Tales of the Road

Money Money Money!

2010-04-23T07:51:00.002-05:00

Money is always in short supply if you make documentaries or are a budding feature filmmaker. I hope to learn more about raising cash for future projects tomorrow (April 24th) during a class with Erika Johnson of South Shore Productions in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

http://www.southshoreproductions.net/

We were moving so fast trying to get the "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" book and documentary done that fundraising fell short but all bills were paid as I dipped into personal funds. It happens. I've learned a lot from that experience and don't plan to repeat it. I'm hoping Erika has some new ideas.

On a different subject, we are tweaking our website. This blog will be down for a bit but will be back. I need your ideas for links we can add to the "maps" section of the website. Maybe you've seen it. http://www.talesoftheroad.net/maps/index.cfm
I'm looking for new ideas for links/photos for those sites on the map. Drop me a line with your ideas: cathy@palisadeproductions.com

Happiness is a two lane highway!

2010-04-19T10:23:00.004-05:00

And happiness for me is digging around and finding great information on some of the really cool sites and stories along those two lane roads. I pondered this while sitting in a day long conference, on a Saturday, at the University of Minnesota while birds were singing and flowers blooming outside.

The conference centered on the aging brain. Research shows that exercise and good nutrition are keys to bolstering the brain, but the keynote speaker (Todd Kashdan of George Mason University. http://www.toddkashdan.com/) also focused on how the brain loves novelty. That doesn't necessarily mean leaping out of planes or bungee jumping, but something as simple as getting out and enjoying new places, people and experiences.

After Todd's speech, I sat there thinking about the joy (and sheer terror) that TOTR has given me in the seven years since we started the project. It has been a fantastic learning experience and I can't wait to see what happens next as I continue to head down the highway!

Johnson Boatworks Bon Voyage

2010-04-12T16:32:00.004-05:00

There are few places in White Bear Lake, Minnesota where 400 people can mingle with history. On Saturday, April 10th, that is

what happened at the former Johnson/White Bear Boatworks, an old place profiled in "Tales of the Road-Highway 61." (Both the book and the film.)

The occasion was the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society's annual fundraiser and the venue was appropriate because (sadly) it appears the boatworks will soon be lost to history. There have been valiant efforts to save it. The future is unclear. It could make way for condos, or (fingers crossed) it might be the site for a community center/sailing museum.

This is Steve Johnson, a descendent of the founder of the Boatworks: John O. Johnson. John O. was a quiet guy but brilliant. I would think John O. would have been bemused by all the fuss the event created. Steve and the rest of the Johnson family seemed to enjoy themselves. Check out Steve in the movie. He's the skipper of the last racing scow of a specific class made by the Boatworks. The boat is beautiful and as fast as the wind itself! I was at the event to talk about why we included the Johnson Boatworks in TOTR. The story is such a good one. It was a no-brainer for inclusion.

I also had a surprise for the director of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society. A check for $1,500. Part of my proceeds from the book that I promised I'd spilt with the ten different organizations along the highway that helped make TOTR possible. Now, if the Boatworks, or at least a part of the Boatworks could be preserved...that would be money well spent! For more photos of a lovely night check out our Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=101915670064

Hanging at the MOA

2010-04-05T15:59:00.002-05:00

That would be the "Mall of America." Bloomington, Minnesota. I remember when we (in the media) dubbed it the Mega Mall. It is still quite a place. A shrine to consumer consumption. I was signing books and DVD's at the quaint Minnesot-AH! store: a place dedicated to all things Minnesotan. "Tales" fits in well.

I was at a small table in the store's entry with a view of "Lids": a store dedicated to baseball caps. One of the perks of hanging out at the mall on a Saturday afternoon is the great people watching. It is a free show. The parade of humanity was incredibly entertaining. I learned that the mall has great cell phone reception. No dead spots. Nearly every person who passed me had their cell out. Four guys in a group five sauntered past. All four on the phone. I wonder if they were talking to each other. It wouldn't have surprised me.

I marveled at the impeccably dressed woman with the runway walk who teetered on impossibly high heels. Those pencil heels must have been four inches high. Impressive considering she was also carrying several bags. I learned you can shop and still look great at the end of the day, a feat I've never achieved.

An engaging, older man stopped by to chat. He has heard of "Tales" but begged off buying a book. He has too many he said. (Now, how can you have too many books! :)

He told me a story that I'm going to have to check out. It deals with a former DJ in the Twin Cities who worked at the venerable Top 40 station KDWB. This was in the 1960's, and "Donald K. Martin" (who was a friend of this gentleman) was driving to Duluth to see his girlfriend. The radio announcer was a pretty plugged in guy--he knew the local music scene--so when he saw a scruffy young man, with a guitar on his back, hitch-hiking on the shoulder of Highway 61, Martin stopped the car and said "Zimmerman! Where are you going now?" The young musician said "Out to New York to play a few songs." Martin gave the guy a lift. I wonder if Bob Dylan remembers that moment? Donald K. Martin does.

A story for the sequel don't you think? The lesson? You just never know who you are going to run into either by the side of the road or in a shopping mall.

R.I.P trusty (rusty) friend!

2010-03-16T15:07:00.009-05:00

In order to do a documentary/book on an iconic highway you need a car that can go the distance--literally and figuratively. Said car needs to be tough because, in the case of Highway 61 in Minnesota, it's a good 440 miles from the northern tip of Minnesota to its southern most point and if you multiply numerous trips, over six years, we're talking about an eye-popping (piston popping?) number of miles.

It is with great sadness that I say "goodbye" to the car that took me on the road trip of a lifetime. I know she doesn't look great in this photo. I lost the left rear hubcap somewhere between Hastings and Winona in year five of "The Project." I never did replace it. I think it gave the old car a kind of "road warrior" look. (Enhanced with the layer of salt/dirt/grime over her many dings and dents.)

She (and yes---I give cars gender specific designations) never once left me on the side of the road although she'd burn through a quart or two of oil during most our of forays. What the heck. The car was burning oil and I was leaking oil by the time we wrapped up the book and film. We forgave each other our foibles.

So when the "check engine" light came on (and stayed on) and the diagnosis of a clogged catalytic converter and old age was made it became clear something had to be done. But, with 215,599 miles on her and a clutch that slipped just a little, it seemed silly to think that she could be traded in. Besides, a trade-in seemed beneath her somehow.

Thankfully, the 2002 Subaru with the missing hubcap, the leaky pistons and the nearly shot clutch ultimately found a home. She was donated to the Newgate School in Minneapolis to be used in their automotive training program. It is a great non-profit effort. With a little elbow grease, a few new parts and some TLC, she may end up being given to a family in need of reliable transportation. I hope so. She's still got a few good miles in her. Now, if I could say the same thing about myself...

A sweet surprise!

2010-02-24T16:25:00.005-06:00

Go figure! "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" has its own official cookie!

Cookies like this tasty little morsel were on hand when White Bear Lake kicked off their first ever city-wide reading program and "Tales" is the book that young and old will read and discuss.

We began the discussion with a short talk by yours truly at the White Bear Library, which was rudely interrupted by a tickle in my throat that made me cough without relief for what seemed like a lifetime. Actually, as I write this, I'm sidelined with a cough and laryngitis. The White Bear event may have been the precursor to what has bloomed into quite an illness. Want to see more images from the event? Head to the Tales of the Road group site on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=101915670064

As I sit, snuffling and hacking, I have had time to think about next steps. The original plan was to kick back and relax in 2010 but that ain't gonna happen!

We will interview three survivors of the 1918 Moose Lake Forest Fire the first weekend of March and at least get their stories on tape because each person is well into their nineties and let's face it: once these folks are gone, their stories are gone too.

I'm a member of the Red Wing Pottery Collector's Society and their latest newsletter had a wonderful tidbit about a garage in Red Wing made up of clay bricks that has a tie to the pottery. The garage is supposed to be torn down soon so that means we have to hightail it to Red Wing to get that shot before the building is gone for good.

Speaking of another endangered site--the Hastings Bridge is also set to be dismantled and we'll have to make sure this spring/summer that we have that "in the can" (as it were) so we can do a story about the original Hastings bridge. It was a marvel! A spiral bridge that people still talk about today.

So you see, I can forget about resting on any laurels. Maybe that is part of the plan. The highway and time wait for no one.

Here, there and everywhere!

2010-02-15T12:16:00.002-06:00

It's been a long few weeks. Long but satisfying.

These are photos from the Frozen River Film Festival in Winona, Minnesota. "Tales of the Road" was a featured film.

