tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72091769312466094382024-03-14T02:55:45.977-07:00The Highway 83 ChroniclesDevoted to the cultures, communities, history and ecosystems found along the 1,885 miles of U.S. Route 83! Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-65637650518925710562018-05-10T11:22:00.000-07:002018-05-10T11:22:22.226-07:00These 10 Historic Sites on Texas’ Longest Highway Will Blow You Away!<br />
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<a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">By Stew Magnuson</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">At almost 900 miles, U.S.
Highway 83 in Texas is the longest two-lane highway in any of the 50 states. It
has been derisively called the “Road to Nowhere,” but not for history buffs. Travelers
can take a deep dive into the Lone Star State’s history visiting these 10 sites
on what some call The Last American Highway. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> Travelers on Highway 83 will follow in the footsteps of Texas legends such as Colonel Rip Ford, Bonnie and Clyde, Coach Tom Landry, Freddy Fender, Chief Quanah Parker and Astronaut Alan Bean</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Want to know more? <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stew-Magnuson/e/B001JSA160/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1" target="_blank">Click here to read The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83 in Texas</a>. Click here to join <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/" target="_blank">The Fans of U.S. Route 83 page on Facebook.</a></span>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Brownsville</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Just a few miles west of
Highway 83 north of Brownsville, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park
is where future president General Zachary Taylor squared off with Mexican
General Mariano Arista in the first major battle of the Mexican-American War.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Rio Grande City</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">General Robert E. Lee came to
the Rio Grande Valley in 1860 to quell a border uprising. While he only stayed
here a few weeks, this one-story home inside the former Ringgold Barracks has
been known ever since as the Lee House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Roma</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Step back in time in Roma,
which was the last navigable port for steamboats plying the Rio Grande. The
buildings are so well preserved that the town was used as a backdrop in the
Marlon Brando film, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Viva Zapata!</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Laredo</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Six Flags Over Texas? Not in
Laredo. The short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande puts that tally up to seven.
This small building on St. Augustine Square in Laredo was said to have housed
the capitol of this wannabe republic that sought independence from Mexico. The
rebellion only lasted ten months.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Crystal City</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A World War II internment
camp housed Japanese, German and Italian families whom the authorities believed
at the time to be a threat to the nation. Visitors can still see the
foundations of the buildings just to the east of the town’s high school.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Menard</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The Presidio San Saba,
located on the edge of the town’s golf course, was where the Spanish Empire
clashed with the Comanche Empire for control of Texas on March 16, 1758. The
nearby mission was overrun by thousands of warriors and the massacre spelled
the begging of the end for the Spanish rulers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Abilene</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Frontier Texas! is a 14,000
square foot history museum dedicated to West Texas’ Wild West Days located in
downtown Abilene. The “Guns of the West” is a highlight of this interactive
museum. Learn about early settlers, the buffalo hunters and the Comanche Empire
in its other exhibits.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wellington </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Perhaps the most infamous
incident to happen on Highway 83 was when Clyde Barrow of Bonnie and Clyde
fame, accidentally drove a stolen car into the Salt Fork of The Red River north
of Wellington on June 10, 1933. A nearby family came to help but were taken
hostage for their troubles. Bonnie suffered from her injuries for the remainder
of her short life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Shamrock</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This is where the 1,885 mile
long U.S. Highway 83 intersects with the famous Route 66. The town has
preserved the historic art deco-style U Drop Inn/Conoco station so travelers
can relive the golden age of motor travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Check out the booth where Elvis dined.
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Perryton</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Perryton is the “Top of
Texas.” Visit the Museum of the Plains, which displays some of the massive
steam-powered tractors that helped move the town building-by-building to its
present location when the railroad came through in 1919. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ckrMnseAqdQIbq1SVhqawcYYuJV_N5zuPOShIPlVlcWRCObvJFP2-F_RndQvcousX_hZh1fgCrGXE_7aZ_f5M9MYyo_KZ2HHBp1xxRoz-kK2QFqHLscM8QcJBA5JuxIwQEB-GtMxcfU/s1600/IMG_1962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ckrMnseAqdQIbq1SVhqawcYYuJV_N5zuPOShIPlVlcWRCObvJFP2-F_RndQvcousX_hZh1fgCrGXE_7aZ_f5M9MYyo_KZ2HHBp1xxRoz-kK2QFqHLscM8QcJBA5JuxIwQEB-GtMxcfU/s320/IMG_1962.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">BONUS! Keep your eyes peeled for the arrow sculptures in the Texas Panhandle that commemorate the life of Comanche Chief Quanah Parker. Here is one just off Highway 83 in Canadian, Texas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Stew Magnuson is the author
of The Highway 83 Chronicles, a series of three books that uncovers forgotten history found along U.S. Highway 83 in the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83 in
Texas and the other two books in the trilogy are available by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stew-Magnuson/e/B001JSA160/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1" target="_blank">CLICKING HERE</a>, or in bookstores and museum gift shops along the road including: Museum of the Plains, Perryton; Gageby Store, Canadian; Olde Town Mall, Shamrock; Pioneer West Museum, Shamrock; The Book Nook, Hamlin; Cactus Books, San Angelo; Frontier Texas; Abilene; Texas Star Trading, Abilene; The Crossing Travel Market, Winters; and Getty Street Marketplace, Uvalde.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The Twig in San Antonio and BookPeople in Austin.</span></div>
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</style>Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-71776329630036273132017-10-13T11:14:00.000-07:002017-10-16T08:40:23.960-07:00Highway 83 Expert Magnuson Embarks on Texas Book Tour<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoigDCt3kO2dEOvZAeq-PgSBAHnakMgc_20lvWvfJ3FeE_hu3qbqIc49YKY4qLUwvALMPXdJug6HRHxOXfrQD7iuei6eB15Z_mD_sYfzP1qajj-Z6ay9wee4uiYxtnJ4sjO0xh_ha50M/s1600/coverTexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="910" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoigDCt3kO2dEOvZAeq-PgSBAHnakMgc_20lvWvfJ3FeE_hu3qbqIc49YKY4qLUwvALMPXdJug6HRHxOXfrQD7iuei6eB15Z_mD_sYfzP1qajj-Z6ay9wee4uiYxtnJ4sjO0xh_ha50M/s400/coverTexas.jpg" width="262" /></a><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Stew Magnuson, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stew-Magnuson/e/B001JSA160/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1" target="_blank">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83 in Texas</a>, will be loading up a car with a trunk
full of books, and a digital projector to embark on a barnstorming book tour of the communities
found along what was once called the Great Plains Highway. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The journey begins at the top of Texas in the panhandle
Sunday, Oct. 21 and ends 450 miles later at the foot of Hill Country in
Junction on Oct. 27.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“A book is never truly finished until I have a chance to
present it to the communities in which it took place. I’m really excited to
talk about the joys of traveling Highway 83 in these small towns I have grown
to love,” Magnuson says.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">His multi-media lecture draws upon his extensive collection
of historic and present day photos of life along the road, which extends more
than 2,000 miles from Canada to Mexico.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Attendees will be amazed by how much there is to see and do
on Highway 83 in Texas, and beyond.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The tour dates are:</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Saturday,
Oct. 21</span>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">West
Texas Trails Meeting</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(registration
required)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Snyder,
Texas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sunday,
Oct. 22</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fall
Foliage Festival (signing only)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Canadian,
Texas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">11
a.m. to 4 p.m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Monday.
Oct. 23</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Perry
Memorial Library</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Perryton,
Texas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Noon</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tuesday,
Oct. 24</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Collingsworth
County Public Library</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wellington,
Texas </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">7
p.m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wednesday,
Oct. 25</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Anson
Public Library</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Noon</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hardin-Simmons
University Campus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Skiles
Building, Room 131</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Abilene,
Texas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">8
p.m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thursday,
Oct. 26</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Carnegie Library of Ballinger</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ballinger, Texas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Noon</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Menard
Public Library</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">6
p.m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<b>Friday, Oct. 27</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kimble
County Library</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Junction,
Texas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Noon</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Award-winning
author Magnuson set out in 2009 to chronicle the past and present along this
historically rich highway, traveling its length over the course of a two trips.
Over the past eight years, Magnuson has carved out a place as the foremost
expert on the fifth longest federal highway. He founded and administers the
Fans of Route 83 — The Great Plains Highway page on Facebook, which now has
more than 3,600 members. His usroute83.com website serves as a place for travel
tips for those who want to explore the road. He writes the Highway 83
Chronicles blog about current events.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He
successfully published two previous books about the road, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83:
The Dakotas</i> and; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American
Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma</i>.
He has appeared on South Dakota Public Television and Nebraska Public
Television, and done dozens of book talks and radio spots extolling the
pleasures of traveling what was once called the Great Plains Highway.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Magnuson
is also the author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Death of
Raymond Yellow Thunder: And Other True Stories from the Nebraska-Pine Ridge
Border Towns</i>. Published by Texas Tech University Press, it was named the
2009 Nebraska Nonfiction book of the year, a finalist for the Center of Great
Plains Studies book of the year, and was recently named one of the Nebraska’s
150 most important literary works to mark the state’s sesquicentennial this
year. He also penned <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wounded Knee 1973:
Still Bleeding</i>, a brief account of the Wounded Knee occupation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="textexposedshow"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/" target="_blank">Join the Fans of U.S. Route 83 Facebook page HERE.</a></span></span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: 27.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgK206J3CCOjHlzpEbWUWfhVZQi5zf2UhTc5jZb08K04EPgsRtuHs42wOBHJcVi_Xfq4Yzspvxv9b66NA9N7AXrF0Ru7ug0eu5JVbt0tiLxfiCdJxy2IVkJQPcG5CBL83hAEEyJtau9Bk/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="914" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgK206J3CCOjHlzpEbWUWfhVZQi5zf2UhTc5jZb08K04EPgsRtuHs42wOBHJcVi_Xfq4Yzspvxv9b66NA9N7AXrF0Ru7ug0eu5JVbt0tiLxfiCdJxy2IVkJQPcG5CBL83hAEEyJtau9Bk/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Stew
Magnuson is the author of the Highway 83 Chronicles, a series of three
books about history and life found along U.S. Route 83. The final book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299630/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83 in Texas</i> </a>was released in March 2017 and follows<i> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0985299622&pd_rd_r=ME1MXZ5NDV5NCSY88G1Z&pd_rd_w=sG6J3&pd_rd_wg=LJGUH&psc=1&refRID=ME1MXZ5NDV5NCSY88G1Z" target="_blank">The Last American Highway: The Dakotas</a></i>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1505586496&pd_rd_r=S3WB55QBV2D7EXX6MA36&pd_rd_w=0X69Y&pd_rd_wg=XVyUF&psc=1&refRID=S3WB55QBV2D7EXX6MA36" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma</i></a>, edition.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stew-Magnuson/e/B001JSA160/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1" target="_blank">All three are available ONLINE</a> or in bookstores and gift shops along Highway 83.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For signed copies or retail opportunities contact him <a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><br />
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<br /></div>
Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-5149241623207379962017-07-24T13:25:00.001-07:002017-08-31T13:08:19.239-07:00Highway 83 Town of Stapleton, Nebraska to Have its Day in the Sun<style>
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<a href="mailto:Stewmag@yahaoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">By Stew Magnuson</span></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:Stewmag@yahaoo.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwVEL_VnxJRLNtTr7n6hBbPFUmeZWn5Yqf2Zo_kaCeQo2_dfM6cCvMf5whdszm8buVGJn0yuZ3-wIfCBRa17ZwO1aAw73LDxi5oz17FS5DLDTK1yH_JFvB_N4IKtBVh2MbBE4cRUU3vg/s400/IMG_1134.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:Stewmag@yahaoo.com" target="_blank">Photo: By Stew Magnuson</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">To say that Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 will be the biggest day in
the history of the Highway 83 town of Stapleton, Nebraska, may be an
understatement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">That will be the day when it will be one of the Top 10 best
spots in the nation to see the Great American Solar Eclipse.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Estimates of the numbers of folks who will flock to this
town of 299 souls range anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000, but the truth is, no one
really knows how many to expect.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Stapleton is what I consider my second hometown. My father
and uncle were raised there and I spent many summers and holidays visiting my
grandparents, who were lifelong residents. The VFW Post is named after my
cousin, Staff Sgt. Edwin L. Magnuson, who died fighting in Italy in World War
II.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Its previous claim to fame was being profiled as a typical
small town” in the Jan. 2, 1971 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New
Yorker</i>, in an article title “A Peaceable Town.” I devoted a chapter to Stapleton in my book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1505586496&pd_rd_r=S3WB55QBV2D7EXX6MA36&pd_rd_w=0X69Y&pd_rd_wg=XVyUF&psc=1&refRID=S3WB55QBV2D7EXX6MA36" target="_blank">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83; Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma</a>.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Now the spotlight will be on this quiet village again. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqr0hOrdC1WJCWuz4NM3E4y3pJtspix4YGrxKOEb_1Ms2EfhDBNqWavNh_MC6rrLfJlIPwSNlvPpfEWJ2By4Kq32-7hFLxNbIVlS-lRzwoOsjkS_ZwTvYFTFrTidgJJHnZA6dsgH-CUtI/s1600/The+Aug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="459" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqr0hOrdC1WJCWuz4NM3E4y3pJtspix4YGrxKOEb_1Ms2EfhDBNqWavNh_MC6rrLfJlIPwSNlvPpfEWJ2By4Kq32-7hFLxNbIVlS-lRzwoOsjkS_ZwTvYFTFrTidgJJHnZA6dsgH-CUtI/s320/The+Aug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Town leaders have known about the eclipse for years, and at
first were promoting it with banners on light poles and thinking up
fund-raising opportunities. A local expert and eclipse fanatic was brought in
to brief them on the type of crowds to expect. They moved the annual county
fair and rodeo to the Saturday and Sunday prior to the eclipse as visitors from
around the world were expected to come in advance (See schedule below). There
will be TV crews from as far away as Poland there to report the event live.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The fairgrounds and local golf course will be charging a
small fee to those who want a good spot to watch. Excitement for the prospects
of Stapleton’s “day in the sun” is turning into apprehension. The eclipse has
so far garnered little attention in national media, but the hype machine will
soon be ramping up as the day grows closer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Stapleton has one gas station/convenience store and one
small co-op grocery store and one restaurant — no motels.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">As my cousin recently told me, every inch of the town is
spoken for when it comes to accommodations. I for one will be pitching a tent
in a cousin’s yard the evening before. On any other night, I could show up
unannounced and have a place to stay. Not on Aug. 20 though! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Those who plan on traveling to Stapleton should come with a
full tank of gas, food, water and sunscreen to last the day. Make sure you have
IPO certified glasses to view the eclipse. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyoBLXtBNz0C0xt8yU2xPWRnLfHxsfhjRy64SKNeizUjjfQAgJPJzuir9kaKGKCMEx31raGpqbqPfoGWnxeXWhMT2iTiKbdk4VY2nqxlWwzYCEv9hna9GpqEK2LiPoVyCtwgOUV16lKQ/s1600/IMG_0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyoBLXtBNz0C0xt8yU2xPWRnLfHxsfhjRy64SKNeizUjjfQAgJPJzuir9kaKGKCMEx31raGpqbqPfoGWnxeXWhMT2iTiKbdk4VY2nqxlWwzYCEv9hna9GpqEK2LiPoVyCtwgOUV16lKQ/s200/IMG_0400.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Travelers should plan on getting there in plenty of time. One
can envision traffic jams on Highway 83. Those who don’t make it in time will
probably just pull over to watch, which might exacerbate the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I know the people of Stapleton have been working hard to for
several years to accommodate the huge influx of visitors expected. But they can
only do so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Visitors should come prepared. It would be great if they can
spend a little money to help the town defray its costs — buy a t-shirt, a
grilled hamburger, watch the eclipse from inside the fairgrounds, etc., but
keep in mind that there are no Wal-Marts, Walgreens or 7-11s around. Those are
30 miles to the south in North Platte.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Respect private property and don’t trespass. Dispose of
cigarette butts properly. It’s a dry country. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">All that being said, it should be worth the trip and the
advanced planning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For many, this will serve as an introduction to traveling on
beautiful Highway 83 in Nebraska and the alluring and stunning Sand Hills.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A total solar eclipse is said to be a near spiritual event
and for most — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Experiencing it in the wide-open
Sand Hills will be amazing.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><span class="4n-jfbreactioncomponenteventdetailscontenttagsfsl"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Friday August 18</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">
<span class="4n-jfbreactioncomponenteventdetailscontenttagsfsl">Noon - Craft Fair
and Flea Market</span><br />
<span class="4n-jfbreactioncomponenteventdetailscontenttagsfsl">7:30pm - Logan
County Rodeo: $15/Adults, $5/Ages 6 - 11</span><br /><b>
<span class="4n-jfbreactioncomponenteventdetailscontenttagsfsl">Saturday August
19</span></b><br />
<span class="4n-jfbreactioncomponenteventdetailscontenttagsfsl">7:30am - 5K
Eclipse Run/Walk: $25/person</span><br />
<span class="4n-jfbreactioncomponenteventdetailscontenttagsfsl">8:00am - 11:00am
- Pork Breakfast at the Fairgrounds</span><br />
<span class="4n-jfbreactioncomponenteventdetailscontenttagsfsl">10am - 6pm -
Craft Fair and Flea Market</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Entertainment throughout the day: For young and old
alike, games and activities for kids</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">2pm - Parade in downtown Stapleton</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Food Vendors - On site throughout the day</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">6pm - Mutton Bustin' and Chicken Scramble for kids
ages 3-15 at the Fairgrounds</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">7:30pm - Logan County Rodeo: $15/Adults, $5/Ages
6-11</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">8:00pm - 1:00am - Street dance and beer garden in
downtown Stapleton, $10/person</span><br /><b>
<span class="textexposedshow">Sunday August 20</span></b><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">9am - non-denomination church service at the
fairgrounds</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">10am - 5pm - Craft fair and flea market</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Noon - Working Ranch Rodeo at the Fairgrounds:
$3/person</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Food Vendors - On site throughout the day</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Sundown (approximately 8:30) - Eclipse Presentation
by Derryl Barr</span><br /><b>
<span class="textexposedshow">Monday August 21</span></b><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Eclipse viewing at the Logan County Fairgrounds!
$10/person, ages 5 and under free. Includes viewing glasses, water bottle and
entry into the "After the Eclipse" Bash.</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Craft fair and flea market, food vendors on site
throughout the day.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="textexposedshow"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/" target="_blank">Join the Fans of U.S. Route 83 Facebook page HERE.</a> </span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmFXCJ6VjACJfRLgLW3MPbGRH9WFPU9UBP96O6zSfsGPoxQ2GOe22JyiT0yJNUBeEXfmHX2TUXaPO3NVx2SnVGUZLnY6rROC1_zyikW3Zjg4Iw3xHmdrpiWnwPGYBwH3QVMZqX4FlTeE/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="914" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmFXCJ6VjACJfRLgLW3MPbGRH9WFPU9UBP96O6zSfsGPoxQ2GOe22JyiT0yJNUBeEXfmHX2TUXaPO3NVx2SnVGUZLnY6rROC1_zyikW3Zjg4Iw3xHmdrpiWnwPGYBwH3QVMZqX4FlTeE/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Stew
Magnuson is the author of the Highway 83 Chronicles, a series of three
books about history and life found along U.S. Route 83. The final book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299630/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83 in Texas</i> </a>was released in March 2017 and follows<i> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0985299622&pd_rd_r=ME1MXZ5NDV5NCSY88G1Z&pd_rd_w=sG6J3&pd_rd_wg=LJGUH&psc=1&refRID=ME1MXZ5NDV5NCSY88G1Z" target="_blank">The Last American Highway: The Dakotas</a></i>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1505586496&pd_rd_r=S3WB55QBV2D7EXX6MA36&pd_rd_w=0X69Y&pd_rd_wg=XVyUF&psc=1&refRID=S3WB55QBV2D7EXX6MA36" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma</i></a>, edition.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stew-Magnuson/e/B001JSA160/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1" target="_blank">All three are available ONLINE</a> or in bookstores and gift shops along Highway 83.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For signed copies or retail opportunities contact him <a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><br />
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<br /></div>
Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-4959796678332955942017-06-29T06:45:00.001-07:002017-10-17T07:56:30.138-07:00Costner, Brando and Tom Hanks: A Cinematic History of U.S. Highway 83<style>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEqm-wxXJfmdZJbbv8wYvFR_sChkM06xH4NbNOwchdp7abscX0zwx46m_HeJx7LJ0srRKAdC2DGfvqe0xwINPxAHrYm22-y8g6qOtOJnBwU3PRXb0YEeKgpkhR7QwQoVrarHYERXsjFk/s1600/34a5d72a9c3503e9168483245762e167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="458" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEqm-wxXJfmdZJbbv8wYvFR_sChkM06xH4NbNOwchdp7abscX0zwx46m_HeJx7LJ0srRKAdC2DGfvqe0xwINPxAHrYm22-y8g6qOtOJnBwU3PRXb0YEeKgpkhR7QwQoVrarHYERXsjFk/s320/34a5d72a9c3503e9168483245762e167.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthony Quinn and Marlon Brando</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">By STEW MAGNUSON </a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">U.S.
Highway 83 — cutting right down the middle of the nation and traveling </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1,885 miles </span>from the Canadian border all the way to Mexico — might seem as far
away from Hollywood as it gets. The
movie industry has come to Highway 83, though. Marlon Brando, Anthony Quinn,
Kevin Costner, Tom Hanks and Dianne Wiest — all Academy Award winning actors —
are among those who have filmed movies in the communities or lands along the
Last American Highway.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here
is a cinematic history of U.S. Route 83.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dances With Wolves</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. The most honored movie to
be filmed near Highway 83 is undoubtedly 1990’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dances With Wolves</i>, the first Western to win the Academy Award for
best picture since 1931. One buffalo hunting scene as well as the Fort
Sedgewick scenes were filmed at the Triple U Buffalo Ranch near the Fort Pierre
National Grasslands. </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Those
were the days before computer generated imagery took over and the
buffalo hunting scene was reportedly one of the hardest to pull off, according
to a June 14, 2014 article in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Capital
Journal</i>, which looked back at the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the film.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Several
extras and experts in the Lakota language were recruited to work on the film
from the Rosebud Reservation, which also sits on Highway 83. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dances with Wolves</i> introduced filmmakers
to the beauty of prairies and blue skies that go as far as the eye can see,”
the article said.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCX6zv2lB6tdW_BDig9dADsQg4kYMu54YD8_IERJAduIwXEHi4xTheTUFDJOusyYv5WX5Gu0_K5zMQvY0hB29HEu57iNiO-zfSkYhrO1gdqwvhZPHiro2PKlM-kATDlzf5V-3qyOplto/s1600/CaseyTibbs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCX6zv2lB6tdW_BDig9dADsQg4kYMu54YD8_IERJAduIwXEHi4xTheTUFDJOusyYv5WX5Gu0_K5zMQvY0hB29HEu57iNiO-zfSkYhrO1gdqwvhZPHiro2PKlM-kATDlzf5V-3qyOplto/s200/CaseyTibbs1.jpg" width="154" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casey Tibbs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Born to Buck.</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> In 1967, rodeo superstar turned
Hollywood actor and stuntman Casey Tibbs needed to move a herd of
horses off a nearby Indian reservation. He hit on the idea to make a documentary
about the trail drive. He wanted to show audiences raised on phony TV westerns
the “real West,” while using the beautiful South Dakota prairie as a backdrop.
