A clear day with blue sky. All the world is an open book. Full of possibilities, the horizon is as far as the eye can see. I pondered my first time at the restaurant and considered it well…55 years since my first Italian Beef Sandwich bought from the side window in the alley. My cousin Billy and I traveled from Eldorado to Elkville to attend church. Church was a big deal, as was the Italian beef sandwich. DuQuoin was a happening place in those halcyon days. It was a Mecca to me. I subscribed to the DuQuoin Evening Call newspaper when I lived in Eldorado. DuQuoin had Green’s IGA, and Mr. Green, the owner, greeted me warmly every time I entered his grocery. I felt like I was somebody.

I had somewhat older friends who worked in DuQuoin, the two Michaels. Both Jewish and from Chicago. One Michael worked at a Camper Business, and the other worked for a Candy Vendor. Through the Michaels, I met my friend for life, Jeff. All three had been hippies. Through our friendship, I learned of other places besides Southern Illinois.

Emlings’ cafe was open all night, which was unusual for 1970. Mornings, we traveled to DuQuoin for biscuits, gravy, and more. An extraordinary adventure for a lad of 13 to eat and take in the sights of those who breakfast at 3:00 am.

Spring colors were pervasive. Excellent food and drink. Jennifer was with us and made the day complete. Laughter and easy living. A good day for time travel…

We drove to DuQuoin along highway #51, as we reflected on Tom’s Place, which was recently torn down. It was a historical landmark that had begun as a Speakeasy during Prohibition. Inside the establishment were several rooms that had once had secret doors to quickly escape the police if a raid occurred. We noted the changes in time and the loss of history.