Route 66 Association of Illinois

Where The Road Begins

Hall of Fame

Category: Hall of Fame

President’s Letter – Winter 2024/2025

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Here’s to the close of yet another quarter…and a farewell to 2024. We’re that much closer to the centennial!

Along with many others, I was delighted, though chilled, to attend the welcome home for the Gemini Giant. Wilmington had a ribbon cutting ceremony at his new home in South Island Park and the turnout was great, especially considering
the frosty weather. Several dignitaries were in attendance, and entertainment was provided by the Route 66 Band, who managed to put on a great show in spite of what had to be some pretty cold fingers.

Last issue, we shared the news of the passing of Rich Henry and wondered what the status of Henry’s Ra66it Ranch would be. I’m happy to tell you that it is still open, being voluntarily hosted by Bob Caldieraro, a friend of Rich’s. It’s great that this Hall of Fame location is still available for travelers to experience. The outside is available every day, while the inside is open whenever somebody is available. Bob can be contacted at 618.409.6010 if you stop by and nobody’s there (and the time and weather are reasonable). This is a great effort by Bob – if you happen to stop by, give him a big thank you! It’s important to note, however, that live rabbits are no longer on site, as, with Rich’s passing, there is nobody to take care of them properly.

As has been mentioned in the past, we have a new membership system. This new system replaces the one that was in place for years and was well managed by Marty. Unfortunately, after Marty’ss passing it took some time to begin to get everything where we could manage it. This led to many of our members losing track of their memberships, and several have expired. We’ve been attempting to reach everybody, but have fallen somewhat short. If you have not paid your dues recently, please contact us (you can email webadmin@il66assoc.org with the subject “Dues”), or try visiting our website and logging in (https://www.il66assoc.org/member-login). If you haven’t logged in before, you can request a password be sent to you on the same page; if your email address is not recognized, please use the form at the bottom of the page. We appreciate your cooperation in helping to get our new system up and running properly. And, yes, if you prefer, you can always send us a letter: Membership Committee, c/o Route 66 Association of Illinois, 110 W. Howard Street, Pontiac, IL 61764.

Our winter quarterly general meeting will be held in Pontiac at the City Hall Annex (115 W Howard) on January 19, 2025 @ 1:00 pm CDT. All members are invited to attend. We certainly encourage anyone interested to drop in and join in our meeting; we also encourage interest in any of the Association’s committees. Dates, times, and locations for all our quarterly meetings are posted in the Association’s website calendar, as well as in The 66 News. And stay tuned for news regarding the possibility of our meetings being available online!

Again, plans are in the works for our south to north 2025 Motor Tour. Make sure to watch for updates on the Motor Tour via our website under WHAT TO DO.

Of course, planning for the upcoming centennial celebration continues. For more information, please visit our website and click on CENTENNIAL! at the top of the page.

See you out there on the Mother Road!

Dwight M. Cannon, President
Route 66 Association of Illinois

Motor Tour 2025

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Watch for more information about our upcoming Motor Tour, traveling from south to north for 2025.

As always, Friday will be registration night, with the actual tour commencing on Saturday morning, which is currently scheduled to include a crossing of the iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge across the Mississippi River!

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Illinois Alignments

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We’ll post information for our travelers to find, and navigate, the historic route as it traversed Illinois. As this becomes available, we’ll share the alignments for you…

Springfield US 66 1926-1930

The original routing for the highway when it followed the existing SBI (State Bond Issue) 4. This alignment took a meandering path through the state capitol.

Chatham to Staunton; US 66 1926-1930

The temporary alignment of US 66 when it followed the existing SBI (State Bond Issue) 4, in use until the intended alignment to the east was completed. This alignment includes the iconic Auburn Brick Road and Nilwood Turkey Tracks.

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October Presentation

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At our quarterly meeting in October, member John Lawson presented his ideas for a mapping project for the Mother Road in Illinois.

The idea shows promise and he’s done a lot of work on it.

What ideas do you have for the Route?

Preservation Projects

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What Route 66 provides and you are enjoying today is the history of yesterday. What we do today will become the history of tomorrow.

The following are preservation efforts that the Association has been involved with over the years. In some cases, these are projects the Association created and/or ran, while some were projects run by others that the Association participated in. The following is in alphabetical order by location.