Tibbs was well known in Hollywood (He dated actress Katherine Ross for two
years), but couldn’t secure funding. Using his own money he hired a film crew to follow a trail drive, according to the
biography <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Casey Tibbs: Born to Ride</i>
by Rusty Richards. He had his pal Henry Fonda provide the narration. Tibbs doubled
for Fonda and appeared with him in the move <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Rounders</i>. The trail drive ended with a rodeo sequence in Fort Pierre. The
independent film did quite well financially and is still available today on
DVD. The Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center in Fort Pierre is celebrating the 50<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of its release this year. A documentary about Tibbs’ life, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Floating Horses</i>, is currently making the rounds at film festivals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPurhFxKyKEaXV0BZYD2hWoBoB4W04411GtXjnE-caycCoRIoDy-Was09NGAbajhK_LzmnCi1pPn92Jn46qw1nFqw8lneKbU7IDLK-LZEnJIhbF5Aq28naI5N6T1WYPJPFTsYo8LCpWM/s1600/Independence_day_1983_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPurhFxKyKEaXV0BZYD2hWoBoB4W04411GtXjnE-caycCoRIoDy-Was09NGAbajhK_LzmnCi1pPn92Jn46qw1nFqw8lneKbU7IDLK-LZEnJIhbF5Aq28naI5N6T1WYPJPFTsYo8LCpWM/s320/Independence_day_1983_poster.jpg" width="210" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Independence Day.</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Don’t confuse this movie
filmed in Anson, Texas, in 1983 with the 1996 alien invasion blockbuster.
It is instead a little remembered gem from the 1980s with a cast of actors who
would go on to great careers. Anson stands in for an Arizona town. The movie is
a realistic study of small town life that avoids Hollywood stereotypes about
those who choose to live their lives in such communities. Its characters ring
true. Look quick for the Highway 83 sign in the opening credits. Several scenes were
filmed on the road or along it. Anson’s charming town square is in several scenes
and one of the main characters lives in an apartment overlooking the highway. Dianne
Wiest would soon star in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hannah and Her
Sisters</i>, for which she won an Oscar. She was overlooked in this role as a
battered housewife. For years, this movie was only available on VHS, but last
year it was rereleased on DVD. Worth seeking out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span>
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvA3lLXE_MzbqPzQ8ereq8dMYi4YFTSSe5nR6QwXUuGl9URz7jp_PS2pBRzz7kqNa1QKyMnbH-6PA2gOiTGr0_KdSTcZhWL-F14wVwlEZd5aAWf19AElgsVP7KHnu9Ip0qovmdtlE1o0/s1600/coverTexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="910" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvA3lLXE_MzbqPzQ8ereq8dMYi4YFTSSe5nR6QwXUuGl9URz7jp_PS2pBRzz7kqNa1QKyMnbH-6PA2gOiTGr0_KdSTcZhWL-F14wVwlEZd5aAWf19AElgsVP7KHnu9Ip0qovmdtlE1o0/s400/coverTexas.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299630/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">TO ORDER CLICK HERE!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Viva Zapata!</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Legendary filmmaker Elia
Kazan knew he was up against the clock. He had the money to make a movie about
the Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, but had to get it done before the studio bosses changed their minds. This was 1952 and the McCarthy Era when movies
about socialist revolutionaries were frowned upon, especially in Mexico, which
wouldn’t let him film there. But he discovered Roma, Texas, where the historic
19<sup>th</sup> century buildings by the Rio Grande provided the perfect backdrop. He signed
Marlon Brando to play the title character. Brando was little known to movie
audiences, but during production the film version of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Streetcar Named Desire</i> came out, and he would soon be a star.
Co-star Anthony Quinn — playing Zapata’s brother — was the only major cast member
who had Mexican roots. </span>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
cast stayed in a hotel in Mission, Texas, and had to travel in an unconditioned
station wagon to Roma on Highway 83 every day in full costume and makeup. The
trip on 83 was even longer for two scenes filmed near another 83 town, San
Ygnacio. Quinn would win a best supporting actor Oscar for his performance.
Brando and screenwriter John Steinbeck were nominated. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cast Away</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. Highway 83 was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">portrayed</i> in the 2000 movie starring Tom
Hanks. How did Highway 83 end up in a movie about a FedEx executive stranded in
the middle of the Pacific? SPOILER ALERT! He gets off the island. (It’s a
17-year-old movie, don’t get mad at me!) At the end of the film
he reaches a real and figurative crossroads in the Texas panhandle. The mystery
woman he meets on a lonely stretch of highway identifies the road as 83 and
says if he heads north, there’s a “whole lot of nothing.’” Obviously I disagree
with that statement. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
that’s not actually Highway 83. In the background, viewers can clearly see
Texas Farm-to-Market signs, not federal Highway 83 signs. However, the scene
was filmed in Hemphill County at the intersection of FMs 48 and 1268. Interestingly, the first book ever written
about Highway 83 was by photographer</span>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Maarten Laupman and writer Rob Daniels</span>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">from The Netherlands. They took that
phrase and named their book, “A Whole Lot of Nothin.” <a href="http://ushighway83.blogspot.com/2013/07/q-with-dutch-photographer-maarten.html" target="_blank">Link to an article about the book HERE.</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomADDXieaKQPf0kCZwQyI-3jVPnd8d9u2Em4EGdjWQXF1nhrx-AvksWpeUlHeALNDeoCuXVEWDLcmuSnYHKtzwMhY242Dw8wVdX9TDcxbZ_ZnlN-Rk4PV7bzxIGo3ajKG7sHKPy5i-H4/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="914" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomADDXieaKQPf0kCZwQyI-3jVPnd8d9u2Em4EGdjWQXF1nhrx-AvksWpeUlHeALNDeoCuXVEWDLcmuSnYHKtzwMhY242Dw8wVdX9TDcxbZ_ZnlN-Rk4PV7bzxIGo3ajKG7sHKPy5i-H4/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
Some famous film actors who hail from towns along Highway 83 include: Matthew
McConaughey and Dale Evans, both born in Uvalde, Texas. Singer/actor Kris
Kristofferson was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. And if you saw the recent animated movie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cars 3</i>, you heard the voice of Cristela
Alonzo portraying Cruz Ramirez. She is from a small town near Highway 83 in the
Lower Rio Grande Valley, Hidalgo. Josh Duhamel, known for the Transformers movies, was born and raised in Minot, N.D.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSI9bkda_ymw4uMGzi4PlajNSk9TZhqgm26i31iQF6OsfP1hyhHjojErXxlUKydDnaspcQiK0PBuePNXGqX0iSguwFnnQuoJnVRaKQYmwryfz0xJXyCIK-mh7iuyf7kTVaKSlP-5DfIrA/s1600/DakotasBookcover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="590" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSI9bkda_ymw4uMGzi4PlajNSk9TZhqgm26i31iQF6OsfP1hyhHjojErXxlUKydDnaspcQiK0PBuePNXGqX0iSguwFnnQuoJnVRaKQYmwryfz0xJXyCIK-mh7iuyf7kTVaKSlP-5DfIrA/s320/DakotasBookcover.JPG" width="209" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Stew
Magnuson is the author of the Highway 83 Chronicles, a series of three
books about history and life found along U.S. Route 83. The final book, <i>The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83 in Texas</i> was released in March 2017 and follows<i> The Last American Highway: The Dakotas</i>, and <i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma</i>, edition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stew-Magnuson/e/B001JSA160/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1" target="_blank">All three are available ONLINE</a> or in bookstores and gift shops along Highway 83.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For signed copies or retail opportunities contact him <a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-64079004257427502982017-04-06T06:24:00.005-07:002017-04-06T06:24:52.214-07:00Life and Death on Highway 83
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MpKhApXImI8RgaclrcUG-KP_2v9Sa8x0z-D_BKnl8JfS1ayaa6Ih48RtJ3Q71vu7aO7b-wKvdFD5muFve3SKVHwXU2wn2YVMImeVHkzyFqZ4A7TDZgVhLbjsFZHtAoQ1d6A_AjdyqJw/s1600/memorial83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MpKhApXImI8RgaclrcUG-KP_2v9Sa8x0z-D_BKnl8JfS1ayaa6Ih48RtJ3Q71vu7aO7b-wKvdFD5muFve3SKVHwXU2wn2YVMImeVHkzyFqZ4A7TDZgVhLbjsFZHtAoQ1d6A_AjdyqJw/s400/memorial83.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roadside memorial on Highway 83, Seward County, Kansas</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">By STEW MAGNUSON</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
not uncommon to be driving along Highway 83 and to spot a roadside memorial
with plastic flowers — and perhaps a wreath — marking where a deadly accident
took place. </span>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Friends
and families place these memorials at the last place on Earth where their loved
ones were alive. In South Dakota, the state places permanent “Think” signs at
these spots when driving while under the influence, or without a seatbelt, are
involved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On
my travels, I have sometimes pulled over to take pictures of these memorials,
shaken off the prairie dust, put that vases upright and wondered about what
happened there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">While
I love Highway 83, these roadside markers are a constant reminder that it is a
place of heartbreak for some.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have kicked around the idea for this column for eight years, but never gotten
around to writing it. I decided that it was time. That’s because Highway 83
made national news the other week, and for all the wrong reasons. Thirteen
people lost their lives when a truck slammed into a van driving home elderly
members of a church in Texas’ Hill Country. It is alleged that the driver of
the truck was texting at the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
week before, some poor soul on the road between Anson, Texas, and Abilene
decided that life was no longer worth living. He got out of his car and walked
into a semi in an apparent suicide.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Since
I have the search terms “Highway 83” set on Google, I see all of these
tragedies on this road in my news feed. There are sadly, too many to mention in
this column.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
someone who has kept tabs on this over the years, I urge everyone to be
especially careful on Highway 83 from Interstate 70 on south through Garden
City and Liberal. Locals have been asking lawmakers in Topeka for years to
improve this dangerous stretch of road. But their pleas have fallen on deaf
ears. The number of 18-wheelers and cars on this hazardous stretch is growing
and it’s a crying shame nothing has been done about it.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7K1aliqBYHp8P5ymW200HEvI0K-k5MquxivTv6WSQzt3FEOhgOle01NUVeMp5tvOIxdx74R17RMJzvdOn0Pyx2ciHIvuzKUiMUoAdnpGvLpp6rHjgpmFfnlYADwChgtA39wsewmbIU9w/s1600/think.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7K1aliqBYHp8P5ymW200HEvI0K-k5MquxivTv6WSQzt3FEOhgOle01NUVeMp5tvOIxdx74R17RMJzvdOn0Pyx2ciHIvuzKUiMUoAdnpGvLpp6rHjgpmFfnlYADwChgtA39wsewmbIU9w/s320/think.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hughes County, South Dakota</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Highway
83 from Laredo south to where the expressway begins near Mission was also once
notorious, but I was glad to see that improvements were being made to the road
the last time I passed through in December 2015.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Making
a road wider isn’t always a guarantee that it will be safer, though. I was in
the emergency room at a hospital in Bismarck (for a non-life threatening case
of poison ivy, not an accident). The ER nurse, after hearing about my project,
told me that they saw a lot of car-wreck survivors from the four-lane section
of Highway 83 that runs from Minot to Bismarck. That surprised me. The fact
that drivers are allowed make left turns onto side roads was the culprit, she
said. They go to make a turn and don’t see or misjudge oncoming traffic. They
lucky ones make it to her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tragedy
struck my extended family as well when a cousin driving under the influence of
prescription painkillers on Highway 83 north of North Platte wrecked the car,
killing her daughter and causing severe injury to her granddaughter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Depressing.
But Highway 83 is no different in these regards than any other road. Last year
marked the highest death toll recorded on America’s roads in more than a decade
with about 40,000 losing their lives in accidents. Overlooked are those who
suffered serious injuries in car accidents: 4.6 million over the course of 12
months, according to the National Safety Council.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
I see other stories in my newsfeed. Some are more heartening. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
first was September 22, 2009, when Jennie Goodwin was rushing to the hospital
in Minot with her birth coach behind the wheel, according to the Minot Daily
News. Her daughter Mollie made her appearance on Highway 83. The official birth
took place in the hospital parking lot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
pregnant Sheila Nobles was traveling with family from Orange, Texas, to North
Platte. Nebraska on December 2, 2010, but had the OK from her doctor to make
the trip because her due date was still a ways off, according to the North
Platte Telegraph. She started having abdominal cramps when they crossed the
Nebraska border. By the time they reached Prairie Mart south of North Platte,
the pain became unbearable and her mother pulled over. While in the restroom,
Sheila became incapacitated. Her mother got the key from the store manager and entered
in time to catch the baby falling out. She named the girl Isabella. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lynda
Oldenkamp approached me after I gave a presentation about Highway 83 in Sioux
Falls, South Dakota. She was born on Highway 83 in 1948.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
later emailed me details of the story: “</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I was born in the
back seat of an uncle’s car on December 20, 1948 on the way from Murdo to the
Pierre hospital. My folks’ car was broken down so they had planned to use
my uncle’s car when it was time to get to the hospital in Pierre. </span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“It was Saturday night when I decided
to start the labor pains, and my dad had to go find my uncle who had gone out
for the night with his car so that delayed their start to Pierre. They/we
didn’t make it and had to stop about 18 miles south of Pierre on the
older/original road for the delivery.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">And that is life and death on Highway 83.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WAoeKTTwPNo5cGmcZ7dIFIrw0AI-CDOo9LFmlo01wA0HPWNuNMQpyz4ZYz5W5RRAJrMET0Dxn6btnjATlXRC0rRzrDocGLQHQTYe0IoobcTBHhNSl9biSeF3XlR_KQ2g8-Z8XyRa8ME/s1600/coverTexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WAoeKTTwPNo5cGmcZ7dIFIrw0AI-CDOo9LFmlo01wA0HPWNuNMQpyz4ZYz5W5RRAJrMET0Dxn6btnjATlXRC0rRzrDocGLQHQTYe0IoobcTBHhNSl9biSeF3XlR_KQ2g8-Z8XyRa8ME/s320/coverTexas.jpg" width="210" /></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Stew Magnuson is the author of the Highway 83 Chronicles, a series of three books about history and life found along U.S. Route 83. The final book, <i>The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83 in Texas</i> was released in March 2017 and follows<i> The Last American Highway: The Dakotas</i>, and <i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma</i>, edition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stew-Magnuson/e/B001JSA160/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1" target="_blank">All three are available ONLINE</a> or in bookstores and gift shops along Highway 83.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For signed copies or retail opportunities contact him <a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-33226316916598082832017-03-30T12:38:00.005-07:002017-04-10T07:17:43.300-07:00Highway 83 In Texas Book Now Available<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-Fq0NgruqS66R1PXe_NE4FvXGjP2GJqW_b-mMONG016bw2MgsJL4sK5knRtd1DTgv9rzRIWd2AGkeWM_N2JTOUXMhFGLdlNEdQBMzSOpk6hoZWvzM1jDpFyWmkSgMzkiRwgHRhazJak/s1600/coverTexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-Fq0NgruqS66R1PXe_NE4FvXGjP2GJqW_b-mMONG016bw2MgsJL4sK5knRtd1DTgv9rzRIWd2AGkeWM_N2JTOUXMhFGLdlNEdQBMzSOpk6hoZWvzM1jDpFyWmkSgMzkiRwgHRhazJak/s640/coverTexas.jpg" width="419" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">U.S.
Route 83 is like no other highway in Texas. It extends from its northernmost
border at Oklahoma, passes through the ranchlands and oil patches of the
Panhandle, hits a big speed bump in Hill Country, then follows the Rio Grande
Valley all the way to Brownsville. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Award-winning
author Stew Magnuson set out in 2009 to chronicle the past and present along
this historically rich highway, traveling its length in May 2010 with the idea
to publish a book about what he discovered. Like Highway 83 itself, it was a
long road that took nearly eight years, but it ended on March 27 with the
publication of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway:
A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83 in Texas.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Magnuson
calls <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway in Texas</i>
a hybrid history-travel book. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Every
town has a story to tell,” he says. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
massacre in Menard marked the beginning of the end for the Spanish Empire in
America. Wellington is where the notorious criminals Bonnie and Clyde sent
their car careening into the Red River. On a ranch just east of Brownsville,
Ranger “Rip” Ford led the charge at the final battle of the Civil War.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Magnuson
uncovers the stories of the famous, the infamous and the forgotten as he
explores a road like no other in America.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299630/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">The Last American Highway in Texas</a> is
available on Amazon.com and bookstores and gift shops along the highway.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Over
the past eight years, Magnuson has carved out a place as the foremost expert on
the fifth longest federal highway that runs 1,885 miles from the Canadian
border to Mexico. He founded and administers the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/" target="_blank">Fans of U.S. Route 83 page on Facebook</a>, which now has more than 3,300 members. His <a href="http://usroute83.com/">usroute83.com</a> website
serves as a place for travel tips for those who want to explore the road. He writes
the Highway 83 Chronicles blog about current events.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxV7xT7ci16XuJolz_l0hbo_gDeupKLutwVBWXn2zsWxgCAhP6QF8cx11QbYSLC4nxnjcTq5LflENUPDGztsdxheK3uGQHht0BB5C45SAMjP8z9N9isU1b5M0i3BjZ3v13ZXJmYsa7pcQ/s1600/39f80aeba26713431dde71684823d04e_nw59_gbjf.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxV7xT7ci16XuJolz_l0hbo_gDeupKLutwVBWXn2zsWxgCAhP6QF8cx11QbYSLC4nxnjcTq5LflENUPDGztsdxheK3uGQHht0BB5C45SAMjP8z9N9isU1b5M0i3BjZ3v13ZXJmYsa7pcQ/s320/39f80aeba26713431dde71684823d04e_nw59_gbjf.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
successfully published two previous books about the road, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83:The Dakotas</i></a> and; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma</i></a>.
He has appeared on South Dakota Public Television and Nebraska Public
Television, and done dozens of book talks and radio spots extolling the
pleasures of traveling what was once called the Great Plains Highway.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Magnuson
is also the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Death-Raymond-Yellow-Thunder-Nebraska%C2%96Pine/dp/0896727181/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">The Death of Raymond Yellow Thunder: And Other True Stories from the Nebraska-Pine Ridge Border Towns.</a> Published by Texas Tech University Press, it was named the
2009 Nebraska Nonfiction book of the year, a finalist for the Center of Great
Plains Studies book of the year, and was recently named one of the Nebraska’s
150 most important literary works to mark the state’s sesquicentennial this
year. He also penned <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wounded-Knee-1973-Bleeding-American/dp/0985299614/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wounded Knee 1973: Still Bleeding</i></a>, a brief account of the Wounded Knee occupation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i>The Last American Highway in Texas</i> is also sold at: Prairie Pages, Pierre, SD; PLains Trading Co., Valentine, NE; Kimber's Convenience Store, Stapleton, NE; A to Z Books, North Platte, NE; Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, Oakley, KS; Keystone Gallery, Scott City, KS; El Quartelejo Museum, Scott City, KS; Finney County Historical Museum, Garden City, KS; Museum of the Plains, Perryton, Texas; Gageby Country Store, Canadian, Texas; Texas Star Trading, Abilene, Texas and Frontier Texas! in Abilene. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">For signed copies or retail opportunities, <a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">Email Stew Magnuson HERE.</a> </span></span></div>
Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-70750691543045536452016-10-26T07:10:00.000-07:002016-11-07T06:31:18.899-08:00Proposed Sand Hills Wind Turbines Pose Threat to Endangered Cranes<style>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"></a><a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">By STEW MAGNUSON</a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEljkylsDtIkwnBomc-x4eiJFflB_altK2pU91AE9Q5XG8ngSe48IGQs4wNN_HHCJcUwRqbmTN1T-x009N2hv-27x0r2Ysi3XL0RmzhsX1Kd_TpzhQAqpka865-xREGy2UIo1JAoH9hw/s1600/Whooping+Crane+pair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEljkylsDtIkwnBomc-x4eiJFflB_altK2pU91AE9Q5XG8ngSe48IGQs4wNN_HHCJcUwRqbmTN1T-x009N2hv-27x0r2Ysi3XL0RmzhsX1Kd_TpzhQAqpka865-xREGy2UIo1JAoH9hw/s400/Whooping+Crane+pair.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whooping cranes. Photo by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Who
in the Sand Hills hasn’t heard the otherworldly sound of a flock of cranes as
they slowly make their way south in the fall? Shading one’s eyes and looking
up, one can see the silhouettes of the Sandhill cranes as they use the thermal
drafts and southerly winds to migrate through Nebraska.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
may be a sight the people of Cherry, Thomas and Logan Counties will only be
able to tell their grandchildren about if the plan moves forward to populate
the region with wind turbines.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
careful reading of two government-funded reports on the effects of wind
turbines placed in the paths of North America’s two crane species—the sandhill
crane and the endangered whooping crane—spells out the possible fate of these
birds in the counties along Highway 83.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
first, a 2009 report produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, describes
the dangers to the delicate whooping crane population, which at last count in
February 2015 numbered only 442 wild birds. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“The principal known cause of loss [of
whooping cranes] during migration is collision with utility lines … Additional
power line construction throughout the principal migration corridor will
increase the potential for collision mortalities,” the report said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Based on the known threat of wind turbines
to other migratory birds, and to their large body size and low maneuverability,
it is reasonable to expect that whooping cranes could be killed by turbine
blades, given the number of existing and proposed wind turbines within the …
migration corridor,” the report said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Cranes fly at about 1,000 to 6,000 feet so
at first glance, there seems to be little risk for collision until one takes
into account the many different scenarios where mortality can occur: when they
are ascending and descending, when they occasionally fly at night, in poor weather
and when searching for wetlands to rest. (Wetlands are found throughout Cherry
County.) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Further, there was some evidence in the
2009 report that the birds may adjust to the existence of wind farms. In other
words, they will begin to fly miles out of the way to avoid the towers. They
then end up in stopover areas that they do not normally use. That puts them at
risk of exhaustion, predators and so on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The sandhill crane was used in this report
as a stand-in species because of the whooping cranes’ small numbers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Six years after this report, another
produced this year by the U.S. Geological Survey said there was further
research backing up this behavior.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKZy568wP5SWgiY12MWOv51RqcptVdfNajSP1pcrrpoZiee2Sh1_5L7mrWFM_PRUp23mRHoI5ZvIw0-XGlAinp6x09uHL8D1fmdGKnLUNsoGkN8imMjiLoyK1lz3HMtFbXsiYkzl-Kx4/s1600/windmillsMinot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKZy568wP5SWgiY12MWOv51RqcptVdfNajSP1pcrrpoZiee2Sh1_5L7mrWFM_PRUp23mRHoI5ZvIw0-XGlAinp6x09uHL8D1fmdGKnLUNsoGkN8imMjiLoyK1lz3HMtFbXsiYkzl-Kx4/s400/windmillsMinot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wind farm south of Minot, ND along Highway 83. By Stew Magnuson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
report, “<span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Wintering Sandhill Crane
exposure to wind energy development in the central and southern Great Plains,
USA,” at first glance seemed to be good news to windmill proponents, as it
found only a 6 percent overlap between the more common cranes and wind farms.
That is until you drilled down and got beyond the headline. The future is much less
certain.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Six years of research since the 2009 report found more evidence that
cranes may begin to take different paths miles out of their normal routes to
avoid turbine blades, the report said. This should be alarming to the people of
Kearney and Grand Island. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">UNL's Bureau of Business Research in a report this spring found that
the bird watchers who come to the Platte River valley to see the annual
migrations in spring and fall contribute $10.33 million yearly into the state’s
economy. One wonders how these legions of birders will feel about the State of
Nebraska when the first report of a flock of sandhill cranes is found dead
underneath a wind turbine — or even more horrifying, whooping cranes. Can
anyone claim it will never happen? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes six percent doesn’t seem like a lot, but
the Geological Survey report only studied existing wind farms. The placing of
windmills as far as the eye can see in the Sand Hills was not included in this
report.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“A
continuation of this seeming compatibility of wintering cranes and wind energy
development will depend upon the placement of future towers in locations not
highly preferred by cranes,” the </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">U.S. Geological
Survey report clearly </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">said. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here
are some other points from the 2009 Fish and Wildlife study.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Wind farms should not be built near
traditional whooping crane stopover locations, and should be placed as far away
from the centerline of the whooping crane migration corridor as feasible. Wind
farms should not be constructed in areas within a wetland mosaic suitable for
whooping cranes to use,” it stated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Let me spell it out for those who are not
from the area: Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I keep staring at the maps I’m finding
online that tracked GPS-banded whooping cranes and their migration routes and
wondering how these projects can go forward. And in Custer County? That’s even
closer to the paths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And here is something for those investing
in these projects to chew on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“If a whooping crane were to be killed by a
wind turbine, [Fish & Wildlife] could request that the wind farm cease
operations during all or portions of the spring and fall whooping crane
migration periods.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It continued: “Companies should factor in
the scenario of a possible required cessation of operations when selecting a
wind farm site.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The arguments I’ve heard from windmill
proponents that housecats kill millions of birds is irrelevant and sad.
