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The Lincoln Highway National Museum & Archives 102 Old Lincoln Way West Galion, Ohio 44833 (419) 462-2212 Voice |
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Number 1
Somewhere in a Fire Truck
Lincoln, the Start of it All...
Dear Friends,
As I'm sure most of you are aware,
I'm somewhere in a Fire Truck traveling across the country on The Lincoln Highway.
Originally, I had hoped to be able to communicate with you on a more regular basis giving almost daily updates.
However, things being what they are it has been difficult to keep up.
Have been on the road now since September 7th and it has been pretty much non-stop day and night 24-7 since I left.
In addition there have been a multitude of technology issues to wrestle through which have put a damper on things.
1. Cell Phone died for a week in New Haven, Indiana.
Finally got a new one south of Chicago with wireless email
capabilities, but at 14,400 bps.
2. My Kodak 290 Digital camera got hit by a car late Sunday night in Mt Vernon, Iowa.
Spent two days in Cedar Rapids waiting on a new one...Thanks Kodak!!
3. Computer Keyboard got damaged in Boone, Iowa.
It's pretty hard to type email without a "b" and "Space Bar"
Compaq said they would Overnight a new one, but I never know where I will be
so it took almost a month to get one.
4. Scanner died and the came to life again in Omaha and Grand Island.
This put a crimp in my style in scanning historic documents and photos,
but hopefully we have solved the problem.
As for the actual traveling things have gone real well,
Over 1500 people have signed the guest book so far with over a 1000 miles to go....
Have been on the TV News in Lima, Fort Wayne, Omaha, Grand Island, and Hastings and in over 25 newspapers.
Aside from the September 11th nightmare things have been moving along just fine.
No matter where I am there always seems to be someone there to guide or direct me to the proper place or person.
Have lots of stories to tell here...
So far have been invited to stay at fire stations or with friends so always have a place to stay with a roof over my head.
The Firemen have been a real blessing to me.
In Valley, Neb we started signing helmets for those lost in 911 so should have hundreds by the time I return.
When I left Crestline, City Councilman, Mike Blaising offered a full tank of fuel and said,
"I challenge all cities and villages to assist in fueling for this just cause."
So far the challenge has been honored...
To date towns, villages, fire depts and individuals have donated fuel or funds to keep the
"Spirit of the Lincoln Way" fueled and running.
In North Bend, Nebraska I encountered water in the oil again and was able to make a short detour to Snyder, Nebraska
population 390 and the Smeal Fire Truck Manufacturing Company.
We inspected the 100 foot ladder, changed the oil, and lubed the drive train.
Looks like we dodged a bullet on this one.
Have over 3700 images taken with the digital camera or scanned, so no shortage of images to email.
Lots of cool stuff...
Will attempt another email shortly with images.
Hope to reach San Francisco by Christmas.
If all goes well, plans call for hauling the Fire Truck back to New York by rail to New York for a ceremony at the WTC.
Will keep you posted on this...
Will leave you now with a photo of the
"Spirit of the Lincoln Way"
in front of the Lincoln Statue at the state capital in Lincoln, Nebraska.
"Lincoln-the STARt of it ALL"
More later...
Warmest Regards,
Email-Index
NEXT-02
HOME
Designed By: The Starman
You are Visitor #
Since December 23, 2001
As I'm sure most of you are aware,
I'm somewhere in a Fire Truck traveling across the country on The Lincoln Highway.
Originally, I had hoped to be able to communicate with you on a more regular basis giving almost daily updates.
However, things being what they are it has been difficult to keep up.
Have been on the road now since September 7th and it has been pretty much non-stop day and night 24-7 since I left.
In addition there have been a multitude of technology issues to wrestle through which have put a damper on things.
1. Cell Phone died for a week in New Haven, Indiana.
Finally got a new one south of Chicago with wireless email
capabilities, but at 14,400 bps.
2. My Kodak 290 Digital camera got hit by a car late Sunday night in Mt Vernon, Iowa.
Spent two days in Cedar Rapids waiting on a new one...Thanks Kodak!!
3. Computer Keyboard got damaged in Boone, Iowa.
It's pretty hard to type email without a "b" and "Space Bar"
Compaq said they would Overnight a new one, but I never know where I will be
so it took almost a month to get one.
4. Scanner died and the came to life again in Omaha and Grand Island.
This put a crimp in my style in scanning historic documents and photos,
but hopefully we have solved the problem.
As for the actual traveling things have gone real well,
Over 1500 people have signed the guest book so far with over a 1000 miles to go....
Have been on the TV News in Lima, Fort Wayne, Omaha, Grand Island, and Hastings and in over 25 newspapers.
Aside from the September 11th nightmare things have been moving along just fine.
No matter where I am there always seems to be someone there to guide or direct me to the proper place or person.
Have lots of stories to tell here...
So far have been invited to stay at fire stations or with friends so always have a place to stay with a roof over my head.
The Firemen have been a real blessing to me.
In Valley, Neb we started signing helmets for those lost in 911 so should have hundreds by the time I return.
When I left Crestline, City Councilman, Mike Blaising offered a full tank of fuel and said,
"I challenge all cities and villages to assist in fueling for this just cause."
So far the challenge has been honored...
To date towns, villages, fire depts and individuals have donated fuel or funds to keep the
"Spirit of the Lincoln Way" fueled and running.
In North Bend, Nebraska I encountered water in the oil again and was able to make a short detour to Snyder, Nebraska
population 390 and the Smeal Fire Truck Manufacturing Company.
We inspected the 100 foot ladder, changed the oil, and lubed the drive train.
Looks like we dodged a bullet on this one.
Have over 3700 images taken with the digital camera or scanned, so no shortage of images to email.
Lots of cool stuff...
Will attempt another email shortly with images.
Hope to reach San Francisco by Christmas.
If all goes well, plans call for hauling the Fire Truck back to New York by rail to New York for a ceremony at the WTC.
Will keep you posted on this...
Will leave you now with a photo of the
"Spirit of the Lincoln Way"
in front of the Lincoln Statue at the state capital in Lincoln, Nebraska.
"Lincoln-the STARt of it ALL"
More later...
Warmest Regards,
Email-Index |
NEXT-02 |
HOME |
Designed By: The Starman
You are Visitor #
Since December 23, 2001