Preservation Projects

As mentioned in the Berwyn entry, the Bunyon Giant was relocated to downtown Atlanta from Berwyn. The Association has since painted the Giant a total of three times. The Bunyon Giant is also affectionately known as Tall Paul.
The Bunyon Giant was obtained, on loan, from a closed restaurant, Bunyon’s, in Berwyn. The Giant was then taken to John Weiss’s home, where it was restored and repainted. After this, the Giant was installed in downtown Atlanta, where he remains to this day and is now known as “Tall Paul.”
Turned the closed restaurant into a museum, including building restoration. We also restored the original billboard out by Historic 66. We continue to maintain signage at the site, although the restaurant itself was lost to a fire.
Restore the barn and Meramec Caverns signage on the barn, and repainted it later. Also secured a turnout on Historic Route 66 to provide for a safe viewing place for tourists. Unfortunatey, the barn (and sign) is currently in poor condition.
Provided signage and information for their hard road project.
Assisted in multiple restorations of the Texaco station and got it listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Restored the sign for this location, which no longer exists. The restored sign, which is now in two pieces, can be found in Springfield at Motorheads and the Ace Sign Museum.
Provided and helped with signage at this location.
The Association’s Preservation Committee created and maintains two major displays at this rest area on I-55 near Funk’s Grove. It is estimated that about 110,000 people a year view these displays on their stops at the rest area.
Researched the amazing story of the reverend, resulting in the erection of an information plaque to tell his story.
Restored the streetcar diner that was behind the Riviera but was eventually moved to Gardner near the two-cell jail. After the loss of the Riviera due to fire, created a billboard and photo op platform on the site to commemorate the Riviera.
Assisted in the restoration of the iconic jail.
Assisted in the restoration and reuse of this building as a mining museum in the historic village of Godley.
Restored the barn and its sign. Unfortunately, the barn has since been destroyed in a storm.
Involved, along with the National Park Service, with the preservation of the Rich and Creamy building.
Provided funds to restore one of the billboards along Memory Lane that was blown down. Also provided Roadside Attraction signage.
Assisted with the restoration of the Mill, including floor removal and exterior painting. We also custom built and installed exact replicas of the sails originally located on the front of the building – we also replaced one of these sails damaged in a storm.
Furnished signage for the replica courthouse.
Painted building and repaired fencing.
Provided a large Waldmire artwork map that once hung in the Dixie Truckers Inn.
When the Assocation had its Hall of Fame located at the former Dixie Truckers Home, we created two displays and signage and maintained them and the artifacts.
Provided assistance with the efforts to save the historic water tower in downtown McLean, as well as providing funding for the effort.
Assisted the Soulsby Society with the restoration of this history gas station.
Saved this noted destination, creating a fun location, and photo op, for folks to visit and enjoy.
Provided extensive physical assistance with the restoration of this historic station. The Assocation’s Preservation Committee worked on it as a large group four times.
Purchased the station with the help of Ed Seal. After the purchase, various fund raisers were held to assist in the restoration, including the payoff of the purchase loan. After possession, applied for, and succeeded in, getting the station into the National Register of Historic Places. Also applied for and received the first grant from the National Park Service. We restored the station from its rather delapidated state to it’s present condition and continue to assist in its maintenance. Also obtained a historic camper for the site. The station itself was given to the town by the Association.
Dug out the stairs that led to the subway that ran beneath Route 66 and added signage telling about the subway itself.
Saved the very rare SBI 4 stencil on the bridge – Route 4 was the original path of Route 66 when it was commissioned in November of 1926. This was the Association’s first preservation project. When the bridge itself was replaced, the end caps were saved and then reinstalled on the new bridge through the efforts of the Association.
Through the efforts of Betty Estes and Lenore Weiss, the project to locate the Association facility in Pontiac was successful. Once achieved, the contents were moved from the Dixie Truckers Home to the new location. It is worth noting that both Estes and Weiss were commemorated by the City of Pontiac when two trees were planted downtown in their names; each tree has a name marker.
Assist in the maintenance of this iconic treasure.
Secured the Wishing Well Motel’s wishing well and neon sign, which are now on display behind the Hall of Fame and Museum.
Saved this historic stretch of road, which was going to be paved, and got it on the National Register of Historic Places.
Provided signage for this Hall of Fame location.
Provided many of the historic signs; additional signage, and more, was a school project.
Assisted with maintenance of the shrine, as well as providing signage and postcards.
A letter was written to the National Park Service to seek funding for the restoration of the neon sign in front of the iconic restaurant, a member of our Hall of Fame.
Restored and participated in the rededication of the historic Blue Star Memorial Highway plaque, which can be seen in front of the Wilmington VFW.
Along with the National Park Service, secured a new roof for this historic downtown building.