Besides, I’d like to see the house cat that can take down North America’s
tallest birds. Unfortunately, cranes are no match for these windmill
monstrosities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The issue of wind farms in the Nebraska
Sand Hills has not yet gone beyond “Not in My Backyard,” or NIMBYism. But it’s
time that the citizens downstate and the millions of birders around the world
understand what may be in store for these magnificent creatures if these
projects go forward.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY2wbqZe6kxRJKmffhvvW3Ao2D2NK5dnuI2n1AknwJpzUL-ovDENtdLnzcxR4-zn_TRxi5D-JSZgvqSu65D7MWrrPVNZ2_TGl0eIqStHc1DJUZxhFzQPJAEJqhazeiTuRda_c6iJibEY/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY2wbqZe6kxRJKmffhvvW3Ao2D2NK5dnuI2n1AknwJpzUL-ovDENtdLnzcxR4-zn_TRxi5D-JSZgvqSu65D7MWrrPVNZ2_TGl0eIqStHc1DJUZxhFzQPJAEJqhazeiTuRda_c6iJibEY/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Stew Magnuson is a proud Nebraskan residing in Arlington, Virginia, whose family roots are in the Sand Hills. He is the author of two editions of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stew-Magnuson/e/B001JSA160/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1" target="_blank">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83</a>. His book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stew-Magnuson/e/B001JSA160/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1" target="_blank">The Death of Raymond Yellow Thunder</a>, past winner of the Nebraska nonfiction book of the year award, was recently named one of the state's 150 most important literary works. Contact him at stewmag (a) yahoo.com </span></div>
Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-16403039668840768922016-08-05T07:08:00.000-07:002016-08-05T07:16:19.646-07:00Two New Photos of DeWitty Emerge: What Message Do They Have For Us?<style>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7JCHhQZrDBjyBFCgvXcOWyvZe-g4h1fKfPqsdPjGTMuleKU2WCW14cRF44WnUvjXkYW_LqPgiTrbkP2JFJqVBVgdQ2MJpmU8P65GK64EhW8P3gkdcHImT5cw72m3KOlY02-e2E7pS_I/s1600/brownleebaseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7JCHhQZrDBjyBFCgvXcOWyvZe-g4h1fKfPqsdPjGTMuleKU2WCW14cRF44WnUvjXkYW_LqPgiTrbkP2JFJqVBVgdQ2MJpmU8P65GK64EhW8P3gkdcHImT5cw72m3KOlY02-e2E7pS_I/s640/brownleebaseball.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Sharon Hughes</td></tr>
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<a href="mailto:STEWMAG@YAHOO.COM" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By STEW MAGNUSON</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Earlier
this year, some 200 people gathered on the side of the Highway 83 in Cherry
County to dedicate a new roadside historical marker commemorating DeWitty,
Nebraska.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DeWitty,
also known as Audacious, was the longest lasting and most successful
African-American rural settlement in Nebraska, and was spread out in the Sand
Hills along the North Loup River west of Highway 83. It lasted from about 1906
to the mid-1930s.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Within
its 184 words, the marker mentions the close relationship between the black settlers
and their white neighbors, which included the town of Brownlee. (For the complete text of the marker, scroll down to the end of the blog.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
a result of the publicity surrounding the campaign to install the marker, two
previously unpublished photos have emerged that confirm much of what authors
such as myself have been saying about life back then in the Sand Hills: despite
racial differences that were then plaguing the wider world, pretty much
everybody in the Sand Hills got along fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
marker reads: “On Independence Day, residents of DeWitty and nearby Brownlee
would come together for a rodeo, baseball game and picnic.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
few weeks ago, Helen White of Thedford, Nebraska, passed on a photo that a
friend Sharon Hughes had found recently in a shoebox full of pictures. Hughes’
family once lived nearby DeWitty, north of Seneca, although she now resides in
Grand Island.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
photo says “Ballgame at Brownlee, July 4, ‘14.” (The “4” is cut off on the
image but it is also written on back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
the first time, we have a photograph of one of these Independence Day
activities. There are at least two known photos of DeWitty men dressed in their
baseball uniforms, but in this photo we actually see a game being played. The
DeWitty team was known as the North Loup Sluggers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
is a lot to be gleaned from this picture. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjman0YM7JhbKVUAmdxtOIPtf9EMPXp7LrwcoQ3670LVaz7jUcu8TS2um_lkZawg30uzCh2Rexg6pavSt5KmlQ4m4xgjz99KUQojhZsNstvUHw7-2GdXMYiR89jhY9lVA6IHuziS-cE-e4/s1600/10856680_10152622665363193_3240179571425515830_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjman0YM7JhbKVUAmdxtOIPtf9EMPXp7LrwcoQ3670LVaz7jUcu8TS2um_lkZawg30uzCh2Rexg6pavSt5KmlQ4m4xgjz99KUQojhZsNstvUHw7-2GdXMYiR89jhY9lVA6IHuziS-cE-e4/s320/10856680_10152622665363193_3240179571425515830_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Catherine Meehan Blount</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ron
Lee, a Brownlee resident, whose family has been in the town since its founding,
has passed the photo around to other residents, and the consensus is that the
game took place on a field northwest of the town, close to where the paved
Brownlee road is now. The church steeple near the baseball player’s elbow is a
clue, but also caused some confusion. That church was apparently torn down or
moved later in the decade and its replacement is configured differently. There
is some disagreement among residents, Lee said, however, the spot northwest of
town is where the town’s oral history indicates that rodeos and ballgames took
place.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">With
all the backs turned away from the camera, identifying individuals with
certainty is nearly impossible. Catherine Meehan Blount thinks the man (second
from the left) might be her grandfather, the white Irish-Canadian Charles
Meehan, because he enjoyed smoking a pipe. Meehan, with his black wife,
Hester Freeman, were one of DeWitty’s first residents. The tale of this
interracial couple is just one of the many fascinating stories about this
unique settlement. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Two
men down from the man smoking a pipe, another fellow is wearing chaps. Was he
participating in the rodeo later? Another charming part of the picture is the
horse sticking its nose in the frame on the right — an early example of
photobombing!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
for the baseball game itself, the most prominent player, or perhaps a base
coach, is holding up two fingers. It’s hard to see him among the crowd, but
there appears to be a batter with his hands in at his waist, warming up to hit.
Is he reminding the batter that there are two strikes or perhaps two outs? And
if he is batting, that sure is a dangerous spot to be a spectator. There
appears to be at least two other players in uniform in the crowd, one walking
behind the batter and another with his arms crossed. We also see the leg of
another player on the far left. Is that a pitcher winding up? There are two
white spots in the grass, one close between the two spectators on the left, and
another one closer to the edge of the far crowd. It would appear that the
closer one is third base and the farther one first base, but then where is the
pitcher, first baseman, third baseman and so on for the opposing team? So maybe
this interpretation is wrong: those aren’t bases, the man isn’t batting but is
a center fielder and the figure on the left is an infielder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
any case, we have a picture of the North Loup Sluggers playing baseball, and
the two communities coming together in celebration of Independence Day.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1pM-QPOXOExOCNPXExcrkiPaaW4gf60S8zF-T9_XcDCCJWCs6PneGWEvarIvyGWEHP1z9xeLysYrvohr6ichl56V-H_mY_imZ9KDceL8O_lzPZ2Z0l8GYIrp_QTqGl4jMhTaEbKsHV0/s1600/dewittydesc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1pM-QPOXOExOCNPXExcrkiPaaW4gf60S8zF-T9_XcDCCJWCs6PneGWEvarIvyGWEHP1z9xeLysYrvohr6ichl56V-H_mY_imZ9KDceL8O_lzPZ2Z0l8GYIrp_QTqGl4jMhTaEbKsHV0/s400/dewittydesc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DeWitty descendants at the marker dedication </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
communities coming together is a reminder of what happened on April 11 this
year — almost 102 years after this photo was taken — when eighteen descendants
of the DeWitty settlers came from six different states to dedicate the historical
marker. They flew or drove from Delaware, Virginia, Colorado, California, New
York and eastern Nebraska to honor the memory of their ancestors. Descendants
of the Meehans, Browns, Rileys, Walkers and even DeWittys, the first postmaster
for whom the town was named, traveled to see the marker. There to greet them
were some 180 Nebraskans, including two TV crews, a reporter from the <i>Stapleton
Enterprise-Thomas County Herald</i>, State Senator Al Davis, and representatives
from the Nebraska State Historical Society, and the Cherry and Thomas County
Historical Societies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqSz0fBByIIV9vO3N-NbjQK5TVH4TsIJG7CzRhaqzslCIWbdPp1qxfCXAYfEBMIw1EqcDyQgi9eeDGLH_5DIsTIp-ohKpfai2JbF91JSEs3tX-gHY0aONElcCUKAweCzWtYav7jGzy7w/s1600/brownleeCH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqSz0fBByIIV9vO3N-NbjQK5TVH4TsIJG7CzRhaqzslCIWbdPp1qxfCXAYfEBMIw1EqcDyQgi9eeDGLH_5DIsTIp-ohKpfai2JbF91JSEs3tX-gHY0aONElcCUKAweCzWtYav7jGzy7w/s320/brownleeCH.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overflow crowd at the Brownlee Community Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
the baseball picture was taken, Brownlee had about 100 residents. Today, a sign
says “Population, 20, or so.” But the tiny community, which includes nearby
ranchers, went all out to welcome anyone who came, inviting them to a potluck
lunch at the town’s community hall. More than 100 people came to eat the lunch
and hear a presentation from Humanities Nebraska speaker Vicki Harris, an
expert on Nebraska’s black settlers, traveled from Arizona just for the
presentation. It was a homecoming as well for Brownlee descendants such as the
White family, whose old family general store still stands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Later,
Don Hanna, a local rancher, who now owns most of the property where DeWitty
residents once lived, was gracious enough to take descendants on a tour to the
remote DeWitty sites, which are inaccessible to the public. Part of the tour
was a stop at a small graveyard, where about eight DeWitty pioneers are
resting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
second unpublished photo was passed on to me about a year ago from Ron Lee. It
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rEvSc3Aj0RpCOTXKZ1LH5nEpuYvJDJgD3oUQm6fM2Pd_Z1clH5kVeTGkx4T2Jae9lT7CZ-h-RbUPLwfYqeBRpuy0dd9GCuvQK96mQB4-N_1xjt7wRXGx0pCCOsHWOJJqhVcT4C4gyVk/s1600/dewittykids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rEvSc3Aj0RpCOTXKZ1LH5nEpuYvJDJgD3oUQm6fM2Pd_Z1clH5kVeTGkx4T2Jae9lT7CZ-h-RbUPLwfYqeBRpuy0dd9GCuvQK96mQB4-N_1xjt7wRXGx0pCCOsHWOJJqhVcT4C4gyVk/s320/dewittykids.jpg" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Ron Lee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
portrays two boys, <span class="5yl5">Merrill “Jim” Lee and Claude Conrad of
DeWitty, sitting on the porch of the Lee ranch house in 1918.</span></span></div>
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<span class="5yl5"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They were by all accounts good buddies. </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Several of the one-room
schoolhouses west of Brownlee were integrated and schoolmates ended up being
lifelong friends. One of the DeWitty descendants, Goldie Walker-Hayes, remained
in Cherry County long after the DeWitty settlement disappeared, and taught in
these schools. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
it comes to race relations in America, the nation has endured much pain along
with many triumphs in the years after these two photos were taken. It would
take more than three decades before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in
the major leagues. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brown v. The Board of
Education of Topeka</i>, which lead to desegregation of schools, didn’t happen
for another 40 years. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Loving v. Virginia</i>,
which struck down laws forbidding interracial marriage, came only in 1967. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No
one can say that the residents of DeWitty never encountered prejudice while
living there, it’s just that we have very little evidence of it in the
historical record. Instead, we have in the depths of the Sand Hills — a land
back then mostly cut off from the wider world — the story of DeWitty and
Brownlee, people getting along fine and leaning on each other when needed, an
interracial couple, desegregated schools and folks coming together to enjoy a
holiday celebration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">These
people, now just images frozen in time, kept shoe boxes for a century, have come
back to deliver a message to us. Let’s listen to them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Stew Magnuson will give a presentation about Highway 83 and DeWitty, Thursday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Great Plains Black History Museum in Omaha, located in Crossroads Mall. Free and open to the public! </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ejqn8JEGnBqARPUyn32DI9M06a9eDUR5RHuCJcj9-stNgf_5hSa6dkkCppCrnnsh4PGd-ESC7yZWCx-LghfQL6Prpfv3SgmUdB279LGQL05_-zw8NjnOL-GMeB1b7rSr_mTEgp49Eh0/s1600/covers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ejqn8JEGnBqARPUyn32DI9M06a9eDUR5RHuCJcj9-stNgf_5hSa6dkkCppCrnnsh4PGd-ESC7yZWCx-LghfQL6Prpfv3SgmUdB279LGQL05_-zw8NjnOL-GMeB1b7rSr_mTEgp49Eh0/s400/covers.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4"><i>The
Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>,
and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8"><i>The
Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition, which has a chapter about DeWitty. Both are available
online or in museums, bookstores and gift shops on Hwy 83.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">To join the Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/">CLICK HERE</a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/">www.usroute83.com</a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a)
yahoo.com</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90PB73BMssxNDLyizkqdPetXS4TX_21HrBSITBGnu2X8KcJfjsIRvviOx3smT3U-mB3hmo_Epxgvq1Q9ssTUBTPlv4mHtCU1Npbs7WgkjYxOHBWXDwVnOMcMeALYjri9lcHDSNAu88ak/s1600/marker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90PB73BMssxNDLyizkqdPetXS4TX_21HrBSITBGnu2X8KcJfjsIRvviOx3smT3U-mB3hmo_Epxgvq1Q9ssTUBTPlv4mHtCU1Npbs7WgkjYxOHBWXDwVnOMcMeALYjri9lcHDSNAu88ak/s640/marker.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-78052593859049544852016-06-21T07:35:00.000-07:002017-04-03T08:12:41.774-07:00The Hunter: An Excerpt from The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83 in Texas<style>
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</style><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeeii14ZpTYi_OOHJAIa9ZwlkPh4Pd9C24okZNBtWvjxBWqFuQyC_LliDodTNMUQU0N3XpAJjZDfl9yCyPJSNrn7WE3HKgK8WAFxshQfvvCK3YAdRwYLI2uCnVZhrVk053Cf15ilE88o/s1600/coverTexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeeii14ZpTYi_OOHJAIa9ZwlkPh4Pd9C24okZNBtWvjxBWqFuQyC_LliDodTNMUQU0N3XpAJjZDfl9yCyPJSNrn7WE3HKgK8WAFxshQfvvCK3YAdRwYLI2uCnVZhrVk053Cf15ilE88o/s640/coverTexas.jpg" width="419" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">This excerpt takes place in May 2010 in the Rio Grande Valley. </span></span></i><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Hunter</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">By Stew Magnuson </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">On my way out of Zapata the next day, I set out
to find the ruins of a gas station that was once on Highway 83 before the
Falcon Dam inundated the valley.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A souvenir store owner had tipped me off about
the building, which he said was near on old fishing camp about five miles west
of 83. He gave me detailed directions on how to find it, so after driving a few
miles I left the comfort of the paved highway and took off on a gravel road,
getting lost for a bit, but eventually righting myself until I come across the
fishing camp. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I can’t find anything resembling an old gas
station so I start to drive through the ramshackle collection of aging campers
and mobile homes shaded by gnarly old trees. It’s not long before an old man in
a red pickup truck intercepts me near a boat ramp. He rolls down the window.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“What ya looking for?” he asks. He looks a
little miffed, and I realize that maybe I shouldn’t be here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I tell him my story and he listens carefully as
we both get out of our vehicles. He sizes me up and decides that I’m not a
threat. They have been having all sorts of problems with drug smugglers and for
all he knew, I could have been someone here to meet a boat full of dope coming
over the lake, he explains. They have been known to fly helicopters over the border
to see if the coast is clear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“People round here sleep with their guns loaded
by their beds,” he says.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">His name in Jack Cox Jr., and his father once
owned the fishing camp, which has been here for some fifty years. The old gas
station is just a few yards past the camp entrance and over a fence. It’s
marked “No Trespassing,” but it shouldn’t be a problem if I just want to hop
over and snap a few pictures, he tells me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Since I introduced myself as an author, he wants
to know what I’ve written. It just so happens I have copies of my first book in
the trunk, and he wants to buy one. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“There ain’t much to do out here except read,”
he says.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEBbTwgd1WSD-ZCQP7iSKY-ZR5pNNJE4_JWOelB8c9hGFo7OoLlMdDTiIaWAfE6EyDi-5_fkbEPAIw08A8IYYzkO6g6BbsdNga1YBkM2HTB6oZ6Qb_kmY1VhuAhL6nZAb0fn8RQyajy0/s1600/jackcox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEBbTwgd1WSD-ZCQP7iSKY-ZR5pNNJE4_JWOelB8c9hGFo7OoLlMdDTiIaWAfE6EyDi-5_fkbEPAIw08A8IYYzkO6g6BbsdNga1YBkM2HTB6oZ6Qb_kmY1VhuAhL6nZAb0fn8RQyajy0/s320/jackcox.jpg" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jack Cox Jr., May 2010</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">There are only three full-time residents in the
camp, and he’s one of them. He sold the property four years ago, but part of
the deal with the new owner was that he could stay there for five years rent
free.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He invites me back to his house for a cup of
coffee. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Out front of the white mobile home, I’m greeted
by a shaggy white dog and a friendly cat, who has just brought Jack a dead bird
as a present.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Inside, the mobile home is not what I expected.
It is decorated with African art: masks, textiles, carvings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I managed a hunting camp in Somalia on the
Jubba River for five years,” he declares.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“You did what, now?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I’m glad I grabbed my notebook.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jack takes a seat in a chair, while I sit on his
sofa and fumble for a pen. He’s eighty-one years old, he tells me. Fox News is
on mute. I would expect an elderly widower’s mobile home to be a mess. The room
is cluttered, but clean. His coffee table is covered in magazines: The Weekly
Standard, National Geographic, Smithsonian. He tries to peg me as a liberal,
Washington, D.C.-based journalist. I tell him I’m a radical centrist. That
seems to confuse him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“It means I’m in the middle and I get to argue
with everybody.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Fortunately, the conversation turns away from
politics and to his days as a big game guide.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I was an elephant hunter and a safari guide,”
he continues, first giving me a quick version of his life story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He grew up in Midland, Texas, where he was a
friend of Larry L. King, who would go on to be a journalist, author and the
co-writer of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Best Little Whorehouse
in Texas</i>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Like many in that area, Jack joined the oil
business and worked for Rogers Exploration as a “seismic man.” The company sent
him to Australia, Tanzania, Brazil and Bolivia for years-long stints.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He married twice, both times to Australian
women. His second wife died fifteen years ago. He is still in contact with his
first. Back when he was a young man in Midland, he was in love with a high
school classmate. But a fighter pilot from the nearby Air Force base stole her
away. A lifetime later, the Air Force officer passed away, and Jack and his
long-lost love are at last together. She lives in Sweetwater, Texas, and he
travels there quite a bit to see her. She hates the fishing camp.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I got her in the end,” he says with a smile.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He doesn’t mention any children, and I forget to
ask. Some kind of journalist, I am.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He was in Tanzania working for the oil company
when the opportunity to run the hunting camp in Somalia presented itself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He pushes himself up from the chair, walks to
another room and returns with an album.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Inside, is an envelope, and inside the envelope
is a brochure for the camp. It’s fifty years old, but it looks like it was
printed yesterday. He was there from the late 1950s to the early 1960s—back
when well-heeled men could live out their Hemingway safari fantasies—for a
price.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He shows me black and white pictures of the
kills. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“My first lion,” is written in pen on the edges
of one. Jack and some other fellow is squatting next to a lioness, holding her
mouth open, smiling. Jack is young, his black hair slicked back, a broad,
handsome face. It’s startling to see him as a young man.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Those were good times,” he said, showing me
another picture of two guests he identifies as members of the Kennedy
administration.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“And the women …” he trails off. Smiles. I can
see that he’s remembering one of them, maybe more. I don’t dare interrupt his
reverie. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I closed up many bars in Nairobi,” he continues
as I look at a series of pictures of dead elephants, gazelles and such. That
was back when the Italians ran Somalia. Once the colonialists left, the “whole
country went to shit,” he says. That was the end of the hunting lodge on the
Jubba River. He went back to being a seismic man for the oil companies,
although he did spend a couple years trying to grow cotton in Australia. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Money never was the thing, you see. But I wish
I had saved just a little bit more of it.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He’s heading up to Sweetwater that day to see
his “lady friend,” as he calls her, so it’s time for me to go. He really wants
me to see the old gas station before I leave. So we head back outside where he
lets me take a few pictures of him as the cat curls around his leg. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“It’s been a good life. I’m not a religious man,
but I wonder what the adventure is on the other side.”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">*<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">US
PROPERTY</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">NO</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">TRESPASSING</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">WARNING: YOU ARE ENTERING FEDERAL PROPERTY. DO
NOT ENTER. NO WEAPONS ALLOWED. VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED. I.B.W.C.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Well, Jack said it’s no problem. So I climb over
the fence where the signs are hung and walk a few feet back among to find what
remains of old Highway 83 and a gas station.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The filling station is a yellowish-pinkish
shell. It looks as if the waters have come up several times to wash away
everything but its walls. The roof is gone, but a beam that once held it up to
keep the sun and rain off motorists filling up at the pumps still stands.
Someone else has ignored the sign and taken potshots at the beam, leaving a
half-dozen bullet holes in the concrete. Mesquite and prickly pear are growing
around it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ9fqDnMNm_0dV1H1E0NMxdlTwrlpeQ_g1OcFOjXLZDjvKCh7tfI5A0c3XPWBiygRCURrVpoHZiDdPtxunkWpJaDEUngP_C6haa9Q8B1TYfWqhA25moBKpDYbwaGSO2VhI_P7K5_o25w/s1600/gasstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ9fqDnMNm_0dV1H1E0NMxdlTwrlpeQ_g1OcFOjXLZDjvKCh7tfI5A0c3XPWBiygRCURrVpoHZiDdPtxunkWpJaDEUngP_C6haa9Q8B1TYfWqhA25moBKpDYbwaGSO2VhI_P7K5_o25w/s400/gasstation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The old road itself is gravel and disappears
into the vegetation. I poke around for any relics from the old days—an old
bottle, a sign—there’s nothing but pieces of corrugated steel. A cluster of
cactus bulbs has somehow taken hold on top of the wall. I wonder how it can do
that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I imagine the gas station in its heyday. If it
ever had one. It was unattached to a town—a good ten miles away from any of the
now submerged villages. I see the cars pulling up for gas and water on hot
days, parents yanking Coke bottles out of the pop machine for their kids, the
attendant wiping the dust and bug juice off the windshields. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Included in the $47 million the federal
government spent to construct the Falcon Dam was $3.5 million allocated to
improve fifty-five miles of Highway 83, and to relocate several miles of it to
the north. The Texas State Highway Department did the work. The unflooded
sections of the road and bridges were widened from eighteen to twenty-four feet
and graded to eliminate the “rollercoaster effect,” as one newspaper described
it. Care was taken to construct the new sections far to the north beyond where
the lake was expected to rise. Work was finished before the dam was dedicated
in 1953. Slowly, the Rio Grande waters swallowed up the villages and the old
highway. I wonder if they left any of those old federal shield signs standing.
