Elmo Quinn, owner of Quinn’s Shell station in Bloomington, dies at 82

Elmo Quinn, the former owner of Quinn's Shell station along Route 66 in Bloomington, Illinois, died Wednesday. He was 82. Quinn was so beloved for his kindness, he was known as the "Mayor of Main Street," according to a story in the Bloomington Pantagraph. Quinn's welcoming personality and community insight helped establish his mayoral nickname, … Continue reading Elmo Quinn, owner of Quinn’s Shell station in Bloomington, dies at 82

Quinn’s Shell station in Bloomington likely will be torn down soon

The closed Quinn's Shell gas station in Bloomington, Illinois, that was owned by an Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame member likely will face the wrecking ball in the coming weeks. According to Pantagraph columnist Bill Flick, the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission will meet this week to review a demolition permit of Quinn’s Shell at … Continue reading Quinn’s Shell station in Bloomington likely will be torn down soon

Jubelt’s Bakery and Restaurant named Litchfield Business of the Year on eve of its centennial

Jubelt's Bakery and Restaurant in Litchfield, Illinois, has been named Business of the Year by that city's chamber of commerce, one year from Jubelt's 100th anniversary. Jeanmarie Jubelt, owner of Jubelt’s, told The Journal-News she was "shocked" by the honor and noted it wasn't easy staying in operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The newspaper had … Continue reading Jubelt’s Bakery and Restaurant named Litchfield Business of the Year on eve of its centennial

Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame open for nominations

The Route 66 Association of Illinois announced in its email newsletter Thursday it has opened its nomination period for its Hall of Fame for individuals or businesses. Until Dec. 31, anyone may submit information about nominee(s) that have made "significant contributions to the character or history of the Illinois portion of Route 66 from 1926 … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame open for nominations

The Mill to mark 90th anniversary during new festival

The Mill in Lincoln, Illinois, will mark its 90th anniversary with a variety of activities June 7-9 during the first annual Route 66 Weekend in that city. The Mill, which opened as a restaurant along Route 66 in 1929, is beginning its third year as a museum highlighting the Mother Road and local history. The … Continue reading The Mill to mark 90th anniversary during new festival

Class of 2017 for Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame announced

The Route 66 Association of Illinois announced last month its three newest inductees to the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame. The association inducts "people and places along Route 66 whose blend of hardy individualism and grassroots community spirit gave the road such special character." The 2017 inductees were announced at a ceremony in Lincoln, … Continue reading Class of 2017 for Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame announced

Jim Jones honored by Illinois Route 66 Association

Jim Jones, a longtime volunteer at the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum with a longtime personal history with Route 66 in Odell, Illinois, recently was honored with the President's Award by the Illinois Route 66 Association. According to this news release from Ellie Alexander, director of tourism in Pontiac, Illinois: In making the … Continue reading Jim Jones honored by Illinois Route 66 Association

The Tropics, Steve’s Cafe inducted into Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame

The Tropics Restaurant and Lounge of Lincoln, Illinois, and Steve's Cafe of Chenoa, Illinois, recently were inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame of Illinois. Both businesses now are defunct. Nominees must have made "significant contributions to the character or history of the Illinois portion of Route 66 from 1926 to 1977 while it … Continue reading The Tropics, Steve’s Cafe inducted into Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame

2014 inductees to Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame announced

Three inductees -- including a previously announced historic bar in Edwardsville -- were announced to the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame during the Illinois Route 66 Association's Motor Tour last month. Detail on the inductees may be read here. Here's a brief overview of each: Hi-Way Cafe and Tavern, Edwardsville -- Sicilian immigrants Frank and … Continue reading 2014 inductees to Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame announced

Hi-Way Tavern being revived at old Edwardsville location

The Hi-Way Tavern and Cafe, which began on Route 66 in Edwardsville, Ill., in 1934, will be revived at its old site in a tavern and eventually will serve food again, reported the Edwardsville Intelligencer. The building at 463 E. Vandalia was occupied by Neumann's Bar and Restaurant for 25 years. However, the newly reverted … Continue reading Hi-Way Tavern being revived at old Edwardsville location