I never thought I’d write that headline.
A spaceship made by the same man who crafted the World’s Largest Covered Wagon in Lincoln, Illinois, will make a special appearance Tuesday at The Mill museum for the Route 66 landmark’s 88th birthday.
The Mill opened as The Blue Mill sandwich stand July 25, 1929, along U.S. 66. On its opening day, the manager’s children dressed up in Dutch outfits and handed out roses to all who visited.
The Mill, which reopened in April as a local museum after a long restoration, will mark the anniversary with extended hours (from 1 to 7 p.m.) and a visit by Earth Patrol Route 66 Spaceship.
A news release explains the UFO:
Making a one-time appearance in Lincoln that day at The Mill is an Earth Patrol Route 66 Spaceship, the USS 66 EPV Earth Patrol Vehicle that was designed and built by David Bentley. Bentley is the creator of the Railsplitter Covered Wagon, which holds The Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Covered Wagon, and was named as a top Roadside Attraction by Reader’s Digest Magazine. […]
The USS 66 EPV (Earth Patrol Vehicle) Route 66 Spaceship is a large interactive traveling display that will be set up at The Mill that day. A special face cutout gives kids and adults the opportunity to have a picture with their smiling face in the control room of the ship. Mr. Bentley will be on hand for his first-ever public appearance in Lincoln, and will be signing World’s Largest Covered Wagon postcards that day as well.
The World’s Largest Covered Wagon once was in Divernon, Illinois, but moved to Lincoln in 2007, thanks to efforts by local tourism official Geoff Ladd and philanthropist Larry Van Bibber.
The public also can greet the many volunteers who helped restore The Mill. Free water and candy also will be served during the day.
Ladd also proved instrumental in saving The Mill. He marshaled local forces in 2006 to save the long-neglected landmark from the wrecking ball.
(Image of Earth Patrol Route 66 Spaceship courtesy of Geoff Ladd)