I can picture bass swimming around them now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">One of the first dry spells after the dam was
built exposed the five abandoned villages and their buildings. The feds decided
that the structures were hazardous and bulldozed them, leaving nothing but
foundations. Yet the gas station sitting out here survived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Taking a picture of the highway as it emerges
from the mesquite, I notice there are car tracks in the gravel. I doubt the ghosts
of old U.S. Route 83 left them there, so I’m not going to push my luck with the
Border Patrol, a drug smuggler, or whoever has been driving back here. I don’t
linger.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Post-Script</span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">This encounter with Jack Cox Jr. occurred in May
2010. A little more than a year later, my attempts to reach him failed. His
phone was disconnected and a letter came back to me “Return to Sender. No
Forwarding Address.” Attempts to track him down online have come up empty. If
anyone knows the whereabouts or fate of Jack, please contact me. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT76fcac9z6yZPGrxyoQ7ItTr7MB7nUM7yyOf_DfM_Sf3w80TMs1luxMUNKGzObDmjhPCzXivgO_xJeWpGEVywf5wQcgfVdXW_JbfCyP2yaGm6BwG-Fw5Rjls42brZsf6ekLHLVsJh0HE/s1600/coverTexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT76fcac9z6yZPGrxyoQ7ItTr7MB7nUM7yyOf_DfM_Sf3w80TMs1luxMUNKGzObDmjhPCzXivgO_xJeWpGEVywf5wQcgfVdXW_JbfCyP2yaGm6BwG-Fw5Rjls42brZsf6ekLHLVsJh0HE/s320/coverTexas.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299630/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83 in Texas</a>, available at the Gageby Country Store in Canadian, Texas, The Museum of the Plains in Perryton and Texas Star Trading in Abilene. He also penned <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4"><i>The
Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>,
and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8"><i>The
Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. Both are available
online or in museums, bookstores and gift shops on Hwy 83.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">To join the Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/">CLICK HERE</a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/">www.usroute83.com</a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a)
yahoo.com</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-22281974932576029212016-05-27T05:51:00.001-07:002018-05-24T12:13:39.942-07:00A Salute to the War Heroes Encoutered Along Highway 83<style>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"><a href="mailto:STEWMAG@YAHOO.COM">By STEW
MAGNUSON </a><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">During the week
preceding Memorial Day 2016, I highlighted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/" target="_blank">Fans of U.S. Route 83 page</a>
several young men who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, and called a
Highway 83 community their hometown.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">I have compiled them
here. Of course, there are so many others I have not listed, and we salute them
as well.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">Army Pvt. David B. Barkeley, Laredo, Texas</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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whose father was Mexican-American, was actually named David Cantu. He enlisted
under his mother's maiden name so he could join a unit that would go into
combat in World War I. For his bravery, he became one of three Texans to earn
the Medal of Honor during The Great War. Later, when they discovered his
origins, he was recognized as the first Mexican-American to earn the Medal of
Honor.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">His citation reads: “</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">When information was desired as to the enemy's position on
the opposite side of the Meuse River, Pvt. Barkeley, with another soldier,
volunteered without hesitation and swam the river to reconnoiter the exact
location. He succeeded in reaching the opposite bank, despite the evident
determination of the enemy to prevent a crossing. Having obtained his
information, he again entered the water for his return, but before his goal was
reached, he was seized with cramps and drowned.”</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">Marine Corp Corporal Harlon Block, Weslaco,
Texas</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHreQo1p3rWMpsal9nrSNTn0-dZWdbcq222nztOeNFvjytDxqWCjyCD9Md-Mlb_cpTZANQBi8fy37e3UH7kLJOhutsMkKwHXo8WItOo7h9ssLu0B-_eL7146ywlLIjbVWP3NrfSkpzE4U/s1600/220px-Harlon_Block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHreQo1p3rWMpsal9nrSNTn0-dZWdbcq222nztOeNFvjytDxqWCjyCD9Md-Mlb_cpTZANQBi8fy37e3UH7kLJOhutsMkKwHXo8WItOo7h9ssLu0B-_eL7146ywlLIjbVWP3NrfSkpzE4U/s320/220px-Harlon_Block.jpg" width="256" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; text-decoration: none;"></span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">Marine
Corps Corp. Harlon Block, the man planting the flag in the Iwo Jima Memorial
sculpture. Block was a star football player at Weslaco High School in his
hometown along Highway 83 in Weslaco, Texas. Block was mortally wounded by an
enemy mortar round explosion while leading the squad during an attack toward
Nishi Ridge about 11 days after the flag was raised. He was 20 years old. In
January 1949, Block's remains were re-interred in Weslaco, Texas. In 1995, his
body was moved to a burial place at the Marine Military Academy near the Iwo
Jima monument in Harlingen, Texas.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">Petty Officer 2nd Class Alfredo Salinas, San Ygnacio, Texas</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pDfhhk-ofnAWOTFNTH8ndX9hXcKNnPyyzhCKEdr6PBYeNgCb1hHy1LYr6qrMvpPsVcr5b4unGtOP53tH_YNuHPV74pydwX5Y0cC5JlU7nO_b9ioJtI1edD6w8fpzeetPF_BGP8Cvp-4/s1600/Salinas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pDfhhk-ofnAWOTFNTH8ndX9hXcKNnPyyzhCKEdr6PBYeNgCb1hHy1LYr6qrMvpPsVcr5b4unGtOP53tH_YNuHPV74pydwX5Y0cC5JlU7nO_b9ioJtI1edD6w8fpzeetPF_BGP8Cvp-4/s320/Salinas.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">In the town of San
Ygnacio, Texas, along the banks of the Rio Grande, you will find in the town
square this granite marker commemorating the life of Petty Officer 2nd Class
Alfredo Salinas. Salinas was aboard the USS Indianapolis the day a Japanese
submarine torpedoed it, sending 900 of the crew into the waters with few
supplies or life rafts. They floated there for four days before being
discovered. By that time, 600 more of the sailors had perished due to exposure,
injuries or shark attacks. Salinas was among those who didn't make it and his
remains were never found. He was 19 years old.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">Navy Lt. Cmdr. John C. Waldron, Fort Pierre, South Dakota</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">When you travel 83
from Pierre to Fort Pierre over the Missouri you are on the </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPoadowdeAkNyTbOTEWK_jarYgKiKe1tBrR7Oa4h4gu2tI9HJROud1f1YChFLFqpgj7cBy8HBH1hV69by0pOoah86OXMw7BzulMSTtZWPg2JiHJGk_I_-S2HS30r_5rvR5sFlcba_Xps/s1600/John_C_Waldron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPoadowdeAkNyTbOTEWK_jarYgKiKe1tBrR7Oa4h4gu2tI9HJROud1f1YChFLFqpgj7cBy8HBH1hV69by0pOoah86OXMw7BzulMSTtZWPg2JiHJGk_I_-S2HS30r_5rvR5sFlcba_Xps/s320/John_C_Waldron.jpg" width="244" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">John C. Waldron
Memorial Bridge. Named after Naval aviator Lt. Cmdr. John C. Waldron, a</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"> hero of
the Battle of Midway. Waldron was the son of a Fort Pierre rancher and part
Lakota. On June 4, 1942, Waldron’s squadron of torpedo aircraft found the Japanese carrier group before
dive bomber backup could arrive. Undaunted, he led an attack on the carriers
but all 15 of the Hornets were shot down by Japanese Zeroes. Waldron and 29 of
his 30 men perished. Nevertheless, his attack forced the Japanese carrier group
to take up defensive positions against low altitude attacks. The Zeroes were
refueling when the high-flying U.S. dive bombers arrived. They destroyed three
Japanese carriers, a mortal blow to the Imperial Navy. Waldron's unit received a citation for
bravery and Waldron the Navy Cross.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"><br />
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</span><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">Army Staff Sgt. Edwin Lloyd Magnuson, Stapleton, Nebraska</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">The next one is
personal. It’s is my second cousin, Staff Sgt. Edwin Lloyd Magnuson, from my
father’s hometown, Stapleton, Nebraska. Lloyd, as he preferred to be called,
earned the silver star for gallantry in action during World </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoJvUJ01zsIXbzkIyheZexe6Dvgf8m95PS8ElSVvn5oSUoql7xMakA1ANhlGPoOckbD4js5VQ5hsJf1ZVQkmSeTLq4quLFUyt6XyJe_ZZYaiWMLcFekMyA8ms3G0o3d7zI-3a9zS68OM/s1600/LLOYD1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoJvUJ01zsIXbzkIyheZexe6Dvgf8m95PS8ElSVvn5oSUoql7xMakA1ANhlGPoOckbD4js5VQ5hsJf1ZVQkmSeTLq4quLFUyt6XyJe_ZZYaiWMLcFekMyA8ms3G0o3d7zI-3a9zS68OM/s320/LLOYD1.jpg" width="246" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">War II in the
Italian campaign.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; text-decoration: none;"></span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">His
citation reads: “On the 13<sup>th</sup> of October, 1943, while his
company was engaging the enemy, Sergeant Magnuson observed that the left flank
of his company was endangered by several of the enemy firing machine pistols
from a ditch by the road.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">“He worked his way toward them, taking
advantage of all cover, until he had approached to within 20 yards of the
enemy, he then opened fire with his sub-machine gun, killing three of the enemy
and capturing the other four.”</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">About two months later, January 24, 1944,
Lloyd was killed in action during the Battle of Anzio. The family doesn’t have
any details of the circumstances surrounding his death. VFW Post #8258 in
Stapleton is named in his honor. He is buried at the Fort McPherson National
Cemetery east of North Platte.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;"></span></span><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">Marine Corps First Lt. Jack Eitel, Scott
City, Kansas </span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">You will find these
boots at the War Memorial in Scott City, Kansas, which is a </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05hDkjHMq8TYwF1y2R7IxtpmXtS1_kT3KolCWFlUuSktfSwImRBtVtY-E4-EemhBc-a9Q9IShkZ3-MSG3d46GRgcbCIMC36qHcQpXd9SJTvEx05Kpm0eXDlEfRbE7E1A5Ecb6KxbBJgQ/s1600/Eitel_Jack_O_DOB_1941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05hDkjHMq8TYwF1y2R7IxtpmXtS1_kT3KolCWFlUuSktfSwImRBtVtY-E4-EemhBc-a9Q9IShkZ3-MSG3d46GRgcbCIMC36qHcQpXd9SJTvEx05Kpm0eXDlEfRbE7E1A5Ecb6KxbBJgQ/s320/Eitel_Jack_O_DOB_1941.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">few blocks east of
Hwy 83. 1st Lt. Jack Eitel went from S.C. to West Point, then Vietnam in the
Marine Corps. He died during an enemy ambush on July 8, 1965.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">I found this very
moving piece written about him by one of his West Point classmates on the <a href="http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/14787/JACK-O-EITEL">Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Fund website.</a></span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">Brigadier General
Ramon M. Ong (Ret) wrote: “I met Jack on my first day at West Point. We were
assigned to the same squad during Beast Barracks. He was a quiet, country-boy
type who had an inner toughness that just didn't quit. He helped me a lot
during those first two months when the training was almost more than I could
handle. I was an 18 year old foreigner from the Philippines, and the new diet,
discipline and demands took a serious toll on my physical and mental
performance. Jack was always there to help me, whether to carry part of my
heavy backpack, or push me up a steep mountainside or simply to yell words of
encouragement at me when I was at the edge of despair and ready to call it
quits.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JVrT13BZVwsSb72Au67YdSCW_u3C3rNoBW1o4iZafMX3GP4mLnzANQ8DIaZ_SKFg3CkJcQ5tnoz52INDyjF1dqIFBkZOwdKryHiUF0vnTJ7_YnTm577mUsAc6pzvxBKp9u37cRs8TGY/s1600/eitel.jpg"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;"></span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mf8p013cNfArcTGAXKtvnOf2ft3lDMtzyxhpKHXJw9LA5euLCKKNuk9vH6iyRuqI6kMEt0ZPyrzNG-gLLJJi3KzpnAGZKNeulfg8TPESFvInnX-v7jgFF253S5cRMylNF58Gy3Peq4Q/s1600/eitel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mf8p013cNfArcTGAXKtvnOf2ft3lDMtzyxhpKHXJw9LA5euLCKKNuk9vH6iyRuqI6kMEt0ZPyrzNG-gLLJJi3KzpnAGZKNeulfg8TPESFvInnX-v7jgFF253S5cRMylNF58Gy3Peq4Q/s200/eitel.jpg" width="160" /></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">The rest of the 4
years, I observed Jack grow steadily into a great leader, poised, capable and
ready to conquer any obstacle, yet also ready to help those who couldn't. We
went our separate ways after graduation, he to the US Marines and I to the
Philippine Army. We never saw each other again and I learned about his death only
many, many years later. Too bad, he would have gone far, had he survived. </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">Goodbye, Jack, I shall
never forget you. Thank you for being at my side when I needed a helping hand.
Thank you for helping me become what I am today.”</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cCY5FqCmJIXDuxcuobpvPSPPrJAQlRhj6ej1ODhyphenhyphenl6SIveT_G5ICf450FBRlvlc2rxDY6zW7BnzpcWltLAyf_nLdAvXXBssNNn054HZQEI__lWPNBm7SCdRDMHmQ6tqa8VhLQjI5yP4/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cCY5FqCmJIXDuxcuobpvPSPPrJAQlRhj6ej1ODhyphenhyphenl6SIveT_G5ICf450FBRlvlc2rxDY6zW7BnzpcWltLAyf_nLdAvXXBssNNn054HZQEI__lWPNBm7SCdRDMHmQ6tqa8VhLQjI5yP4/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4"><i>The
Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>,
and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8"><i>The
Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299630/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">The Last American Highway in Texas.</a> All are available
online or in museums, bookstores and gift shops on Hwy 83.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";">To join the Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/">CLICK HERE</a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/">www.usroute83.com</a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a)
yahoo.com</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "arial";"></span></span></div>
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</span>Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-18138000808533171912016-05-18T10:18:00.000-07:002016-05-18T13:54:10.813-07:00Nebraska's 150 Greatest Literary Works Named; Many Set Along Highway 83 <style>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By STEW MAGNUSON</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjSU8rQdWFrNov__Bf6x7ZVAwwcLgClPGd4wa1ObN1Dmf_nUm-r4oSRNIT8xOl4xuT0ydXceW4rAWzVZ_r6WTPtOhubBMBUJ3ZtN5JT_e4pnF1AGEdmwskXbPrcD_uImc_qvPI_MliRI/s1600/DeathofRaymondYellowThunder-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjSU8rQdWFrNov__Bf6x7ZVAwwcLgClPGd4wa1ObN1Dmf_nUm-r4oSRNIT8xOl4xuT0ydXceW4rAWzVZ_r6WTPtOhubBMBUJ3ZtN5JT_e4pnF1AGEdmwskXbPrcD_uImc_qvPI_MliRI/s400/DeathofRaymondYellowThunder-1.jpg" width="262" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Nebraska Literary Heritage Association, in partnership with the Nebraska State
Historical Society and the Nebraska Library Commission, chose my book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Death of Raymond Yellow Thunder: And
Other True Stories from the Nebraska-Pine Ridge Border Towns</i> for its list
of Nebraska books that “represent the best literature produced from Nebraska
during the past 150 years” to mark the state’s sesquicentennial in 2017.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Nebraska
has a rich literary history with giants such as Willa Cather, Mari Sandoz, John
G. Neihardt, Wright Morris and 13th Poet Laureate of the United States Ted Kooser among the
state’s pantheon of great writers. Their works show up several times on the
list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://nebraska150books.org/nebraska-books/150-books.html" target="_blank">(LINK HERE TO SEE THE LIST) </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">My
book mostly takes place 100 miles to the west of Highway 83, but scrolling down
the list of other books chosen, there are several that are set along
Highway 83 worth noting. Most of them I have read, and couple I relied upon for
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey
Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma.</i></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here are a few of that I
cited in The Last American Highway book<i>:</i></span></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> </i></span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cheyenne Autumn</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> by Mari Sandoz. The
Northern Cheyennes’ dramatic escape from the confines of their reservation in
Indian Territory in 1878 is an American epic. Two incidents during their
journey took place along Highway 83 in Kansas: The Battle of Punished Woman
Fork near Lake Scott, and the massacre of the settlers near Oberlin. Both
stories are recounted in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma</i>
book. Their journey afterwards in Nebraska took them northwest of the present
day road.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3SGeYi3Tzu1n8svvl2VJYELyM3fxHZst4UK_euGClZM9n0l3rLxfWHnBTOXx9qOoWN-cZ7LRCznpzz5GGE-W0w7v0hBaBS5Fkp9gvwNFSIWIwwZ9VOmUdtCw7Vny4EXYQY3Jd_c0Pmw/s1600/niobrara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3SGeYi3Tzu1n8svvl2VJYELyM3fxHZst4UK_euGClZM9n0l3rLxfWHnBTOXx9qOoWN-cZ7LRCznpzz5GGE-W0w7v0hBaBS5Fkp9gvwNFSIWIwwZ9VOmUdtCw7Vny4EXYQY3Jd_c0Pmw/s200/niobrara.jpg" width="200" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Niobrara: A River
Running Through Time </span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">by Paul A. Johnsgard. University of Nebraska professor emeritus
Johnsgard is the state’s foremost naturalist writer and the Niobrara, perhaps
the state’s most scenic river. I relied heavily on this work for the
Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma book. Duane Gudgel, proprietor of the Plains Trading
Co. bookstore in Valentine also contributed a chapter to this excellent work.</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Nebraska Sand Hills: The
Human Landscape</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> by Charles Barron McIntosh. The University of Nebraska Press produced
this plain looking hardcover book without a dust jacket for some reason, but
don’t judge a book by the lack of a cover. This is a thorough work on this
beautiful and unique landscape. Long out of print, however, the aforementioned
Duane at Plains Trading Co. was wise enough to buy up the overstock. Contact
the store for copies or go to its <a href="http://www.plainstrading.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">An Unspeakable Sadness: The
Dispossession of the Nebraska Indians</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> by David Wishart. Take a look at a map of Nebraska
and note how many Indian reservations there are. Not many. Most of the nations
that called the state their home, including the Pawnees, were sent to Indian
Territory. Every Nebraskan should read this book. UNL professor of geography Wishart has a
total of three books on the list!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Children’s Blizzard</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> by David Laskin. We all
know that many snowstorms in Nebraska are preceded by warm, balmy days. In
1888, school children across the northern plains headed to their one-room
school houses without their coats or wearing light jackets. As they headed
home that evening, a monster arrived from the north. This story became part of
an excerpt on natural disasters<a href="http://ushighway83.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-following-in-excerpt-from-upcoming.html" target="_blank"> I published in this blog.</a></span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No Time on My Hands: Grace
Snyder as told to Nellie Snyder Yost.</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> A memoir of how the Sand Hills were settled,
including the story of my grandmother’s hometown Tryon, and the Highway 83 town
of Stapleton. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here are two books on the
list that are set along Highway 83, but I didn’t use in my writing:</span></b><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Once Upon a Town: The Story
of the North Platte Canteen.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Chicago-based
columnist Bob Greene put the remarkable story of the North Platte Canteen on
the map for many Americans. During World War II, every train carrying troops
that pulled into the station was greeted by a group of mostly women who had
baked or cooked dishes for them and spent some time talking with the soldiers
in the Union Pacific train depot waiting room. Small towns along Highway 83 and
in the Sand Hills would sign up to volunteer for a day. My grandmother Bernice
Magnuson was among those who baked cakes and traveled there on Stapleton’s day
to host the troops.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce2ZTi0eQuEGapKuNcsB4xDSfFPnyrp0XayuKqa0bBLlcvcVDBzmcR293Rj3WgfVJP7fd9ZmyeoPNVgMvk14r8l7xVB2Q1NRIj3urzS3MPvj-0HnrHo4S5vRMNB_cZQbreZXBJs2I8QA/s1600/gnhome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce2ZTi0eQuEGapKuNcsB4xDSfFPnyrp0XayuKqa0bBLlcvcVDBzmcR293Rj3WgfVJP7fd9ZmyeoPNVgMvk14r8l7xVB2Q1NRIj3urzS3MPvj-0HnrHo4S5vRMNB_cZQbreZXBJs2I8QA/s200/gnhome.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Fighting Liberal: The
Autobiography of George W. Norris</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. Norris, a giant in Washington in both the House
and Senate in the first half of the 20<sup>th</sup> century, called McCook,
Nebraska, his home. Travelers can visit his house there.</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And finally, anytime someone
compiles a subjective list of this nature, there will be some disagreement. That's part of the fun. Here are some
Nebraska works I think should have made it, but didn’t.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Red Cloud’s Folk</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spotted Tail’s Folk</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Sioux
Chronicle</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Pawnee Indians</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life of George Bent</i>, etc. by George E.
Hyde.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBAKRxG951nz_9sNvdNxZAKfNPMXdMJLQOhHJAbPsyuLRhcoUOU6qPaJKF6Hosp9GqN_u4K85C9Ps5xetXePmJcCYcyDqivpTbjTbCHTQzh61spEIrM9yQv0P1KxzII3KAjwCLcCpqlU/s1600/SKMBT_65416051812580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBAKRxG951nz_9sNvdNxZAKfNPMXdMJLQOhHJAbPsyuLRhcoUOU6qPaJKF6Hosp9GqN_u4K85C9Ps5xetXePmJcCYcyDqivpTbjTbCHTQzh61spEIrM9yQv0P1KxzII3KAjwCLcCpqlU/s320/SKMBT_65416051812580.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">How
could the committee not name a single book by this Omaha-born and raised writer
and amateur historian who devoted his life to recording the history of the
Native Americans who called Nebraska home? Hyde corresponded and interviewed
participants in the so-called Indian Wars long before most historians cared.
