Vanishing Postcards

30/01/2025

“I’ve just always loved to drive,” says Randy Pickett.

A retired state worker, who now fills his days working as a long-haul trucker, his appreciation for the open road is only exceeded by his passion for automobiles. “There’s just something about an old car,” he says. “Whether it’s the
sound of the engine or the ride it gives you- They’re just my thing.”

This love played no small role in inspiring him to purchase the site of Shea’s Gas Station in
Springfield, Illinois. A former Marathon fuel stop that came to house a makeshift museum for its owner, Bill Shea, it evolved into a treasured Route 66 attraction. Located on a nondescript corner on Springfield’s North End, its mishmash collection of signs, pumps and memorabilia were as famous as Mr. Shea himself. A D-Day veteran who always greeted visitors in his old workman’s uniform, he shared stories with willing listeners into his early 90s before entering assisted living.
Following Mr. Shea’s 2013 passing, the station fell into a state of limbo until his family made the emotional decision to sell.

Then, Randy became its unlikely savior. “I didn’t want it to become another Dollar General,” he says of the space that now houses a few of his cars. “So I bought it and just pay the mortgage. I’m just doing my part for this short period
of time.”

While the station’s interior looks far different without Mr. Shea’s bric-a-brac and limited funds
have made it challenging for Randy to do much with the space, he takes his ownership
responsibilities seriously and is waiting for the right person to sell to. “I do realize it’s not all
about me,” he volunteers. “I’ve had several opportunities to lease this place. And very tempting… But I turned them down. I didn't want to be the guy that was known as the person
that bought the legendary Shea’s and let it just deteriorate... If I break even at the end of this, I’m
happy.” He also adds- “There's nowhere I'd rather be than around the Route 66 aura- the cars, the pumps, the people, the stories, the dedication to it… You stop and think about the millions of people in this country. There's not a lot of 'em can say, ‘Hey, I own a piece of history!’”

15/01/2025

More from the “Stewards of 66” oral history project we’re proud to share with Visit Springfield!

13/01/2025

Saddened to learn of the loss of our friend, Lilo Russell. A native of Germany, she followed love to Seligman, Arizona where she endeared herself to Route 66 travelers through the schnitzel, sausage and pie she served up at her namesake Westside Lilos Cafe. Our hearts are with her family and all who loved her, and hope this episode she appeared in can play a small role in preserving her legacy-

https://pod.link/1544610020/episode/217406fd1bf3db6e52b1bf60917c90cb

26/12/2024

18/12/2024

While America might “run on Dunkin’,” in Springfield, Illinois Mel-O-Cream Donuts rightly
reigns supreme. Older than Krispy Kreme, but still privately owned, its story inspired Amanda
Crossland to pivot from a career in marketing to purchase the homegrown company’s retail
stores in 2019. “There’s just so much community love for it,” she says. “It has a brand
recognition you just can’t pay for. I tell new employees that this is a happy place to work
because 98% of the people that walk in the door are in a great mood.” Echoing this sentiment is
VP and co-owner of Mel-O-Cream International Chris Larson who says, “Because of the many
years it’s been in town, everyone associates it with a happy thought or a good time.”

Founded as a single shop at the height of the Depression in 1932, its longevity is largely owed to
Kelly Grant Jr. who picked up the mantle of ownership from his father in the early 50s and
remained at its helm for over 66 years. Though he sold his interests and officially retired in 2018
after building Mel-O-Cream into a successful wholesale behemoth, at 95 years young he remains
a passionate proponent of donuts. “I eat them every chance I get,” he exclaims. “I used to warn
people, ‘Don’t bring up donuts because you won’t get me to shut up... I estimate I’ve eaten
somewhere between 15 and 18 thousand donuts in my lifetime!”

Hear Kelly Grant Jr. share the story of Mel-O-Cream Donuts in his own words in this clip from “Springfield’s Stewards of Route 66”- an oral history project we’re honored to share in collaboration with Visit Springfield.

21/11/2024

Despite its legend and history, like all roads, Route 66 is transitory and in a constant state of evolution. The small businesses that form its backbone face continuously steep odds and iconic sites aren’t immune from decay or closure. This was deeply felt in 2015 when Shea’s, a beloved gas station turned museum on the north end of Springfield, was forced to close following the death of its famed owner. Yet, legacies don’t disappear overnight and thanks to the efforts of many, Shea’s isn’t just a memory but might be on the cusp of a rebirth. Join us in our latest episode as we pay a visit to Springfield where we’ll learn of Bill Shea from his Grandchildren and a few passionate souls who are working to ensure his name remains far more than a memory. 👇 https://pod.link/1544610020/episode/2c6faa71f15b911c50e3319e1a3462b5

Photo by Brian Crowdson

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15/11/2024

Stay tuned as we introduce you to a few of Springfield’s Stewards of 66 in anticipation of The Route’s hundredth birthday!

Vanishing Postcards is a documentary travelogue that invites listeners on a road trip exploring the hidden dives, traditions, and frequently threatened histories discovered by exiting the interstates. Named one of the Best Podcasts of 2022 by Digital Trends.

14/11/2024

Officially opened on Route 66 in 1949, Springfield’s Cozy Dog Drive-In claims to be the home of the first batter-fried hot dog on a stick. Yet, as you’ll hear in our latest episode, this is hardly this beloved institution’s only claim to fame. Now in its third-generation of family ownership, join us as we peel back seven decades of history with father and son Buz and Josh Waldmire. Along the way we’ll learn how and why among dedicated roadies this no-frills greasy spoon has come to be regarded as “iconic.”

https://pod.link/1544610020/episode/d123dc2d73896fe2debcb209b3b10664

Photo by Brian Crowdson

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11/11/2024

Hey Y’all- it’s been a while, but as promised, our travels ain’t done yet! Got a few new stories from Route 66 and the great state of Illinois coming your way starting this Thursday!

