Each attraction along Route 66 has a history. Most tell the story of a place which sprang to life as people traveled along the Mother Road, providing sustenance, services, comfort, hospitality and entertainment - everything necessary for an enjoyable journey across the heartland of America. These attractions do their part both individually and collectively in creating a mosaic, expressing precisely what Route 66 is all about. That’s why we place such a high value on preserving these attractions and honoring the folks who brought them to life.

The following press release was provided by Ellie Alexander, Tourism Director of Pontiac, IL.

Restoration of the historic Strevell House in Pontiac, IL is making tremendous progress!
The Strevell House is the only remaining building in Livingston County where Abraham Lincoln was known to spent time.

Here's what's new:

Click to read Strevell House Restoration Progresses in its entirety.

This charming reflection was written and submitted to our website by Association Member, Bob Jenkins. Thank you, Bob, for sharing your memories of the Mother Road with us. Thanks to you, we proudly present this slice of Route 66 life and connection for our readers' enjoyment.

My mother was born in Odell, Illinois during the latter part of the century before last. The family then moved to Pontiac where she and her brothers and sister were raised. After her long life I sprinkled her ashes in the Vermillion River.

We are proud to bring this story to your attention as it pertains to the town that is home to our Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum, Pontiac, IL.

According to a story in the Chicago Sun-Times, a Pontiac Automobile Museum is slated to open in the town in July of 2011.

Click to read this touching and inspiring story of a man, his love of travel, of cars in general and of Pontiacs in particular.

Your help is requested in naming the new team who will play baseball at Joliet's Silver Cross Field.

Silver Cross Field will be members of the Frontier League, the oldest continuously operating independent league in professional baseball entering its 19th season in 2011.

Every person who submits a suggestion for the name of the team will be entered in a drawing for one of 66 prizes!

For complete details, click to read Silver Cross Field's website.

In a recent press release, Adventure Cycling Association announces:

Get Your Bike Travel Fix on Route 66

Adventure Cycling's planned 2,400-mile bicycle-friendly route will revitalize the "Main Street of America" - this time with touring cyclists.

Missoula, Montana - Adventure Cycling Association today announced that its next long-distance cycling route will be Bicycle Route 66. Embracing the spirit of "The Mother Road," the new route will follow the famous corridor from Chicago to Los Angeles on roads appropriate for cyclists and, when possible, on sections of the historic highway.

At this gift-giving time of year, we would like to direct your attention to our online gift shop. We offer many unique gifts for the Route 66 enthusiasts on your shopping list.

One of our favorite items in our gift shop is the, Recipes Along Route 66 Cookbook. It's chock-full of delicious dishes from the Mother Road's finest cooks.

As our gift to you, we would like to present a bonus recipe, not included in Recipes Along Route 66.

Click to visit our online gift shop to view the special selection of items we offer.

Happy shopping - and cooking!

Not to embarrass anyone, but we'd like to mention a certain "Birthday Girl" whose special day is coming up on November 11. She's a spry gal at 84 years young and we'd like to wish her many happy returns of the day!

And of course the Lady of the day is...

Take a look at our spiffy new Business Member decal!

New Business Members who join our Association in January 2011 and beyond will receive this decal to proudly display your support of the Mother Road.

Not a member yet? We'd love to have you join us in preserving, educating, promoting and enjoying Route 66 in Illinois!

Click for membership information.

As a perk of a Business Membership, we list your business in our online Business Directory.

We need our members' and readers' help!

We need all the historical information and photos of the Luna cafe from 1924 up until about 1950 for a project the Illinois Association is working on with the Route 66 Association of Missouri and the Friends of the Mother Road.

Please dig deep and go thru your memorabilia! We are looking for photos of the Luna Cafe with a neon sign that fitted up at the top of the front gable that had a crescent moon between "Luna" and "Cafe." These photos may also show neon tubing on the eaves and roof!

Please forward any information you have to Jim Thole or Bob Gehl of the Neon Heritage Preservation Committee (Route 66 Association of Missouri).

Jim's email is 66thole@sbcglobal.net
Bob's email is rgehl66@earthlink.net