Old Storefront Antiques - US 40 Yard Sale

The 2006 Historic US 40 Yard Sale Archive

- Trip Journal -

May 13, 2006
This journey provided me with the opportunity to spend three nights and six days in outstanding bed and breakfast accommodations. All were located within the hospitable state of Maryland!! These retreats are listed from West to East within the state.

Town Hill Bed and Breakfast----Little Orleans, Maryland

Dave and Donna Reusing are the owners of this historic and scenic retreat nestled atop a mountain. After a long pull (!!) upwards, here is this wonderful hotel!!

Dave suggested that I arrive early enough so we could enjoy tea by the fire before we went to the Road Kill Restaurant in Artemus PA. We left at twilight and saw quite a few deer in the valley.

It was fun eating at the Road Kill Restaurant. The items were described as per the name of the establishment. And...a cross-section of individuals sat at long tables trying the cuisine and sharing stories.

Town Hill has been a hotel for many years. Dave has completely refurbished the place. However, he has kept the original gasoline pumps as well as many of the original signs and pictures.

The rooms were very well-appointed in a cozy way. It was soothing to hear the trees blowing in the wind.

Donna prepared a feast for breakfast----Alabama Tomato Pie (I bought the hotel's cookbook in order to acquire the recipe), belgian waffles, fruit cup (all fresh fruit), juice, country ham, and biscuits were some of the items prepared for breakfast.

Donna and Dave will be holding a large yard sale during the Historic National Road Yard Sale to help support the group "Citizens For Smart Growth".

My only regret was that Dave likes vintage hotel parapheranalia as much as I do!!

Savage River Lodge----Frostburg, Maryland

The Savage River Lodge near Frostburg ,Maryland is very pet friendly if one's canine (s) is well behaved!!

Jan and Mike, who own the lodge, greeted Mr. Eli and me warmly. Bodhi, the resident labrador, extended a warm paw, too!!

The food at the lodge is rustic gourmet. I ordered an appetizer and then followed it up with an entree. The wide array of salads also listed on the menu were also appealing.

I was given a flashlight with my room key atached for the short trek from the parking lot to my cabin. Mr. Eli immediately decided to sleep on his pallet right by the front door rather than climbing the open cedar stairs.

Again, the view and the wind were outstanding.

Bright and early the next day a wicker basket was left outside my door. Cranberry juice and warm homemade muffins for me---a large homemade dog biscuit for Mr. Eli. A Washington Post was a nice touch.

The crabcake which I had at noon was large and delicious. It's easy to tell a true crabcake by the amount of meat and little filler. This tasty morsel exceeded all expectations!! The warm chocolate moulton cake was decadent!!

This would be one place where it would be fun to find yourself snowed in----that is...if your reservation could be extended.

Wilderness Bed and Breakfast----Catonsville, Maryland

The Wilderness Bed and Breakfast in Catonsville, Maryland is located in a mansion high up on a hill. It's hard to imagine that there is a busy highway less than a mile away.

Ellen Sawaya is an excellent hostess. She had invited a friend of hers to join us for dinner at Dimitri's where many of the specialties were Greek.

After we left the restaurant, Ellen's friend invited us to her l920's home. It was fun to be able to compare and contrast the two residences.

Ellen has taken great care to appoint each room in the mansion. What makes the decor of the home special is that she has quietly woven numerous family memorabilia amid the formal settings.

My room was large and very comfortable. I simply hated it that there was so much to see and do and the time for actual room enjoyment was not what I'd have liked.

Again, food was sumptuous. Fresh fruit, juice, an assortment of breads and tea (or coffee) were part of the meal.

Anyone who has the chance for a respite from nonstop shopping would enjoy taking a break in any of these three bed and breakfasts!! I was sorry to leave!!

Patricia
765-478-4809
info@oldstorefrontantiques.com

May 12, 2006
Crawford's Country Store And Campground

It doesn't seem possible that it was less than a month ago when Mr. Eli and I spent a portion of Easter Sunday at Crawford's Campground and Campground in South Vienna, Ohio.

