05/01/2020
In Memoriam: The Wilton Candy Kitchen's Own Sweetheart, Thelma Nopoulos
Fourth Wall Films' Kelly & Tammy Rundle visit Thelma Nopoulos a final time at the Wilton Candy Kitchen in 2016.
We are deeply saddened by the news of Thelma Nopoulos' passing on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at the Wilton Retirement Community.
For decades, Thelma and her husband George were the owners of the Wilton Candy Kitchen located in Wilton, Iowa off of Iowa's Historic Route 6. The beloved couple and their story was featured in the Emmy-nominated and award-winning documentary River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6, and their romance, quick-witted barbs, and devotion to the history and business of 'the world's oldest soda fountain' captured the hearts of viewers.
George worked for nearly all of his life at the Candy Kitchen, and his death at age 95 in 2015 prompted Thelma's retirement. Current owner Lynn Ochiltree keeps the Wilton Candy Kitchen tradition thriving, feeding Historic U.S. Route 6 travelers and visitors from all over the country.
George and Thelma Nopoulos, Dave Darby (former Executive Director of Iowa's Historic Route 6 Tourist Association), Tammy and Kelly Rundle (Fourth Wall Films) at the Wilton Candy Kitchen in 2011.
We first met George and Thelma in 2011 when introduced by Dave Darby, retired Executive Director of Iowa's Historic Route 6 Tourist Association. One of the wonderful benefits of producing historical documentaries is that you learn about interesting and inspiring stories, and you meet amazing people like George and Thelma Nopoulos.
Even now, when we stop by the Wilton Candy Kitchen, we can faintly hear George whistling "Frankie and Johnny" as he prepares the sweetest of treats, and see Thelma buzzing around, ringing up orders, cutting up bananas, and sprinkling the finishing touches on a hot fudge sundae.
George and Thelma Nopoulos on the big screen in River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6.
Thelma and George live on in that wondrous, magical place of yesteryear, and in our memories and hearts always.
"Frankie and Johnny were sweethearts oh Lordy how they did love; Swore to be true to each other true as the stars above..."
More information about Thelma's funeral will be shared HERE.
A special screening of River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 was presented in Wilton, Iowa on January 22, 2017 to a capacity crowd. The event was a tribute to Thelma & George Nopoulos and the historic Wilton Candy Kitchen.
The Wilton Candy Kitchen is located at 310 Cedar Street, Wilton, Iowa and is open 10:00AM-7:00PM Monday-Sunday. Visit http://www.wiltoncandykitchen.com/ for more information. The award-winning documentary River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6, featuring George & Thelma Nopoulos and the historic Wilton Candy Kitchen, is available for purchase at the Wilton Candy Kitchen.
03/08/2020
Trainland U.S.A. North of Colfax, Iowa, an Historic Highway 6 Must-See!
Trainland U.S.A. in Colfax, Iowa. A Historic Route 6 must-see! (Photo courtesy Chicago Tribune--all rights reserved.)
About at the halfway mark on Iowa's Historic Route 6 you will find the village of Colfax--just 25 miles east of Des Moines. Once a turn-of-the-century mineral water health resort, Colfax boasts an historic downtown business district with small-town flavor. It is home to the Jasper County Fair, Mineral Springs Days, Demolition Derby, and the Colfax Country Christmas. Local eateries offer award-winning pizza, Mexican food favorites, the Cratty Shack's old-fashioned ice cream and fabulous sandwiches, and the Thirsty Turtle to quench, well, your thirst!
A Colfax-visit must see is Trainland U.S.A., an operating toy train museum. Sure to please the young and the young-at-heart, the museum depicts the development of the railroad across the United States, and represents three eras of time: frontier, steam, and diesel.
Trainland USA's website notes that "all scenery is handpainted and the entire layout is glass enclosed. Four control panels create an automated train control system with their own telephone communications. There are approx. 60 operating Lionel accessories still in their original state. "
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day 10AM until 6PM. Trainland U.S.A is located at 3135 IA-117, Colfax, IA (a few miles north of Colfax).
For more information and admission prices, click this link: TrainLandUSA!