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09/07/2024

Honored to announce that Ear Worthy has named Vanishing Postcards “Best Americana Podcast” in their first annual Indie Podcast Awards!

https://podnews.net/press-release/ear-worthy-awards-2024?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYB-IYqO9xWLe1jE3KYn495KwD4I4dZ0dyqpFJSeMfF0bCy8fn9TroeiUw_aem_Y_53dnKRRCkIO6VQ1Enogw

09/07/2024

Honored to announce that Vanishing Postcards has been named “Best Americana Podcast” in Ear Worthy’s inaugural Indie Podcast Awards! Thanks to , and each and every one of you for riding along on this journey. We’ll be taking some more travels together soon!

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05/06/2024

I recently had the great pleasure of traveling to the beautiful city of San Antonio to produce a piece on the restaurant Mi Tierra for The Gravy Podcast. An Alamo City institution, its walls have born witness to many changes, and is largely reflective of San Antonio’s vibrant Mexican-American community. Featuring stories, history and even a tableside serenade, give it a listen by finding Gravy wherever you get your podcasts! 👇

https://pod.link/938456371/episode/86948bba8b13a806789d00638511509b

31/01/2024

Hey friends! Evan here. Ride shotgun with me on this piece I produced for the Southern Foodways Alliance’s Gravy podcast!

https://www.southernfoodways.org/gravy/from-stuckeys-to-buc-ees/

Few brands have inspired more fanatical devotion among Texans than Buc-ee’s. Described by the New York Times as a “Disneyland of roadside capitalism,” its iconic, buck-toothed beaver mascot has been spotted not just on billboards, but on the wedding cakes and tattooed arms of its most loyal customers. Founded as a small-town gas station, today Buc-ee’s boasts 47 locations across the South, with massive floor spaces brimming with souvenirs, fudge and BBQ stations, cases of jerky, and walls of beaver nuggets.

But Buc-ee’s isn’t the first convenience chain to endear itself to travelers through clean restrooms, kitschy gifts, and road food. One might say that Buc-ee’s stands on the shoulders of the Georgia-born chain Stuckey’s, whose nutty treats sparked a mid-century rest stop empire.

Today on podcast, ride shotgun with producer Evan Stern as he explores how food has shaped both companies’ identities, how they’re grappling with change, and what their stories tell us about the past, present, and future of road snacks. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Pictured: SFA co-director Mary Beth Lasseter’s family meets a celebrity en route to Georgia.

22/01/2024

Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of our friend Lawrence “Junior” Puccetti. A Korean War vet and the longtime owner of Galveston institution Sonny's Place, in retirement he regularly held court from a corner booth where he famously shared off color jokes with anyone gullible enough to listen. We were honored to meet and include him in our piece on Galveston’s Sicilian history, which we produced in conjunction with the Southern Foodways Alliance’s “Gravy” podcast. Our hearts are with his beloved son Richard, and all who loved him. To hear his voice, learn about his family history and get a taste of his humor, follow the link below-

https://pod.link/1544610020/episode/e6d4f96b91c9a41a081916e7881293ba

Lawrence Puccetti Jr.
August 4, 1930 - January 22, 2024

It is with heavy hearts we share that Junior has gone to be with his lord and savior. He died peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Though we are grieving, we are comforted that Junior has been reunited with his wife, Melba , and his son, Larry. Junior was a beloved father, grandfather and friend. We know he will be missed by so many. Funeral visitation wil begin at 2 pm and services will begin at 3 pm, Friday, January 26, 2024 at J. Levy & Termini Funeral Home, 2128 Broadway, Galveston, Texas.

Sonny's Place will be closed as we take this time to grieve.

20/12/2023

Christmas came early this year! Thanks to Frank Racioppi of Ear Worthy for naming us “One of the Top 10 Indie Podcasts of 2024.” Clocking in at number four on the list, he writes- “Host Evan Stern is the connective tissue who illustrates how Americans revel in their distinctness but still have much in common.” Here’s to finding more common ground in 2024!

The Ten Best Indie Podcasts Of The Year

07/12/2023

For any listeners in the NYC area, I’ll be giving a talk/presentation next Wednesday on “The Voices of Route 66.” Here’s a link with information for anyone who might have an interest in attending-

featuring Evan Stern

23/11/2023

On this Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for YOU! Thanks for riding along with me on this journey called Vanishing Postcards. Life remains busy, but promise there’s more gas left in this tank. Until we can hit the road again, happy eating!

13/10/2023

If you’ve listened to the latest podcast episode, you know the story of kolaches and how Texans have reimagined them over time. Evan Stern, who produced the episode, also created an oral history project for SFA, “The Keepers of Kolaches: The Evolutions of Texas-Czech Baking.” The collection explores kolaches’ evolutions through conversations with bakers who make the pastries today, representing a diverse range of backgrounds and informing questions about the future of kolaches. See the interviews at the link below.

📷 by Callaghan O'Hare
Pictured: Vatsana Souvannavong of Koala Kolach

https://www.southernfoodways.org/oral-history/the-keepers-of-kolaches-the-evolutions-of-texas-czech-baking/