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Route 66 Association of Illinois

Where The Road Begins

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Williamsville

A small village in the center of Illinois, Williamsville is the product of generations of residents who have volunteered and cooperated to build a community of progress. Williamsville is a town full of community pride, good neighbors, and Midwest values.

Contact Williamsville, Illinois at

(217) 566-3520
williamsville.illinois.gov

Veterans Memorial Arch

The Roll of Honor archway was reconstructed in 1993 to closely resemble the original arch that had been built in 1919 in honor of the men of Williamsville that served in the armed forces during WWI. The new memorial includes veterans of WWI, WWII and the Korean War. A Howitzer 155mm that served in Vietnam sits beneath the arch. A WWI 75mm Howitzer cannon also once sat beneath the arch, but was turned in to the U.S. Government Scrap Drive in 1942.

 

 

Junction of Main Street and Pine Street
Williamsville, IL 62693

(217) 566-3520
williamsville.illinois.gov

Williamsville Route 66 Antique Mall

Williamsville Route 66 Antique Mall is a collector’s destination on old Route 66 located in a well-lit mall with all the past things in life organized in one building. Come relive the past with us on old Route 66.

 

 

 

 

10500 Old Route 66
Williamsville, IL 62693

(217) 566-3442
facebook.com/williamsvilleantiquemall

Bella Trattoria

Located in charming Downtown Williamsville, Bella Trattoria serves stone oven pizza and authentic Italian pasta dishes including cold beer, spirits and good wine. Quaint and inviting with a family-friendly atmosphere, Bella Trattoria is locally owned and operated. Open daily to the dinner crowd from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

 

 

100 West Main Street
Williamsville, IL 62693

(217) 566-2929
facebook.com/Bellas101

Williamsville Public Library And Museum

Grand Opening Summer 2016! View exhibits demonstrating the historic significance and unique character of the Village. Search our genealogy resources including a rich and deep local history collection. View our Looking for Lincoln signage, detailing Williamsville’s connection to President Lincoln.

 

217 North Elm Street
Williamsville, IL 62693

(217) 566-3520
williamsville.illinois.gov

Historic Downtown Williamsville

Take a walk around Williamsville’s Downtown; stop, rest and enjoy the charm and nostalgia of what the area represents. Visit the interpretive signs depicting local history at the corners of Main and Pine Streets. The Northeast corner details local history about the Illinois Interurban Railway as well as Early Settlers and the first survey of the Village. Learn about how Williamsville was first named Benton. The Southwest corner details the Downtown Business District and Farm Community, as it was when Route 66, and the small towns along it, thrived. Enjoy a picnic on the Boulevard’s green space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Street
Williamsville, IL 62693

(217) 566-3520
williamsville.illinois.gov

Original Route 66 Section In Williamsville

No longer maintained, but still preserved, drive on an unadulterated patch of Route 66, with its narrow width, bumps, potholes, and all! Located just north of Brandt Consolidated Inc. – look for the directional signage.

 

 

120 Taylor Street
Williamsville, IL 62693

Williamsville Park-Trail-Lake

Samuel H. Jones Memorial Park, Susan Cook House Trail & Williamsville Lake are an interconnected outdoor recreational experience. The village park offers plenty of green space to walk the dog, let the kids play or to have a picnic while taking a respite from the road. Look for the Flag Pole honoring the 100th birthday of Civil War veteran Jacob Yocum; two additional markers sit at its base. Get moving on the walking trail that surrounds Williamsville Lake where you can bike, fish or even catch a glimpse of our resident eagle pair. Visit the Williamsville Public Library and Museum to learn more about Jacob Yocum, Wyatt Patterson of Patterson Field, Samuel H. Jones and his granddaughter, Susan Cook House.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

706 East Main Street
Williamsville, IL 62693

(217) 566-3520
williamsville.illinois.gov

Price-Prather Home

On the National Register of Historic Places, the home was built in 1868 by James Ryan Price, a well-known breeder of Hereford cattle, and sold to John and Mary Prather in 1882 for $20,000. J. Frank Prather was a historically significant contributor to much progress associated with the Village of Williamsville and central Illinois. The property once included a brick carriage house for three carriages and one of the largest brick barns in the area. The home was frequently used for socializing and provided lodging for visiting cattle buyers. It is rumored that Teddy Roosevelt stayed one night after a party.

 

Junction of Main Street and Elkhart Street
Williamsville, IL 62693

Williamsville Railroad Depot And Box Cars

First constructed in 1854, the Railroad Depot was the foundation to Williamsville’s growth and development. Visit the Route 66 Wayside Exhibit and an interpretive sign depicting the Railroad’s significance to local history. Two Union Pacific rail cars were configured in the early 1990s as a structure, serving as a cultural resource that illustrates the significance of the Railroad to the Village.

 

 

 

 

 

102 South Elm Street
Williamsville, IL 62693

(217) 566-3520
williamsville.illinois.gov

The Old Station

This 1930s service station is a collector’s dream with vintage gas pumps and signs on the outside of the building. Although the building is now closed, it is a classic photo opportunity reflecting a variety of Route 66 and vintage Americana themes.

 

 

 

 

117 North Elm Street
Williamsville, IL 62693

Happenings in Williamsville

June 11, Rt. 66 Motor Tour–group gathered from Kenosha, WI, 9:00 AM (view northward) before tour started

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Donations Fuel Our Mission!

Your donation to our Association helps support our efforts to preserve, promote, educate and enjoy Route 66 in Illinois. We are a 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.


The Allure of the Mother Road

Listen to Association member, Route 66 expert and author, John Weiss, describe the allure of the Mother Road. What makes Route 66 a treasure worth preserving? John explains it all.

Motor City Mad House Radio Show

Additionally, John was recently interviewed on WCPT by Richie Zie. View and listen to the show here.

Get Your Memorabilia!

Order your Waldmire-designed T-shirt and Funk’s Grove Midpoint Pin!

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