I did a little presentation afterward to a very

responsive audience. There's no small amount of satisfaction when viewers laugh at the "right" times or let out a collective "huh!" when some key piece of information is revealed.

Books were sold by Chris Livingston who owns the local bookstore. I'm pleased that so many people liked the movie and then wanted to read the book. Which is better---book or film? I'll leave it up to readers and viewers. I'm wondering if doing another book, an updated book, is worth it. There have been a lot of changes along the highway since the book was published in October of 2008. I'm smitten with the old road guides that include advertising from the twenties and thirties and wonder whether something like that would work today. Something else to ponder.

A final note: Look at the below photo. Note the gentleman in the beret over my shoulder. That is Coffee John. A fan of TOTR and quite a guy. A shout-out to John!

A wonderful honor

2010-01-26T16:50:00.009-06:00

I know the book "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" has been read by many people but now, a whole city is reading it! It is a humbling experience.

This is Jo Emerson, the mayor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota and yours truly with a proclamation recognizing the first ever "White Bear Reads" program, and the inaugural selection: "Tales of the Road-Highway 61"!!!

The "White Bear Reads" program is based on other successful efforts across the country where a book is selected and the community comes together to experience it.

I'm so excited that "Tales" has been selected for this unique program in White Bear Lake. What an honor!

White Bear Lake is a lovely town on Highway 61. I wrote about the Johnson Boatworks, a historic place that unfortunately will be leveled for townhouses sometime, and the old White Bear City Hall, purported to have been designed by the great Cass Gilbert. The Boatworks was also a key site in the documentary. Isn't this a cool, old photo of the craftsmen building one of the racing scows??

White Bear has great history, and I'm hoping that the community acknowledges that and works together to preserve what is left and not only some of the sites in "Tales of the Road" but other meaningful places as well. The book's underlying message is that history is important, no matter where it is found, and we found a lot along the highway!

The kick-off event is at the White Bear Library February 2, 2010. I plan to talk about "Tales" but there may well be some surprises too.

You just never know---

2010-01-18T03:13:00.002-06:00

Who'll use "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" or where they'll be!

Thanks to Stuart and Lisa for taking the book with them and exploring the Hovland Dock which is just off Highway 61 a few miles up the road from Grand Marais, Mn!

It would be fun to see other photos of the book being used on the road. Send 'em in! We'll post them!

2010 has gotten off to a quiet start. I'll be sitting down and doing some research this week.

I've posted an inquiry on the Facebook page for Bloedow's Bakery in Winona. ("Doughnuts of the God's" is their tag-line. Kind of makes you want to buy some and see just how good they are. ) Check out the Facebook group site for TOTR and either leave suggestions there for story ideas or send me an e-mail!

Take care!

Cathy

Tales of the Road Curse??

2010-01-07T18:32:00.002-06:00

My heart goes out to Mike and Cathy Anderson of Hugo, Minnesota. They are the owners of what was Carpenter's Steakhouse: a very well known restaurant on Highway 61 in Hugo. Carpenter's merited a spot in the book "Tales of the Road-Highway 61."

This is what remains of the old place. It caught fire Sunday, January 3, 2010. What an UNhappy way to start the new year! Fire investigators are looking into what caused it, but the fact is another piece of Highway 61 history is gone for good, much like the Whispering Pines Motel in Illgen City, Mn, and the old Two Harbors High School. The motel burned last fall (see the blog entry on that) and the high school fell to the wrecking ball. I'm so glad we included all three sites in the book so the history behind each is available for future generations.

Carpenter's was nearly 120 years old. It was a general store made into a bar and restaurant. And it had been a focal point of Hugo for generations. Not much of the original, old-time Hugo remains. What a shame.

Mike Anderson was kind enough to let me use an old photo of the bar which didn't make it into the book, but I still have it and a menu. Carpenter's was a place that still had wood floors and a tin ceiling. Mike and his mom Cathy had permission from the city to tear the old place down in due time and build a new restaurant nearby, but not after taking some of the fixtures from the old place into the new. That won't happen now.

I haven't talked to the Anderson's. They are said to be in shock. I feel for them and their employees and really... the town of Hugo. Everyone has lost something in the fire.

More accolades

2009-12-29T17:53:00.004-06:00

I'm a big fan of documentarian Ken Burns. I would love to follow in his footsteps so you can imagine how proud I am to tell you that "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" has won a national award that Burns has won in the past: the CINE Golden Eagle.

Other award recipients this year include NBC, CNN, WGBH in Boston and the Smithsonian Channel. We are in good company and I'm shocked (but thrilled!!!) Seriously, when I set out to do "Tales" I figured it would be a nice little documentary, done with the help of some friends, and it would run on Minnesota Public Television stations and that would be that! I didn't foresee two Emmys, a national CINE award, a Midwest Independent Publisher's book award, inclusion in a film festival, and other good stuff happening with this project. We broadcasters tend to do a story/documentary/etc and then move on to the next thing.

When I tell groups that this has been the road trip of a lifetime, I am not lying! It really has been amazing.

I wish you and your friends and family a great 2010. Thank you for following our progress down one of the most interesting highways in the country. Don't worry. We aren't going away. In fact, there's more work to be done in 2010. We need to park that old Cadillac for a little bit and take a rest and then decide which tales to tell for our encore!!!

Happy New Year from all of us at "Tales of the Road-Highway 61"

Odds and Ends!

2009-12-10T13:12:00.006-06:00

I figured that once the documentary "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" ran on TV that I'd be all done with most of the public events surrounding the book and the film. I was (happily) incorrect.

I have been a little less busy this holiday season with "Tales" than I was last year at this time. Last year was a mad dash between bookstores and we wound up selling out of the book just before Christmas which wasn't exactly the best timing, but it happened.

This year, I am doing book signings and talks in support of the book and the film with one of the final events happening at a local car dealership. Appropriate because it was a Cadillac dealership and my favorite Caddy (the "Star Car"--the 1946 Cadillac I drove in the film) was in attendance for admirers to "ooh" and "aah" over. The event was sponsored by the Upper Midwest Chapter of the Classic Car Club of America. We had a nice group of old car collectors and lovers of road trips.

She is a classy car. She's also a rolling PR machine and the documentary's mechanical mascot. People always ask about her during public events. The photo is of me and her owner, Winston Peterson. Someday, when I win the lottery, I'd love to buy a car like that Caddy!!

More on Whispering Pines

2009-12-02T13:07:00.003-06:00

Thanks to my friends Tom and Linda who were on the North Shore and took these photos of what is left of the Whispering Pines Motel.

I do hope that the owner rebuilds but I haven't had the chance to talk with him yet, nor the son of the original owner--Rudy Illgen.

I've heard from many people who stayed at Whispering Pines and really hope that the site won't be used for a chain motel or yet another townhouse complex. The land obviously is extremely valuable, but after talking with the owner several times in the past, he has a sense of history and loves the "old" North Shore so we'll see what he ultimately does.

We are close to wrapping up what has been a LONG road trip!!! This weekend, I'll be in Moose Lake for the Moose Lake Area Historical Society's annual book sale. It is at the Blacklock Gallery. After that, I'm signing some books for the Duluth Aquarium (their otter was a STAR in the documentary. If you haven't seen it--you should. It is one of my favorite stories!)

My last event for 2009 will be at the Bibelot Shop on Grand Avenue in St. Paul on Saturday, December 12th. If you need a "Tales of the Road" book or notecards--stop by and say "hello."

Stay tuned for more information on TOTR--The Sequel and several big events in 2010!

A piece of history goes up in smoke

2009-11-12T07:23:00.003-06:00

How sad.

How ironic.

What remained of Rudy Illgen's tourist empire on Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior, on Highway 61, caught fire the morning of November 11th, 2009.

Check out the link to the story http://www.twoharborsmn.com/event/article/id/19260/

The Whispering Pines Motel was built after Illgen's Aztec Hotel burned. That is the irony. The motel was built pretty much in the footprint of the old Aztec. The original alignment of Highway 61 is the motel's driveway. How cool is that? Check out this great photo of the hotel. It was quite a landmark on the North Shore for early tourists.

Who was Rudy Illgen? A dreamer. A visionary really. An inventor and a builder. Early on, in the 1920's, Rudy figured the North Shore would be a tourist magnet once a road came through.

He was right.

He built the Aztec on land that was right next to what became Highway 61. It was an odd looking building. He patterned it after an Aztec temple he saw as a young man while traveling in Mexico.