Ray Crawford is a spry man of an indeterminate age. (I'm sure that he's at least 75 plus!!) He has a twinkle in his eye and a wry sense of humor. His knowledge about the area is astounding.

And..."Giggles" aka "Cheryl" also helps keep the place operating efficiently.

Although both Mr. Eli and I could have had lunch on Easter Sunday at an upmarket restaurant, we opted for lunch at Crawford's. Cherly believes in feeding animals first. So...Mr. Eli had a swiss cheese and German Bologna (from a speciality store in Columbus, Ohio) on white bread. I opted for the same, except that I preferred mustard as an accompainment.

Ray Crawford's store contains a mind-boggling assortment of food not often found elsewhere. He has approximately l5 kinds of chocolates in large cardboard boxes. What makes it really neat is that it's possible to select one or two from several boxes and make a personal selection to eat on the road. Each piece of candy is labeled and individually wrapped.

Mr. Eli and I had stopped at the store on our way to Baltimore. Ray wanted to know about everything which had happened so far on the trip. It was fun to realize that I'd have an avid listener when I came back toward Indiana.

Also, it's great to be able to pick out snacks for the trip (both outbound and inbound) from a wide selection of Ohio-made products. The pure maple syrup would taste great on pancakes or belgian waffles!!

Patricia
765-478-4809
info@oldstorefrontantiques.com

May 5, 2006
It has been a sad and difficult time for me. Mr. Eli, my beloved Airedale/Wolfhound mix, passed away on April 26.

Mr. Eli had the left lobe of his thyroid removed at Purdue University three years ago. Last summer, while he was having a check-up at Purdue University, it was discovered that there were three tumors on his chest. These were successfully removed. The diagnosis was aortic body carcinoma which is a rare type of cancer. The oncologists at Purdue University had never had a dog with this type of cancer at their animal hospital before.

I donated his body to Purdue University so an autopsy could be performed. Mr. Eli would have wanted to help other dogs in whatever way he could. This was simply another facet of his gentle and caring nature.

I was very proud of Mr. Eli's strength and demeanor despite the fact that he had been through so much!! I was also extremely fortunate that he had the chance to take this memorable trip with me!! I also feel that his health continued to prevail, because we were together having a wonderful time.

It will be hard to continue this journal. However, there were many individuals who were very kind to both of us. We also shared some memorable experiences.

I am going to dedicate the remainder of our promotional trip for the Historic National Road Yard Sale in his memory.

In advance, thank you very much for your patience and understanding.

Mr. Eli's Tailenda: My beloved dog had a wonderful time playing with Baby Lily in the back yard on a warm spring night right before he died. He did not suffer. His pain was minimal. And...he achieved the ultimate goal both animals and humans wish to achieve----he had hospice. Re: He simply slept away in the living room with those he loved most and where the surroundings were most familiar.

Mr. Eli and Patricia
765-478-4809
info@oldstorefrontantiques.com

April 3, 2006 - MAGIC FINGERS

I got to bed after my pet had a sumptuous meal of crab bisque and deep fried artichokes at Michael's Swiss Inn. We awoke to ice-encrusted everything.

So...guess what we did for the day and several days thereafter? We began to scout old motels for Magic Fingers. Long before became a part of my pet's life, she took a trip with her mom to the Deep South.

There were tornado warning. Heavy rain was prevalent. My pet and her mother checked into the first motel they could find. During the night, my pet's mother awoke to when her bed began to shake violently. My pet's mother thought it was a tornado and cowered in fear. Suddenly, the shaking stopped. M pet then removed a large white bathtowel from an apparatus known as magic fingers. The 25 cents was a worthwhile investment!!

When we passed the 2 Acres motel, my pet stopped and asked if they had such a device for sale. The owner went to a back room and located such an apparatus. For Free!!

