Local and city officials in Bloomington, Illinois, this week dedicated a new marker that described the racial segregation that once took place in Miller Park's beaches. WJBC reports: At Miller Park, the historical marker acknowledges there were segregated beaches there during the first half of the 20th Century and beyond. The beach for people of … Continue reading New marker tells of Bloomington park’s segregation era
Tag: Bloomington
Rebuilt Parkview Inn in Bloomington may reopen by November
The historic Parkview Inn restaurant in Bloomington, Illinois, destroyed by fire two years ago, may be rebuilt and reopened by early November. The Bloomington Pantagraph reported last week: The restaurant was a mainstay along old Route 66 since 1928, but a fire in October 2016 burned the original structure beyond repair. [...] "We're hoping to open by … Continue reading Rebuilt Parkview Inn in Bloomington may reopen by November
Should Airbnb sites on Route 66 undergo more regulation?
While Airbnb has been controversial in larger cities for years, the use of people's homes for overnight lodging is being cussed and discussed in smaller cities -- including those on Route 66. WGLT, a public radio station at Illinois State University, recently dived into the issue and the case of Kevin Lewis' 103-year-old house in … Continue reading Should Airbnb sites on Route 66 undergo more regulation?
Rebuilding of Parkview Inn in Bloomington begins next week
The owner of Parkview Food and Pub in Bloomington, Illinois, will start rebuilding the historic Route 66 restaurant after a fire destroyed it in 2016 and go back to its original name, Parkview Inn. The Bloomington Pantagraph talked to Rick McCormick, owner of the restaurant that once stood near Miller Park since 1928: "Hopefully, it … Continue reading Rebuilding of Parkview Inn in Bloomington begins next week
Route 66 visitors center in Bloomington sees 50 percent increase in attendance
The Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center in Bloomington, Illinois, saw a 50 percent increase in attendance from April 2016 to April 2017. The visitors center, on the ground floor of the McLean County Museum of History, recorded 27,173 visits in the past year, compared to just over 18,000 the year before. From the … Continue reading Route 66 visitors center in Bloomington sees 50 percent increase in attendance
Fire-damaged Parkview Pub in Bloomington may reopen by summer
Parkview Food & Pub, better known as the Parkview Inn, in Bloomington, Illinois, may reopen by summer after a fire in October virtually destroyed the historic establishment. Owner Rich McCormick told the Bloomington Panatagraph he's taking the opportunity with the rebuilding process to make some changes so its customers will face Miller Park across the … Continue reading Fire-damaged Parkview Pub in Bloomington may reopen by summer
Former Parkview Inn in Bloomington damaged by fire
A fire Friday night extensively damaged the historic Parkview Food and Pub restaurant, formerly the Parkview Inn, in Bloomington, Illinois, but its owners vowed to rebuild. A fire in the exhaust hood caused $300,000 in damage, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph. The Parkview sits on a 1930 to 1940 alignment of Route 66 at 1003 Morris Ave. (map here). … Continue reading Former Parkview Inn in Bloomington damaged by fire
Speakers lineup announced for Miles of Possibility Conference
The Route 66 Miles of Possibility conference recently announced its speakers for the Oct. 20-23 event at the McLean County Museum of History/Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center and the Ensenberger Building in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. Last year's Miles of Possibility in Edwardsville, Illinois, contained a slew of speakers, and this lineup looks no less abundant. Cory … Continue reading Speakers lineup announced for Miles of Possibility Conference
L&L Motel in Bloomington torn down for more parking
Steve Vogel, a columnist for the Pantagraph newspaper in Bloomington, Illinois, had this startling piece of news in a recent column: Did you notice part of Bloomington-Normal’s link to Route 66 just disappeared? ... the L&L Motel on Morrissey Drive has been leveled … the new property owners are the folks at Grady’s Pizza and Family Fun … Continue reading L&L Motel in Bloomington torn down for more parking
City may buy Sprague Super Service station
The city of Normal, Illinois, will vote Monday on whether to buy and keep up Terri Ryburn's historic Sprague Super Service station on old Route 66. The Bloomington Pantagraph reported: The council will consider a $458,000 investment, including $229,000 to buy the property, $200,000 to improve the building and $172,000 to buy and renovate an … Continue reading City may buy Sprague Super Service station