Other efforts the Assocation has been involved in include:

  • Had ALL of Route 66 in Illinois declared historic on the Multiple Propery Documentation Form.
  • Started the Roadside Attraction signage program.
  • Started the Roadside Information sites program.
  • Started the Message Repeater program.

Projects that fell short of their goals…

While the bridge was offered to the Assocation, its cost and condition were prohibitive and it was not pursued. This bridge was part of the Plainfield bypass of Joliet and joined the original alignment just south of the now removed bridge.
John Weiss and David Knudson (of the Route 66 Federation) attempted to create an educational site at the location to show how the quarries functioned. No interest was shown.
Attempted to save the tower at this location. Did manage to rescue a batch of gift boxes and more that were used to help fund the Preservation Committee for other worthy projects.

Henry’s Ra66it Ranch Still Open

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In spite of reports to the contrary, the iconic Hall of Fame member Henry’s Ra66it Ranch, remains open. As can be seen in the sign shown below, which is posted at the Ranch, the outside is always open, while the inside is also often available.

It’s great the the Henry family, and Rich’s friend Bob Caldieraro, are keeping the doors open for Route 66 travelers. Stop by and say hello if you’re in the neighborhood!

Member Pages

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President’s Letter – Fall 2024

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And another quarter comes to a close…

While it was an eventful quarter, it was also a sad one. We lost one of the stars of the Association, Kathy Miller. Kathy was our rock, deeply involved in so many aspects of the Association it would be next to impossible to list them all. From inner workings of our group, such as actively helping to maintain our bylaws, to being an integral part of our annual Motor Tours, there was little she was not involved in. For many years, Kathy supported the Association and worked hard to keep us going. She will be deeply missed.

Another loss was more recent, with the passing of Rich Henry, proprietor of Henry’s Ra66it Ranch. A member of our Hall of Fame since 2012, he was a delight to many who had the opportunity to visit his Ranch and his rabbits, animal and mechanical, in Staunton. At this time, it is unknown what will become of his little corner of the world on Route 66.

In Missouri, the iconic Ted Drewes, Jr. passed away at the age of 96. For those of you that are unaware, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a must-visit stop along Route 66 in St. Louis. The 66 store, located on Chippewa, was first opened in 1941 and we always try to stop there and enjoy some “health food” when we’re passing through the area. The original St. Louis location was opened in 1930 by Ted Drewes, Sr., and the stores are an institution in the area. We are looking into the possibility of visiting the Chippewa location as an adjunct to our 2025 Motor Tour…

…and as mentioned, plans are already in the works for our 2025 Motor Tour, which will be taking the south to north trip this time around. Included are plans to see and enjoy the new park next to the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Missouri, followed by a crossing of the iconic bridge itself. From there we’ll be traveling to Springfield, with stops along the way, where we will be holding our annual Hall of Fame banquet. We have a lot in store for everybody this time around and we invite you to watch for updates on the Motor Tour via our website under WHAT TO DO.

Illinois, in particular Atlanta, had its giant population grow yet again. In addition to the recently restored Texaco Big Friend at the American Giants Museum, a new giant, Lumi the Pie Girl, was added, residing at the Country-Aire Restaurant. By the way, Lumi got her name from owner Nick Beckteshi’s wife Lumi, who is a 2009 State Fair winner for her fresh made pies. Stop by when you get a chance and take a look…and maybe sample one of those pies. Atlanta should claim the title of the Giant Capitol of Route 66.

Work continues on our new membership program. Soon, if not already in place by the time of this publication, members will be able to not only enroll on the website, but renew, as well as maintain their own profile. Should you move or get a new email address, you’ll be able to update your information directly online. Of course, for those wanting to do so, you will still be able to mail in enrollments, renewals, and updates.

Our fall quarterly general meeting, to be held in Pontiac at the City Hall Annex (115 W Howard) on October 20 @ 1:00 pm CDT, will include our annual elections. All paid members are invited to attend and to vote. Positions that are up for election include Vice President, Treasurer, and County Representatives (DuPage, Grundy, Livingston, McLean, and Sangamon), as well as two at-large representatives. We certainly encourage anyone interested to consider running for office; we also encourage interest in any of the Association’s committees.

Of course, planning for the upcoming centennial celebration continues. For more information, please visit our website and click on CENTENNIAL! at the top of the page.

See you out there on the Main Street of America!

Dwight M. Cannon, President
Route 66 Association of Illinois

P.S. As always, I remind everyone that we would be delighted to see you at our quarterly meetings. Dates, times, and locations are posted on the Association’s website calendar, as well as in The 66 News.