In this newsletter:
And more!! | | Latest from our world | Another year is passing, and I find myself once again looking back at our travel over the last 21 years. All the adventure, hotel rooms, fast food restaurants, rental cars, and a road atlas that typically didn't show the road Kathy said to go down. The memories are enough to wear me out. How did we do those trips in short 7 to 10-day stretches when I still worked in the corporate world?
One thing is for sure: we are slowing down. I was reminded of the energy we had back in 2008 during a February excursion in New Mexico. This was years before we had a travel trailer or furry friends to worry about.
I had a personal blog at the time, since I still worked in the corporate world. Take a trip down memory lane with me in "Mogolloin to El Paso via Shakespeare," published February 22, 2008. | | Also, see our history articles:
And on a more personal note...
I realize it's no longer the "thankful" days of November, but I wanted to wrap up our year by telling you how much we appreciate your readership. If it were not for you, we wouldn't be here. I've said that a lot before, but it has an entirely new meaning for us in 2024.
Earlier this year, Legends of America and thousands of other websites like us, small mom and pops, were affected by the introduction of Artificial Intelligence in Google's search results, leading to a massive loss of web traffic that left many website owners pondering their future. The outcry was loud, and fortunately, Google listened and backed off a bit, but the damage was done. While some websites simply went dark, we are fortunate enough to have readers like you who keep us going.
Time will tell how we survive alongside AI. Our plan is to continue sharing our love of American history and travel destinations, and hope that Artificial Intelligence Search results remain just that - artificial.
By the way, I may have found a way to frustrate A.I. robocalls. Yes, that is a thing now, and the other day, I answered a call from one. Right off the bat, I realized it was a robot, so I asked, "Are you a bot?". After a few seconds of silence, I asked again, "Are you a bot?". It replied by asking me if I was a bot. So, I sat on the phone for 30 seconds, going back and forth with "Are you a bot?" and getting the same question back each time before it finally disconnected mid-question. I know it's small, but the little victories make me smile.
Kathy and I hope you enjoy this human-written newsletter and have the happiest of Holidays.
Dave "waiting for Skynet" Alexander
P.S. In our last newsletter, we told you about the closing of the St. James Hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico. GREAT News! They have new owners who want to keep its historical value. | | Breaking News from our friends at Nuwati Herbals | | A message from Nuwati Herbals To all our Valued Customers and Friends, After the recent death of our lead tea maker and friend, Barry Simpson, and a new property owner not renewing the Nuwati plant lease, we are heartbroken to announce after twenty two years we will be retiring Dec 31, 2024.
The exciting news is that we are in negotiations with a viable buyer for Nuwati Herbals who is committed to perpetuating our brand and taking care of our valued customers!
Please check our website and social postings for updates and upcoming specials!
Thank you to everyone who has taken this journey with us as you have truly touched our hearts and enlightened our lives!
Rod and Kimberly Jackson
Legends' General Store has Nuwati on Clearance! | | | | Here are some of the recent additions since our last newsletter | | | | | | Flint Hills National Scenic Byway - (Legends of Kansas) The byway offers incredible views of the native grasses and flowers of the tallgrass prairie—one of the last remaining landscapes in America. From our Kansas Scenic Byways.
Washington, Kansas—Washington County Seat - (Legends of Kansas) Established around 1860, Washington, Kansas, has had five County Courthouses, three destroyed by fire and one tornado.
Mahaska, Kansas – (Legends of Kansas) Mahaska, Kansas, is a tiny town located one mile south of the Nebraska state line in Union Township of Washington County.
Westmoreland, Kansas – Pottawatomie County Seat - (Legends of Kansas) Westmoreland, Kansas, located in Rock Creek Township, is the county seat of Pottawatomie County. From our Kansas Towns & Cities.
We've added up a BUNCH since our last newsletter in October.
| | | Legends' Photo Print Shop | | From vintage photos of the Old West, Native Americans, and Nostalgic American Scenes to current photos of Route 66 and travel destinations across America, Legends Of America's Photo Print Shop features thousands of vintage and current photos that are available in print sizes small to large, Canvas Wraps, and much more!
Newsletter Readers save 20% off with coupon code NEWS20
You never know what you may find. | | | | | Designated a National Park on December 9, 1962, the Petrified Forest & Painted Desert is a surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science. It features one of the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood, the multi-hued badlands of the Chinle Formation known as the Painted Desert, historic structures, archeological sites, and displays of 225 million-year-old fossils. | | | | John R. Brinkley - Goat Gland Doctor | | From 1917 through the 1930s, physician John Brinkley made millions of dollars by implanting goat testicles in men to restore their virility. | | | | From Legends' General Store | | Need a postcard for each state? This postcard set is for you. Even includes a postcard for Washington D.C. All 51 postcards in this special set have been designed by Legends of America.