Where would we be without these books? His life’s work is all the more
remarkable when one takes into account that he was legally blind. Plus, Hyde is simply fun to
read. A major oversight. </span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Empire on the Platte</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> by Richard Crabb. This
excellent 1967 book tells the story of a violent family of Texas cowboys, Print
Olive and his brothers, who made their way to the Nebraska prairie to run
cattle. They owned most of Custer County at one time. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Olives were the archetypes
for the bad guy cowboys portrayed in so many Hollywood westerns. </span>A great history of the
</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">cattle drive </span>days before barbed wire. Long out of
print, but highly recommended. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Love and Terror on the
Howling Plains of Nowhere</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> by Poe Ballentine. Chadron-based author Poe Ballentine wrote an
instant classic about his on-again, off-again relationship to the Panhandle
town. The first half of the memoir is literally laugh out loud funny, then takes a serious
turn as the town is wracked by the gruesome death, perhaps murder, of a
mathematics professor. The title alone deserved a spot on the list!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf38cJez4jv_FQUDxE5eOS9VoTBsqiBuWT9LOIHyJljLhjNnlvHGeyvAgnVcIhNiyVbDHTO8tgnk0WUIC-Tmawk_QDM700HW5_e3GFMIyapiRpyP33lNKQBFJ8wJp5Bn5HWxfjH1haGFw/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf38cJez4jv_FQUDxE5eOS9VoTBsqiBuWT9LOIHyJljLhjNnlvHGeyvAgnVcIhNiyVbDHTO8tgnk0WUIC-Tmawk_QDM700HW5_e3GFMIyapiRpyP33lNKQBFJ8wJp5Bn5HWxfjH1haGFw/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="212" /></a>Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. Both are available online or in museums, bookstores and gift shops on Hwy 83<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-24731509548523792032016-03-23T07:22:00.000-07:002016-05-09T17:06:28.687-07:00Descendants of Nebraska African-American Settlement to Attend Historical Marker Ceremony on Highway 83<style>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turnoff for the DeWitty historical marker</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Descendants of an African-American settlement in Nebraska’s Sand Hills are expected to
arrive in Cherry County on April 11 to celebrate the unveiling of a historical
marker on U.S. Highway 83.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> DeWitty, also
known as Audacious, was a series of homesteads scattered along the North Loup
River west of the present-day town of Brownlee, </span>
Nebraska,
and lasted from about 1906 until the Depression years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Nebraska State Historical Society marker will be located just south of the
Brownlee turnoff. The dedication ceremony is slated to take place at 10 a.m.,
Monday April 11 at the marker site. The public is welcome to attend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“So
far, I’ve heard from descendants coming from as far away as California,
Delaware and Virginia who have booked flights,” says Stew Magnuson, author of
the book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A
Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83</i>, which has a chapter about the settlement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Descendants
of the town’s first postmaster, Jim DeWitty, are expected to come from
Oklahoma. Other descendants of the DeWitty and Brownlee communities may attend
from Omaha, Colorado and the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, said Magnuson.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
the ceremony, Humanities </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Nebraska</span> lecturer Vicki Harris will give a
presentation about DeWitty at the Brownlee Community Hall, which will be
followed by a potluck lunch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“There
are not many residents left in Brownlee and the surrounding ranches, but they
are going all out to welcome the DeWitty descendants and the other celebrants,”
says Magnuson. The two communities were very tight back in the day, he says. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTaAX2L_JcBqReEbPgdI8rtj5iWraZnC5jgQHnO6CCltHyvARpeMaDAwG7W-ttghG4zSJrYWW6T-eTc6n2iVW85-A5AMdWzXC6862j_o-ZnMCqroafPb-LsiMgFe_C4DUO7OfGZxJUFo/s1600/blch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTaAX2L_JcBqReEbPgdI8rtj5iWraZnC5jgQHnO6CCltHyvARpeMaDAwG7W-ttghG4zSJrYWW6T-eTc6n2iVW85-A5AMdWzXC6862j_o-ZnMCqroafPb-LsiMgFe_C4DUO7OfGZxJUFo/s320/blch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brownlee Community Hall</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I am glad that the marker mentions the
close bond between the black settlers of DeWitty and the white residents of
Brownlee. The two communities were both really isolated and on their own in the
depths of Sand Hills back then. Here we have the story of a mixed-race couple,
integrated schools, neighbors helping each other when they needed it, and two
communities coming together to celebrate the quintessential American holiday,
Independence Day. This should be remembered,” says Magnuson. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Speakers at the ceremony will include a
Cherry County Historical Society representative, Magnuson, Catherine Meehan
Blount, a granddaughter of Charles and Hester Meehan — an interracial couple,
who were among the early DeWitty settlers — and Joyceann Gray, a niece of
Goldie Walker Hayes, a legendary teacher who remained in the county to work in
one-room schoolhouses long after the settlement disappeared. The invocation
will be conducted by the Reverend </span><span class="5yl5"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Khadijah Matin, also a niece
of Walker-Hayes. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweudeL8GDXcH0dURH5uHbpO-mvu0HLP-jY_1HQ32O6FBoPsOe_sSBILPPxW48F_1QAGk-5jq41oaCfFkAiBOdkAY_9cuH4BnE-yjfg8BEiM09bH99ccFtFAmhWo-z1rdKtRK-COiGEV8/s1600/bookcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweudeL8GDXcH0dURH5uHbpO-mvu0HLP-jY_1HQ32O6FBoPsOe_sSBILPPxW48F_1QAGk-5jq41oaCfFkAiBOdkAY_9cuH4BnE-yjfg8BEiM09bH99ccFtFAmhWo-z1rdKtRK-COiGEV8/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. Both are available online or in museums, bookstores and gift shops on Hwy 83<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-59199780656232681592016-03-21T10:45:00.000-07:002016-03-21T11:37:29.590-07:00Highway 83 to Be Featured on South Dakota Public Television<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMvQwJTPtj-N55jQfrTSjyVZbxIWBY6W9tm8qVXVGW8D3Tl1MqLdWFfENcwya4VM8PIM35IcZhjUq6ZkxxGSp-NJPnXiFs-v9kM8QuRxDK1f3KbtPNz72LA6grk64He3KzYqI8FHAAoI/s1600/LAHlowResLR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMvQwJTPtj-N55jQfrTSjyVZbxIWBY6W9tm8qVXVGW8D3Tl1MqLdWFfENcwya4VM8PIM35IcZhjUq6ZkxxGSp-NJPnXiFs-v9kM8QuRxDK1f3KbtPNz72LA6grk64He3KzYqI8FHAAoI/s400/LAHlowResLR.JPG" width="263" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Award
Winning author Stew Magnuson and his book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i>
will be featured on an upcoming episode of South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dakota Life</i> television show.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is currently slated to air April 7 at 8 p.m. Central/9 p.m. Mountain. </span><br />
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt;">Those outside of the SDPB viewing area can
watch the episode live online at this link. <a href="http://www.sdpb.org/dakotalife/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.sdpb.org/dakotalife/ </span></a></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
SDPB crew last September followed Magnuson for a half day from Murdo, south
through White River country and down to Mission, where he was filmed giving a
presentation at Sinte Gleska University.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Magnuson
says: “I was glad that we could meet there because that stretch of the road
from Murdo down to the Nebraska border is one of my favorite parts of Highway
83. Not only is the scenery beautiful, the area is renown for its history.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The book cover image was taken in this area, he adds. </span></div>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">As
South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s number one rated locally produced show for
the past 25 years, Dakota Life features interesting South Dakota people,
places, and things. New episodes of Dakota Life are broadcast on
the first Thursday of every month at 8:00 pm Central Time, 7:00 pm Mountain,
from September through June. Reruns occur throughout the year and episodes are
eventually aired on the RFDTV cable channel.</span></h4>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Last American Highway: A
Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas </span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">is<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>a nonfiction travel-history book that
uncovers stories found along a road that bisects the states from north to south<span class="st">. </span>Magnuson takes readers on a trip down the road and through
the history of the Northern Great Plains. The famous and the forgotten are
found in stories he discovers in the Dakotas. </span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsts1tYweGDl_1lDi42Rtrcq_U1Aqu8v0baWJLBDYow1kYeO1SGuBgwJzwdrTrkvlpHEW7cNwkOYwEEzvQmE1XG9-lKqnN-xscFXK3NWn0VEWPCiBok1y5sopBZZspo5nD2RdxlHgSgI/s1600/WR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsts1tYweGDl_1lDi42Rtrcq_U1Aqu8v0baWJLBDYow1kYeO1SGuBgwJzwdrTrkvlpHEW7cNwkOYwEEzvQmE1XG9-lKqnN-xscFXK3NWn0VEWPCiBok1y5sopBZZspo5nD2RdxlHgSgI/s320/WR.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The White River, just east of Hwy 83</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Explorers
Pierre de la Vérendrye, Lewis & Clark, Jedediah Smith, are all encountered
along with Chief Spotted Tail of the Brulé Lakotas, TV sensation Lawrence Welk
and rodeo superstar Casey Tibbs. Cold-blooded killers, homesteaders, ballplayers
and rail barons from yesteryear meet today’s truckers, oil rig workers and
ghost towns inhabitants as Magnuson launches his own Voyage of Discovery in a
beat-up 1999 Mazda Protégé. Timed for release during the states’ 125<sup>th</sup>
anniversary year<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</a></i>, is a love
poem to the natural beauty of the prairie and the fascinating people—both past
and present—found along the road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Born
and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Stew Magnuson is the author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Death-Raymond-Yellow-Thunder-Nebraska%C2%96Pine/dp/0896727181/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">The Death of Raymond Yellow Thunder: And Other True Stories from the Nebraska-Pine Ridge Border Towns</a>—</i>Nebraska
Center of the Book’s 2009 nonfiction book of the year, ForeWord Magazine’s
bronze medal winner for regional nonfiction and finalist for the 2008 Great
Plains Book of the Year. And <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last
American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma.
</i>He is working on the final installment of the series that will focus on
Highway 83 in Texas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
also penned <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wounded-Knee-1973-Bleeding-American/dp/0985299614/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wounded Knee 1973: Still Bleeding</i></a>, an account of the controversial 2012 Dakota Conference at
Augustana College, in Sioux Falls, S.D., where members of the American Indian
Movement squared off against retired FBI agents. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweudeL8GDXcH0dURH5uHbpO-mvu0HLP-jY_1HQ32O6FBoPsOe_sSBILPPxW48F_1QAGk-5jq41oaCfFkAiBOdkAY_9cuH4BnE-yjfg8BEiM09bH99ccFtFAmhWo-z1rdKtRK-COiGEV8/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweudeL8GDXcH0dURH5uHbpO-mvu0HLP-jY_1HQ32O6FBoPsOe_sSBILPPxW48F_1QAGk-5jq41oaCfFkAiBOdkAY_9cuH4BnE-yjfg8BEiM09bH99ccFtFAmhWo-z1rdKtRK-COiGEV8/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. Both are available online or in museums, bookstores and gift shops on Hwy 83<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-2288669798991933752016-02-04T11:11:00.000-08:002018-02-16T06:07:03.082-08:00Highway 83's Laredo Goes All Out to Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday<style>
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--></style><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By Stew Magnuson</span></a>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
get that question all the time,” says Veronica Castillon, “What are a bunch of
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBPs8tjYC057Jt4q4D8Q6iVvGb4Ja6aGwVP_BXNRuUoZusWqDaDTsWuZWfrLtFTh7b8rt1EEihYMNC6P1u_7d0eMjrroDBCJMqg0LPOVZviHbrYoqcyth2ZNf0aPI9wy51bja9e5_NXo/s1600/gowns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBPs8tjYC057Jt4q4D8Q6iVvGb4Ja6aGwVP_BXNRuUoZusWqDaDTsWuZWfrLtFTh7b8rt1EEihYMNC6P1u_7d0eMjrroDBCJMqg0LPOVZviHbrYoqcyth2ZNf0aPI9wy51bja9e5_NXo/s400/gowns.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda Leyendecker Gutierrez and some of her creations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mexicans doing celebrating Washington’s Birthday?”</span>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Indeed,
the city of Laredo has made a pretty big deal out of acknowledging the United
States’ first president since 1898. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, what Castillon, former president of the association that produces the
annual event, meant was “Mexican-Americans.” Laredo was founded by the Spanish
in 1755, and later became part of Mexico when it broke free of colonial rule. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Long
after it became part of the United States, the residents held onto their
traditional Latin festivals and holidays. The city leaders wanted to balance
that out, so they settled on a distinctly American holiday, Castillon
explained.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
there is currently no other city in the America that goes all out for G.W. the
way Laredo does. It has been doing so for 121 years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
celebrations take up several weeks in February each year — when the weather is
much milder compared to the summer months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Washington’s
Birthday Celebration events attract nearly 500,000 residents and visitors, and
contributes an estimated $14 million every year to the local economy, according
to the association website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
year includes the annual parade, concerts, fireworks, an air show, a car show,
and 5 K race, Jalapeno Festival, a 10-day carnival and the highlight: The
Society of Martha Washington Ball where 13 young women and their escorts,
representing the 13 colonies, attend in resplendent gowns and period costumes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
the home of Laredo native Linda Leyendecker Gutierrez, I had an opportunity of<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEVhHyihJFwB1y6oKaP_jqSXPCLY0wC8FuPvEchHYqDXWA7hUaW52HUZPnZMDu2dGQbyTij-cxFJMK2ZlDi1LWNmtHsEdHmZaKFN2qK1EkfZGEDtHCsM1E8T45XxahAUPnhYf-I9ona8/s1600/gown3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEVhHyihJFwB1y6oKaP_jqSXPCLY0wC8FuPvEchHYqDXWA7hUaW52HUZPnZMDu2dGQbyTij-cxFJMK2ZlDi1LWNmtHsEdHmZaKFN2qK1EkfZGEDtHCsM1E8T45XxahAUPnhYf-I9ona8/s320/gown3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gown details</td></tr>
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seeing some of these gowns. Gutierrez is one of the city’s best known dressmakers,
who can spend months working on one of the pieces.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">How
much does she charge to produce one of these one-of-a-kind gowns?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That’s
confidential, she says. She has never revealed how much one of her clients
pays. Once made, they become treasured family heirlooms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">While
the ball is a big night, in Gutierrez’s mind, the most important ceremony is
the International Bridge Ceremony, where two boys and two girls, each
representing both side of the border, meet on a spot over the Rio Grande River
and embrace. The big parade begins soon after.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
reason Washington’s birthday is celebrated here is because of the respect the
founding father commands in Latin America as a leader who threw off the yoke of
European colonialism.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Respected
as the forerunner of such Latin American liberators as Mexico’s Father Hidalgo
and Simon Bolivar, Washington’s esteem is not limited to the United States,”
the celebration’s website says.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgnMHcUA5yapCtinUGIjcaxTDIjI9wjkQjGF-UxjXTt2A_P8gLM-cECcuQOeIICKdbNKEcZqe5pFcaprlBorHm39wkHg96FV57ZcvVXk_8oBbqBNoiPqDBucSdDhkJH7ctGCzaZgRqhM/s1600/bridge_cermony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgnMHcUA5yapCtinUGIjcaxTDIjI9wjkQjGF-UxjXTt2A_P8gLM-cECcuQOeIICKdbNKEcZqe5pFcaprlBorHm39wkHg96FV57ZcvVXk_8oBbqBNoiPqDBucSdDhkJH7ctGCzaZgRqhM/s400/bridge_cermony.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge ceremony photo courtesy of WBCA.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Princess Pocahontas Pageant and Ball where a local woman in a resplendent
beaded costume “presides over a spectacular pageant that is as much a part of
the Washington’s Birthday Celebration as it is a homage to the Native American
culture. The Princess Pocahontas Pageant presents the Native Americans in a
setting that is both mystical and natural, “ the official website says</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Society of Martha Washington Ball, where Gutierrez's gowns make their public
debut, is one of the most famous events in South Texas and was featured in
National Geographic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
a list of George Washington Birthday Celebration events check out the website
<a href="http://www.wbcalaredo.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
those who can’t make it to Laredo in February, there is a small Washington's Birthday Celebration museum on the southwest corner of San
Augustin Plaza, which has a display of some of the elaborate gowns and
costumes. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-uBDFB3yLGCiAMukyDW0EOM5Jc2CfGQ7-xyduIgV-ylivS36DKTJ59I5hfepbWE6H-bpi_ACHy3fZM_5eaEbtg3IblL-uWUaZMYBqNm96ZT_5_gHTJ1cVX22mvfptiNtZjQ4C8JmYyo/s1600/coverTexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="910" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-uBDFB3yLGCiAMukyDW0EOM5Jc2CfGQ7-xyduIgV-ylivS36DKTJ59I5hfepbWE6H-bpi_ACHy3fZM_5eaEbtg3IblL-uWUaZMYBqNm96ZT_5_gHTJ1cVX22mvfptiNtZjQ4C8JmYyo/s320/coverTexas.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
</h3>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Stew
Magnuson is the author of the Highway 83 Chronicles, a series of three
books about history and life found along U.S. Route 83. The final book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299630/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83 in Texas</i> </a>was released in March 2017 and follows<i> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0985299622&pd_rd_r=ME1MXZ5NDV5NCSY88G1Z&pd_rd_w=sG6J3&pd_rd_wg=LJGUH&psc=1&refRID=ME1MXZ5NDV5NCSY88G1Z" target="_blank">The Last American Highway: The Dakotas</a></i>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1505586496&pd_rd_r=S3WB55QBV2D7EXX6MA36&pd_rd_w=0X69Y&pd_rd_wg=XVyUF&psc=1&refRID=S3WB55QBV2D7EXX6MA36" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma</i></a>, edition.</span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stew-Magnuson/e/B001JSA160/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1" target="_blank">All three are available ONLINE</a> or in bookstores and gift shops along Highway 83.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For signed copies or retail opportunities contact him <a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">HERE</a> </span>Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-60022383380689834062016-01-19T07:21:00.000-08:002016-01-19T07:22:50.366-08:00Exploring the Historic ‘Streets of Laredo’ Along Highway 83<style>
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<a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By STEW MAGNUSON</span></a>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNAPrFGmq_7l59oYOO0Y6mpSlVl48AbVaAies9udbWCFs6w6IB1oTNBPubi_Ca3DDC6rCkCC1wEBctZuCOuf5uz5Maq7eqJQ4jTbpy1O5Qp-HqYXrSFJbILwl5PPBJjCJ51WIN9KpOd8/s1600/sanaugustin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNAPrFGmq_7l59oYOO0Y6mpSlVl48AbVaAies9udbWCFs6w6IB1oTNBPubi_Ca3DDC6rCkCC1wEBctZuCOuf5uz5Maq7eqJQ4jTbpy1O5Qp-HqYXrSFJbILwl5PPBJjCJ51WIN9KpOd8/s400/sanaugustin.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Augustin church. Photos by Stew Magnuson</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
the first Friday night of the month in Laredo and the CaminArte (art walk) is
underway.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Families,
young couples and folks on their own like myself — with a special map in hand —
are making their way around the town center’s streets to check out the local
galleries. About nine sites are opening their doors to sell paintings or
crafts, and the town’s famous San Augustin Square is surrounded by vendors for
an artisan’s bazaar.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One
of my first stops is Gallery 201, a contemporary art gallery, where a handful
of local artists have set up tables.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Erika
Lamar Buentello happens to be selling prints of local iconic neon signs. Two of
them, the Evelyn Motor Inn and Pan American Courts Café (and Hotel) are out on
Business 83. Those signs have been there since before there was an expressway,
and hark back to the Golden Age of road travel in the 1940s and 1950s.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Sold,”
I say. It’s as if she knew I were coming. She knocks five bucks off, $35 for
the pair, and I get to take some great Highway 83 memorabilia back home with
me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FlynnCraftHouse" target="_blank">Find Buentello’s art on this Etsy page.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
highlight on the walk is the <a href="https://www.laredoartcenter.org/" target="_blank">Laredo Center for the Arts</a>, which has an ongoing
exhibition and local artists there to do some painting as visitors watch. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-9Z0PIv97-VNwnFzEfzzHaj7al00fBJ92vtY-NokuV2bxPrR0PbqvOtneURhWVX06aOikAahYTK4V8R7mQsqdAMYCMCn4Ycfd9OLNhBfxu1_ERgrXLcTbYJI_7SKius0_0uPT8Vp0GA/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-9Z0PIv97-VNwnFzEfzzHaj7al00fBJ92vtY-NokuV2bxPrR0PbqvOtneURhWVX06aOikAahYTK4V8R7mQsqdAMYCMCn4Ycfd9OLNhBfxu1_ERgrXLcTbYJI_7SKius0_0uPT8Vp0GA/s320/photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prints by Erika Lamar Buentello</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Casa
Ortiz, just off the square, is open to visitors. The building has been here
since about 1830 and features a beautiful courtyard. Five generations of the
Ortiz family lived there before it was sold, but someone has been there since
then, making it the longest continually occupied home in Texas. Nowadays, Texas
A&M University owns the building, and lets students stay there. Enrique
Botello is one of the students and shows me around. He’s originally from the
town of San Ygnacio on Highway 83, a community south of Laredo on the banks of
the Rio Grande, which was established before the American Revolution. From Casa
Ortiz, visitors can see the river. This was a good spot with a wide view and
made it harder for Apaches on Comanches to sneak up on the residents, Botello
explains. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">San
Augustin Plaza is where the vendors are set up. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m
amazed at the low prices. I’ve been to plenty of artisan bazaars in my day, and
I would have never found a beautiful lapis-lazuli necklace for my wife for a
mere $22 at any of the others. Another vendor is offering hand-stitched,
homemade postcards, each one unique and nice enough to frame. She doesn’t
charge more than $12 for any of them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">San
Augustin Cathedral next to the square has been here since 1778. The Gothic
Revival church is open and features a beautiful collection of stained glass. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">La
Posada Hotel takes up the entire south side of the plaza. The building the lobby is in was once a high school and bits of the structure dating back to 1916 remains. The hotel was built around three other historic buildings. As a hotel, it only dates back to
the early 1960s, but with two courtyards, swimming pools and palm trees, it
seems like you’re stepping back in time. The four-diamond hotel is one of the best
bets for casual or more upscale dining on the plaza.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5CPUjXSaR2V36g7nsP6wdhAL8_ccaFsADfowVrVCEzwjZGrYFSYr6Ju9tGPS79BjZqtM-03QP9bVrDCN9LK3cQFiUb8duAzE5NGcAaLV2V9LGIKx02NjbVXSd2YksmceRARLTL1Or8k/s1600/vendor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5CPUjXSaR2V36g7nsP6wdhAL8_ccaFsADfowVrVCEzwjZGrYFSYr6Ju9tGPS79BjZqtM-03QP9bVrDCN9LK3cQFiUb8duAzE5NGcAaLV2V9LGIKx02NjbVXSd2YksmceRARLTL1Or8k/s400/vendor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vendor on the art walk selling hand-stitched postcards.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Also
on the south side is the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum. The building
headquartered a short-lived movement to carve out a new nation here in 1840,
when locals chaffed under Mexican rule. During the republic’s short 10 months,
it created a flag, which is why the flags of seven nations, rather than six for
the rest of Texas, have flown over Laredo. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
item visitors might notice are the “City of Generals and Saints” banners hung
on streetlight poles. The names of Laredo’s streets in the historic district
alternate between famous generals and Catholic saints, hence the nickname. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Just
two blocks away, is a reminder that Laredo is a border town. A steady stream of
border crossers walk across the Bridge of Americas where a line of shops on
Convent Street cater to them. Laredo is only surpassed by New York and Los
Angeles in terms of trade. Some $280 billion of goods passed through its ports
of entry in 2014, according to Customs and Border Protection statistics. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0G9VokZcULwPAz_1vaAlWI7JAQC9G5469wvanS-5Ng5Gur2f2xiSlr5DB6BhgvzeATaVrrb1bBCDEo1Z9jzUzcKJwGn8ebTuSb29oyB16xioitigfUsQxgM3POXFg5WxQqdRrYmmPxU/s1600/posada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0G9VokZcULwPAz_1vaAlWI7JAQC9G5469wvanS-5Ng5Gur2f2xiSlr5DB6BhgvzeATaVrrb1bBCDEo1Z9jzUzcKJwGn8ebTuSb29oyB16xioitigfUsQxgM3POXFg5WxQqdRrYmmPxU/s400/posada.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Augustin Plaza taken from La Posada Hotel.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
decades, the U.S Canada Highway 83 Association advertised the road as a great
route to “Old Mexico.” It held its annual convention here in 1963. The city
once worked hand in hand with its sister city across the bridge Nuevo Laredo to
attract tourists under its “Two Nations. One Destination” slogan, but sadly
violence fueled by the drug trade in Mexico forced Laredo to shut that campaign
down and separate itself from its neighbor, explained Blasita Lopez, director of the Laredo Convention and Visitor's Bureau.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They
are indeed different worlds apart in that respect. As the numbers of local
families and young couples exploring downtown during the art walk showed,
downtown Laredo is as safe as any city of its size in the United States. It
would be wrong to say the city is crime free — no place can make that claim —
but it is also wrong to lump it in with what’s happening across the border. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Visiting
historic downtown Laredo is a highlight on any trip along Highway 83, and
