remember the jukebox with the 1950’s Rock ‘n Roll songs? Some restaurants had both a floor mounted jukebox and ones in booths. You’d drink your milkshake, pop a quarter in the slot and play your favorite 45 vinyl, like Earth Angel. Oh, remember Moline’s “The Varsity” on 16th St., and “Hoggys” on 19th Ave. They were the “cat’s meow” for we teens. Boys had crew cuts, butches. or maybe a Mohawk if you were brave enough. Girls had long skirts and saddle shoes. Just seems like things were a lot simpler back then. Mohawks.
Mississippi River
Remember last fall when Old Man River’s water level was so extremely low? Because of the lock & dams in the upper part of the river, for us, no problem. From about Memphis to New Orleans the dried river beds and poor channel depth really slowed barge traffic. Sunken cars, boats and all kinds of odds ‘n ends were found in the dry river beds. I think they also found my third wife! I was wondering what it was like now so last week I called an old Navy buddy who lives near the river down south. He said it is much better now. With climate change let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself. Corn, beans, etc. need to be delivered to the southern ports in a timely manner. So, Mother Nature, get with the program!
Humor
Yesterday, Dale Collis forgot to wear his wristwatch. I saw him on that day and he asked me what time it was? I said, “It’s four-thirty!” He said, “Now that’s odd because all day I’ve asked friends the time and I get a different answer!” I did not know this, but due to the lack of experienced trumpeters, the end of the world has been postponed. With all the fires they have in California, wouldn’t it be easier to divide it into “smoking” and “non-smoking? One of Geneseo’s famous golfers, Tony Simon, said that age has really hurt his golf game. He can’t hunt and fish like he used to (ball goes in the woods or pond).