To purchase Fourth Wall Films' Emmy-nominated River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 or other award-winning documentaries on DVD, click HERE!
You can also get the River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 DVD at the Wilton Candy Kitchen in Wilton, Iowa right on Historic Route 6!
02/24/2020
Roseman of "River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6" presents at Moline Public Library Feb. 24
Curt Roseman and Robert Replinger will be presenting on the topic of their most recent book, "Historic Bridges of the Quad Cities Area", a study of the bridges, past and present, on the Mississippi and Rock Rivers in the Quad Cities area of Illinois and Iowa and the interesting history of how those bridges came to be, and their role in supporting transportation, settlement and urban changes throughout the area. The special program will take place at the Moline Public Library, 3210 41st Street, Moline, Illinois on Monday, February 24 at 6PM.
Curt Roseman, an expert in urban geography, is professor emeritus of geography at the University of Southern California. He appeared in the Emmy-nominated "River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6" as a key interview on the history of the historic transcontinental route. He has authored or edited many books, mainly related to population geography, Los Angeles, Moline, or the Upper Mississippi Valley. Robert Replinger is a geographer, an accomplished photographer, and a cartographer. He works as a freelance book editor.
To purchase Fourth Wall Films' Emmy-nominated River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 or other award-winning documentaries on DVD, click HERE!
You can also get the River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 DVD at the Wilton Candy Kitchen in Wilton, Iowa right on Historic Route 6!
02/14/2020
Drew's Quality Chocolates on Historic Route 6 Gears up for Valentine's Day
Jason Adams, owner of Drew's Quality Chocolates in Dexter, Iowa. Photo by Becky Carlyle. Copyright Dallas County News.
By Becky Carlyle - Correspondent
Dallas County News
February 6, 2020
Valentine’s Day is almost here and area businesses are gearing up. Sweet treats are one of the many options for Valentine’s Day gifts.
Drew’s Quality Chocolates, which started in New Hampshire, has a history that goes back to the early 1900s.
Lloyd Drew and his wife Helen received a black walnut fudge recipe from a cousin back in New Hampshire. They decided to set up their candy store out of their home in Dexter, Iowa off of former Highway 6. Mrs. Drew put a sign outside their little white house, noting they were now a candy shop.
During the Christmas of 1926, the Drew family decided to make one thing, that black walnut fudge. Many motorists and truckers stopped at the candy store and their candy making efforts proved to be a success. In 1927, a hole was dug off of their house to make a basement candy shop. This is where Drew’s Quality Chocolates remains today.
Jason Adams, the current owner of the candy store, is a seventh-generation owner. Lloyd Drew was a second cousin to Adams.
Drew’s Quality Chocolates said they are the only company in the U.S. that still uses the chocolate making technique called fork-dipping. Smaller companies use a hand-dipping technique and large companies use an enrober chocolate making machine. The reason why Drew’s Quality Chocolates sticks with fork-dipping, is because it allows them to dip many different chocolates in one day.
Read the rest of the Dallas County News article HERE!
To purchase Fourth Wall Films' Emmy-nominated River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 or other award-winning documentaries on DVD, click HERE!
You can also get the River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 DVD at the Wilton Candy Kitchen in Wilton, Iowa right on Historic Route 6!
12/02/2019
Fourth Wall Films Historic Route 6 DVD makes Great Holiday Gift - with Free Shipping & Gift Wrap
#shopsmall with Fourth Wall and support a community-based business. We tell timeless and timely American history and mystery stories, like the Emmy-nominated and award-winning "River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6".
Purchase a DVD of one of our award-winning movies as a Holiday gift, and receive FREE shipping. FREE gift wrap and message upon request. Order by December 19th to receive in time for Christmas!
Thank you for supporting our work!
Order here: http://www.fourthwallfilms.com/dvds.htm
10/28/2019
Owner of Historic Route 6's Iconic "The Chili King Drive-in" Passes Away
George Karaidos, Jr. "George the Chili King" died October 24th. Photo copyright Des Moines Register.
From the Des Moines Register
Des Moines has lost a celebrated culinary icon.
George Karaidos, Jr., legendary owner of George the Chili King, located at 5722 Hickman Road, has died. He was 86.
