Last night, I happened to catch a documentary on the local public television station called WISCONSIN SUPPER CLUBS: AN OLD FASHIONED EXPERIENCE:
Wisconsin supper clubs have been a dining tradition for generations, but as corporate chains increase, are these family owned establishments fading away or will they find a resurgence with their unique identities and scenic locations?
Wisconsin Supper Clubs: An Old Fashioned Experience shows why supper clubs are such a big part of Wisconsin's food culture and the full experience of supper club dining: a brandy old fashioned sweet at the bar, relish trays at the table, huge portions of steaks, seafood and game, and the friendly, loyal customers who have been dining at their favorite places for so many years.
If you get a chance, I'd encourage you to watch it. Just make sure you've already eaten and have a supply of brandy at hand.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
2012 Tour Announcement
Assuming that the world doesn't end before then, the 2012 Doughty 500 will begin on Monday, July 23rd and end on Friday, July 27th. The tour will be based out of Hayward and rooms have been secured at the palatial Comfort Suites. They're a mere eighty-nine bones a night and you can reserve yours by calling 715-634-0700.
And yes, we did explore the option of having the 500 based at one of many resorts throughout northern Wisconsin and actually taking advantage of the natural beauty and splendor that the area has to offer. But apparently the stingy streak runs pretty thick in the Doughty blood and the prices that would have to be paid--while seemingly reasonable in our view--would be too steep for some tour attendees.
So instead of a lake and drinking by the bonfire we'll once again have an indoor pool and a "party" room in the hotel. Never underestimate the high costs that are sometimes involved with low prices.
And yes, we did explore the option of having the 500 based at one of many resorts throughout northern Wisconsin and actually taking advantage of the natural beauty and splendor that the area has to offer. But apparently the stingy streak runs pretty thick in the Doughty blood and the prices that would have to be paid--while seemingly reasonable in our view--would be too steep for some tour attendees.
So instead of a lake and drinking by the bonfire we'll once again have an indoor pool and a "party" room in the hotel. Never underestimate the high costs that are sometimes involved with low prices.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
From Hell To Hero
Here's a You Tube video that accompanied the story on Dan Doughty's POW experience that appeared in the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram on November 6th.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Scenes From A Small Town
More pictures from in and around the town of Merrill, Wisconsin.
Bridge
County Courthouse
State Park
Old Mill
Classic House
Ice Cream Store
Library
Lincoln House
Old City Hall
Old City Hall
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Everywhere The Signs
Last week's 2011 Doughty 500 was based in the bustling metropolis of Merrill, Wisconsin. Merrill is a town of about 10,000 souls that straddles the Wisconsin River in the north-central part of the state. Jay and I only really had one day to poke around the town, but we were pleasantly surprised to find a number of architectural items of interest including some vintage signage.
While the Lincoln Lanes building has been updated in recent years, you can see that it once had a classic modern look.
The theater features more of an Art Deco appearance with the font.
And the sleek tiled wall in front front.
This was one of Jay's favorite signs.
For my money, the Chip's drive-in logo is hard to top.
No matter where you go there's almost always something interesting to see. As long as you're willing to stop and spend the time to look for it.
While the Lincoln Lanes building has been updated in recent years, you can see that it once had a classic modern look.
The theater features more of an Art Deco appearance with the font.
And the sleek tiled wall in front front.
This was one of Jay's favorite signs.
For my money, the Chip's drive-in logo is hard to top.
No matter where you go there's almost always something interesting to see. As long as you're willing to stop and spend the time to look for it.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Quote of the Day
"The art of cranking a car is one that is not given to all men. Some of our greatest and wisest stand helpless before the task."
-P.G. Wodehouse in Three Men and a Maid
-P.G. Wodehouse in Three Men and a Maid
Monday, July 11, 2011
Last Call
Here's the latest, greatest, and last update on this year's 500 from Dan:
MONDAY 25 JULY 08:30, -WE WILL LEAVE FROM 4554 EASTLAND CT. LUNCH AT THE ABBY CAFÉ IN CURTIS.
TUESDAY, 26 JULY 09:00 – TOUR THE HARRISON HILLS AREA EAST OF TOMAHAWK. LUNCH AT THE HARRISON PUP & GRILL OR NUT ZEES INN. WE WILL TRY TO SPLIT UP BETWEEN THEM. THEY ARE ABOUT A HALF MILE APART.