shouldn’t be missed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSWkj-8tB5zFeyIQA_QTNd78fU2VPAQRBC00wNK_peeOhsbxjRxvAHKHvB1uvgoJIQgKOj_eraBG4SJmE0wppIGAd29aOb8jTnqSP8g0YaDHwFMg-vS5zj3kmmuLzAfgk3LFUFGxgfpY/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSWkj-8tB5zFeyIQA_QTNd78fU2VPAQRBC00wNK_peeOhsbxjRxvAHKHvB1uvgoJIQgKOj_eraBG4SJmE0wppIGAd29aOb8jTnqSP8g0YaDHwFMg-vS5zj3kmmuLzAfgk3LFUFGxgfpY/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. Both are available online or in museums, bookstores and gift shops on Hwy 83<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-2043634418934999342016-01-11T06:19:00.000-08:002016-01-12T09:28:53.752-08:00Dedication Ceremony for DeWitty Historical Marker Set for April<style>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zq1ih1AYGmtn2XigsjyVZXkki-xBC8PwodQ3e7ivJUECnipQbrm-ox3WaUi97Rpg5ehtT62mQt5om3pXENm3CIapuh2G5u6q88gNi3QJVeCpijxoMDuNLsut1qtnecb8Y76qemWnZZ4/s1600/abcturnoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zq1ih1AYGmtn2XigsjyVZXkki-xBC8PwodQ3e7ivJUECnipQbrm-ox3WaUi97Rpg5ehtT62mQt5om3pXENm3CIapuh2G5u6q88gNi3QJVeCpijxoMDuNLsut1qtnecb8Y76qemWnZZ4/s400/abcturnoff.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marker site on Hwy 83 near Brownlee turnoff</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
dedication ceremony for a new Nebraska State Historical Marker in Cherry County
commemorating DeWitty, the state’s longest and most successful African-American
rural settlement<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the state is
scheduled for Monday, April 11 at 10 a.m. at the site of the marker, near the
Brownlee turnoff road on U.S. Highway 83. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
ceremony will be held in the Cherry County Historical Society Museum in
Valentine in the event of inclement weather.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
ceremony is expected to draw descendants of the original DeWitty settlers from
all over the nation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’ve
already heard from descendants from as far away as Delaware, Virginia and
California who are planning to come,” said Stew Magnuson, the author of two
books about Highway 83. Last year, Magnuson, the Cherry County Historical
Society and DeWitty descendants coordinated efforts to raise the $5,100 needed to pay
for the marker.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtNKFl5Sqis7FkvBri4rL8alV1uld-z2L9mCRNWqHDNmYOBM6leIXOM7vjzBKJ7B9MVg_EoCijiOIBDnrONbRhrGC80Xdgjiat1q6CKrYmLib0C97mPk6x4DAFqcHsW_rAaDKHD4IcLg/s1600/abcnl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtNKFl5Sqis7FkvBri4rL8alV1uld-z2L9mCRNWqHDNmYOBM6leIXOM7vjzBKJ7B9MVg_EoCijiOIBDnrONbRhrGC80Xdgjiat1q6CKrYmLib0C97mPk6x4DAFqcHsW_rAaDKHD4IcLg/s400/abcnl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Loup River just south of marker site</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Donations
came from descendants, Cherry County residents, history buffs in Nebraska and
members of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/" target="_blank">Fans of U.S. Route 83 page</a> on Facebook. It was a wonderful
gathering of different people who believed that this unique community should be
remembered,” said Magnuson.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Black
settlers first arrived in the area about 1907 to take advantage of the Kinkaid
Act, which granted homesteaders 640 acres of land in the counties that
comprised the Sand Hills of Nebraska. DeWitty, also known as Audacious, grew as
more settlers came to take advantage of this offer. The Homestead Act only
granted 160 acres of land. Some settlers had roots in Canada and were the
descendants of escaped slaves. Others came from big cities to try their hands
at farming. The town barber, Robert Hannahs, had been born into slavery. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzuq1B_n4tgA6-JIYNay8nQCm-Mho6DGdvGy7mJybKkvk4ZZ5NrYl2fUDHxzJVbYTiHPTJRegz-zYegCGpZa6noU0Y_dAV1FeHP-xVh1zuER_PD2ZBxzdDocz45R_RfeTZ0COvEGXJnQ/s1600/abcwest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzuq1B_n4tgA6-JIYNay8nQCm-Mho6DGdvGy7mJybKkvk4ZZ5NrYl2fUDHxzJVbYTiHPTJRegz-zYegCGpZa6noU0Y_dAV1FeHP-xVh1zuER_PD2ZBxzdDocz45R_RfeTZ0COvEGXJnQ/s320/abcwest.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Sand Hills west of marker site</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They
built homesteads along the North Loup River, extending some 14 miles west of
the town of Brownlee, a mostly white settlement. Relations between the two
communities were excellent, Magnuson says. They came together to celebrate
Independence Day, shared one-room schools and helped each other whenever needed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“This
is really the story of two communities: DeWitty and Brownlee. The marker text
notes the bond the communities shared,” says Magnuson, who wrote a chapter
about DeWitty in his latest book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: Nebraska,Kansas, Oklahoma.</i></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="_5yl5">Joyceann Gray, a DeWitty descendant now
living in Sterling, Virginia, said, "My sister Khadijah and I are so
excited to attend the DeWitty-Audacious Historical Marker Installation
ceremony. What an humbling honor to be a part of recognizing our
ancestors, their struggles, and their lives."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64kwqcfwEO-_j_wnoRDShsYozn310yuqO3z2mAiee7fuW8eUO8K3BwYlzkjbXRPdaV1Z9s8KZriQJ8N-R-UoDMKNB4UpKA_UQJ_DohX7xvcB3TOpakh0fxKAR3AnBg6PmNm9O1xMQ1m0/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64kwqcfwEO-_j_wnoRDShsYozn310yuqO3z2mAiee7fuW8eUO8K3BwYlzkjbXRPdaV1Z9s8KZriQJ8N-R-UoDMKNB4UpKA_UQJ_DohX7xvcB3TOpakh0fxKAR3AnBg6PmNm9O1xMQ1m0/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="212" /></a>Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. Both are available online or in museums, bookstores and gift shops on Hwy 83<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium; mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i> </span></div>
Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-14357602243793883622015-12-16T11:34:00.000-08:002017-04-07T07:49:35.667-07:00Laredo, Texas: A Birder's Paradise on Highway 83<style>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMnmxH2h3kaRUQf68Ff1Jt0HWkutzg3bnReaAuwCKa4RugfwJlIXOER-MlGejt7-mPoxAzBXpcUJK0QKOWzIGeo2aw_U50OeWPDDBJs0zIKmYlwSBBWGGDUlr0mK0u5RNtN1NqAVEFDg/s1600/kiskadee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMnmxH2h3kaRUQf68Ff1Jt0HWkutzg3bnReaAuwCKa4RugfwJlIXOER-MlGejt7-mPoxAzBXpcUJK0QKOWzIGeo2aw_U50OeWPDDBJs0zIKmYlwSBBWGGDUlr0mK0u5RNtN1NqAVEFDg/s400/kiskadee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A kiskadee on Las Palmas Trail in Laredo, Texas. Photos by Stew Magnuson</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">By STEW MAGNUSON </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Nestled
between bustling downtown Laredo, Texas, and the banks of Rio Grande is a wide
thicket of palm trees, grasses and assorted vegetation where some 140 bird
species have been spotted over the years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tom
Miller, director of Laredo Community College’s Lamar Bruni Vergara Science
Center, is leading a group of writers, including myself, down a path into the
dense vegetation on a cool early December morning as a light fog lifts off the river.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Las Palmas Trail — populated with native and non-native grasses and palm trees — has
survived fires, floods and urban development and emerged as a prime spot for
“birders.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Don’t
call them ‘bird-watchers as that is a bit of a faux-pas.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Birders”
are well known for keeping detailed records of the species they have spotted
and many come here for the white-collared seedeater, which Miller describes as
the trail’s “signature bird.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
it’s only 7:30 a.m.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ioAAhxWpKPeFD2a7ccYuvx7ebW8szrFSJSpSWIs6wH8cj9-BHVInUfoYe-fsNL0PJR4bmXPeovaApTEsA7HgE6p6LsdMfPgJyFZA2XVDQzfXVxiBtfK0nm2voX7jm2fo29xh8B_hmX0/s1600/IMG_9069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ioAAhxWpKPeFD2a7ccYuvx7ebW8szrFSJSpSWIs6wH8cj9-BHVInUfoYe-fsNL0PJR4bmXPeovaApTEsA7HgE6p6LsdMfPgJyFZA2XVDQzfXVxiBtfK0nm2voX7jm2fo29xh8B_hmX0/s320/IMG_9069.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Miller</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Actually,
I think the white collared seed eaters are late risers. They’re a little lazy,”
he says. “It seems that the best time is 10, or so. They would rather to sleep
in late and wait for it to warm up a bit.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Laredo
and the Rio Grande Valley as Highway 83 travels south of here to Brownsville, has
long been known as a Mecca for “birders.” Its southern locale brings in species
that don’t travel far north and is also a popular stop for migrating birds. The
city holds an annual Laredo Birding Festival in early February. Attendees
recorded 165 species in the region last year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Blasita
Lopez, Laredo Convention and Visitor’s Bureau director, estimates that 1,000 to
2,000 visitors from all over the world travel to the border city every year
just for birding. This is one of nine prime birding spots or trails within the
city limits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Miller
takes out his binoculars and scans the tree branches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Three
kingfishers have all been seen here the belted, ringed and green,” he says.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
January 2010, a female Amazon Kingfisher was spotted for the first time in
North America in this spot, which by itself brought in hordes of birders as it
took up a two-and-half-week residence, according to a visitor’s bureau
brochure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“There!”
Miller says. “In the top of the tree directly ahead of us is an Audubon
oriole.” </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VfGX2WIYZ4w96zsV7xfEt5tEzM7TQM1RZM7MF7rtPnCnpIBccNNVEl6Qm-mAN2dArd1UrapzDkOB9zFOioB14aZdz3rP0HWvy4aiknVAcNKcVt3JnhSAQZ-hAlGh6VPfpC449oanvcE/s1600/goldenfronted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VfGX2WIYZ4w96zsV7xfEt5tEzM7TQM1RZM7MF7rtPnCnpIBccNNVEl6Qm-mAN2dArd1UrapzDkOB9zFOioB14aZdz3rP0HWvy4aiknVAcNKcVt3JnhSAQZ-hAlGh6VPfpC449oanvcE/s320/goldenfronted.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden-fronted woodpeckers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One
avid birder in the group, a University of Texas-Austin professor, gets to add that
species to his list. Later he will send a simple text message to his brother in
a game of birder one-ups-manship. “Audubon oriole,” he wrote. That elicited an
immediate response from his sibling, who is also an avid birder. The hobby can
be competitive, I find out. The professor is most excited about a group of
red-billed pigeons that are reportedly hanging out at a municipal golf course
north of town. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That’s
on the itinerary, Lopez assures him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
spot green jays in some other branches sticking out from the cane. I had no
idea that they came in colors other than blue.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mixed
in with the distinctive call of a kiskadee, we hear a lonesome train whistle,
and Spanish coming from a megaphone across the river trying to lure shoppers
into a store Only these sounds reminds us that we are in the middle of two
large cities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Next,
we spot a pair of golden-fronted woodpeckers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s
one I hadn’t seen yet this fall. So that’s a good bird for me,” Miller says.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
professor is the first to see a yellow-bellied sapsucker.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Along
with birds, those who hike the path are likely to encounter members of the
Border Patrol. They have ground sensors here, and have cut a path wide enough
for vehicles to traverse on one part of the preserve. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“We’ve
had to negotiate a little bit … but they’re working with us,” Miller said. The
agency has promised to do their best to keep ATVs and other vehicles out of the
sanctuary.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Indeed,
a pair of agents in their green uniforms come down to check us out. But it’s
pretty obvious that we’re a bunch of hikers. They’re friendly, chat about some
of the birds they’ve seen, and leave us be after awhile. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
at last come to a cove near a water treatment plant, where some neotropic cormorants
and other waders reside. The treatment plant is scheduled to be demolished,
which may open this area up for more visitors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On
the way back to our bus, Miller sees a white-collared seedeater scurrying
across the path. I’m standing right next to him, but I didn’t see it. We crouch
still for a minute hoping it will come back, but it doesn’t.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
feel a little frustrated that I missed it. I’m starting to understand why many
are attracted to this hobby. It appeals to those of us who like to hunt, but
only want to shoot animals with a camera lens. On your worst day, you’ve taken
a nice walk in nature.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurIWTIrSpHKT0B7e0JBHquV7uSC2-7pRHPSocRgX8wym3HPPpZMakDbyqMFFV2469VKrKK16mRjm6mrgbEidzGq7alGS-7xIh2SvL-olvIhEZRjUvQbK91n9R03ZkCHf90MRHxr8L_b0/s1600/IMG_9053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurIWTIrSpHKT0B7e0JBHquV7uSC2-7pRHPSocRgX8wym3HPPpZMakDbyqMFFV2469VKrKK16mRjm6mrgbEidzGq7alGS-7xIh2SvL-olvIhEZRjUvQbK91n9R03ZkCHf90MRHxr8L_b0/s320/IMG_9053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rio Grande at Laredo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Highway
83 is the perfect road for birders. Heading north from the birders' paradise
that is the Rio Grande Valley, they arrive at the wetlands of the Great Plains
and all its diversity. They can then take a detour a few miles east to see the
Sandhill crane migration on in the Platte River Valley in Nebraska. In the heart
of the Nebraska Sand Hills is the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and Fort
Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">North
Dakota and its Prairie Pothole Region is called North America’s “duck factory.”
And then there is the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Audubon at
Coleharbor, North Dakota, where some 200 bird species have been recorded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Laredo Birding Festival takes place Feb. 3-6, 2016. <a href="http://laredobirdingfestival.com/" target="_blank">Registration is now open (link here).</a> Other times of the year, local tours can be arranged by contacting
the LBV Science Center at 956-764-5701. A list of birding spots in or near Laredo <a href="http://www.visitlaredo.com/visitor-home/sports/birding/" target="_blank">can be found here</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKkM7D1ykdix-G6xfI_Pu2tHwPJKKzXqps7l7piGn3VSGMOWZ8MN6TsHvcayqX_Fw4WpZ-DVkX2FmQzxnvH-JIWBSd2ftGM4nHUB_XDhyCdMb0C0QRoXx1rfS8ZpqteTExUkNNtxCb4w/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKkM7D1ykdix-G6xfI_Pu2tHwPJKKzXqps7l7piGn3VSGMOWZ8MN6TsHvcayqX_Fw4WpZ-DVkX2FmQzxnvH-JIWBSd2ftGM4nHUB_XDhyCdMb0C0QRoXx1rfS8ZpqteTExUkNNtxCb4w/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="212" /></a>Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. Both are available online or in museums, bookstores and gift shops on Hwy 83<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
</h3>
</div>
<h3>
</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-26743987720471916282015-11-12T06:52:00.000-08:002015-11-16T12:20:30.653-08:00Effort Begins to Build Interpretive Center for Pueblo Indian Ruins near Highway 83 in Kansas<style>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hwsbbRT-gPovHPEJQlHG9X_PKuXMQxbn7TzoNHY8syDY9QgnlxSArHRKlC7sfPNVQ-FWc6LrpfNL18mqF3dUzmBVTCYF-b6joAysLxNb6KdNXUQwTKPmq4b2GCDYdjjHoj_FUPHFoC0/s1600/eq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hwsbbRT-gPovHPEJQlHG9X_PKuXMQxbn7TzoNHY8syDY9QgnlxSArHRKlC7sfPNVQ-FWc6LrpfNL18mqF3dUzmBVTCYF-b6joAysLxNb6KdNXUQwTKPmq4b2GCDYdjjHoj_FUPHFoC0/s400/eq.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos by Stew Magnuson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">By STEW MAGNUSON</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">North
of Scott City, Kansas, on Highway 83, there is a stretch of land south of the
Smoky Hill River Valley that appears to be mostly flat farm fields, seemingly
devoid of geological features.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
just to the west, five miles out of eyeshot is a beautiful valley where the
1,280-acre Lake Scott State Park, is a literal oasis in this otherwise dry
land.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
in this state park are the Pueblo El Quartelejo ruins.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I’ve shown pictures of the ruins to audiences outside of Kansas during my Last
American Highway presentations, many are surprised.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pueblo
Indian ruins? In Kansas?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
turns out that a small tribe of Pueblos first came to this spot from their
traditional homelands to the west at about 1640 to escape harsh Spanish
colonial rule. Spanish soldiers later forced them back. Another group came in
the later part of the century, and were also turned back. The foundations of a
seven-room adobe home is the only structure that can be seen today. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Along
with the Pueblos, the Plains Apaches also took shelter in the valley to take
advantage of its springs and abundant game. One would think the valley was
occupied on and off for thousands of years by peoples whose names are now
forgotten. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
is now an effort underway to build an enclosed interpretive center over the
Pueblo.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
ultimate goal is to bring back all the artifacts from the site that are now
scattered around the country.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
don’t have a single shard here, and this is our heritage,” Jerry Thomas, who is
leading the committee that is setting out to build the new enclosure, said in a
phone interview.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thomas,
a well-known artist who specializes in Western themes, is one of Scott City’s
most famous sons. In town, he spearheaded the effort to build the El Quartelejo
Museum and Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection building. He more recently helped raise funds to build
an interpretive kiosk for the Smokey Hill River Valley on Highway 83.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
for the Pueblo, there were several digs on the site over the years — the first
in 1898 conducted by a University of Kansas professor. The university and other
institutions now house the artifacts including the Smithsonian, the Kansas
State Historical Society and the University of Northern Illinois.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Scott State Park and Historical Committee expects to raise $1 million through
private donations to fund the center. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On
Oct. 19, Thomas was joined by Gov. Sam Brownback, state and local officials, park
rangers and a member of the Taos Pueblo tribe for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off the effort, according
to the Garden City Times.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">C. A. Tsosie, a
Tiwa-speaking tribal elder, traveled to the ceremony and gave
his blessing for the endeavor. The site will be “a sanctuary for all of
America,” the newspaper quoted him as saying.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
the enclosure is built, it is hoped that the institutions that now have the
collections will return or loan items to be displayed there, Thomas said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
digs uncovered items from the Taos Pueblos, Apaches, nearby tribes such as the
Wichitas and European trade items suggesting that this was a popular spot for
plains nations to meet and trade. Other structures were found hundreds of yards
away from the seven-room Pueblo. The stones that make up the foundation seen
today were uncovered then later reburied by the archaeologists. In 1970, they
were dug up and placed back to where records taken by the Kansas University
professor indicated that they had been found.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GSoSKOLG8ZboJylzqeFjlXRrsuYs1AoF-wgt0EG80h2kiua3AcLI3pid_1PWfazR-S4r3DPD8hydPYJMBVPHEqzV_NdelFbdL2VMpcDDaD64tSapFuAs3RfMQQqKTgCMfIvNmNgoWA4/s1600/eq2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GSoSKOLG8ZboJylzqeFjlXRrsuYs1AoF-wgt0EG80h2kiua3AcLI3pid_1PWfazR-S4r3DPD8hydPYJMBVPHEqzV_NdelFbdL2VMpcDDaD64tSapFuAs3RfMQQqKTgCMfIvNmNgoWA4/s320/eq2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
seven-room pueblo probably didn’t have any windows or doors and occupants exited
and entered through a ladder at the top of the roof. It was undoubtedly cool in
the summer and warm in the winter. It is believed that the original structure
was destroyed by fire.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Eventually,
the last Native occupants of the valley, the Plains Apaches, were pushed south
by their main rival, the Comanches.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Decades
later, the Northern Cheyenne passed through here during their dramatic escape
from Indian Territory in 1879. The last battle between the Northern Cheyenne
and the U.S. Army in Kansas took place near here, at the Battle of Punished
Woman’s Fork. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thomas
said there will have to be a final archaeological investigation to make sure
that the new building doesn’t damage or destroy items that the other digs
missed. That will hopefully take place in the spring. Thomas hopes the doors
open to the new facility in about two years. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is certain to be a must-stop for those traveling on Highway 83.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Meanwhile,
visitors to the area can stop and see the ruins at the park, or learn more at
the <a href="http://www.elquartelejomuseum.org/" target="_blank">El Quartelejo Museum/Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection</a> in Scott City. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
park entrance is three miles west of U.S. 83 on K-95. There is a $6 per vehicle
fee for daily visitors. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.elquartelejomuseum.org/" target="_blank">El Quartelejo Museum/Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection</a> is open 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. Monday through Sunday in the summer season and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Labor Day
to Memorial Day. It’s about a half mile west of the intersection of Highway 83
(main Street) and K-96 in Scott City. Free but donations are appreciated.</span></b><br />
<br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal">
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Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition.Both are available online or in museums, bookstores and gift shops on Hwy 83, including the <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">El Quartelejo
Museum and Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection in Scott City and the Buffalo Bil Interpretive Center in Oakley, KS.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-58798569557303316912015-10-08T07:06:00.000-07:002015-10-10T10:56:44.552-07:00Effort to Preserve Garden City’s Windsor Hotel on Highway 83 Moves Forward<style>
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<a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">By STEW MAGNUSON</a><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMKzWReRL8gLAJr5MapxLhm7A06FOPzBiXySjS9piHT2YGdNr61UxMssTZP45JOjmHBMXNbfYUsm7sfbWRH855UjtSz7OkHsnRZivbJrqLccwi_YOJHNg8RrTVLB2G35oOi3UA7At2R4/s1600/windsor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMKzWReRL8gLAJr5MapxLhm7A06FOPzBiXySjS9piHT2YGdNr61UxMssTZP45JOjmHBMXNbfYUsm7sfbWRH855UjtSz7OkHsnRZivbJrqLccwi_YOJHNg8RrTVLB2G35oOi3UA7At2R4/s400/windsor2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Windsor Hotel. Photos by Stew Magnuson</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
are many grand old hotels along the 1,885 miles of Highway 83 that date back to
the golden age of rail travel.</span>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
it came to travelers, the railroads lost out to the automobile and airplanes early
last century. Hotels in the center of bustling downtowns consequently lost out
to the motels — motor hotels — out by the highways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One
of the grandest of these old hotels one encounters on Highway 83 is the Windsor in Garden City, Kansas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
a majestic building that dominates the downtown as one approaches on what is
now Business 83 from the north.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Windsor closed its doors to customers in 1977. Like many old buildings in the
prairie climate, it began to deteriorate. Its placement on the National
Register of Historic Places in 1972 was important, but that designation doesn’t
do anything to guarantee the survival of such a large building.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
visiting Garden City recently, I’m happy to report that the community’s effort
to save this beautiful old building is gaining momentum. </span><br />
The
Finney County Preservation Alliance, which owns the property, has hired its
first full-time employee, Brian Nelson, as its executive director.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
found him in one of the first floor storefronts, which is now open to the
public. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
alliance is taking a step-by-step approach to preserving the building.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
recent campaign to raise $39,000 to save the hotel’s iconic cupola surpassed
its goal with an extra $3,000 to spare, Nelson reported. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">His
hiring was another important step, as was a new board of directors that has
settled on a long-term vision for the building. For many years, different
boards had different ideas about what to do with the hotel, Nelson said. Now,
that vision is more settled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
certainly a building worth saving, historically and architecturally.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Jt5OzhkN6_bXQvd7c3PId4i49IoSLiVHyMt7G5v7nvHTPRkuFJcZMRPUI1H1mQQJ380Jom74tvl3XXVklg7-OvQ4RodNS_N04wLYnhjuKn9nCyPP_F0QRrdR5acLwRik6dOzD1cGPao/s1600/windor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Jt5OzhkN6_bXQvd7c3PId4i49IoSLiVHyMt7G5v7nvHTPRkuFJcZMRPUI1H1mQQJ380Jom74tvl3XXVklg7-OvQ4RodNS_N04wLYnhjuKn9nCyPP_F0QRrdR5acLwRik6dOzD1cGPao/s320/windor1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Windsor's cupola</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Town
founder John A. Stevens opened an opera house next door in 1886 and the hotel
in 1888. With its 125 rooms, elegant cupola</span>, three-story atrium lit by natural
light, and mahogany trimmings, it became known as the “Waldorf of the Prairie,”
according to an article in the Spring 2015 Kansas Historical Society magazine,
<i>Reflections</i>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">His
rival was the town’s most famous resident Charles Jesse, “Buffalo” Jones, who
opened a block-long hotel to the north. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was built in the Renaissance style of native stone and locally made bricks and
became a center of social life in the city with its ballroom hosting events and
famous restaurant catering to well-heeled travelers and local businessmen. Buffalo
Bill Cody was one of its many famous guests. The well-heeled stayed in the
finely appointed three-room President’s suite on the top floor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Windsor changed hands many times through the years. When it closed in 1977, it
was by order of the local fire marshal, for not having a sprinkler system. After that, the building began to decline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Down
the street from the Windsor is the markedly less interesting — at least
architecturally — Warren Hotel. This was where writers Truman Capote and Nell
Harper Lee stayed while doing research into the Clutter murder case in nearby Holcomb.
The result was the book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In Cold Blood</i>.
