Your donation to our Association helps support our efforts to preserve, promote, educate and enjoy Route 66 in Illinois. We are an all-volunteer organization; 100% of donations are allocated to preservation efforts along the Mother Road in Illinois (never to administrative or housekeeping expenses). We thank you for your generous donation toward maintaining our nostalgic slice of Americana.

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Richard Mark Henry Sr., 77, of Staunton, IL, passed away at 8:34 PM on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Community Hospital of Staunton, IL.  He was born February 23, 1947 in St. Louis, MO, the son of the late Hubert William & Elizabeth “Betty” (Weir) Henry Sr.

Rich was the proprietor of the iconic Henry’s Ra66it Ranch, which was inducted into the Association Hall of Fame on June 9, 2012.

For Henry’s obituary, please click here.

Joy A. Henderson, 92, of Pontiac, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, IL.

She was a member of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame, inducted in 2007. She and her husband ran two mom and pop businesses in the early 1960’s, Archie’s Standard Service in Pontiac and The Hill Top in Cayuga, IL.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, 903 West Custer Ave., Pontiac, Il. 61764. A chapel service will follow at 12:00 pm also at the funeral home. Interment will be held at South Side Cemetery in Pontiac, IL.

For visitation and funeral information, please click here.

What an eventful quarter we’ve had…

We just completed our annual Motor Tour, and a big thanks goes to the tour committee. This year we ran north to south, and even though our trip was threatened with inclement weather, everything actually worked out well. Saturday’s forecast had us expecting thunderstorms all along the path of the tour, but all we really wound up getting was sprinkles and a brief shower. Otherwise, temps were great and, while a bit cloudy, nature was kind. I was even able to drive most of the tour with the top down!

For the first time, we visited Isle a la Cache, which was worth the stop. Whether you just enjoyed the museum or also took to the paths, it was enjoyable and educational. After a drive by at Stateville, a stop for some wonderful bread from Milano’s. Following was a visit to the Braidwood Zoo, I really enjoyed meeting so many of you at the Ambler-Becker Texaco in Dwight, and even though the temperatures were lower, the water was still nice and cold (with some bottles, a little TOO cold…) and refreshing. The volunteers at the station were also helpful and made the stop even better.

Next, some refreshing ice cream at Carl’s in Normal, followed by a stop in McLean. I’d like to thank everyone that took some time in McLean to visit the CORE folks in the park downtown. Whether you got to one of the arcades or not, I think it’s important that we show CORE, and McLean, that we still stand behind them and the efforts to restore and preserve their historic water tower. I know some of our Tourists even purchased shirts, which helps CORE with the costs associated with their efforts. Thank you to CORE and McLean for hosting this part of the tour this year.

Our annual dinner was punctuated by a visit by none other than Mother Jones, who provided a look at her history, which was beyond enlightening. What a life she lived. We were also visited by the Illinois State Museum, who are looking for stories of Route 66 when it was still a federal highway. I urge anyone who has a story to tell to get in touch with the museum (https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.30117.html). And I was pleased to present Cathie Stevanovich with the President’s Award for her years of service to the Association – well deserved!

Sunday morning we visited the beautiful train depot in Lincoln; of course, it also has the terrific exhibits inside as well. Unfortunately, the little chapel in Lincoln was not unlocked for us, but I always enjoy visiting the site, just to see that tiny building. Many miss it when driving down 66, so I think it was still worth stopping by just to get acquainted with its location. Then on to Williamsville and their wonderful library and museum (and those great cookies!).

Springfield offered much, from the fairgrounds to the nearby Corvair museum. Of course, we only just brushed what Springfield has to offer. Some did swing by Shea’s, which is now open again, although the building itself remains closed. In the future we may include a visit to this iconic location, especially if some of the artifacts are once again there for us to enjoy. Following Springfield, visits to Divernon and its antique stores, then finishing in Litchfield.

Outside of the Motor Tour, there were many other notable events that have transpired over the past few months. Among these was the grand opening of the new park on the Missouri end of the Chain of Rocks Bridge. This is an amazing update to the previous incarnation of the “park” and if you get the chance I suggest you visit.

Another grand opening was held at the American Giants Museum in Atlanta. The internationally famous Gemini Giant made an appearance on his way to restoration prior to being reinstalled in Wilmington. Additionally, a newly restored Texaco Big Friend was placed on his pad next to the museum. Even if you were unable to attend this event, you should plan on making a visit to see this constantly evolving site. It’s a truly great stop along the Route.

Work continues on several upcoming improvements for the Association, including a new membership program. We hope to soon have something you can experience, whether you will use the website or USPS to maintain your membership. There are some exciting changes we look forward to offering.

Planning for the upcoming centennial celebration continues, both in our state and others. As more concrete decisions are made, we’ll keep you informed. Lots of great ideas are being considered.

See you on the Mother Road!

Dwight M. Cannon, President
Route 66 Association of Illinois

P.S. I again 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 quarterly magazine.