Along with the Aztec, Rudy brought the concept of tourist cabins to the North Shore where motorists could park their cars next to tiny, almost doll-house like accomodations with a bed and a small bathroom inside. He called his creations "Cabinolas" and patented the design.

Rudy had quite a business. Too bad the last remmant of it went up in smoke. I hope that the current owner rebuilds. I know he appreciates North Shore history and the Whispering Pines Motel was/is a part of that history.

The countdown starts!

2009-11-02T16:29:00.002-06:00

My calendar says it is now November, but in my mind, I'm back somewhere in--oh--say August?!

Looking back at my previous posts, this appears to be a chronic problem: losing track of time.

My calendar also says I have seven more public appearances to make in support of "Tales of the Road-Highway 61." This photo is of nearly 300 people at a gathering of alumni of Minneapolis South High School (my alma mater!) and instead of having my picture taken, I wanted to turn the tables and take a photo of the whole group.

All the events have been great no matter where they've been and they've been all over Minnesota. I end up my tour December 5th in Duluth on WDSE-TV.

Thanks to TOTR web fans "Ouch" and John S for dropping me a line. John liked the photo from the Czech Republic of the Highway 61 restaurant. He has some dandy Highway 61 photos on "Flickr". Check them out.

Other TOTR followers were as upset as I am over the loss/theft of the old, iconic Highway 61 sign that you see in the book and at the end of the documentary. This is all that remains. We now have a substantial amount of money available for a reward leading to information and its return. Any ideas on how to get the word out??

Highway 61 goes global!

2009-10-13T15:53:00.002-05:00

I love this photo!

A TOTR fan was recently in the Czech Republic and saw this sign. The Highway 61 Restaurant.

See? The mystique of Highway 61 knows no boundaries!!

We are still traveling. A lot. Not overseas (sadly) but throughout Minnesota. Tomorrow it is St. Cloud and the Minnesota Library Association's annual convention. Minneapolis, Anoka, Owatonna, Chisholm, White Bear Lake, Oakdale, St. Paul, Roseville, Moose Lake and finally Duluth round out the remainder of the road tour. WHEW!!!!!!

If you see cool photos that are Highway 61 related, or even interesting sites along the road, PLEASE send them our way. It would be great to post them on the TOTR Facebook site or Flickr.

We WON!!!!

2009-09-29T20:12:00.004-05:00

I'm just so thrilled and proud to tell everyone that "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" won two regional Emmy Awards! How cool is that?!? All the work we put into the film was recognized by our peers in the field of broadcasting as being top notch.

This photo is of Lisa and Robert, yours truly, and Denny (Joe didn't attend the ceremonies) and the Golden Girls that signify "Tales" is a quality documentary created by some of the most talented professionals in the field. I've been blessed to work with some amazing people.

Here are some of the other TOTR team members and spouses. (We clean up pretty good don't we?)

It was a great night. All the work was worth it.

Time to kick back and relax and think about TOTR #2!!!

(Yes--there WILL be a sequel!!!!!!!)

Teaching "Tales"

2009-09-16T18:59:00.002-05:00

Much to my surprise, "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" continues to draw a crowd almost a year after its publication.

This was the audience at the kick-off event for the Senior College at Alexandria Technical College. 225 people! That is one of the largest crowds yet. They heard how we managed to not only write a book but shoot and produce a documentary in less than two years. Pretty crazy stuff.

It is fun to hear how Highway 61 has affected people. One woman bought a book and had me sign it to commemorate her 43rd wedding anniversary because she and her husband honeymooned on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Highway 61 hugs the Shore. She mentioned an old, kitschy tourist "trading" post near Split Rock Lighthouse where she bought a cuckoo clock. Wouldn't you know, that place is in the book and she nearly fell over when I pointed out the photo. She still has that cuckoo clock!

I brought along Denny--the ace photographer--who did the photos for the book and much of the videography for the documentary. He did a great job showing some photos and explaining what he looks for in a good shot. His was a very entertaining part of the lecture.

The Tales of the Road Trip continues with a visit to La Crescent nearly a year to the day we shot the story of how the apple industry came to be in that part of Minnesota. I can't believe how fast everything has gone.

P.S: No one has responded to my last post about the missing Highway 61 sign near Kellogg. We ARE offering a reward for information. Please contact us if you know anything!

Have you seen this sign?

2009-08-26T13:40:00.003-05:00

Boy. I'm really miffed. I received a tip from a fellow highway historian about the nifty, old U.S Highway 61 sign that we used in the book, "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" and in the closing shot of the documentary. Isn't it great?!

Maybe I should say WASN'T it great? It is missing.

That sign was a remnant of an earlier time and now it is GONE! I called the Wabasha County Highway Department, both townships that have jurisdiction of that stretch of road and MnDOT and no one in an official capacity took down the sign.

I am heartsick that our efforts to chronicle the highway resulted in the THEFT of this wonderful old sign. We realize that the temptation to take what isn't yours and either keep it for yourself, or use it to make a buck just is too much for some people, so we deliberately didn't say where the sign was.

We are offering a reward for the return of the sign so it can be placed at either the Winona Co. Historical Society or MHS.

If anyone has an idea of where that sign is, or whether it was sold, I hope you'll contact us! We'll attempt to check with EBay to see if it was sold at auction. We will also run newspaper ads in the general area of Winona/Kellogg/Wabasha, Minnesota.

While I understand that offering a reward for an old highway sign may seem stupid and silly, it really sickens me that this piece of highway history is gone.

Please spread the word about the missing sign. If you have ideas on how to track it down, do contact me. I really appreciate your help.

A return visit!

2009-08-03T14:14:00.003-05:00

When we set off on this whirlwind of media interviews, signings and talks for the book "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" and the subsequent documentary, it all began on October 15th, 2008 in Grand Marais. It was fun to go back to that harbor town August 1, 2009 to sign books for a huge crowd at Drury Lane Books.

This is a photo of my youngest soon-to-be reader. This is Clara, who is not yet a year old. Her Mom and Dad bought her a copy of "Tales" and had me sign it to her. How sweet. I wonder what she'll think of it when she finally reads the book someday!

On the flip side is a "seasoned" more mature reader. This is one of my favorite people. The famed Joanne Hart, poet, author, wry observer of life. Joanne and I met, by chance, at the original border crossing at the Pigeon River between Minnesota and Canada where there is still old Highway 61 alignment. Our meeting is detailed in "Tales". (page 12) I think the world of Joanne who is a brilliant poet and a wonderful supporter of mine. She wrote a revealing poem about the day our camera crew came to shoot the beginning of the documentary at the old border crossing. I may have to ask her if I can let the rest of the world see it. It really struck me.

The day in Grand Marais was so gratifying because so many came by with books to sign and kind words to say. It makes the long trip well worth it.

I also paid a return visit to Bear Books in Isanti (see one of my past posts about Bear Books) to sign some books for the store's gregarious owner. The small, independent bookstores like Drury Lane and Bear Books make me smile. I'm glad they are around.

I'll be around---actually back up on the North Shore--- August 8th at the Sugarloaf Cove Interpretative Center for a talk. I might even try and catch a nap before then! :)

Still on the Road!

2009-07-19T08:43:00.003-05:00

The "Tales of the Road" juggernaut :) continues!

This time it was Heritage Days in Two Harbors.

Enjoy the video! I'm on my way to a well deserved vacation.

Aloha!

Cathy

"Collecting" New Friends!

2009-07-14T15:39:00.003-05:00

I keep having these amazing book/DVD sales events where I meet the most fascinating and fun people. Take Red Wing, Minnesota for example. Red Wing is the home of the famous Red Wing Pottery and each July, nearly two thousand people from all over the country and world, descend on the city for the Red Wing Pottery Collector's Society's annual convention.

This is a photo of my friends Steve and his wife Barb, who are absolutely walking reference books when it comes to Red Wing pottery. Steve was a HUGE help in making sure I had accurate information about the Pottery's history.

The reception I received at the convention was so warm and welcoming that I will have to come back next year. I was the keynote speaker this year and used the opportunity to ask members about nifty things they'd like to see in a more comprehensive story about Red Wing Pottery for "Tales of the Road-Highway 61"---The Sequel. I'm glad I held off on including the famous pottery in the original show. It just wasn't complete for me, and I want to include more information on the people who made the pottery---talented people who are largely nameless and faceless individuals to those of us who admire their handiwork, even years after the Pottery stopped operations.

MANY books/DVD's were sold, which is gratifying. Up next: Two Harbors, Minnesota for Heritage Days. Happy and safe travels to you this summer!