Then...we went on to visit one of my pet's childhood friends. Instead of going to malls in the Effingham area, all three of us went looking for more magic fingers. Another 60's motel!! My pet and her friend went to the motel office. Pay dirt. More magic fingers!! Only these were complete with box and electric charger!! The motel owner offered to install them for a demonstration, but both my pet and and her friend were just happy to be able to make the purchase of a complete set.

Mr. Eli's Tailenda: Let's see...how many more miles are still left on US 40 from Effingham to Baltimore?? How many more motels with Magic Fingers are still in existence??

Mr. Eli and Patricia
765-478-4809
info@oldstorefrontantiques.com

March 28, 2006

It's finally time to hit the road!! My valise has been packed so long with dog biscuits that it's been an awful temptation not to devour them. However, I've been able to muster some restraint.!!

It's been a hectic day!! I had to drop Baby Lily, my canine sister, off at Greensfork. She's a homebody who gets motion sickness. Not that she makes a mess. She doesn't. But she hunkers down on the floor of the van clutching the blanket with all four paws.

Finally!! We're on US 40. We're heading to Lumpy's Cafe in Cambridge City. I-ve been told via paw-mail that I'll get some special treats if I wait patiently in the car. Patricia visited with George and Nancy Todd, owners, and received a complimentary breakfast.

Everyone in Western Wayne County has been so good to us. Debbie Bane, (owner of Bane's Books And Antiques) She took the first round of photos for this commentary. Didn't she do an excellent job!!

It would be hard to select a photo which represents one business in Cambridge City so I was instrumental in having my owner insert one photo of downtown Cambridge City. If you want to visit any of these businesses who have been sponsors, please refer to the appropriate link on my website.

It's about 12:15 PM I can tell we're heading West because my tail is facing East. I'm also able to recognize some of the familiar smells as we pass my owner's shop Old Storefront Antiques in Dublin, Indiana.

Our adventure is finally ready to begin!!

Mr. Eli's Tailenda: In the installment before last ,I asked you to find the state which has benn the most supportive of this event. What did you find? Hint: The state's name begins with "m". I easily remember this fact, because this letter also makes me think of Milk-Bone!!

Mr. Eli and Patricia
765-478-4809
info@oldstorefrontantiques.com

March 15, 2006
Hi...
I think that you've met me before. My name is Mr. Eli, and I've been keeping Patricia, my driver, company as we've been on the road for the past five days.

One thing that I've noticed is that it's hard for her to keep track of details and still keep her facts straight about our travels on the Historic National Road.

I've had two major cancer surgeries at Purdue University's Veterinary Collage. Aop...my life is very important!!

I was invited to have lunch with Bill and Carol Buth in the tiny town of Manhattan in the Western portion of Indiana. While I was there, Bubba (their dog) shared a very important story with me. After I heard it, I kindly chided Patricia into letting me take over the column while she heads down the Historic National Road. She was a bit disappointed, but she also listened and understood my logic.

I still am adament about the fact that people often remember the last thing they hear. So..."Eli's Tailenda" will remain constant.

I also have the license to revert back to another part of the trip if I so choose. That's one of the perks of being a Senior Dog!!

Anyway, back to Bubba's story. Also, please include Bubba's Story in this installment.

A penniless old timer was trying to hitchhike across the United States on the Historic National Road (US 40). His only comnpanion was a mangy old airedale dog. No one would stop to give him a ride, because he looked lousy and dirty and his dog looked worse.

Finally, a guy in a big new cadillac stopped and offered to give him a ride but told him he'd have to leave his dog behind. The old man said that was all right.

He would call his dog , and he'd follow them. The man said, "I'm in a hurry and I don't have time to poke along here so your dog can keep up." The old timer said, "He's pretty fast, so you go ahead and he'll keep up.

The guy kicked his caddy up to 70 and said, "I hope you said goodbye to your dog."

The old timer said, "He's running right along the side of the car here."

The man was trying to see the dog and had to step on a dime to keep from broadsiding a train. He looked over at the dog and said, "What's that sticking out of his mouth?"

The old timer said, " I think that's his tail. He's not used to stopping that Fast.!!"