A manager at the George the Chili King confirmed Karaidos died Tuesday around 10 p.m.
The restaurant is known for its endless and heaping ladles of thick, saucy chili served over hot dogs and Coneys alongside massive pork tenderloins.
George the Chili King has been in operation since it was founded downtown in 1920 and moved to its now-classic location at the corner of Hickman and Merle Hay roads in 1952.
The restaurant has appeared in both the written works of Bill Bryson and been featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives.
Read the rest of the story HERE.
To purchase Fourth Wall Films' Emmy-nominated River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 or other award-winning documentaries on DVD, click HERE!
You can also get the River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 DVD at the Wilton Candy Kitchen in Wilton, Iowa right on Historic Route 6!
09/18/2019
River to River Retro Road Trip Sept. 19-22
Ladies and Gentlemen, Start your engines! The 2019 River to River Retro Road Trip is ready to roll September 19th through Sunday, September 22. The Cruise is sponsored by the non-profit Historic US 6 Iowa Association.
The 4-day Historic Route 6 road trip begins where Historic 6 and New 6 meet at the Mississippi Marketplace, 4004 W. Kimberly Rd, Davenport, Iowa and ends in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the 100 Block Car Show.
Thursday night will feature music, food, and the traditional Cruising the Ones in downtown Davenport.
Friday, Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch will welcome cruisers and the trip begins with a rally in Tiffin, a tour of the Pioneer Heritage Museum in Marengo, overnight dinner and stay in Colfax.
Saturday drivers hit Route 6 to explore the White Pole Road, lunch at the fabulous Menlo Cafe, rally in Oakland, and final stop Council Bluffs' 100 Block Car Show.
Sunday the traditional stop at Freedom Rock and head home.
Visit http://usroute6iowa.org/Cruises/River-to-River-Retro-Road-Trip/Trip-Info for details and registration. There is a $20 registration fee.
Happy Cruisin' Historic Route 6, everyone! Be safe!
To purchase Fourth Wall Films' Emmy-nominated River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 or other award-winning documentaries on DVD, click HERE!
You can also get the River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 DVD at the Wilton Candy Kitchen in Wilton, Iowa right on Historic Route 6!
07/25/2019
RABRAI Riders Stop in Several Historic Route 6 Iowa Towns
RAGBRAI photo by Brian Powers/Copyright Des Moines Register (All rights reserved).
It's RAGBRAI time again! This year's seven-day bicycle ride across the state brought cyclists from all over the world through the Historic Route 6 Iowa towns of Council Bluffs, Atlantic, Wiota, Anita, Adair, Casey, Menlo, Stuart and Dexter.
In its 47th year, RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world. The RAGBRAI route averages 427 miles of often times rolling Iowa landscape with approximately 8,500 riders participating in the journey.
RAGBRAI cyclist and friend Troy Turley shared this Route 6 photo he took during in a previous tour. Thanks for sharing, Troy!
Safe and happy riding, journey-men and women! Enjoy the people, history, food, sights and sounds of these wonderful Iowa communities.
To purchase Fourth Wall Films' Emmy-nominated River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 or other award-winning documentaries on DVD, click HERE!
06/11/2019
2019 River to River Retro Road Trip set for Sept 19-21
Image courtesy Dave Darby (Copyright Dave Darby; all rights reserved).
Mark your calendars! U.S. Route 6 Iowa's Sixth Annual River to River Retro Road Trip is set for Thursday, September 19 through Sunday, September 22, 2019.
The cruise begins in Davenport, Iowa and ends in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the 100 Block Car Show. Details of the event will follow.
According to US Route 6 Iowa's Facebook page: "We are working diligently behind the scenes to get things finalized and are excited about all of the improvements we are planning. We will be posting more information in the next month or so on where and when to send in your registration and fee. If you have registered with us in the past you will be receiving information via email. We look forward to seeing everyone again this year."
Check back for updated information regarding Cruise registration, cruise schedule and loding details at US Route 6 Iowa's website: http://www.usroute6iowa.org/
Or their Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/usroute6iowa/
Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift? Purchase Fourth Wall Films' Emmy-nominated River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 or other award-winning documentaries on DVD, HERE!