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| | | | Stand Watie – Brigadier General of the Civil War | | Born on December 12, 1806, in Cherokee Nation (Calhoun, Georgia), Stand Watie, also known as Standhope Oowatie, Degataga, and Isaac S. Watie, was a leader of the Cherokee Nation and a brigadier general of the Confederate States Army during the Civil War.
| | | | Christmas at Fort Alexander (a Cautionary Tale) | |
Kathy ran into a memory on Facebook the other day. It is a poem I wrote back in 2012 as a cautionary tale for anyone impatient for presents.
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, except Dave on the couch. The stockings Kathy hung were busting their seams, And Dave's curiosity was interrupting his dreams. Kaydee and Riley Dog were snug on the bed, While visions of Dave's feet danced near their heads. Kathy in her 'kerchief, covered in three dozen blankets, Had not a clue where Dave's curiosity would take it. When out in the living room there arose such a ruckus, Kathy sprung from the bed to see what all the fuss was. Through the bedroom door, she flew with a purpose, Blankets burying dogs like a collapse at the circus. The lamp on the table gave the living room a glow, Enough to lighten the tree and the stockings below. When what to Kathy's wondering eyes should appear, But Dave's face full of languish and terrifying fear. His eyes darting quickly, tears streaming down his cheeks, Kathy burst into laughter while the dogs they did leap. More rabid than Cujo did Kaydee dog pounce. As never before had she heard such a sound. "Down Kaydee! Down Riley! I'm not a burglar! It's me can't you see?! Please Kaydee, please Riley, oh please let me be!" At the top of his lungs, Dave's voice it did call, "Now Get away, Get away, Get away all!" As the dogs now settled with inquisitive looks, Kathy's laughter subsided, and Dave's hand she then took. Pulling it slowly from the stocking with care, She inspected to ensure all digits were there. "I don't understand what happened to me. I was only making sure they were where they should be?" Kathy spoke not a word but went straight to her work, prying from his fingers the metal with a jerk. Dave sprang from his crouch, fresh pain it did flow. The tree now shaking from his wobbly blow. "For Pete's sake, Kathy, what the heck was in there?" "A mouse trap my dear, so sneaky ones don't dare." This cautionary tale should surely be told, a reminder to all, whether young or old. Sneaking a peek may sound like a plan, But getting caught in the trap may mangle your hand. | | Popular Stories on Facebook | | In case you missed it, here are some of the articles that have been popular on our Facebook Fan Pages recently. | | | At the midpoint between Amarillo and Tucumcari and 10 miles from the Chicago-LA midpoint of Route 66, Glenrio became a popular stopping place for Route 66 travelers, and a “welcome station” station was built near the state line. It now remains home to only the critters and the blowing tumbleweeds of the vast prairie.
Also, see our Texas Route 66 Photo Print Gallery
[Photo: At the ghost town of Glen Rio, Texas. Photo by Kathy Alexander. ] | | | On November 20, 1751, O’odham rebels made a coordinated attack on Spanish missions and settlements in present-day Arizona. The Spanish were caught completely unaware. Groups of a thousand Indians attacked missions with arrows and fire. Missions at Arivaca, Sonoita, Guevavi, and others were attacked, and the conquerors were in retreat. Churches were burned, and more than 100 people were killed.
[Photo: Pima home in 1907, touch of color by LOA] | | | First chronicled by Western writer Zane Grey in his 1934 novel The Code of the West, no “written” code existed. However, pioneers were bound by these unwritten rules centered on hospitality, fair play, loyalty, and respect for the land.
Also, see our Cowboys & Trailblazers Photo Print Gallery
[Photo: The LS outfit at the chuck wagon having dinner in the shade of a tree. LS Ranch, near Tascosa, Texas. Photo by Erwin E. Smith, 1907.]
| | | | | | | | Our website and newsletter are supported by some mighty fine readers. Yeah, we're talking about YOU Friend! We just can't thank you enough! Be sure to check out our General Store and Photo Print Shop, helping keep our content free of charge since 2003.
All newsletter readers can enjoy 20% savings. Just use coupon code News20 in 'cart view' at our General Store, or during checkout on our Photo Print Shop. | | | What our readers and customers have been saying:
Very good quality and I appreciate your making them available for purchase at a reasonable price. - Jan - Legends' Photo Print Customer
I have recently found your website, and have to say how interesting I am finding it all. Being in the UK it is fascinating to see the real stories beyond the often glamourized impressions we get from the movies. - Craig
I enjoy reading your newsletter as I get the time, I love the history of the settling of our country. - Carol
Have a comment about something in this newsletter or any of our stories? Reply to this email or send them to travel@legendsofamerica.com. | | |
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