Mr. Eli's Tailenda: I only had a nub of a tail when I started out on this venture. Now do you see why I'm so anxious to keep this journal??

Mr. Eli and Patricia
765-478-4809
info@oldstorefrontantiques.com

March 17, 2006

If Pershing was where I became acquainted with the Historic National Road , then it was Dublin where I developed an astute (?) appreciation of it. When I say "astute" followed by a question, I mean that I enjoy interacting with the people who visit my shop, frequently watching a steady stream of traffic when there's an accident on I-70, and simply reading the paper out in front of my shop waiting to see what the day has to bring.

I'll never profess to be a historian. Details have never been my forte. And...I truly admire those individuals who are able to talk about an event in Dublin down to the minute detail that happened decades ago. It's often a young person who has mastered this feat, too!!

Erin Abney , who designed my webpage and coordinates these sporadic installments, works for PAM aka Programming And Micros from Richmond, Indiana . She has an alert eye for detail which has helped a neophyte computer-user. She was the second person I called when searching for someone to design my webpage, and I'm glad I didn't spend more time searching!!

Dublin , Indiana is the first community you reach when heading West to East in your trek across Wayne County. Brower's Garr Nursery on the right side of the road is unique, because it is the oldest family-owned and operated nursery in Indiana .

Dublin , Indiana also takes pride that it was here MARYLAND that women were first given the right to vote. Veer off one block from US 40, and it will be possible to see the Friends Church where this historic event occurred.

The Raspberry Hen Bed & Breakfast offers a quiet respite from a busy day of traveling and antiquing. Connie Pendleton, owner, wants you to feel right at home. She'll fix whatever you want for breakfast----within reason!!

I was talking with Karoline, who is Mr. William Stanton's assistant. I was talking about dogs and Eli's addenda, and she suggested "tailenda". Mr. Eli heartily approved.

Mr. Eli's Tailenda: Guess which of the six states of the original National Road have been literally rolling out the red carpet for Patricia??
(Hint: The answer is somewhere in this week's text.)

Mr. Eli and Patricia
765-478-4809
info@oldstorefrontantiques.com

March 10, 2006

This time I'm going to focus on the tiny town of Pershing, Indiana where I was first introduced to The Historic National Road on an up front and personal basis.

This little community is the first town to the east of SR l on the right. In l982 I opened an antique shop with one room which contained a scant amount of merchandise. Not only did my inventory eventually expand to three rooms of merchandise almost crammed from floor to ceiling, but my mental inventory about US 40 begun to fill.

I soon learned that the place to go for the news of the day was the local gas station. Here, oil changes, coffee, the latest gossip, and candy were rapidly dispensed. It's a known fact that gas stations in a small town struggle to survive.

People are beginning to realize the advantages of a small town and take pride in refurbishing their homes. Neighbors know one another and there is a sense of camaraderie not known in even some of the towns along US 40 with populations of less than 4000.

Pershing was originally called " Germantown " but was renamed "Pershing" in honor of General Pershing. Another reason why this is still one of my favorite communities along the highway is because the town has remained a town and not attempted to focus on making it "picture book" perfect. (This is an admitted bias of mine.)

I used to remember how many "anxious" customers wanted to visit my shop---especially on Sunday when the gas station was closed. They’d come in to shop and casually inquire if I had a restroom that they could use. I was only too happy to oblige knowing that once they saw the facility they'd suddenly realize the elasticity of their bladder!!

Sundays were also special in another way. There was a church across the street which had previously housed the (Oddfellow Hall). Each week, members would head into the church attired in their finest. One Sunday afternoon, my landlord stopped by and asked me to remove the "Drunk Again" sign from my front door. I guess the elder of the church took the sign out of context even though he was made aware of the fact that it had been part of a magician's trick. Anyway, to maintain peace with everyone, I readily complied.

A few weeks later, this same elder came across the street as I was reading the Sunday paper while relaxing in a chaise lounge. He said that wouldn't I feel better if I folded up the chair, saved my reading material, dump my coffee, and walk across the street. I guess he thought that my actions were again setting a poor example. (Hint: What do you think I did?) (Question: What would you have done?)