The friends you meet along the highway.

2009-06-16T15:42:00.004-05:00

Throughout this whole process, I have been utterly amazed at the people I've met along the way. If I look at my life as a grand painting, with each person in my life signified by this brush stroke, or that smear of color, than my life canvas is pretty darned vibrant and interesting.

Take these two gentlemen. The guy holding my DVD is Mark. He is the owner of Bear Books in little Isanti, Minnesota. (Never had ever been to Isanti until last weekend.) Mark is a guy who doesn't appreciate cell phones or e-mail. Doesn't have a website for his store. It is full to the brim with great regionally produced books. It was an old saloon, so there is a vintage wooden bar that serves as the business' countertop. At any rate, Mark asked me to sign some books for him if I had time. I'm glad I stopped. What an interesting guy!

This is Walter. Walter painted this mural of an old street scene in Isanti.

Walter not only paints, he is a stained glass artist and is wonderfully talented. Walter and Mark are both DELIGHTFUL people.

Walter, Mark and people like Joanne Hart (see the book for details on the joyful meeting at the original Highway 61 border crossing that I had with Joanne) have all left indelible marks on me and I'm a better person because of them.

The DVD just came out and is being distributed across the country. Last week, I entered the documentary for Emmy Awards, and will also enter the documentary in several film festivals. I'm also scheduled to be at several civic events up and down the highway this summer so it promises to be busy. That is a good thing. I guess the trip isn't over with yet!

Up and Running!

2009-06-11T14:21:00.004-05:00

I'm really proud of my good friend Richard. Richard not only created our website, but also the new on-line "Tales of the Road" store which is now LIVE!! He did a great job and I couldn't have done it without him.

Now, feel free to order as much merchandise as your budget allows! :)

Thank you for all the great e-mails and excitement over "TOTR". (As the crew affectionately calls it) I'm booked solid with speaking engagements and book signings this summer and well into the fall. I never knew what kind of journey this would be, but it has been incredible so far!

I'll see you down the road!

Bob Dylan's Hometown

2009-06-07T16:09:00.003-05:00

For those who don't know, it is Hibbing Minnesota. Hibbing is a fine, working class town in the heart of Minnesota's Iron Range. Check out a short little video I shot while in Hibbing.

"You're in Phase Two!"

2009-06-02T19:13:00.004-05:00

That is what my attorney Dan said when I had asked him about getting portions or the entire program of "Tales" on iTunes. I thought that might be something fun---to download portions of the documentary on those nifty little iPhones and other devices. Dan is a high powered, ultra smart, fun lawyer who specializes in entertainment and copyright law.

He kind of chuckled when I said I hadn't a clue as to what happens once the documentary was done. He calls the marketing and distribution of a film "Phase Two" (Heck, this actually feels like Phase 12 after producing the book and the documentary!) and it is a phase beginning filmmakers need to deal with. I can tell you it has been quite an experience!

I'm in the process of getting the DVD done. It should be on store shelves by mid June. I found a great distributor from Cambridge, Minnesota: Adventure Publications. I like to keep my business in my own backyard. *(Unless Hollywood calls and then I have to reconsider! :))

Adventure Publications will distribute the DVD to gift stores, Barnes and Noble stores Border's and other bookstores and make it available on Amazon.com. There is a small fee associated with that, but it is far easier than me slogging up and down Highway 61 hawking the DVD myself!!!

I thought it might also be fun to have some images you didn't see in the book made into notecards. A northern Highway 61 version and a southern Highway 61 version. THAT is proving to be much more difficult than I imaged it would be. Who'd think that printing notecards, for a reasonable prices, was so tough! I'm learning a whole different lingo: printing parlance. We are working on the notecards and will offer those for sale too. I guess you can add the titles "author" "executive producer" and now "retailer" to my resume. The additional revenue will be used to supplement the fundraising we did for the documentary! (Yes, we fell a little short in the revenue department...a recession got in the way!)

Keep checking out the website because we expect to have our on-line store up and running within a few days! Remember---Father's Day is coming!! Wouldn't Dad love something to do with Highway 61?? :)

"And miles to go before I sleep..."

2009-05-21T17:16:00.002-05:00

I always liked that line from one of the most lovely poems ever written. It sums up my life perfectly. My life as it stands I guess.

My poor little Subaru sedan has more than 200,000 miles on it and I just paid $932 dollars to keep it running. I NEED to keep it going. My event schedule is PACKED.

The photos are from last weekend's book signing in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Beagle Books and the fine women who own and run it were absolutely wonderful and so incredibly gracious and a good deal of books were sold. I wasn't sure who would come to see me in Park Rapids, which is about three and a half hours away from Minneapolis- St. Paul.

I was a little concerned because Highway 61 is NO WHERE near Park Rapids but the reach of Minnesota Public Radio allayed my fears. Lots of people were there and were excited to meet me. That is such a kick to be able to meet people who listen to me and like what I'm doing. I've said this before, but the great thing about being on the road is the chance meetings that can occur. I'll write more about the surprise I had in Park Rapids at a different time. Let's just say it had to do with six women from Sioux Falls and a glass of wine! :)

By the way, I wanted to show the necklace I bought at the store because I think it is so beautiful. The beads are handmade by a local woman who clearly has incredible talent.

In addition to Park Rapids, since I last checked in, I've been at events and signings in Duluth, Cambridge, Apple Valley, Sandstone and several in Minneapolis. Memorial Day weekend, I'm off to Hibbing--home of Mr. Highway 61 himself---Bob Dylan.

I'm going to have to find myself a new car!!

Safe travels everyone!

Just when you thought it was safe...

2009-04-21T14:11:00.002-05:00

...to relax and unwind, I learn there is MORE to be done with our little road trip project! Specifically, I have been learning the ins and outs of authoring a DVD! Dan, a very smart entertainment attorney, recently congratulated me on the "first leg" of my journey--getting the documentary on the air. (Actually it was more like the third or fourth leg given that I wrote the book before shooting the film. ) He says the next leg is distribution and marketing!

Lovely.

There have been an avalanche of requests for the DVD including offers to carry it from Barnes and Noble, Border's etc. The first problem each retailer wanted to work with a distributor. (ie: the Middle Man) I have found a firm that will help me sell the DVD. A great relief. I now find myself pondering such questions as how the packaging should look (environmentally friendly heavy cardboard or made-from-petroleum plastic?) What to put on this DVD for "extras?"

**(The photo is of humorist Kevin Kling on stage at the Sheldon Theater in Red Wing with videographer Joe Berglove. Kevin had us HOWLING as he told a ghost story about the Sheldon. You will most certainly see Kevin's performance on the DVD!)

I'm pondering who will actually make all those DVD's. Should it be a local firm? A firm in New York? How much will all this cost? Little questions like that. The goal is to get something done by mid to late May if I don't implode first.

Speaking of a minor implosion, or shall I say "collapse", since the documentary aired in March, I've found myself in a bit of a funk. Funny isn't it? I'm thrilled to have it done, but after all the intense work, I feel a little lost. Friends worry I'll leap right into another project. My plan is to do some public events and appearances this summer and begin doing research for TOTR-2. Then again---I DO have a list of ideas for other projects...

The Trip of a Lifetime...

2009-04-06T15:51:00.002-05:00

Putting together "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" truly has been my trip of a lifetime (and I'll talk more about that in later posts) but I'd like you to meet John Sherrell who is also taking Highway 61 for HIS trip of a lifetime.

John got in touch with me shortly before "Tales" hit the air in March. He was planning a road trip with his 2001 Subaru Outback wagon. In John's case this really IS the "trip of a lifetime" because his life nearly ended in a tragic motorcycle accident five years ago April 1. John has recovered and wanted to honor his struggles and joys in a special way so he's taking that magic ribbon of highway from the Pigeon River border crossing, all the way down to New Orleans and I asked him to check in along the way and send back photos.

You can see some of them on the "Tales of the Road" Flickr site: www.flickr.com/photos/talesoftheroad

(Being the road geek that I am, I'm quite curious about the photo from Stacy, Minnesota that appears to be an old "61" alignment. When I have time, I'll run out there and explore.)

I had warned John about an impending snowstorm April 1 that socked the North Shore. Wouldn't you know despite nearly a foot of snow, John got to the current border crossing on the Pigeon River, (the old crossing six miles inland was too rough and snow covered) turned his Subaru south and started his journey in the blowing snow, traveling safely through places like Grand Maris, Illgen City, Two Harbors and down to the Twin Cities. On April 3rd, John was in the Twin Cities and I assume he is somewhere south right now.