WEDNESDAY, 27 JULY 09:00 - TOUR NORTHEAST TO ELCHO. THERE A COUPLE OF PLACES IN TOWN FOR LUNCH
THURSDAY, 28 JULY – NO TOURS PLANED. SOME MAY MAKE A RUN TO TOMAHAWK FOR LUNCH.
THE DINNER / AUCTION WILL BE AT CLUB 64, 2405 WEST MAIN ST. MERRILL. 5 PM, SOCIAL HOUR, DINNER AT 6 PM. DINNER WILL BE A SIT DOWN FAMILY STYLE WITH CHICKEN AND ROAST BEEF. COST WILL BE ABOUT $16.00 PER PERSON. I MUST PAY THE CLUB WITH ONE CHECK SO PLEASE HAVE CASH TO PAY ME!
CALL 715-835-0685 OR E-MAIL ME ASAP WITH YOUR NUMBERS FOR DINNER. I NEED A PRELIMINARY COUNT BY JULY 16th.
FRIDAY, 29 JULY 09:00 RETURN TO EAU CLAIRE WITH LUNCH AT THE OUTBOARD BAR & GRILL BETWEEN PERKINSTOWN AND GILLMAN.
CALL 715 536-7979 OR 800 634-3444 FOR ROOM RESERVATIONS.
THE AMERICAINN MAY BE FULL. ***It is.***
IF SO THERE IS A SUPER 8 ACROSS THE STREET. 715-536-6880
HAPPY HOUR MONDAY, OUR KIDS. TUESDAY, SAM’S BOYS. WEDNESDAY, THE GRADUATE’S PARENTS.
BRING SOMETHING FOR THE AUCTION.
MONDAY 25 JULY 08:30, -WE WILL LEAVE FROM 4554 EASTLAND CT. LUNCH AT THE ABBY CAFÉ IN CURTIS.
TUESDAY, 26 JULY 09:00 – TOUR THE HARRISON HILLS AREA EAST OF TOMAHAWK. LUNCH AT THE HARRISON PUP & GRILL OR NUT ZEES INN. WE WILL TRY TO SPLIT UP BETWEEN THEM. THEY ARE ABOUT A HALF MILE APART.
WEDNESDAY, 27 JULY 09:00 - TOUR NORTHEAST TO ELCHO. THERE A COUPLE OF PLACES IN TOWN FOR LUNCH
THURSDAY, 28 JULY – NO TOURS PLANED. SOME MAY MAKE A RUN TO TOMAHAWK FOR LUNCH.
THE DINNER / AUCTION WILL BE AT CLUB 64, 2405 WEST MAIN ST. MERRILL. 5 PM, SOCIAL HOUR, DINNER AT 6 PM. DINNER WILL BE A SIT DOWN FAMILY STYLE WITH CHICKEN AND ROAST BEEF. COST WILL BE ABOUT $16.00 PER PERSON. I MUST PAY THE CLUB WITH ONE CHECK SO PLEASE HAVE CASH TO PAY ME!
CALL 715-835-0685 OR E-MAIL ME ASAP WITH YOUR NUMBERS FOR DINNER. I NEED A PRELIMINARY COUNT BY JULY 16th.
FRIDAY, 29 JULY 09:00 RETURN TO EAU CLAIRE WITH LUNCH AT THE OUTBOARD BAR & GRILL BETWEEN PERKINSTOWN AND GILLMAN.
CALL 715 536-7979 OR 800 634-3444 FOR ROOM RESERVATIONS.
THE AMERICAINN MAY BE FULL. ***It is.***
IF SO THERE IS A SUPER 8 ACROSS THE STREET. 715-536-6880
HAPPY HOUR MONDAY, OUR KIDS. TUESDAY, SAM’S BOYS. WEDNESDAY, THE GRADUATE’S PARENTS.
BRING SOMETHING FOR THE AUCTION.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
On The Horizon
2011 update from Dan:
IT IS GETTING CLOSE, ONLY 6 WEEKS FROM TODAY.
WE WILL LEAVE FROM 4554 EASTLAND CT AT 08:30, 25 JULY 2011
DESTINATION, AMERICINN, 3300 E. MAIN ST MERRILL, WI.
CALL 715 536-7979 OR 800 634-3444 FOR ROOM RESERVATIONS.
RATE IS ; 49.50 PLUS TAX. BE SURE TO MENTION DOUGHTY 500.
NEED VOLUNTEERS TO COVER HAPPY HOUR FOR TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY EVENING. IF YOU CAN COVER IT PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
NEXT UP DATE IN ABOUT 3 WEEKS.