(For more of this story and Buffalo Jones, read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83:Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i></a>, available online or at the Finney County
Historical Museum gift shop.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Warren, which also ceased being a hotel decades ago, has been preserved with
businesses on the first floor. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Across
the street, Garden City has another project to renovate the State Theater into
a multi-purpose entertainment and community center.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Nelson
said the next step for the Windsor is to open a small antique mall with about
eight booths in the first floor storefront where he works. He’s applying for
grants to change the fluorescent lights to something more appropriate for the
Windsor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
for the long-term plans: “That’s something we’re continuing to look at,” Nelson
said. The upper floors maybe converted to apartments or the building may even
return to its roots as a hotel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To find
out more about the Windsor or donate to the cause, check out the alliance's website. <a href="http://www.gardencity.net/windsor/donation.html" target="_blank">Click HERE</a>. Or for updates,
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Save-The-Windsor-Hotel-Garden-City-Kansas-281484499870/timeline/" target="_blank">join the Save the Windsor facebook page</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-jQ-kzhyphenhyphenf_mLKWRm2vcJGB_yiqTVtMupJE9_FwNmPL30enOwSgBQkNkP2nweAztGRXrlQFDc7mZ3dPR-yUZauyN8FXSO4SygrZrXsbU8X6NBxu2_LyotAkhSf2ZnZ_Ssnq3VQ2_OtEI/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-jQ-kzhyphenhyphenf_mLKWRm2vcJGB_yiqTVtMupJE9_FwNmPL30enOwSgBQkNkP2nweAztGRXrlQFDc7mZ3dPR-yUZauyN8FXSO4SygrZrXsbU8X6NBxu2_LyotAkhSf2ZnZ_Ssnq3VQ2_OtEI/s320/bookcover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>,
available at Amazon.com and bookstores and gift shops along Highway 83. And <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. </h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-33231344026154436522015-09-16T08:34:00.000-07:002015-09-16T10:06:37.339-07:00A Ghost Road and Two Ghost Towns in Northern Kansas<style>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>By Shirley Darby</b></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Editor’s
Note: Commissioned late in the creation of the federal highway system in 1942,
Route 383 was an auxiliary spur of Highway 83 that ran only 175 miles in
Nebraska and Kansas. Parts of it were co-signed with present-day Highway 83,
from Oakley, Kansas, to just east of Selden. It was decommissioned in 1980, and
is Kansas Highway 383 today. Circa 1938, the federal government switched
present day Highway 83 and present day Highway 183. Prior to this, maps show
Highway 83 running from Norton to Dresden, where it intersected with 183 (See
maps below) Guest blogger Shirley Darby grew up along this “ghost road” as a child but only recently discovered that it was Highway 83 long before she was born. She shares her aunt’s memories of life along it in two towns in Norton
County that have now all but disappeared, Dellvale and Oronoque.</span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">My aunt Murel Ankenman Davis grew up a
short distance west of Dellvale, and her memory, concerning how it looked and
what was there, is phenomenal. As a youngster in the 1930s, she actually rode
on that unpaved “highway” to Oronoque — a few miles northwest of Dellvale — for
grocery shopping, and remembers every directional turn and distance between
them. The ghost town is now located on County Road O. </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Since part of the “highway” was later the
access lane from present day State Highway 383 to my family’s home, I was a bit
incredulous when Aunt Murel recently told me that this was once U.S. Highway
83. The route was extremely familiar as she described it, but I thought maybe
there had been a different road in the vicinity. After some research
looking at old maps, I confirmed that our house was built on a turn of the
defunct southern leg of U.S. 83! </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5N04MWQtql8bCQ7yh7G2E8GJGhHCkpk8SSObKEUD828CN8eWyNNqVFxPk6FsGLVl6E_wu5p80dMAozQ3sz8sju5KC30Yr2QD6CpG0z5qVQBp-SuDIbNsKMNXZM4pBsYPrsroalK6IsY/s1600/183kansasmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5N04MWQtql8bCQ7yh7G2E8GJGhHCkpk8SSObKEUD828CN8eWyNNqVFxPk6FsGLVl6E_wu5p80dMAozQ3sz8sju5KC30Yr2QD6CpG0z5qVQBp-SuDIbNsKMNXZM4pBsYPrsroalK6IsY/s400/183kansasmap.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-1938 map showing Highway 83 in Norton County, Kansas.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Even when the bridge was usable in the
1960s, traffic was pretty thin on the route as Oronoque had by that time also
gone the way of the ghost town, with only a few homes and the church still in
use. Its school was moved to a spot east of Dellvale, and in 1946, Oronoque and
Dallas Rural School students consolidated at Dellvale School. The school closed
in 1965. </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dellvale’s post office was established in
1890, and remained in business until 1961. The building was originally on the
north side of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific railroad tracks.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On that side also were the depot and east
of that, a tin grain elevator and a “stockyard,” actually a holding pen, for
farmers’ cattle waiting to board the train. Boxcars were parked near the
stockyard as sleeping quarters for railroad men. A section house was also
nearby.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mr. Maxwell had the general store, most
likely opened in the 1920’s, across the road west from his home. The store was
very small, described by a former resident as “similar to my folks’ chicken
house,” in size and appearance. I concur, having seen both buildings, neither
having paint and both having the size of a one-room cabin. The store building
remained in its original location for many years after closing. At age eight, I
asked my dad what it was, and was told it had been a store. Another source
actually explored the building at about that same time, finding merchandise
receipts and boxes of mysterious content. That’s all we know about Maxwell’s
General Store. Mr. Maxwell was also the postmaster for a time.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dellvale did not ever have large buildings,
except for a good sized house or two and the tin grain elevator next to the
depot. No hotel or restaurant, no bank or church. </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oronoque had all the trappings of a real
town, and people went there, or to Norton or Clayton, for town activities, and
their main grocery shopping.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A large frame house, still standing, in the
1920’s and 1930’s belonged to Mr. Maxwell. It is set back north from the tracks
and Railroad St. This large home, built about 1905, housed the family of
the area game and land manager for the state Forestry, Fish and Game
Commission, starting in 1965. It has most likely housed park rangers since the
late1980s.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgtoQeZe9r8rDS9sytNtoxK5zaTF2uqMHY64iP0lRZE1cw0PqWhrB1I1265mRnpbhvLjMzJ3dLIcxj0T6vf_pV1n98DXA-RiPTNqS3X3AwoE5oxdxf1em-9TJHF2bBYpZEGRM-fbLIzo/s1600/1945map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgtoQeZe9r8rDS9sytNtoxK5zaTF2uqMHY64iP0lRZE1cw0PqWhrB1I1265mRnpbhvLjMzJ3dLIcxj0T6vf_pV1n98DXA-RiPTNqS3X3AwoE5oxdxf1em-9TJHF2bBYpZEGRM-fbLIzo/s320/1945map.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1945 map showing decommissioned U.S. 383</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There were four other homes that could be
considered to be in the village, and four on the periphery, within a mile or
so, prior to the state taking over family lands to create Prairie Dog State
Park and Keith Sebelius Reservoir. Two of those eight are standing. With the
coming of the waters of Norton Reservoir, and the Kansas Fish and Game
Commission’s need for wildlife refuges, longtime resident families were forced
out of their homes, including the one now owned by the government, and two
others. The remainder were on the south side of Hwy 383, out of the state’s
desired area.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As for the post office, at some point it
was moved south. This move may have been associated with the closing of
Maxwell’s store, which most likely occurred in the 1930s, “the hard years.” The
post office building, with its mail pigeonholes and wood floor always salted
with red sweeping compound, shared space with a general store after it moved.
This was a community center, where you might run into just about anyone from
miles around. Rural delivery existed, but there were always reasons to stop in.
Groceries, of course, or, if you were lucky enough to have a nickel, a Hershey
bar, a bag of peanuts, or bottle of Coca Cola or orange Fanta from the Coke
machine. Those are early 1960’s prices, by the way. The USPS closed the
Dellvale Post Office in 1961, and the store closed soon after. When the
reservoir was opened, and Prairie Dog Creek re-opened, for fishing, the
building was a bait shop for a few years. It is gone now.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7k_wauSNzWuePjVI_0Q-t-mCbCZo4tqlKlPzodQmk4kP8wC6SVHO6pdmYBVmEfBF5O3cTZ9ACDq0ohz3g9rC0xCsoT3ANh4299-I6Py2HYqEXpL5f-cqUK5vA0U3HjPHxKw31eJdOWfw/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7k_wauSNzWuePjVI_0Q-t-mCbCZo4tqlKlPzodQmk4kP8wC6SVHO6pdmYBVmEfBF5O3cTZ9ACDq0ohz3g9rC0xCsoT3ANh4299-I6Py2HYqEXpL5f-cqUK5vA0U3HjPHxKw31eJdOWfw/s400/bookcover.jpg" width="265" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Shirley
Darby (nee Ankenman) grew up in a farmhouse along what was once Highway 83 in
Norton County. She graduated from Norton Community High School in 1973 and
later moved to Topeka, Kansas, with her family. Contact her at shishijoy (a) juno.com </span></i></div>
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Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>,
available at Amazon.com and bookstores and gift shops along Highway 83. And <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. </h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1442416588004_5059"></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-23071051241951996342015-08-13T08:53:00.000-07:002015-08-13T08:53:23.559-07:00September 2015 Last American Highway Book Tour Dates Announced
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xt-gLcp3LcHziYQ5grUBODd9cnXrVg9SG0fGUpje6l-qjiuQ7oPZmrxg5sfJiahYRXY9cBvQBlVn4vuNncN1QD8C1pdNZWhLEop4mZ_js_SAVAYep2AjZyBM7xP4KR4iogzf-zJdtZg/s1600/bookcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xt-gLcp3LcHziYQ5grUBODd9cnXrVg9SG0fGUpje6l-qjiuQ7oPZmrxg5sfJiahYRXY9cBvQBlVn4vuNncN1QD8C1pdNZWhLEop4mZ_js_SAVAYep2AjZyBM7xP4KR4iogzf-zJdtZg/s400/bookcover.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Court
Bridge Publishing is proud to announce the big September 2015 book tour for “The
Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Three
states, seven days and nine appearances!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Author
Stew Magnuson during his multi-media presentation takes the audience down the 1,885
miles of U.S. 83 drawing from his collection of some 5,000 historic and
present-day photos.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“This
is not your ordinary book talk,” he promises.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Along
with the presentations, he will spend a half day filming a segment about Highway
83 and <i>The Dakotas</i> version of his Highway 83 Chronicles series for South Dakota
Public Television’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dakota Life</i> show
in White River Country in South Dakota. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Scheduling
that allowed him to make time to do a presentation Monday at noon, Sept. 21 at
the Sinte Gleska University library in Mission, S.D. at the Rosebud
Reservation. “I was very happy because I missed doing a presentation there
during the 2014 book tour of the Dakotas,” he said. At this appearance, he will
do a repeat of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Dakotas</i> presentation
he did in 2014 rather than the new <i>Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma</i> version. “This
might be the last time I give this version of the talk,” he says.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
will kick off the tour in Gordon, Nebraska, where his first nonfiction book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Death of Raymond Yellow Thunder: And
Other True Stories from the Nebraska-Pine Ridge Border Towns</i> is set, at
Saturday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “I promise to wrap up
the presentation before the Cornhuskers kick off at 3:30,” he says.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Copies
of <i>The Last American Highway</i> books and his previous works will be available for
purchase. All talks are free and open to the public.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here
are the tour dates:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Saturday, Sept. 19</span></b>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Gordon,
NE</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Presbyterian
Church</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1
p.m.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Guaranteed
to End before Cornhusker Game)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESayPTntwXx_XHVmxywp_tG07MGU4EqmMF5bIulLWYkg_Pgdr-fXLPo_8u2xpjVmPmyx_iHCletAmkGMizQJ-b0RFjNiJGok64pHUbNr0K0mdOGLuUfUaRlsgEaX_x4EnC76nSopUNFA/s1600/val2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESayPTntwXx_XHVmxywp_tG07MGU4EqmMF5bIulLWYkg_Pgdr-fXLPo_8u2xpjVmPmyx_iHCletAmkGMizQJ-b0RFjNiJGok64pHUbNr0K0mdOGLuUfUaRlsgEaX_x4EnC76nSopUNFA/s200/val2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sunday, Sept 20</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Valentine,
NE</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cherry
County Historical Society Museum</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1:30
p.m.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Monday, Sept. 21</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mission,
SD</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sinte
Gleska University Library</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Noon</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Brown
Bag Lunch Talk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Special
Presentation on <i>The Dakotas</i> book)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wiNgmeKSQ4w5v4at_7jPMmzJmLzCuBM3e9pi2VgzGaT8bKT1gb5VpmtmANrkXjXOSHwNez4FF0lilnGuREtW32H9yIw6Rl-peTR7INbA4fARy4bEyfYaVXiZPIVqtAjUg0RBdYuwF8c/s1600/thedford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wiNgmeKSQ4w5v4at_7jPMmzJmLzCuBM3e9pi2VgzGaT8bKT1gb5VpmtmANrkXjXOSHwNez4FF0lilnGuREtW32H9yIw6Rl-peTR7INbA4fARy4bEyfYaVXiZPIVqtAjUg0RBdYuwF8c/s200/thedford.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thedford,
NE</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thedford
Public Library</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">5
p.m.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZp28pqVwXD5A0mL9AmeRusLF1jKKM3pVJajtccJTLKuN5iBnwm0rRxLS0Aar1ShSvPvdprsRlA21Z10c0ONso_CJOAmogtyOwcxi2VA_HIfwuXSHOEOuoHlbu8qD0lYBpSGgSmP_7ck/s1600/oberlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZp28pqVwXD5A0mL9AmeRusLF1jKKM3pVJajtccJTLKuN5iBnwm0rRxLS0Aar1ShSvPvdprsRlA21Z10c0ONso_CJOAmogtyOwcxi2VA_HIfwuXSHOEOuoHlbu8qD0lYBpSGgSmP_7ck/s200/oberlin.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tuesday, Sept. 22</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oberlin,
KS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Decatur
County/Last Indian Raid Museum</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Brown
Bag Lunch talk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Noon</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDv0H0rbUzD9eD325irUHIGxUCRHgailmxtrSOVJ4RQHnXhMTN3UAO6aH3bPBDQWw0hteFsyA5aiMqqwHT8qEcKyGcTu7AaB-tWDiFmmEWY5-wN-MKhQVTq78f_eSZ2EqzCkLOmUaCCt8/s1600/finnup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDv0H0rbUzD9eD325irUHIGxUCRHgailmxtrSOVJ4RQHnXhMTN3UAO6aH3bPBDQWw0hteFsyA5aiMqqwHT8qEcKyGcTu7AaB-tWDiFmmEWY5-wN-MKhQVTq78f_eSZ2EqzCkLOmUaCCt8/s200/finnup.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Garden
City, KS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Finney
County Historical Museum</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">7
p.m.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9dkvGhbH8EWUQN5UFnP6gHShtlV3Xr0Vp2ilwmipWkfLkQ0zTghO5EhMY9el3PCR9uPk8xfaixf4GTpzzREZExea06QyLvhTotgwB48zjAWELYzSqIZhKcdlXISBftUX9QFmJkGnSHI/s1600/liberal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9dkvGhbH8EWUQN5UFnP6gHShtlV3Xr0Vp2ilwmipWkfLkQ0zTghO5EhMY9el3PCR9uPk8xfaixf4GTpzzREZExea06QyLvhTotgwB48zjAWELYzSqIZhKcdlXISBftUX9QFmJkGnSHI/s200/liberal.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wednesday, Sept. 23</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Liberal,
KS</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Liberal
Public Library</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">6:30
p.m.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfRRmr_NWIL9HuYfmXY0Kl9JiZOnApKRa1wnoCUXBeVHHGKj_vwLncKZKNdwb5oHcODtSIkxv9WhirLHXePkMwDJfluxqvi3oyUaEt8CkKiGKrqf3ENDbssEloYRRWI68fUnumAeWR9k/s1600/eq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfRRmr_NWIL9HuYfmXY0Kl9JiZOnApKRa1wnoCUXBeVHHGKj_vwLncKZKNdwb5oHcODtSIkxv9WhirLHXePkMwDJfluxqvi3oyUaEt8CkKiGKrqf3ENDbssEloYRRWI68fUnumAeWR9k/s200/eq.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thursday, Sept 24</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Scott
City, KS</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">El
Quartelejo Museum/</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jerry
Thomas Gallery & Collection</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">7
p.m.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_bsLgR5k_7iIw_R3XDWaSE9zLQlTnuO7lh_ZYLZ3IJ8FZ-1N-EgEKxj47-bPrS7VeBoNeqbZHp5CGd6YguuaQ855L148Jt8kUPG1g8hP_aKk55u0q2pTmj1mek_-ZVijSyX3hLvQ53k/s1600/np.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_bsLgR5k_7iIw_R3XDWaSE9zLQlTnuO7lh_ZYLZ3IJ8FZ-1N-EgEKxj47-bPrS7VeBoNeqbZHp5CGd6YguuaQ855L148Jt8kUPG1g8hP_aKk55u0q2pTmj1mek_-ZVijSyX3hLvQ53k/s200/np.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Friday, Sept. 25</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">North
Platte, NE</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">North
Platte Public Library</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Brown
Bag Lunch Talk</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Noon</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5hiAaHeSHu3LqUm3UCyRsQiQLBHuGtzl8lkxj7oSM-OFrKnBZ5dJzb7LEV4Z3r7g0UUPOIGEdhVIp054QieziEfhvff7qzdH-FMMK7U7r53i-gfcBpGQiOcHa7Zt9QsYm6TiPYcUHhM/s1600/LAHlowResLR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5hiAaHeSHu3LqUm3UCyRsQiQLBHuGtzl8lkxj7oSM-OFrKnBZ5dJzb7LEV4Z3r7g0UUPOIGEdhVIp054QieziEfhvff7qzdH-FMMK7U7r53i-gfcBpGQiOcHa7Zt9QsYm6TiPYcUHhM/s320/LAHlowResLR.JPG" width="211" /></a>Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>,
available at Amazon.com and bookstores and gift shops along Highway 83. And <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. </h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-50933909837729573402015-08-05T06:35:00.000-07:002015-08-06T07:21:34.049-07:00Two Roads Not Built: And That Has Made all the Difference for Highway 83<style>
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<a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">
</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By STEW MAGNUSON</span></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyMdR6vY-Xj6qsEnG01_-2e9W6SYniJA-4VRoadRaUd6A3LdmJgEfQ2QkciTCoDuZgL8PrIs1MXdK4BU4AtOTQZYYYIls95lCTahWKq63WURLOUvRjZM3xSffKaVIQPS0rYSkcCl1iz4/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyMdR6vY-Xj6qsEnG01_-2e9W6SYniJA-4VRoadRaUd6A3LdmJgEfQ2QkciTCoDuZgL8PrIs1MXdK4BU4AtOTQZYYYIls95lCTahWKq63WURLOUvRjZM3xSffKaVIQPS0rYSkcCl1iz4/s400/cover.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available at bookstores and Amazon.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
couple of months ago, Sharleen Wurm, the director of The Last Indian
Raid/Decatur County Museum in Oberlin, Kansas, came across a treasure.</span>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tucked
away hidden in the museum’s storage was a scrapbook kept by a former member of
the U.S. Canada Highway 83 Association. Who compiled it and when it was donated
is unknown, but inside was a treasure trove of information about the
association that spanned some 20 years from the early 1960s to early 1980s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
organization began as the Great Plains Highway Association in 1926 and fizzled
out sometime in the early 1990s. Because the highway continues as the number 83
for a few hundred miles into Manitoba, it was an international organization.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Once
Sharleen alerted me to the scrapbook’s contents, she graciously made color
photocopies of every page and mailed them to me. What a great gift for a road
historian! Inside were the schedules of annual meetings, newspaper clippings, a
document containing remembrances of the association written by past presidents,
promotional items the association produced to promote travel on the road such
as brochures, postcards and restaurant placemats. And even some poetry! Yes,
poems written about Highway 83.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One
of the most interesting documents to me was a six-page type written report by a
retired grade school principal and ardent Highway 83 booster Ira Laidig of
Oberlin, who took it upon himself to travel the length of Highway 83 from his
hometown all the way to Brownsville, Texas, to drum up support for the
association and Interstate 27.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Interstate
27? Where is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the 1960s, there were two roads not taken, or to be more precise, never built.
