Day 2: October 21, 2022 Let the Conferring Begin Comment via blog

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The address seemed correct and the words on the marquee looked right but it was Ron "Tattoo Man" Jones that really let us know we were in the right spot.

Liz Vincent got things rolling by introducing Pontiac's Mayor, Bill Alvery who welcomed us to his city. Then Cheryl Jett introduced the keynote speaker.

That speaker was Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey's Corporation which she is working hard -- and having success -- in reviving. The story is a great one which she does a wonderful job of telling. At one time the company had over 350 stores and was an important part of almost every road trip. Stephanie is getting the company name back in front of people with her own road trips and social media posts.

Next Ron Metzger and his daughter Becky spoke about Motorheads Bar and Grill that occupies a former Stuckey's store in Springfield, IL. Then Bill Thomas gave us an update on the Road Ahead Pardnership and Casey Claypool let us know what was going on with th Route 66 Experience at the Illinois state fairgrounds.

I walked th Pub 13 and ordered their fish sliders special thinking it would be kind of light. Boy, was I wrong.

Afternoon presentations included "A History of the Illinois Route 66 Museum and Hall of Fame" by John Wille, the "Pontiac-Oakland Museum" from Tim Dye, and the "Pontiac Art Scene" by Jane Diaz and her son Ben.

When the afternoon sessions concluded, we were told that most of the museums and the courthouse would be open for conference attendees. I headed straight to the courthouse. I was surprised to find a small museum in one of the rooms displaying some local and not so local artifacts. The pictured cabinet contains a Lincoln death mask and a splinter from the gallows where the conspirators were hanged.

One of the attractions at the "Pontiac Arts Center" is an open-sided drive-it-yourself elevator that lets you see the sea creatures you are passing.

I included an exterior shot of Bob Waldmire's "Land Yacht" yesterday and have some interior shots today. Bob had several interesting vehicles but this is clearly the biggest and weirdest.,

Round one of the evening's entertainment was a showing of "Grandview, U.S.A." which was filmed in Pontiac in the early 1980s. A panel discussion followed the movie but it seems I have no pictures.

Round two was the "clean but edgy" comedy of Terri "Dr. 66" Ryburn. She's a funny lady.

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