Addenda from Mr. Eli: He's still thinking about plain crullers!!

Mr. Eli and Patricia
765-478-4809
info@oldstorefrontantiques.com

February 21, 2006
I'm so excited to begin packing for my trip. My little nub of a tail wagged so much in anticipation of my venture that I convinced my owner to let me take over the column for this week.

I love to ride in the van and look out the window. Wednesday was an extra special day!! Not only did I get to have an extra long ride, I was allowed in a REAL store and had a photo shoot!!

Scarf & cap courtesy of Kessler's
Team Sports, Richmond Indiana.

Joan, at Kessler's Team Sports, put US 40 on a bandana just for me!! Don't I look dapper!!

Shhh...act surprised later!! Kessler's Team Sports also donated a cap with the US 40 emblem on it as well as an embroidered sweater with the words "Historic National Road" on it for my owner. She's camera shy. I'm not!!

Then...we went to PAM where Erin, the webmaster, took many photos. I was also quite happy, because for every photo taken a tasty morsel of diced chicken was tossed to me as a reward!!

One business offered Patricia the opportunity to roam around the grocery looking for goodies for our trip. These donations will come in handy as we explore the Historic National Road. (I overheard a conversation where I was going to be the proud recipient of a plain Krispy Kreme Cruller.) Doesn't everyone know that chocolate is lethal for dogs??

There wasn't even a history lesson this week. Both of us were too busy shopping!! I'm ready to roll...my valise is already brimming with Milk Bones!! What more does a canine need??

Until later..."woof...woof...woof"

THE TONY MR. ELI
765-478-4809
info@oldstorefrontantiques.com

February 10, 2006
The Historic National Road Yard Sale will begin in Baltimore, Maryland and end in St. Louis, Missouri. This event will take place between May 3l-June 4, 2006 from Dawn To Dusk. The yard sale will encompass a distance of approximately 824 miles and will traverse six states!! The Historic National Road (US 40) is America's first Interstate. This year is especially important, because it commemorates the 200th anniversary of this highway.

My name is Patricia McDaniel. I am the coordinator of this event. Already, the response has been overwhelming. Individuals from all six states have asked how they may help to coordinate this annual event. Each person (or organization) from their respective part of the Historic National Road has a story to tell.The more I listened to their stories, anecdotes, local history, and enthusiasm, the more I wanted to meet them. I have always enjoyed books and narratives of traveling cross country. Blue Highways, Listening To America, Travels With Charley, and The Theory of The Westward Expansion by Frederick Jackson Turner have been favorites.

One Size Fits Most!

So...Mr. Eli, my airedale/Irishwolfhound mix, and I plan to leave in the not too distant future for a trip, beginning in (or around Collinsville, Illinois) and ending in Baltimore, Maryland. While on this trip we plan to chronicle our journey here on the web site for everyone to read. We want to personally meet with these people, share tidbits of history about the Historic National road, accept their hospitality, and talk with anyone about this special event!

There will be no sequence or chronology on our travels except that both of us will be heading from West to East on a leisurely journey with the intention of developing a deeper sense of appreciation for how the Historic National Road has helped shape America's history.

Mr. Eli will also be making astute observations and comments from time to time. (He has learned from previous experiences that people tend to remember what is said last!!)

Meanwhile, Mr. Eli wonders how many fire hydrants there are along US 40!!

Mr. Eli and Patricia
765-478-4809
info@oldstorefrontantiques.com

Mr. Eli's Final Tailenda.

I had a wonderful time with Patricia on the entire trip. We shared many wonderful memories, made many new friends, and sampled all sorts of new foods.

We returned to Indiana. I helped Patricia settle back into her regular routine.

Then...my cancer returned with a vengeance. I was fortunate. I did not suffer. I simply slept away.

Patricia will be making another Promotional Tour for the Historic National Road Sale. I'll be with her in spirit as she traverses my favorite highway!!