Going through the newspaper clips and Laidig’s report, I learned of two roads
that the association was heavily supporting a half century ago. One I am very
glad never came to fruition. The other I wish had.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
the Interstate system was being built out in the 1960s, Congress authorized the
construction of Interstate 27, which would have replaced U.S. Route 83 from
Westhope down to Brownsville.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg0KbD8Akg5MwK-uG8L2hqAxmhSgEobTR8JfSKeY-RzGMeQqbs32MhqpJMqjO36rLi1zOl59uoWbvFmS0nYpE3kHaoAmhyphenhyphenzSivtubSyy1TPRj-EsoPkXNPHCGfLabdEFjeniZ0HNl1wU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg0KbD8Akg5MwK-uG8L2hqAxmhSgEobTR8JfSKeY-RzGMeQqbs32MhqpJMqjO36rLi1zOl59uoWbvFmS0nYpE3kHaoAmhyphenhyphenzSivtubSyy1TPRj-EsoPkXNPHCGfLabdEFjeniZ0HNl1wU/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highway 83 Association scrapbook found in Oberlin, KS.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So
what happened? Congress authorized it, but the appropriations committee never
funded it. Members of the association wrote letters and lobbied as best they
could, but the money never materialized. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Meanwhile
up north, Canadian members of the association were trying to convince their
national government to extend Highway 83 past its terminus Swan River all the
way to Hudson Bay. They too were unsuccessful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So
inside the box Sharleen mailed me was the tail of two roads not taken. Laidig
as he traveled south on Highway 83 found various degrees of support for the
association and the new interstate. Ray Hettic, a past association president
from Liberal, Kansas, for example, was not enthusiastic about the idea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Towns
had to pay $100 to remain a member of the association. Some chambers of
commerce were big supporters of the organization with many local businessmen
and women attending annual meetings and promoting U.S. 83. Other towns were apathetic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
am grateful the association was not successful and I-27 was never built. I hate
soulless, mind-numbing Interstates and I have a hard time picturing what the
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmjKzlqTPVwUcP2VUzZYmQMPdlUKopiv2yVLxXFuwgVfhTacoxg9eIngCBqq2Owt7uP9GzLU6Rjki8HJcUi-Fxh-C6YNh2uSTfG6r3vnF8BOu2eCZNM8i1fp309o5Vk9R9qSgNoF01do/s1600/IRA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmjKzlqTPVwUcP2VUzZYmQMPdlUKopiv2yVLxXFuwgVfhTacoxg9eIngCBqq2Owt7uP9GzLU6Rjki8HJcUi-Fxh-C6YNh2uSTfG6r3vnF8BOu2eCZNM8i1fp309o5Vk9R9qSgNoF01do/s200/IRA.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">communities along present-day 83 would look like if they had been
bypassed by a superhighway. I certainly would have never written <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway </i>books, or this
column. </span>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
it’s too bad about the road to Hudson Bay. Wouldn’t that be an adventure to
head north on 83 and drive until reaching Hudson Bay? There are other
provincial roads beyond Swan River, but they don’t quite make it there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One
interesting thing to consider is that I-27 is most likely still on the books. I
asked a colleague of mine at work who specializes in legislative affairs in
Washington, D.C., if acts passed by appropriators and signed into law ever
expire. They don’t unless a lawmaker wrote legislation in a subsequent act to
rescind it. I’m not 100 percent sure, but it’s more than likely an Interstate replacing U.S. 83 still
exists on paper. All it would require is some funding.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(The number 27 was eventually appropriated for another road near Lubbock, Texas.)<br />
And when I say some, I actually mean a whole lot. Estimates on how much it
costs to construct a four-lane Interstate in a rural area varies, but looking
at different estimates, $8 million per mile is a good average. Highway 83 is
about 1,885 miles long. Subtract the sections that are already Interstate such
as the 83 Expressway in the Rio Grande Valley, the short stretches of I-94 in
North Dakota, I-90 in South Dakota and bypasses in towns like Abilene and
Laredo, that could be whittled down to 1,785 miles, or so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
would come to about $142.8 billion to convert U.S. 83 to an Interstate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
that, and many other reasons, I’m certain that “The Last American Highway” will
remain “The Last American Highway” for quite some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>,
available at Amazon.com and bookstores and gift shops along Highway 83. And <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. </h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-53063158510922911862015-07-23T06:12:00.000-07:002015-07-23T06:13:27.761-07:00Victory! We have Raised $5,100 to Build a Roadside Historical Marker for DeWitty, Nebraska!<style>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">By STEW MAGNUSON </a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1eQdDI6m9l9NDPzQ7e-RSrgsAHAOFuVAAxIZZUPHtobJqxjhiXuYwvee1_xWLA0Nm_ectJJsordnsa9j06U24AsHwJbxRBYrSGR39OzuLAOXI-ItDSm_EKN74XefNDDbbskn7tX7Wao/s1600/dewittyGR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1eQdDI6m9l9NDPzQ7e-RSrgsAHAOFuVAAxIZZUPHtobJqxjhiXuYwvee1_xWLA0Nm_ectJJsordnsa9j06U24AsHwJbxRBYrSGR39OzuLAOXI-ItDSm_EKN74XefNDDbbskn7tX7Wao/s400/dewittyGR.jpg" width="246" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m
happy to report that after about two months, we have managed to raise the
$5,100 required to install a historical marker on Highway 83 for DeWitty, the
longest lasting and most successful rural black settlement in Nebraska!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Back
in the spring of 2009, I had an idea pop into my head to write a book about
U.S. Highway 83 and some of the forgotten history one finds alongside it. Not
more than a few seconds later, the words “Like that black town near Brownlee”
came to mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
had known about an African-American settlement in the heart of the Sand Hills
since reading an article about it in high school in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nebraskaland Magazine</i>. I had been fascinated that such a place once
existed 80 miles north of where my grandparents lived in Stapleton, but didn’t
know much about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
doing some research into the town at the Library of Congress, I realized that
there was lot more to the settlement known as DeWitty than the curiosity of a
black community in a land settled mostly by whites. This was truly a remarkable
community with a remarkable story and people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So
the chapter, “A Place Called Audacious” in what would become <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through
Time Down U.S. Route 83: Nebraska-Kansas-Oklahoma</i> was a special one for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Years
later, I was driving by the Brownlee Road turnoff, and thought: “Why isn’t
there one of those historical markers somewhere near here to tell folks about
DeWitty?” Then I let that thought go, like so many miles on the road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
I was putting the final touches on the book in 2014, I was fortunate enough to
get in contact with Catherine Meehan Blount, a granddaughter of two of the
early DeWitty settlers. At one point in our correspondence, I brought up the
idea of a roadside marker. She was all for it. The next question became “What
do you gotta do to get one of those things installed?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Short
answer: You have to apply. Specifically, with the Nebraska State Historical
Society. So I put together the materials and sent them in along with letters of
endorsement from the Cherry County Historical Society and The Great Plains
Black History Museum in Omaha.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
acceptance of the applications was a shoe-in. One, because there is no doubt
about the community’s historical significance. And two, it turns out the NSHS
historian who approves the applications had already tried to get a marker for
DeWitty and three other sites in Nebraska, but couldn’t get the Unicameral to
fund them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
therein was the catch. The Historical Society approves the markers, but
applicants have to pay for them. The full-size marker is $5,100. Fundraising
was something I had never done before, so that sum was a bit daunting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
most satisfying part of the whole endeavor was the many communities who
contributed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
are many we would like to thank. I say “we” because many contributed to the
cause.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">First
and foremost, were the descendants of DeWitty — now spread out all over the
country — who chipped in to acknowledge the sacrifices their forbearers made
carving out better lives for themselves in that harsh land. One descendant who
prefers to remain anonymous donated $500. Albert Riley Jr., who grew up in
Valentine after his family moved off the homestead and into town, stopped by
the bank while in town for his 50th high school reunion, to chip in. Joyceann
Gray and Marcia Thompkins, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5BA29XNPtTGNER9yqe15oAzkWyPLtGlK9jwwBn4NMIG8uCv9_RQrRxZtoAKx9ykjX30uik_pzDhgdQnIUCmxBz6E29b4PKR41eblvLoxgBJORHA2rscOKw3dY1tVUPku87Bvti-0lNM/s1600/Goldie+in+her+classroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5BA29XNPtTGNER9yqe15oAzkWyPLtGlK9jwwBn4NMIG8uCv9_RQrRxZtoAKx9ykjX30uik_pzDhgdQnIUCmxBz6E29b4PKR41eblvLoxgBJORHA2rscOKw3dY1tVUPku87Bvti-0lNM/s320/Goldie+in+her+classroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldie Hayes in her Classroom. Courtesy of Joyceann Gray</td></tr>
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relatives of Goldie Walker Hayes, a DeWitty
schoolteacher and principal who remained in Cherry County to teach, were avid
supporters. There were many others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Cherry County Historical Society, especially Joyce Muirhead, were enthusiastic about
the idea, and helped set up the bank account, along with a monetary
contributions. Cherry County and Valentine residents stopped in the bank to put
their money in the pot as well. A big thank you to the staff of the First
Security Bank in Valentine for taking the donations.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The North Platte Bulletin</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">North Platte Telegraph</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Valentine
Midland News</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stapleton Enterprise</i>,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lincoln Journal Star</i> and KVSH in
Valentine all helped get the word out in the media, which garnered donations
from throughout the state.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Many
of my friends and family contributed just because I asked them to. It’s great
to have such wonderful cousins, parents and friendships that go back years. I
took $300<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0K8CEf6P1IaE3cChhVCjZaai9awCcFkfdTmc5rOppWkbNsRbI-MBBpQlmoejl37kEwzneVIb9ZvCcE1EL7s7dwBlyTUb-AdYTxNqN0f_ss8242OWtytO-0Oye-wbITTiOY_Tx5PN8nIs/s1600/mauricebrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0K8CEf6P1IaE3cChhVCjZaai9awCcFkfdTmc5rOppWkbNsRbI-MBBpQlmoejl37kEwzneVIb9ZvCcE1EL7s7dwBlyTUb-AdYTxNqN0f_ss8242OWtytO-0Oye-wbITTiOY_Tx5PN8nIs/s320/mauricebrown.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maurice Brown. Courtesy of Catherin Meehan.</td></tr>
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out of the profits from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Last American Highway</i> books for the cause.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Members
of the Fans of U.S. Route 83 page on Facebook also donated amounts small and
large. These are people who love the backroads of America and all the history
found alongside it, especially U.S. Route 83, the border to border highway. The
biggest donation from this group came from member Bruce Hoffman and his wife Debbie,
owners of the Common Scents greenhouse and nursery on Highway 83 south of
McCook. They mailed in $500! Stop in and thank them the next time you’re in
McCook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What’s
next? It is all in the hands of the state of Nebraska. The Nebraska State
Historical Society will coordinate the purchase and installation of the marker
and the Department of Roads will decide the best spot to place it — keeping in
the mind the safety of motorists. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmwrPKr46uh6qSHt64pv4BQw4pIAFTxRdZ1WYU5RfXJTzwkyWNcj7XWPTVAtF9q975tTJ4gSAXrNWJLdXPgkcBCJarWJJi3Y75D2-A1_1bvniSpFP8RrztVipLrzx5v8xG-qyVRPbRF4/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmwrPKr46uh6qSHt64pv4BQw4pIAFTxRdZ1WYU5RfXJTzwkyWNcj7XWPTVAtF9q975tTJ4gSAXrNWJLdXPgkcBCJarWJJi3Y75D2-A1_1bvniSpFP8RrztVipLrzx5v8xG-qyVRPbRF4/s320/cover.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Look
on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/" target="_blank">Fans of U.S. Route 83 facebook page for updates</a>. And thank you all again.</span></div>
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Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>,
available at Amazon.com and bookstores and gift shops along Highway 83. And <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. </h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-4413260809526162342015-07-22T10:53:00.000-07:002015-07-22T10:56:13.876-07:00Trip to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Evokes Sand Hills Memories<style>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Yi4n-NF4wCTJutHJLy3Sj_rYnR0l1h7pxBBXK6KD0aiCo7yP0dbedXT6Sf2KusA-u8cq5-19Qpg3Jg54lO36Sx7T0-PAKQd6W59iA96HpN11oOVUT-qyQz-y_dKducYzILbKrPlvlvI/s1600/AKriver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Yi4n-NF4wCTJutHJLy3Sj_rYnR0l1h7pxBBXK6KD0aiCo7yP0dbedXT6Sf2KusA-u8cq5-19Qpg3Jg54lO36Sx7T0-PAKQd6W59iA96HpN11oOVUT-qyQz-y_dKducYzILbKrPlvlvI/s400/AKriver.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Niobrara River. All photos by Alan or Lori Kehr</td></tr>
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<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>By Alan Kehr </b></span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In
May, we got to visit the </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge</span> near Valentine, NE. After a short
drive through the prairie dog town and the pasture lands we were able to hike
down into the Niobrara River valley. It brought to mind the first time I’d been
there as a child.</span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We
lived 30 miles west on a hill a mile outside Nenzel in the midst of the Sand
Hills, which are huge dunes covered with a thin veneer of grass. They’re a few
rain drops sideways from an official desert, made habitable by the Ogallala
Aquifer. If a break in the grass develops, the wind carries away the sand
below to create a blowout — a place of play for young boys.</span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We
couldn’t build sandcastles, because the sand in the blowouts was as dry and
sere as Frank Herbert’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dune</i> world,
but reengineered by us to a world of massive construction projects, or battles
between knights of old, or WWII gyrenes, or more commonly between cowboys and
Indians fueled by the movies of the day – blood-thirsty savages trying to steal
the land from bona fide owners by right of European heritage. Our earth moving
equipment – shingles and a kitchen spoon – transformed the flat bottom into
contoured hills and battle grounds. Firecrackers from the 4<sup>th</sup> of
July celebration at Grandma’s supplied our demolition requirements. Our minions
were twigs and the battalions pieces of wood scavenged from a remodeling job.</span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
landscape we devised in the sandy blowouts was most similar to the Middle East,
but sectarian violence was unknown to us and our understanding of Arab culture
based </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinukUEmWfpFJTb1a4k9nMxMlTYvsrzI1-2YWtsgWnxvDy9ia9AylHDu38QTRunK_GjqBhJEWDIGzU3bGt4U8UIMGL82wryfxcPLp55jcYX_ZEdHTidYlpinHmUHZEkf5VrN-8i5C2ncf8/s1600/AKpheasant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinukUEmWfpFJTb1a4k9nMxMlTYvsrzI1-2YWtsgWnxvDy9ia9AylHDu38QTRunK_GjqBhJEWDIGzU3bGt4U8UIMGL82wryfxcPLp55jcYX_ZEdHTidYlpinHmUHZEkf5VrN-8i5C2ncf8/s320/AKpheasant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
on Three Wise Men from the East – probably even beyond Omaha.<br />
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">On
other days, my brother, Garry, and I played two man baseball with a ball
battered to the firmness of cotton candy and covered with soft leather
partially held in place with a few remaining stitches. One pitched and the
other hit. Homeruns were frequent because they consisted of a run to first base
and back before the pitcher fielded the ball and tagged the runner.</span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Days
were hot with the smell of dry hay, and, if the wind was in the right
direction, a hint of desiccated barn yard. Many days, it carried sand with the
taste and feel of grit between the teeth. </span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Nights
were cool and dawn was best with a slight breeze and the song of nearby
meadowlarks standing on fence posts. Dew on the grass brought the smell of
moisture to the desert air, full and fresh. The clear sky had a slight red
tint. The future was bright and the prospects for adventure boundless.</span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Highlights
of the summer were trips to the Niobrara River, 11 miles south of Nenzel in a
valley filled with verdant pine and cedar and a narrow stream with a current
swift and sure, so filled with sand that a submerged hand disappeared as
absolutely as in the black of night. A few minutes in that current was enough
to remove the grime of hard-playing boys all the way to spotless fingernails.</span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fall
was a magic time in the valley of the Niobrara. We would descend with aunts, a
horde of cousins, buckets, and pails. We filled them with wild plums, currents,
choke cherries, and grapes. Back home we crushed the fruit, strained the
juices, and Mom made the jams and jellies to sustain us through the winter,
transforming her daily fresh baked bread from a wondrous delight into sheer
heaven.</span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">One
year, Dad reserved part of the wild-grape juice to make wine. He fermented it
in the large crock Mom used to make laundry soap from lye and the fat rendered
from the slaughtered fall pig. Precleaning must have been an effort.</span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In
later years, Mom said that the wine had a high alcohol content. Dad was the
drinker in the family, buying an annual bottle of whiskey for New Year’s Eve
and, with the help of neighborly card playing visits during long winter
evenings, finishing it off in time for the following New Year’s celebration. </span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">According
to her story, a few months after the fermentation had started, she decided to
see if the wine was ready and pulled a small glass, which she deemed
satisfactory. Unfortunately, the priest made a visit that morning – a very rare
and unexpected occurrence – and she believed that he caught her in a state of inebriation.
Not one to keep good gossip to himself, I suspect that her worries were
unfounded because I never </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwyGTNKz_iBtKgNN28eVldkUDWr1rCWabMYEu29LZaka9T62XkKHd7qYFd4lCeQmvpDNIdWiRavr6dULfpo9UoH1jEBLWZ3XckXrPiM-TwsSZq1a1G75CtiTFJ05Bxt2_iD95fM06EYs/s1600/akprairiedgs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwyGTNKz_iBtKgNN28eVldkUDWr1rCWabMYEu29LZaka9T62XkKHd7qYFd4lCeQmvpDNIdWiRavr6dULfpo9UoH1jEBLWZ3XckXrPiM-TwsSZq1a1G75CtiTFJ05Bxt2_iD95fM06EYs/s400/akprairiedgs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
heard the story from another soul.<br />
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">But
then, our story has drifted afar from the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge,
hasn’t it?</span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Visitor’s Center has been modernized and the ranger we talked with was
delightful and full of information. The prairie dogs were active with the
babies running around, but sticking close to mom. With all the recent rain, the
river was full and moving fast. Flowers were abundant and the forest smelled of
spring with sunbeams drifting through the leaves and lighting the path.</span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Afterward,
we drove back into Valentine and had an Americano for me and a latte for Lori,
the smell of fresh coffee good enough to bring tears to the eyes and strong
enough to propel us on to our next stop in South Dakota – I don’t think that
coffee was available in my youth.</span></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>Alan spent his early years in Nenzel, graduated from North Platte, received a degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and now lives in Austin, Texas.</i></span></b></div>
<div class="yiv7141521062msonormal" style="margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fort Niobrara NWR is located about fives
miles east of Highway 83 at Valentine, Nebraska, on U.S. Highway 12. A visitor
center, with displays and exhibits, a bookstore is open 8:00 am – 4:30 pm daily
from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Monday through Friday during the rest
of the year (except for Federal holidays). </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2lBE7oRW-OPaChDIblbxDQ1N0lmvWEXl_2VFekyEznQAvSEt6uZKgRhac7K_-yBJ6uj5g791o2B8fKxHLWDOZ5YpKP3BAe5_5hCtvzkaVwRsKq5VaADehwuSt3Qqo4YBkPVcwux6yag/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2lBE7oRW-OPaChDIblbxDQ1N0lmvWEXl_2VFekyEznQAvSEt6uZKgRhac7K_-yBJ6uj5g791o2B8fKxHLWDOZ5YpKP3BAe5_5hCtvzkaVwRsKq5VaADehwuSt3Qqo4YBkPVcwux6yag/s320/cover.jpg" width="212" /></a></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
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For more on what to see along Highway 83, read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>,
by Stew Magnuson, available at Amazon.com, bookstores and gift shops along Highway 83. And <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. </h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><i> </i> </span></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209176931246609438.post-34637668381610188602015-06-24T12:19:00.001-07:002015-06-24T13:53:07.210-07:00How Long Before Driverless Trucks Are Plying Highway 83?<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="mailto:stewmag@yahoo.com" target="_blank">By STEW MAGNUSON </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMLuUAQRwh4kL889n8a_4dNmcAkplpHBb5WVVufz_OZpQ9EwrdiFO1O85qB64jIZiW73ZJt81SJYTV48u3X4-2rND9lJKemlo2LlnMbVmoIW5xnGq4bECkemI7QuS0u2bLvbBOS8uAv4/s1600/world-premiere-freightliner-inspiration-truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMLuUAQRwh4kL889n8a_4dNmcAkplpHBb5WVVufz_OZpQ9EwrdiFO1O85qB64jIZiW73ZJt81SJYTV48u3X4-2rND9lJKemlo2LlnMbVmoIW5xnGq4bECkemI7QuS0u2bLvbBOS8uAv4/s400/world-premiere-freightliner-inspiration-truck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Look
carefully at this picture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
driver doesn’t have his hands on the wheel. The truck is driving itself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
isn’t science fiction. It’s reality. It might not be too long before
18-wheelers such as this Freightliner are passing through towns and cities
along the 1,885 miles of U.S. Highway 83 and the 150 or so miles it extends
into Canada.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
fact, one organization is actively seeking to make Highway 83 a testbed for
driverless trucks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://bismarcktribune.com/business/local/group-wants-to-build-corridor-for-unmanned-vehicles/article_d49f597a-ae1f-11e3-b599-001a4bcf887a.html" target="_blank">The Central North American Trade Corridor Association</a> is promoting Highway 83 as a
road where such trucks could operate.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
someone who has driven every inch of the U.S. section of Highway 83 — and a
defense technology writer — I might be uniquely qualified to comment on this
plan. (It’s true. I don’t make a living writing regional nonfiction history
books about Highway 83 and the American Indian Movement. I have a dayjob as
managing editor of National Defense Magazine based in Arlington, Virginia.) As
such, I have been following the progress of robotic vehicle technology for the
past 10 years. <a href="http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2015/July/Pages/RobotTruckRevolutiontoBenefitMilitary.aspx" target="_blank">In fact, I wrote an article in the July issue of the magazine with its readers in mind. (LINK HERE)</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
for the readers of this blog, who live on Highway 83, there are many issues to
consider. By my count, there are 128 communities along its way. Some large,
some small.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
— like my Dad’s hometown of Stapleton, Nebraska, are off on a spur road. A
robotic tractor-trailer wouldn’t come directly through town, but it would pass
by a dangerous intersection.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
big cities like Abilene, Texas, and Garden City, Kansas, have bypasses. Others
like North Platte, Valentine, and McCook, Nebraska, have none at all. The
driverless trucks would go right through town with many stoplights, pedestrians
and turns to contend with.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
towns cities like Bismarck, North Dakota, Pierre, South Dakota, and Laredo,
Texas, the two state capitals, have partial bypasses. In both cases, the trucks
with have to deal with city traffic on some stretches. Some towns have wide
thoroughfares as Highway 83 also doubles as its Main Street such as Scott City,
Kansas, and Perryton, Texas. On the southern reaches, there is the 83
Expressway that bypasses the towns. I have to tell you: traffic flies on that
four-laner. The robot trucks will have to contend with a lot of speeders and
reckless drivers.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm1V-Wn7uKza0Eh-NdjXjV7QK8WPtkVE6IGtW9Y1WLb4G3Oy0k-DCAtUK80yLK9cWjaQmK27vLN_PQFfQP8rbCWW4bEMxIM0s9ITx9gtvTn-A67BoGtVH11meLC96SBCSzxXSk-ZlWyg/s1600/minot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm1V-Wn7uKza0Eh-NdjXjV7QK8WPtkVE6IGtW9Y1WLb4G3Oy0k-DCAtUK80yLK9cWjaQmK27vLN_PQFfQP8rbCWW4bEMxIM0s9ITx9gtvTn-A67BoGtVH11meLC96SBCSzxXSk-ZlWyg/s320/minot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highway 83 in Minot, North Dakota</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">All
these challenging scenarios might be why Highway 83 would be a good testbed. It
certainly will be more difficult for a robot to negotiate than a relatively
straight Interstate that doesn’t have stoplights, intersections, bicycles and
pedestrians. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Many
of the technological challenges of driverless vehicles are being worked out.
Some cars are already driving on the streets of Nevada and California. As I
said the National Defense Magazine column: “Robots don’t need to sleep. They
don’t drive drowsy. Robots don’t require health insurance. They don’t have to
take drug and alcohol tests. They don’t develop bad backs from hours and days
spent sitting in a truck and need to apply for workers compensation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They
don’t go over the speed limit. They don’t take chances during a snowstorm to
make it home by Christmas. When a winter storm hits, an order to pullover and
wait it out can be sent via satellite link.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You
can see why trucking companies, who are always facing a shortage of drivers,
might be interested in investing and lobbying for these trucks to begin plying
U.S. Highways.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
you can also see why the residents of the towns along the way should be
concerned. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
posted the column on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/" target="_blank">Fans of U.S. Route 83 Facebook page</a> I administer.
There were a variety of responses from the members: Some of them basically said
“Hell no. Not in my town.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
were some interesting points made. One member brought up hacking. Is there a
system that hackers can’t break into? The short answer is “probably not.”
Someone taking over control of the truck for nefarious purposes can’t be
discounted. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
about severe weather? Driverless trucks outfitted with the proper sensors can
see through fog, snow and rain better than a human. And robots, unlike humans,
are not risk takers. If the conditions become too dangerous, they will pull
over and wait out the storm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
about hijackers, one member brought up. I don’t know much about the tactics and
techniques of highway thieves. That is a valid question for the trucking
company and its insurers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
wonder about some towns along Highway 83 passing their own legislation banning
such trucks from entering their town or city limits. Or even an entire state.
Wouldn’t that torpedo this whole idea?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
also worry about the longer-term trends of automation. Driving trucks is a
good, middle-class job that doesn’t require a college degree. Such jobs are
becoming more rare. Machines replacing humans at work has been taking place
since the beginning of the industrial age. Driverless vehicles will inevitably
lead to more machines replacing humans. On the other hand, from what I have
read, there is not a long line of youngsters signing up to be truckers. Even
during times of high unemployment, there are still shortages of big rig
drivers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">My
take is that driverless vehicles are here. They’re coming. Probably sooner than
most people think. But there are a lot of questions about policies, laws and
community acceptance that have to be answered before this technology makes its
way to the towns and cities along Highway 83.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZGtxHx3W-zMMX1L_dehbuPmIuNwtq-_OfQirfKaDeJZVpfW6kfo6jJgAr1yrUowr3MKpZ_Pjizyk96zWpcWj4KdbbFtEM0fD4FN9CnU2MQyQLVydHbQRImebLC5XKgZKu6O6mv2_zYU/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZGtxHx3W-zMMX1L_dehbuPmIuNwtq-_OfQirfKaDeJZVpfW6kfo6jJgAr1yrUowr3MKpZ_Pjizyk96zWpcWj4KdbbFtEM0fD4FN9CnU2MQyQLVydHbQRImebLC5XKgZKu6O6mv2_zYU/s320/cover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Stew Magnuson is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Journey-Chronicles/dp/0985299622/ref=la_B001JSA160_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393010658&sr=1-4" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last American Highway: A Journey Through Time Down U.S. Route 83: The Dakotas</i></a>,
available at Amazon.com and bookstores and gift shops along Highway 83. And <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-American-Highway-Nebraska-Chronicles/dp/1505586496/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>The Last American Highway: Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma</i> </a>edition. </h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">To join the
Fans of U.S. Route 83 group on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/119180393762/"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK
HERE</span></a>. And check out the U.S. Route 83 Travel page at <a href="http://www.usroute83.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.usroute83.com</span></a>. Contact Stew Magnuson at stewmag (a) yahoo.com</span></b></span></span></div>
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Stew Magnusonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07549563209520381559noreply@blogger.com1