View as Webpage

In September 2023, marking 20 years since the inaugural issue of FridayMusings, this typewriter and bodyguard journeyed along the historic back road of 25E from Berea south. This route, originally blazed by Daniel Boone, included a segment of the Wilderness Road, one of the first in the United States to be paved. The stretch from Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, to Middlesboro, Kentucky, through the mountain pass was completed on October 3, 1908. It served as an "object-lesson" road, a new type of paved macadam construction financed by local communities under federal oversight, initiated by the U.S. Office of Public Roads. At that time, the country had only about 680 miles of paved roads. Later renamed U.S. Route 25E, this road introduced tourism as a new industry to rural areas, bringing a steady stream of travelers to local hotels and restaurants.

While traveling through the back roads smiling at the thought that this was the same path that Daniel Boone once traveled, it was decided that this was the perfect location to open a studio that would allow artists in rural Kentucky to coalesce in one central location.

On that trip, and knowing the days of FridayMusings were drawing to a close, an agreement was reached to purchase a historic building in London Kentucky. The Joyner Design Group had its home. Now 6 months later, in March 2024, the bodyguard and typewriter paid a visit to check on the progress of the Design Group.

The first commission by our new office to highlight regional artists was awarded to a local resident, underscoring the importance of preserving Kentucky's stories, places, and traditions, which have shaped its culture. The first was a mural facing the Design Group parking lot. Others are being judged this Spring to be placed on murals around town starting in July.

"It's a privilege to display this initial commission that reflects the talent and commitment of our artists," Joyner said. We have been universally accepted by the regional artists and welcomed by local government officials.

The artwork currently being considered encapsulates Kentucky's spirit, including its historical sites, notable individuals, significant events, commerce, agriculture, and distinctive natural environment. Each piece is paired with narratives and historical accounts from the artists, providing a rich visual and verbal experience.

A loft above the studio is being prepared for the bodyguard and typewriter. Hopefully, it will be completed by mid October when they are expected to take up full time residence.

Kentucky Fried Chicken to become headline sponsor of

Livonia's Good Old Fashioned Corn Roast

This was the kind of back road trip one can only dream about. Tracing the historic route pioneered by Daniel Boone, now known as 25W through Kentucky, one encounters Corbin, the birthplace of the original Kentucky Fried Chicken store, which was once part of a motel and service station complex owned by Colonel Sanders. In addition to a museum that could captivate a tourist for hours with the history of KFC, the man who created the recipe, and the company's founding, there's a timeline that intertwines his inventions with American history.

Over the years, the vault containing the original recipe has remained in the exact location of the kitchen where it all started. Each day, travelers have the chance to spin the dial, attempting to guess the correct combination. To date, only 325 out of tens of thousands of attempts have ever managed to open the vault. This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the typewriter correctly guessed the combination.

Out of those, 325 individuals have won a lifetime pass for unlimited KFC meals, limited to one per day for life. While I embrac the original recipe, in this instance, I negotiated for something even better.

This September, at the Livonia Good Old Fashioned Neighborhood Corn Roast, KFC will send their CEO and COO to Livonia, Michigan, to serve their original recipe chicken to every attendee. I chose this option over a lifetime of meals. For me, Livonia always comes first.

Just a reminder that today is April 1st.

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

The typewriter is not available for phone calls or emails Saturday and Sunday. Mental health and rehabilitation time. Out and about enjoying life.

What motivates FridayMusings:

We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.