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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.

The public unveiling of the Gemini Giant will take place on Saturday, November 30th.

The unveiling party will feature an appearance by The Route 66 Band, throwback diner fare from the folks at The Route 66 Mobile Diner and Route 66 Memorabilia onsite from The First Hundred Miles and Heritage Corridor Destinations. You’ll find plenty of amazing photo opportunities and activities for all ages.

Lincoln Library Lecture Series

Join us as we celebrate the Mother Road with Dwight Cannon, president of the Route 66 Association of Illinois. He’ll share stories and lore about our part of the road, and the part that Central Illinois played in the legendary trips from Chicago to LA.

Durelle F. Pritchard, 87, of Pontiac passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at OSF St. James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center, Pontiac.

One of those instrumental in the start of the Association, Durelle, along with his wife Marilyn, was presented with the Ambassador Award in 2006. Both were deeply involved in the Association’s Hall of Fame and Museum.

Durelle enjoyed riding and racing motorcycles, as well as his Whizzer motor bikes and antique cars, all his life. He also served as an extra in the movie Grandview, U.S.A., filmed in Pontiac in 1983.

A celebration of life was held at Pontiac Family Kitchen in Pontiac on October 12.

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