In the last few years, my road-trip posts have increasingly relied on original research done by Richard M. Simpson, which he shared on his terrific Indiana Transportation History blog.
We lost Richard on Friday. I don’t know any details, but given that he posted in his blog and in the companion Indiana Transportation History Facebook group on Friday, I am guessing that his death was unexpected.
Richard’s wife contacted me to ask if I’d continue the Facebook group as admin, and take ownership of the blog to maintain and possibly continue it. I said yes, of course.
Richard devoted an enormous amount of his time and energy to the blog and group. I’m not sure I can do the same, but I can certainly make sure the vast amount of original research he did is maintained for others to find and enjoy.
Richard and I had agreed to do a road trip together, to explore Indiana’s State Road 67 from Indianapolis to its southern terminus at Vincennes. This road has a ton of great old alignments and we looked forward to exploring them all. We thought we’d do it as soon as the pandemic passed. I’m sad that we won’t get to make that trip together now.