I'm really proud of John. A road trip (for me at least) really opens the mind and frees the soul and also gives one a lot of time to ponder life. I don't know if John does a lot of deep thinking when driving or if he simply enjoys the freedom. I'm just glad he's still here after such a horrible accident. I'm also pleased that he liked my show and had asked for some hidden road history to enjoy along his trip. I'll continue to post John's travels because, frankly, I want to do what he's doing as part of a larger "Tales of the Road" project. I initially thought I'd have to buy a new car before doing that amount of traveling, but I see John has a 2001 Subaru and my little "Sooby" is also a '01 with 199, 352 miles on it! Hey--if John can do a Pigeon River to New Orleans trip in his car--maybe I can too!!!

Happy Travels no matter which road you take!

A Time to Celebrate!

2009-03-25T18:35:00.002-05:00

What you see on the right (in the minutes after the debut of her first documentary) is a very happy, very relieved executive producer and on the left, the woman who helped edit "Tales of the Road-Highway 61." My friend Lisa is not only an excellent editor she herself is a filmmaker. I'm not sure if I can call myself a filmmaker---yet.

My first attempt at producing something of the magnitude of "Tales of the Road" turned out better than I had ever imagined, but I had a special crew of editors, videographers and producers who joined me in creating what I hope is a documentary of lasting value. Judging from your e-mails, I think "Tales" is a success.

Here are some comments: Bob wrote: "The historical perspective you brought was excellent. It distinguished it from a normal travelogue and showed why that road has so much mystique."

Skip wrote: "I just finished watching your Highway 61 special. What a chunk of history! Way to go! I've enjoyed traveling the major routes in Minnesota, but you showed me several spots that I'd never heard of."

Emily reads this blog and wrote to say: "So many really incredibly fascinating stories, so little time. I really hope there is a part 2."

Sam dropped me a line to say: "Thank you so much for doing all of this. I can only imagine how much effort went into a labor of love that appears so effortless. The book and the documentary are truly inspirational."

Sam hit it on the head. This was a labor of love. Certainly, I didn't do it for the money!!!! (Heck-it's public TV!!) I love history and truly believe that we are better people for honoring our collective history where ever that is found. In this case, it was found along the side of a road.

Will there be a sequel? Let me decompress for a bit and we'll see how that old, beautiful Caddy is running before we set out again. I'll keep in touch! Please stay connected to "Tales of the Road". We have a lot of fun things planned around this project for summertime road trips!

It's Showtime!!!

2009-03-23T15:31:00.002-05:00

So. We are at the end of the road. In a few hours all the hard work and worry will be put aside and "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" will have its premiere before a televised audience.

Good--bad--or otherwise---TOTR is my production and that is the way I wanted it. I'm sure there will be some people who'll wonder what all the fuss was about... thinking that the film didn't live up to the hype. Others could pick nits over this or that. But for the first time in my career I've created a long-form production, from start to finish, that looks on screen as it did in my head. The elements I visualized have come to life. (in large measure) As I write this, I want to throw up I'm so nervous. I really hope viewers like the documentary. Like it a lot. I am proud of this first effort of mine. Naturally, I see every mistake and know how I'll change it the next time.

The Next Time. Part Two. Yes, I'm just crazy enough to turn the Cadillac around and go back up the road and include the stories we just didn't have time for. First--a little celebration--then a LOT of sleep!

Enjoy the show. Drop me a line and tell me what you thought!

Labor pains?!

2009-03-18T19:20:00.005-05:00

I had to laugh. My good friend, Jeryln Steele (www.wccoradio.com/pages/3457.php?) had me on for an interview on WCCO Radio recently. We talked about the book and the upcoming documentary and as we wound up the interview she marveled at how long the process had been and said that on March 23rd (the premiere) "you'll be birthing your baby"--bringing this film into the world. The analogy is cute. Taking that a step further---this then has been the world's longest pregnancy!!!

The close captioning for the film is nearly done. We need to send a copy up to Duluth so WDSE-TV can air it on March 23rd too. There are many, many moving parts to this project and it has been interesting to see just how involved the process is.

For the next few days I'm concentrating on doing a lot of media interviews ahead of the premiere. I've found I'm much better ASKING the questions than answering them. Interesting to have the shoe on the other foot!

Photographic Evidence!

2009-03-02T16:28:00.003-06:00

I can see why some of the on-line sites like Facebook and Flickr are addicting.

Until now I've generally ignored on-line networking sites. I really don't have time to spend surfing around and checking out this photo or that piece of video.

My good friend, Rich-the-Web Guy, (who did a great job on the website you are now enjoying: talesoftheroad.net) suggested setting up a Facebook page for "Tales of the Road" and a page on Flickr, the photo sharing site. I was skeptical, but I'm now proud to say "Tales of the Road" and its creator have been brought into the 21st Century!

Check out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/talesoftheroad

If you'd like to send a photo, drop me a line and I'll post it!

By the way, I just love the photo I posted here. It is a vintage highway sign. It has to be from the 40's or 50's. It is forgotten along a little used stretch of the original highway.

The End of the Road!

2009-02-24T17:12:00.003-06:00

I have just returned from the "final layback"---a time when the documentary is put to tape and the last tweaks and bits of polish are put into place. I'll have to ask where the term "layback" came from. Can I now just "lay back" (completely grammatically incorrect) and relax now that the documentary is done? Is that what it means? Relaxing isn't in the cards--at least not yet!

I do feel better today now that the film has been finished. Barring some last minute catastrophe--the documentary is done!!! I needed to cut a full 12 minutes from the final version which was tough since all the stories are like my kids. I love them all! In the end, I think the film flows nicely. I feel awful that stories like the Red Wing Pottery had to be cut, but on the positive side--there is a lot of fodder for Part Two! Yes, there WILL be a sequel!

The documentary will have its broadcast premiere on March 23rd at 8 pm on Twin Cities Public Television. There will be a second showing on the 28th. I'll have more information in the coming weeks about other places to see the film.

Speaking of seeing some nifty bits of video--do check out our "Star Car"--the 1946 Cadillac I use to drive down the road. Video of it and it's story is posted in the "Gallery" area of the website where the documentary trailer is. Drop us a line to tell us what you think of the car!

By the way, we will launch a "Tales of the Road" store with DVD's, books, notecards and other goodies. More information to come. I'm off to a book signing and talk right now.

THINK SPRING!!!

Two Harbors, Moose Lake, Red Wing and Winona...

2009-01-28T17:18:00.003-06:00

...all towns along Highway 61 that I have visited in the past two weeks. I'm doing a few book signings before we really ramp up in the weeks before the documentary airs. This signing was at the Two Harbors Public Library. It is a lovely Carnegie Library and we had a full house and sold all the books I had and took orders for more.

Someone at work noted that I "look tired. " Well, after overseeing the editing of an entire, hour-long documentary in only a few weeks--doing more book talks and signings (with precious few books!) holding down two jobs and raising the rest of the money to pay for the film-- I AM tired. Another person asked me recently-- how I do it. My reply: LOTS of caffeine and some kind of character flaw that doesn't allow me to quit.

Actually, the end of the road is in sight. Twin Cities Public Television has set an air date of March 23rd. 8 p.m. Central Time. It is a fine time slot. Right after "Antiques Roadshow. "

We are nearly done editing the program. (More on the heartbreaking edits we had to do for another time) The audio "sweetening" is being done now. Fundraising continues. Not a good time to raise money, but it needs to be done. All documentarians (save for Ken Burns) struggle with money. I'm not sure who told me that, but I believe it now!

I'm on my way to another book talk. There is another one tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to a vacation!

In a Blur...

2008-12-21T17:44:00.002-06:00

That is how my life feels like right now. It is all rushing by so fast I'm having trouble keeping up with everything.

"Tales of the Road"--the book--is flying off store shelves. I'm amazed. I was bemused to see this shop window. It is pretty big time to share shelf and display window space with Garrison Keillor. People, however, are complaining that they can't find books. Many places are sold out and the book is back ordered for several weeks. Bad timing to be sure, but nice to know that it is popular.

I'm in the process of 'pulling' soundbites to plug into the script for the documentary. I have 25 pounds of stuff shoved into a 10 pound bag and I'm really going to have to edit the final script closely. At least I'm looking at the final script. It took DAYS to watch ALL 65 tapes. My brains were seeping out my ears near the very end. As I've said in the past...logging tape is my least favorite activity in broadcasting/filmmaking.