IT IS GETTING CLOSE, ONLY 6 WEEKS FROM TODAY.
WE WILL LEAVE FROM 4554 EASTLAND CT AT 08:30, 25 JULY 2011
DESTINATION, AMERICINN, 3300 E. MAIN ST MERRILL, WI.
CALL 715 536-7979 OR 800 634-3444 FOR ROOM RESERVATIONS.
RATE IS ; 49.50 PLUS TAX. BE SURE TO MENTION DOUGHTY 500.
NEED VOLUNTEERS TO COVER HAPPY HOUR FOR TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY EVENING. IF YOU CAN COVER IT PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
NEXT UP DATE IN ABOUT 3 WEEKS.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Loaded for Bear
A couple of nuggets from a Wall Street Journal review of the book "The Big Roads" brought to mind the Doughty 500.
As the Lincoln developed, so too did other regions of the country begin building their own versions, like the Jefferson Davis Highway (intended to reach from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco by way of New Orleans but never completed), the Lakes to Gulf Highway (Duluth, Minn., to Galveston, Texas) and the coast-to-coast Old Trails Road. An automobile network began to emerge of mainly dirt and gravel byways, but road trips weren't for sissies. Mr. Swift notes that one engineer recommended that travelers carry, among many other things, "an ax, shovel, and four-foot hardwood planks, fifty feet of rope and sixteen of cable . . . a pile of cooking and camping gear and 'possibly a small pistol of some sort.'"
This is very similar to the list of necessities recommended for those who undertake the Doughty 500. I'd probably add a bottle of whiskey as well.
Another of the author's visionaries is engineer Thomas MacDonald, the brilliant and methodical, but utterly humorless, head of he National Highway Commission. It fell to MacDonald in 1919 to make passable this tangled continental grid that included every kind of obstacle, from snowbound mountains and raging rivers to "gumbo" mud in Iowa and briny tar beneath the salt flats of Utah. Seemingly by a combination of ingenuity and dearth of personality, MacDonald succeeded in bringing about the Federal Highway Act of 1921, the first, coherent plan for the nation's future roads.
The plan also eventually brought trucks and tourists by the millions, many of whom set up shop along the new roadsides. Filling stations, hot-dog stands, campgrounds and "mo-tels" by the hundreds flourished. Which, naturally, attracted more traffic. "By late 1920s," Mr. Swift writes, "you measured your progress by obscenities more than miles."
I think we can all recall a stretch or two of one of the Doughty 500s where that particular metric would have been an appropriate one.
As the Lincoln developed, so too did other regions of the country begin building their own versions, like the Jefferson Davis Highway (intended to reach from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco by way of New Orleans but never completed), the Lakes to Gulf Highway (Duluth, Minn., to Galveston, Texas) and the coast-to-coast Old Trails Road. An automobile network began to emerge of mainly dirt and gravel byways, but road trips weren't for sissies. Mr. Swift notes that one engineer recommended that travelers carry, among many other things, "an ax, shovel, and four-foot hardwood planks, fifty feet of rope and sixteen of cable . . . a pile of cooking and camping gear and 'possibly a small pistol of some sort.'"
This is very similar to the list of necessities recommended for those who undertake the Doughty 500. I'd probably add a bottle of whiskey as well.
Another of the author's visionaries is engineer Thomas MacDonald, the brilliant and methodical, but utterly humorless, head of he National Highway Commission. It fell to MacDonald in 1919 to make passable this tangled continental grid that included every kind of obstacle, from snowbound mountains and raging rivers to "gumbo" mud in Iowa and briny tar beneath the salt flats of Utah. Seemingly by a combination of ingenuity and dearth of personality, MacDonald succeeded in bringing about the Federal Highway Act of 1921, the first, coherent plan for the nation's future roads.
The plan also eventually brought trucks and tourists by the millions, many of whom set up shop along the new roadsides. Filling stations, hot-dog stands, campgrounds and "mo-tels" by the hundreds flourished. Which, naturally, attracted more traffic. "By late 1920s," Mr. Swift writes, "you measured your progress by obscenities more than miles."
I think we can all recall a stretch or two of one of the Doughty 500s where that particular metric would have been an appropriate one.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Photo Follies
This edition brought to your courtesy of Jay (so blame him):
"And here Chad and Jay* believed Bernie when he said Model T’s don’t shrink when they get wet."
*No, that's not really us.
"And here Chad and Jay* believed Bernie when he said Model T’s don’t shrink when they get wet."
*No, that's not really us.
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