Illinois Ramblings

Monday we left Centerville and drove east towards our next destination, Greene Co, IL, where we wanted to do some genealogy research. Our route took us through Hannibal, MO, so we just had to stop in Mark Twain's hometown.

The day was hot and humid; quite uncomfortable but we didn't let that slow us down. The Husband found an ice cream shop and I found The Hickory Stick Quilt and Gift Shop. They have several rooms of fabrics, patterns and quilts. I fell off the wagon and bought several cuts of fabric - photos will be posted later.

We had lunch at the Mark Twain Dinette at 400 N. Third St. Sorry that I can't provide a link but their website doesn't seem to be active any longer. We couldn't decide between the hand-breaded tenderloin sandwiches and the Maid-Rites, so we ordered one tenderloin cut in half and two Maid-Rites. Yummy!

We left Hannibal mid-afternoon by way of MO 79, the scenic drive. We had expected to have views of the Mississippi River along the way but they were few and far between. We crossed the Mississippi at Louisiana, MO and then continued south and east to a little town on the Illinois River called Kampsville. Bridges across this river are few and far between and it looked as if we would have to go far out of our way to reach one. However, the map indicated that there was a ferry at Kampsville so we decided to check it out. It was free and there were several cars lined up, so we decided to chance it.








The trip was quick and we were entertained by the music coming from this car.






We did our research in Carrollton, IL, the Greene County seat but stayed in Jerseyville in the next county to the south where there was more of a choice of motels. The clerks at the Greene Co courthouse were quite helpful and we found a Probate record for the Husband's great-great-great grandfather which named his wife and children. Very helpful since it gave the daughters' married names. However, we couldn't find a burial record so didn't get to visit any cemeteries.






We met this little guy on the square in Carrollton. He was taking his owner for a walk but kindly stopped to have a word with us. Every time we meet a new dog we are reminded of how much we miss Leo.