The calendar says Christmas is near yet my head is somewhere else. It doesn't feel much like Christmas at this point for me. Oh, a few of the book signings were very festive. The book talk/tea at the Le Duc Mansion in Hastings was lovely and with the mansion all decked out for the holidays, I felt pretty Christmas-y! Beyond that I'm not in the spirit of the holidays...yet.

Here is hoping YOU are filled with the joy of the season!!!

Where has the time gone?

2008-12-02T16:28:00.005-06:00

I'm not sure when I lost all track of time. Looking out the window, I know for sure that the landscape says it is winter and the calendar certainly bears that out. In my head, I'm still back in June or July and wondering where all that time has gone! I can't believe Christmas is close at hand.

I'm including a photo of yours truly and Cindy Harris Steinhoff. Cindy is such a sweetheart and was a brave soul to be interviewed on camera about her great, great grandfather--John Harris-who is credited with being the first to successfully raise apples in the LaCrescent Minnesota area. LaCrescent is the Apple Capitol of Minnesota and it still lives up to that moniker. In the photo, Cindy is showing me some great family photos and Photographer Joe is doing his usual magic. Now, to be honest, I haven't SEEN the footage we shot that day. I will. I'm slogging through 65 videotapes in a mad effort to "log" all the tape. Logging is not my favorite thing, but it is fun to see the places we've been and the people we've met. Cindy and her family are wonderful!

Today I was holed up in an edit bay and was painstakingly rolling through tape of the Red Wing Minnesota area and a great spot just outside Red Wing where the original alignment of Highway 61 still exists. In fact, there are two bridges that are still along that old road. One is a cement bridge built in 1921 and the other is a steel span bridge built around 1917. (Note the photo!)

How exciting to find these last vestiges of the old highway still intact!! I hope they will remain for future generations.

The tour for "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" is quite a whirlwind. Grand Marais, Winona, Red Wing, Minneapolis, Northfield, St. Cloud, Duluth, Alexandria and St. Paul to name a few sites. Juggling the demands of the book with the film is a little trickier than I had imagined it to be. Then again, I've never been in this position before. What a trip!!!

P.S: I'm still looking for submissions for a Highway 61 photo contest. Selected photos get a free copy of "Tales of the Road-Highway 61"

Picture this!

2008-11-17T20:43:00.002-06:00

I just got a nifty photo from a person, Richard, who is following our trek up and down Highway 61. This is in Hastings, Minnesota--one of the beautiful towns along the southern stretch of 61 in Minnesota. Thanks for sending it Richard!!

I would LOVE it if you'd send me photos from your travels along Highway 61. Heck, the best ones will get a free book: "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press. To send a photo and message click on "contact us" on our website!

Happy Travels!

Cathy

Sign (ing) of the Times

2008-11-13T16:00:00.003-06:00

I've been away for a few weeks. Away from the swirl that is the documentary with the frantic booking of interviewees, the arranging and re-arranging of shoot schedules, making sure the proper video equipment is rented, the picking up of vehicles, and the constant prayers for good weather as well as good soundbites and b-roll.

I've been in the world of books. I thought it would be a much quieter world. It is. To a degree.

The bookstores I've been in for the publicity push surrounding the publication of "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" are filled with stacks and stacks of wonderful books, interesting people and staffers who are patient, kind and knowledgeable. The book was released October 15th. It is going into its second printing. I gather that is good. Right now, I'm too tired to think about it.

I'm happy--very happy that the reviews have been good and people are complementary about this first foray into the world of books. What I didn't quite expect was the rush of media interviews and events that accompany the release of a book. It has been really busy.

The photos are from my first book event in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area. Common Good Books sponsored the appearance at a local church. Turnout was pretty good...the night before Election Day. People always ask good questions and naturally, I found out some information that I COULD have used for the book and the film, had I known about it sooner.

I'm adding more book events as Christmas looms in the next few weeks. Check out our calendar, and if you are around--stop by one of the events!

This weekend is one of the rare "book free" weekends. Instead, I'm shooting up in the Grand Portage area. A very special person has agreed to be interviewed. In my business--we call that a "tease." Stay tuned for more!!!

Who would have thought?

2008-10-18T21:20:00.003-05:00

Who would have EVER thought that I'd wind up being a published author. I certainly never had that in mind, yet I find myself in that position. How odd. How fun!

"Tales of the Road-Highway 61"-- The Book is now out in fine bookstores across the Midwest and on Amazon.com. The book is beautiful beyond my wildest dreams. Denny-the-photographer took some lovely photos, and the Minnesota Historical Society archives added some great old pictures to create a very nice package of images and words.

When the Minnesota Historical Society Press asked me to write a companion book to the public television documentary I remember thinking at time that they must be crazy. Why would they ask ME to write a book? I never really thought about writing anything long-form. I'm used to writing news copy. Quickly. Concisely. The process of writing a book has been quite a journey. Thank God I had a wonderful editor!!!

Today, I had the great good fortune of speaking for and signing books on behalf of the Winona County Historical Society. I was surprised at the number of people in attendance. How nice to see many of the people who initially helped me some 6 years ago when this project was just a glimmer of an idea. How humbling that people would pay their hard earned dollars to buy something I created. It is quite odd to be asked for an autograph. You'd want someone like Elizabeth Taylor, or Robert Redford or Garrison Keillor to sign your book. Cathy Wurzer's signature just doesn't stack up.

Earlier this week, I was signing books in Grand Marais for the Cook County Historical Society's event. (Which is where the photo was taken.) Both of those groups were incredibly helpful and supportive. There was NO way I could have ever written the book nor produced the documentary without them. Someone at work asked why I was planning on dividing the proceeds among the historical societies and local history groups along the Minnesota stretch of Highway 61. Why not keep all the money for myself? Here is the answer to that question. These groups need the money more than I do right now. Yes, I'm still raising money to produce the documentary, but these organizations rely (to a large extent) on donor dollars and volunteers. Few have big paid staffs. They do incredible work. They have helped me. I wish to help them. It is that simple.

This weekend, while I'm busy signing books, my crew continues to shoot. The Red Wing Pottery and the Sheldon Theater in Red Wing are the focal points this weekend. We are closing in on the end and the weather is closing in on us!!!!!

A Bug in your Ear...

2008-10-13T11:50:00.002-05:00

...and, if my film crew was any indication this past weekend, a bug (actually swarms of bugs) were in and on more than their ears!!

We were shooting some of the last bits of road and driving video with our "Star Car" (the '46 Cadillac) and were on an abandoned stretch of Highway 61 outside of Kellogg, Minnesota when swarms of those Ladybug Look-alikes (ie: Asian beetles) attacked! They were everywhere and those little pests BITE!!! (Plus they leave a noxious yellow stain if you decide to squish them)

I was in the Cadillac, and mostly kept from being bothered, but the guys were pretty annoyed by the flying pests. Despite the bugs and a thick blanket of clouds (that were NOT supposed to be in the weather forecast) we shot some very nice footage. Photographer Denny Behr went to great lengths (and heights) to get excellent shots of the car. I'm very pleased.

We still need to do some more shooting but all the principle photography is done. I'm so relieved. When I have more time, I'll write a bit about our last big road trip of last week. A week's worth of shooting from St. Paul to LaCrescent. Exhausting but worth it.

Right now, I need to get a tire on one of our crew cars. Poor thing. We drove it so much, the right front passenger side tire deflated like a pancake, and was discovered as I was trying to get to work this morning. It has been a fantastic start to the day!

I hope your day is better!

Who's in charge here?

2008-10-05T17:51:00.002-05:00

I believe, for the next few days, Mother Nature is in charge of our shoot schedule.

We spent Saturday in Bayport and Red Wing Minnesota. Those of you who know Minnesota geography are now scratching your heads wondering why I selected Bayport for a location shoot because it is nowhere near Highway 61. You are correct. This is where the Executive Producer (re: Me) gets to decide how best to convey the spirit and nuance of a part of the script that deals with what remains of those early days of highway travel. The old, two pump gas stations, for instance, are largely gone EXCEPT for a lovingly restored gas station/garage in Bayport. The Minnesota Historical Society has a nifty black and white photo of the station in the 1930's, and viewers will see that photo, and it will slowly "morph" into how it looks today (virtually the same) as I walk into the frame with the Bayport station behind me. I think it will be a nice effect.

At any rate, I didn't stop to think that the St. Croix Valley and Bayport were in line for some frost Saturday morning and we began shooting at the break of day, (the coldest time of the morning I might add) and on screen, all you see are clouds of steam coming from my mouth as I attempt to spit out my comments between chattering teeth. There purports to be an old Hollywood secret to keep that from happening in cold weather shoots. Producers have actors suck on ice cubes between takes. I tried that. Doesn't work. It just makes you colder than you already are!

