The quarterly periodical of the Route 66 Association of Illinois.

Winter 2024/2025

The 66 News was first published in 1989 when the Association first came into being. It is a quarterly magazine that is available to members of the Association and contains information of interest to those following Route 66, particularly where it runs through Illinois.

Trying to figure out what the season is. Calendar says one thing, weather says another. But I think we’re getting back to travel weather, which is always a good thing for a roadie.

Recently, I traveled to New Mexico for the annual Road Ahead meeting, held in Albuquerque. I was accompanied by my wife, Amy, and board member Tim Walsh. We got a chance to drive down much of Route 66 along the way, including various iconic stops. These included stays at Boots Court (Carthage, MO) and the Blue Swallow (Tucumcari, NM), with the meetings held at the El Vado (Albuquerque, NM). These were all worth the visit – and points out the importance of taking the opportunity to visit places along the Route, whether they’re motels, restaurants, museums, whatever. Without people stopping by, we’re likely to lose some pretty important locations. And this is certainly the case here in Illinois.

We also saw many stretches of “old road” along the way, such as the long portion of original pavement near Hext, OK. This parallels the current highway and can easily be seen while driving. Much is no longer accessible, but it lends an eerie feeling as you travel down Route 66. While not everybody’s cup of tea, I find the old pavement intriguing, offering a glimpse of what it was like to travel down that narrow pavement back in its day. That pavement was old even back when my family traveled the Route years ago.

We also got a chance to visit the ghost town of Jericho, TX. If you haven’t heard of Jericho, I suggest you look into this town that was on the original dirt path that was US 66 in Texas. Not much is there anymore, but word has it that the “town” has been purchased, with plans for at least partial restoration. Given what we saw, that will be a HUGE restoration/preservation project, and I wish them all the best in their endeavors.

Speaking of driving, plans are being finalized for our south to north 2025 Motor Tour in June. After a visit and crossing of the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Missouri, we’ll be traveling to Springfield, with stops along the way, where we will be holding our annual Hall of Fame banquet and welcoming a new inductee. 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.

For some news along Route 66, Lexington’s Memory Lane recently got some attention. It seems the farmer that owns the property abutting this original section of US 66 cleared out trees and brush in order to allow for more acreage to be farmed. This led to many calling the city to voice their opinion on this change, although Lexington had nothing to do with the “cleanup” along Memory Lane. It’s worth noting that the current appearance might well match what was there back when this was the alignment into Lexington. The side of the road where the tracks run parallel remains as it was before. We’ll be keeping an eye on further developments along Memory Lane.

Our new membership program is in place and providing the Association, and its members, with many benefits. Members are now able to enroll and renew on the website, as well as maintain their profiles. We’ve also resumed international memberships, made possible by the digital membership option. Members-only content will be added to the website over time, giving members more “bang for your buck” along the way.

Planning for the upcoming centennial celebration continues. For more information, please visit our website and click on CENTENNIAL! at the top of the page. We look forward to centennial events across the Route 66 states, including some planned “interstate” events and celebrations.

See you on the Mother Road!

Dwight M. Cannon, President
Route 66 Association of Illinois

P.S. Don’t forget our quarterly meetings. Dates, times, and locations are posted on the Association’s website calendar, as well as in The 66 News.

3800 W. Ogden Ave.
Between Harding Ave. and Hamlin Ave.

Check out https://www.carsonroute66.com/ for more information…

Join us at Cruise Nites this summer from June to August! If you’re a car enthusiast with a vehicle you wanna show off – come on out! This event is FREE to all. There will be judging, awards, and it’ll be a great time for everyone!

June 2 – Opening Nite, visit this page to set a reminder
June 16 – Chevy Nite, visit this page to set a reminder

July 7 – Ford Nite, visit this page to set a reminder
July 21 – Customs, visit this page to set a reminder

August 4 – Modern Marvels, visit this page to set a reminder
August 18 – Vintage Vroom, visit this page to set a reminder

Sign up for our emails here: Email Signup

Cruise Nites offer visitors the opportunity to mingle and learn more about Berwyn’s proud classic car culture. The Depot District offers plenty of food and drink establishments in the area to make it a great evening for the whole family!

Come to unwind or to show off your prized car, truck, motorcycle or scooter at no charge. Registration is not necessary, just show up! Trophies are awarded at the event.

Gates open at 5PM for display vehicles. Line-up along Home Ave with gate entrance located at the intersection of Clinton & Windsor Aves. Event starts at 6PM. LIMITED SPACE FOR CARS.

Join us at Cruise Nites this summer from June to August! If you’re a car enthusiast with a vehicle you wanna show off – come on out! This event is FREE to all. There will be judging, awards, and it’ll be a great time for everyone!

June 2 – Opening Nite, visit this page to set a reminder
June 16 – Chevy Nite, visit this page to set a reminder

July 7 – Ford Nite, visit this page to set a reminder
July 21 – Customs, visit this page to set a reminder

August 4 – Modern Marvels, visit this page to set a reminder
August 18 – Vintage Vroom, visit this page to set a reminder

Sign up for our emails here: Email Signup

Cruise Nites offer visitors the opportunity to mingle and learn more about Berwyn’s proud classic car culture. The Depot District offers plenty of food and drink establishments in the area to make it a great evening for the whole family!

