Preservation takes many forms. The size, scope and historical significance is virtually unlimited.
Essentially, preservation is the link that joins the past to the present for the future. Preservation should always emit a sense of time and place.
Preservation projects can be a source of pride for a community. They can also be the source of tourism dollars. But mostly, it is a way to provide future generations a glimpse of daily life from the not so distant past. Written words can bring awareness of this time. However, when a structure or place is combined with the words, the people’s imaginations will come alive. For a brief moment folks can be transported back to a place they had only heard about. Preservation puts you there. To stand, see, feel and be where others were before you.
All of us in the Illinois Route 66 Preservation Committee are very proud of our accomplishments. Do we succeed in every attempt? NO! The most important part is that we try. Creative thinking combined with a “can do” attitude will succeed more often then fail. Our committee can list at least 30 projects we have been directly or indirectly associated with.
It is extremely important for everyone to realize that ‘WHAT WE ARE ENJOYING TODAY IS THE HISTORY OF YESTERDAY. WHAT WE DO TODAY, WILL BECOME THE HISTORY OF TOMORROW.”
Join and support the Preservation Committee. You will be glad you did!