We did get some nice takes (as the atmosphere warmed up) and then it was off to Red Wing for more work, including a nice interview about a 1930's era gangster found dead by the side of Highway 61. It has quite a twist to it but you'll have to wait to find out more.

The weather the remainder of Saturday was simply stunning with beautiful light with which to shoot. Unfortunately, today (Sunday) Mother Nature has decided to be a little petulant and it is windy, cloudy and rainy. I'm a bit of a weather geek, so early this morning, I checked the forecast and decided to make a run for Barnum Minnesota, where we had been rained out a couple of weeks ago.
We managed to get there, shoot my on-camera standups and some footage of the town itself, before it completely clouded over and the winds picked up to more than 25 miles an hour. Mother Nature is certainly in charge, and I'm just along for the ride.

Because the forecast looks pretty dismal this coming week (the week I took off work to finish all my standups from St. Paul to LaCrescent) we will work inside Monday and Tuesday doing some key interviews. Wednesday is a travel day and with luck, the rest of the week will be nice enough to really come close to finishing up my on camera work. Keep your fingers crossed. (and put in a good word for me with Mother Nature!)

Back Home!

2008-09-26T10:13:00.002-05:00

WOW!!! What an intense week.

We were on the far southern stretch of 61 seven days ago and just yesterday driving the far northern reaches. It has been quite a road trip. Last weekend, our task was to shoot stories about an old nightclub near Winona and the Apple Capitol of Minnesota--La Crescent. Both days were successful. I have learned a tough lesson though. When a good photographic opportunity strikes: DON'T pass it by!!!

We learned that lesson in Winona when the morning sun was absolutely perfect off of Sugarloaf Mountain. (Sugarloaf, by the way, is not really a mountain, and it was quarried decades ago to give it a distinctive, rocky pinnacle up top.)
I was worried about not getting down to Liedel's Apple Orchard at the agreed upon time, and my photographer and I decided that we'd "shoot" Sugarloaf the next morning. Thick fog moved in overnight, blanketing Sugarloaf the next morning. Lesson learned.

The tour through what was once the old "Oaks" nightclub with the son of the former chef, Walt Kelly, was great. Walt is a fabulous storyteller and fun guy. My poor photographer, Joe put up with having to shoot the tunnels underneath the building...tunnels that were said to have been used by gangsters who'd run out underneath the building to a nearby creek, if the Feds busted the joint in the 1930's. (The Oaks used to have gambling, floor shows and great food that drew people from all over--including some with shady backgrounds!)

After a successful weekend shoot, I was back home for all of 12 hours, before gathering up our crew and heading north. This was the leg of the journey that included our "Star Car" plus several other crew members in our happy little caravan. What happened?
Stick around for the next posting!

Meet our Car Star!

2008-09-18T12:27:00.007-05:00

Isn't she a beauty?

"She" is a 1946 Cadillac and more photogenic than I'll ever be!

This car will be our "transportation" down the highway. I'll tell you more about her later!
Right now, I'm just SO excited that we get to use such a beautiful car! It will really add to our documentary!

A Second Wind!

2008-09-17T08:38:00.002-05:00

I was feeling bad about that last post. I don't like to whine. I WAS pretty tired and that remains the case after doing some intense shooting this past weekend. We had a successful weekend which helps bolster my spirits.

Mother Nature was helpful early Saturday morning with a lovely blue sky, which nicely offset the white steeple and old wooden cross of St. Francis Xavier Church of Chippewa City, Minnesota. What a wonderful little place that stands as a sentinel alongside the highway. The Indian mission church had fallen into disrepair many years ago, after the last Mass was said around 1936, until some concerned former parishioners and the Cook County Historical Society stepped in to fix it up. The church interior is very unique, with rough-hewn logs and a robin's egg-blue ceiling. The ceiling makes you feel as if you are worshiping under the sky. Very nice.

We interviewed a couple of wonderful Native women about the church and spent most of the rest of the afternoon videotaping the interior. The clouds started to thicken and the atmosphere turned "moody" when we moved off to the church cemetary, across the highway, to do a little more shooting. The low hanging clouds added an appropriate feel to the site, which included some interesting Native graves.

Sunday was very windy, with low hanging clouds and "spits" of rain. We were at the the end of the road, (or is it the begining?) where the original alignment of the highway remains at the Pigeon River, which was the old border crossing between Minnesota and Canada. The Ryden family used to own a resort, cafe, bar and gas station there until everything was moved several miles down river to the current border crossing. Four of the five Ryden siblings braved chilly weather to patiently sit in front of one of the remaining log tourist cabins to talk about the old days. Some very funny stories were told and I have my work cut out in trying to winnow it all down.

From the tip of Minnesota's Arrowhead Country to the southern stretch of Highway 61 is several hundred miles of road, and we traveled it all Monday. We finished up shooting at the Le Duc Mansion in Hastings and toured the quiet, historic village of Frontenac several miles down the road. Frontenac remains largely the way it did decades ago. Dirt streets. No street lights. Lovingly restored, grand old homes that front Lake Pepin.

My task in the next few days is to log all the tape we shot. For those not familiar with this mind-numbing process, "logging tape" entails listening and watching EVERYTHING on a tape and writing down the time each soundbite and bit of footage comes up. Logging drives me insane but it is a necessary part of the process. After logging tape, I know exactly what soundbites I want to use and which bits of footage fit well. How much tape did we shoot? Oh, about three hours. Cheez-Its and other snacks made logging marginally tolerable. Wish me well. I'll be back in touch!

"Runnin' on Empty"

2008-09-09T08:14:00.002-05:00

"Runnin'on Empty" was an old Jackson Browne song that perfectly summarizes how I feel this morning.

Like an old car (dipping into the automotive/highway analogies) I need a jump-start since my battery is darn near dead. Diet Mountain Dew and chocolate will only get me so far! We have really ramped up the shooting schedule for the documentary. We need to. I'm trying to out-run the weather and the fall leaf changes so our film looks good and we're not dealing with a landscape that is brown and leaf-free.

Due to the recession/economic slowdown, we didn't get a strong start with fundraising, so we waited until some seed money came in before we started shooting. Now, we have a couple of amazing donors, including Smead Co. (the maker of office supply products) located on Highway 61 in beautiful, historic Hastings, Minnesota. I can't thank them enough for supporting this worthy effort. We still need to keep raising money, plus I'm getting ready for a book tour and there is the ongoing cycle of booking guests/planning shoots/logging tapes we've shot and reworking the script. I also have a full-time job, so I think that is why I'm "runnin' on empty".

We had a great shoot September 8th at the graceful LeDuc Mansion in Hastings. My goal is to tell the story of the LeDuc daughters who essentially ran an embroidery business out of their home in the late 1800's-early 1900's, which wasn't done by "proper" women at the time. I have been finding that women's stories and stories of people of color are often ignored, and it has been rewarding to uncover some of them and include them in "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" the book and the documentary.

After I drop off a carload of video equipment, it is time for a quick nap, before I get back on the phone to line up more guests for interviews!!

If you are following our progress...thanks! Do drop me a line with comments or questions!

Time Flies By

2008-09-01T15:28:00.002-05:00

I can't believe this is September first! My first thought is I hope the weather continues to hold for continued shooting outside. We've been hard at work, shooting, since the end of July, and are not quite halfway through videotaping the stories we're including in the documentary. That still leaves a couple of weeks to shoot my on-camera stand-ups, including footage of a vintage car we're using as a visual transition from site to site.

I'm getting a bit nervous about the weather. It has been quite dry this summer, and the trees are already showing signs of turning due to stress. (I'm probably also showing signs of stress!) We have to start working faster so as not to be caught "leafless" by October!! (We also raced Mother Nature last fall as we were shooting still photos for the book, "Tales of the Road-Highway 61)

Speaking of the book, last week, I did an interview for a local magazine about the book and my publicist with the MInnesota Historical Society Press is lining up several events at various bookstores and libraries along the road. (I'll put up a link to those in the coming weeks) I'm a decent interviewer and hope that I'm coherent as an "interviewee" which will be a whole new role for me. I usually ask the questions, not answer them!

We took the Labor Day holiday weekend off (to sleep) but will be back at it this Friday when we take to the waters of White Bear Lake and videotape a lovely vintage racing sailboat (a key element in a story about a man who founded the Johnson Boatworks along Highway 61 in White Bear Lake) I hope the weather holds for that shoot!! Keep your fingers crossed.

