Route 66-based story
written by OC,SH’s founder, inspired by his September 2009 Route 66 road trip
CHAPTER 38: THEY CALL IT PROGRESS
The eldest needn’t have worried about the train depot rebuilding project progress during his absence. The local Route 66 Association & the town council met, finalized plans, secured funding & laid out provisions to battle the State, if needed. The 2 organizations were so in sync about the project that all of this was accomplished inside of 1 week. In addition, much to the surprise & delight of many, the State didn’t balk &, in fact, pledged support to help the town rebuild the train depot.
So, by the time the brothers were ready to leave, a project committee was in place with the shopkeeper as chair, in place of the eldest, who the local Route 66 Association & town council had wanted as the committee head. The shopkeeper was ecstatic about the opportunity to be at the forefront of the rejuvenated & resurgent spirit of the town. Within 24 hours of the committee being established (with members from the local Route 66 Association, town council, county board & state commission), the shopkeeper was already equipped to accept bids from contractors. Despite the overwhelming excitement permeating the citizens, the shopkeeper knew the town was in for an agonizingly long process: site preparation (including the preservation of the steps), pour the foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, drywall, interior & exterior touches, trim, driveways & walkways, flooring, appliances, mechanical, bathrooms, etc. But, before all of that, a contractor needed to be chosen & plans drawn, approved & finalized.
The eldest was torn between the excitement for the train depot & the excitement for his upcoming road trip with his brother. He wanted to stay & assist, but he also knew the shopkeeper was more than capable & really was the best man to lead the efforts. So, the eldest focused on his excitement about the Route 66 road trip that awaited him & his brother. He had spent so much time talking with people along the road to set arrangements & make plans, it felt surreal to actually be on the cusp of beginning the long-awaited journey. But, he was so ready, as was his younger brother. Their sister was also ready to spend as much time as she could at the family business.