Mulvanys on the Road: September 2026

Our mini-trip begins.

This was a nice sunset to begin the day.

This is the information kiosk at the New Philadelpohia National Historic Site. The site is undeveloped but is under the umbrella of the National Park Service. New Philadelphia was the first town in Illinois to be plat and recorded as a town by a Black American. Frank McWorter was born in slavery in South Carolina in 1777. With the permission of his owner, Frank worked for wages and when he had enough, he purchased his, his wife's and his son's freedom. The family came to Illinois in 1830 and settled in Hadley Township, Illinois. In 1836 he laid out the town and sold enough lots to secure thefreedom of 12 additional family members. Following the Civil War, a railroad was built north of the town and eventually, the town population dried up.

There was a short hike past this old cabin but it was too hot to hike so I had to settle for a picture.

It was very nice to leave the interstate and drive back rural roads to the National Historic Site.

This is the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Missouri. Walt's family moved from Chicago to Marceline when he was only five years old. They lived in Marceline only five years, but Walt said it was during his formative years and imprinted his life. It was here that Walt developed his love of trains. This is the old Sante Fe Railroad Depot. Walt's uncle worked on one of the trains that passed through Marceline and would stop by Walt's home, pick him up, and take him to the train depot.
The depot in Marceline was an important stop between Chicago and St. Louis. Now no train stops in Marceline; although, 70 trains a day pass by the depot.

This painting on the wall is a reproduction of one that Walt drew with tar on the side of their house. It shows his early talent as an artist. He convinced his sister to let him draw with tar telling her it would wipe off...but it didn't!

Did I say it was a hot day?

We stopped for the night in Cameron, Missouri. We ate supper at McCorkles Eatery and Pub. Carol had gizzards and marshed potatoes and gravy. I had a rueben sandwich. The food was very good.

Now we are relaxing in our room. I predict a early bedtime for us.

August 22, 2026: Terre Haute Air Show

We took Keegan to the Terre Hauta Air Show. We arrived at the show about 4:30, found our seats ad spent the nexdt 4-5 hours being thoroughly entertained by aircraft of all kinds. It was a long day but worth. We were very tired when we got back to our hotel arond 11:30.

A skywriter opened the show.

Followed by parachuters.

Next were the stars of the show: The USAF Thunderbirds.

They fly 18 inches apart at 500 miles per hour.

This is out of order but it is the original B-29 that led the D-Day Invasion. It is still flying after 80 years!

More Thunderbird amazing feats.

A trio of P-51's.

P-51's flew in the twilight portion of the show.

Sunset.

Fireworks ended the show.

It was a great day. All of us enjoyed the show.

August 19: Celebrating Carol's Birthday on Route 66

We decided to check out some Route 66 places. Route 66 is celebrating 100 years and a lot of the small towns along the road have special displays. We chose Atlanta, Illinois.