On the Road!

2008-08-18T16:24:00.002-05:00

Hello from Highway 61!!

I can't believe that we are actually shooting after literally YEARS of talking about and planning for this documentary. It is exciting!

Since my last post, we have done interviews about the former silent film star who built a comedy theater along the North Shore of Lake Superior outside of Duluth on old Highway 61. We have also talked to the son of the founder of Illgen City, Minnesota. (About an hour south of the Minnesota/Canadian border on 61) We've been to the lovely LeDuc Mansion in Hastings, talked with the former owners of Nemadji Pottery, and visited with a woman who remembers when Barnum Minnesota used to be THE egg producing capitol of the United States. Oh, did I mention that a wonderful colleague of mine from my early days in radio, Michelle Lee, was gracious enough to open her home and show me her incredible Nemadji Pottery collection? Fabulous and wonderfully colorful. Michelle is the author of a nifty little book in the history of Nemadji Pottery and Tile Company of Moose Lake, Minnesota.

Beyond the rigors of travel, the issue I'm having is that the script keeps morphing and growing. After each interview, I find that I'm changing the script a bit. I guess you can say I'm fine tuning as I'm going. I'm also trying to round up guests who are available and willing to talk on the various sites along the road. It is like herding cats trying to coordinate the schedules of the interviewees and the photographers plus deal with the possibility of bad weather while on location. So far, Mother Nature has been kind.

The HD camera we are working with really puts out some beautiful video. We are shooting in 24p, which gives it a film-like quality which will mesh nicely with the "old-time" feel of the documentary.

I am physically exhausted, and just slept a couple of hours. Right now, it is back to tinkering with the script!

Until next time!!

All systems are "go"!!!

2008-08-01T07:41:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it, but we're are going to shoot the first interviews for "Tales of the Road-Highway 61"!! It has been YEARS since this idea was first hatched, and we are finally putting the stories to videotape. I'm relieved and a little nervous. I always worry before going out on a shoot. Will the subject be talkative or freeze up on camera? Will I ask the right questions? Will I forget something important?
There is more at stake with this project than with others I've done. More to come.

Fine Tuning

2008-07-27T15:07:00.003-05:00

I can't believe July has gone by so fast!! Mentally, I'm still stuck in June.

One of my photographers and I traveled to the far southern reaches of the Minnesota stretch of Highway 61 this weekend and the trip made me rethink several parts of the documentary! It isn't a bad thing, since we are due to start shooting the first weekend of August.

I'm a sucker for old, abandoned buildings and roads that appear to lead to nowhere. I'm sure there is some kind of psychological reason for this.
I had heard there is a stretch of the original alignment of Highway 61, dating back to the 1920's, that remains hidden, just off the current highway, outside of Hastings Minnesota and another just outside of Red Wing. (Actually there are several well preserved sections of the old all the way down to the Minnesota/Wisconsin border. We found the Hastings stretch, but it was the Red Wing piece of the old highway that really has me excited.

The original road meandered quite a bit through the countryside outside of Hastings. We followed a county road where, after a half mile or so, we noticed a fork in the road, and after a few feet, found a highway barricade, and beyond it, a lovely, but crumbling concrete bridge over a fork of the Cannon River. According to the metal date plate that remains on the bridge, it was constructed in 1921. We went across that bridge and kept walking down what is now no more than a path because the road was dirt to begin with in that area. We stumbled across another bridge, a beautiful rusted metal arch bridge that will be perfect for yours truly to do an on-camera "stand-up" or two.

I get excited at the discovery of these long-lost bits of highway history that few people know exist. They'll make perfect backdrops for this documentary.

Down in Dakota Minnesota, we found what will be the backdrop for the final scene in the documentary: a lovingly restored gas station dating to the 1920s. I was surprised to learn that tiny Dakota had no less than five gas stations in its heyday when Highway 61, a busy Highway 61, went right through town. The old stretch still goes through town, but nearby Interstate 90 and the four lane, modern day version of Highway 61 are used by most motorists now.

Dakota is a sleepy little town, so the incredibly tiny, vintage gas station catches the eye immediately. There is a run down station kitty-corner from the restored station, which looks sad and disheveled compared to the restored facility. The owner gave his permission for us to use the restored station for the on-camera ending to the film. I intend to rewrite the ending of the film to use the Dakota gas station. LaCresant Minnesota is a nice town, and our original plans called for using the Minnesota/Wisconsin border for the ending. That would still be fine, but it doesn't have the visual impact that this little gas station does. Of course, it means I'll have to mess around with the script...again...but better to do it now than wait!

More to come! Happy travels everyone!

20 pounds of stuff in a 10 pound bag...

2008-07-01T09:15:00.004-05:00

That is how it feels as I attempt to finish up the script for "Tales of the Road-Highway 61". There is SO MUCH along the highway that is interesting to me, and I've come to really like these little-known stories, so much so that I'm having trouble editing myself. My co-writer, Tim, has done great work in boiling down some pretty complicated stories, but I'm running into time constraints. The documentary has to be 56 minutes and 40 seconds to air on Twin Cities Public Television. That sounds like a lot of time, but when you are covering territory from Grand Portage in the far northern corner of Minnesota, all the way down to the Minnesota/Wisconsin border, it isn't enough. I'm going to create a special "Director's Cut DVD" to put in some of the extra stories I can't bear to leave out, which also gives me a lot of great material with which to edit into smaller "webisodes" for Internet viewing and downloading onto hand-held devices. (I really SHOULD get one of those! :) )

I'm finding it difficult to write a script in advance of shooting. My background is in TV news, which can be a fast paced, "shoot and run" kind of affair. When out on a story, I may have an idea of what I'd like my photographer to shoot when it comes to "b-roll", but the story tends to evolve in the field. For the purposes of this documentary that style won't necessarily work. Since I've already written the companion book to the documentary, I'm famiiar with each site, and know what kinds of things I want to have shot, but I also don't want to tie my photographer's hands. The plan is to offer a "roadmap" with the script, and allow them the flexibility to exercise some of their creativity. It is always a dance in the field, and one I'm excited to start!

"Why bother?"

2008-06-15T10:37:00.002-05:00

That was the question that came up recently regarding "Tales of the Road-Highway 61". It came from a person in my life who always tries to "live in the moment" and doesn't have the time or inclination to "dwell in the past." I explained that I'm not "dwelling" in the past with this project, rather exploring the stories of places and people long since gone because doing so helps us, as a society, understand a bit about who we are, where we've been, and maybe, where we are going. She simply rolled her eyes and sighed. I shook my head and walked away.

Granted, some of the stories I'm writing about aren't necessarily the kind of history you'd find in a textbook, but I think they are important in their own right. In the book, "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" I include a story about a well known resort along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Lutsen was founded by the Nelson family, but if not for being befriended by a local Native American family, it is possible the Nelsons may have never survived that first winter, and we wouldn't have Lutsen today. My point is, there are countless stories of people who played bit parts in history, be it world, U-S, regional or local history, and their stories deserve to be heard. My project is a VERY small attempt to bring to the TV screen, and in book form, some of them.

The Trip Begins!

2008-05-31T11:58:00.002-05:00

Actually, the "trip" began about five years ago when planning started for "Tales of the Road-Highway 61". This will be my first foray into the world of documentary production. I'm hoping you'll want to come along, as I'm going to need some help and support!! :)

"Tales of the Road" will use a really nifty book, created in 1938 by the writers of the Minnesota Federal Writer's Project, which was under the jurisdiction of the government funded Works Progress Administration. The WPA was one of the New Deal programs begun to help address high unemployment rates because of the Great Depression. In Minnesota, about 120 "writers" (many really couldn't write, but needed a job) fanned out across the state to document history along Minnesota's major roads. "The WPA Guide to Minnesota" and the other state guides in the "American Guide Series" are really worth reading. They are long lost treasures!

With the help of a friend, plans were made to tell the story of the making of the "WPA Guide to Minnesota" and to select one of the major routes in the guidebook. Highway 61 was an obvious choice. So, the documentary will follow Highway 61 from Grand Portage along the Minnesota/Canadian border south to LaCrescent, Minnesota before the road heads into Wisconsin.

As you might expect, it will cost something to create this film, and there are people working on that. We hope to begin shooting by the end of June once the script is ready to go. More to come.

Thanks for reading my very first post on this blog. (I've never blogged, never produced a documentary...a lot of "firsts" here! Take care. CW