Come to unwind or to show off your prized car, truck, motorcycle or scooter at no charge. Registration is not necessary, just show up! Trophies are awarded at the event.

Gates open at 5PM for display vehicles. Line-up along Home Ave with gate entrance located at the intersection of Clinton & Windsor Aves. Event starts at 6PM. LIMITED SPACE FOR CARS.

Join us at Cruise Nites this summer from June to August! If you’re a car enthusiast with a vehicle you wanna show off – come on out! This event is FREE to all. There will be judging, awards, and it’ll be a great time for everyone!

June 2 – Opening Nite, visit this page to set a reminder
June 16 – Chevy Nite, visit this page to set a reminder

July 7 – Ford Nite, visit this page to set a reminder
July 21 – Customs, visit this page to set a reminder

August 4 – Modern Marvels, visit this page to set a reminder
August 18 – Vintage Vroom, visit this page to set a reminder

Sign up for our emails here: Email Signup

Cruise Nites offer visitors the opportunity to mingle and learn more about Berwyn’s proud classic car culture. The Depot District offers plenty of food and drink establishments in the area to make it a great evening for the whole family!

Come to unwind or to show off your prized car, truck, motorcycle or scooter at no charge. Registration is not necessary, just show up! Trophies are awarded at the event.

Gates open at 5PM for display vehicles. Line-up along Home Ave with gate entrance located at the intersection of Clinton & Windsor Aves. Event starts at 6PM. LIMITED SPACE FOR CARS.

Join us at Cruise Nites this summer from June to August! If you’re a car enthusiast with a vehicle you wanna show off – come on out! This event is FREE to all. There will be judging, awards, and it’ll be a great time for everyone!

June 2 – Opening Nite, visit this page to set a reminder
June 16 – Chevy Nite, visit this page to set a reminder

July 7 – Ford Nite, visit this page to set a reminder
July 21 – Customs, visit this page to set a reminder

August 4 – Modern Marvels, visit this page to set a reminder
August 18 – Vintage Vroom, visit this page to set a reminder

Sign up for our emails here: Email Signup

Cruise Nites offer visitors the opportunity to mingle and learn more about Berwyn’s proud classic car culture. The Depot District offers plenty of food and drink establishments in the area to make it a great evening for the whole family!

Come to unwind or to show off your prized car, truck, motorcycle or scooter at no charge. Registration is not necessary, just show up! Trophies are awarded at the event.

Gates open at 5PM for display vehicles. Line-up along Home Ave with gate entrance located at the intersection of Clinton & Windsor Aves. Event starts at 6PM. LIMITED SPACE FOR CARS.

Join us at Cruise Nites this summer from June to August! If you’re a car enthusiast with a vehicle you wanna show off – come on out! This event is FREE to all. There will be judging, awards, and it’ll be a great time for everyone!

June 2 – Opening Nite, visit this page to set a reminder
June 16 – Chevy Nite, visit this page to set a reminder

July 7 – Ford Nite, visit this page to set a reminder
July 21 – Customs, visit this page to set a reminder

August 4 – Modern Marvels, visit this page to set a reminder
August 18 – Vintage Vroom, visit this page to set a reminder

Sign up for our emails here: Email Signup

Cruise Nites offer visitors the opportunity to mingle and learn more about Berwyn’s proud classic car culture. The Depot District offers plenty of food and drink establishments in the area to make it a great evening for the whole family!

Come to unwind or to show off your prized car, truck, motorcycle or scooter at no charge. Registration is not necessary, just show up! Trophies are awarded at the event.

Gates open at 5PM for display vehicles. Line-up along Home Ave with gate entrance located at the intersection of Clinton & Windsor Aves. Event starts at 6PM. LIMITED SPACE FOR CARS.

Join us at Cruise Nites this summer from June to August! If you’re a car enthusiast with a vehicle you wanna show off – come on out! This event is FREE to all. There will be judging, awards, and it’ll be a great time for everyone!

June 2 – Opening Nite, visit this page to set a reminder
June 16 – Chevy Nite, visit this page to set a reminder

July 7 – Ford Nite, visit this page to set a reminder
July 21 – Customs, visit this page to set a reminder

August 4 – Modern Marvels, visit this page to set a reminder
August 18 – Vintage Vroom, visit this page to set a reminder

Sign up for our emails here: Email Signup

Cruise Nites offer visitors the opportunity to mingle and learn more about Berwyn’s proud classic car culture. The Depot District offers plenty of food and drink establishments in the area to make it a great evening for the whole family!

Come to unwind or to show off your prized car, truck, motorcycle or scooter at no charge. Registration is not necessary, just show up! Trophies are awarded at the event.

Gates open at 5PM for display vehicles. Line-up along Home Ave with gate entrance located at the intersection of Clinton & Windsor Aves. Event starts at 6PM. LIMITED SPACE FOR CARS.