As part of a series on the influential, colorful, historic people, places and things along Illinois Route 66, we present…
Dorothy Seratt McMullen
Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame Class of 2021
Dorothy has been involved in thePreservation Committee from its beginning. As a matter of fact, she insisted that John Weiss become the first Preservation chairman. She did all the research and completed the massive amount of paperwork necessary that resulted in the following properties being placed onto the National Register of Historic Places:
The Standard Oil Station in Odell, IL
The Red Brick Road in Auburn, IL
The Historic Bridge designation for the Auburn Brick Road
The Old Carriage way road (Route 66) in Springfield, IL
(Note – These sites would no longer exist if they’d no been saved by the Preservation Committee and the excellent paperwork Dorothy did to make it happen.)
With Terri Ryburn’s assistance, Dorothy formulated the Multiple Property Documentation Form. This saved our Association many thousands of dollars because we didn’t need to hire professionals like other states. Dorothy has shared her expertise and MPSF to help others document and certify properties for inclusion onto the National Register.
Dorothy has lived most of her adult life in Route 66 cities and towns. She was a teacher who spent most of her career working with prisoners incarcerated in the Pontiac, IL correctional prison and the old Collins Street prison in Joliet, IL.
In addition to all that, Dorothy has demonstrated her commitment to preserving Illinois Route 66 as a member of our board and Motor Tour committee.
Click to read stories about the ever-growing list of Hall of Fame inductees.