Shea's Gas Station Museum in Springfield, Illinois, faces a cloudy future since its longtime patriarch, Bill Shea, died in 2012 at age 91, according to a story in the Springfield State Journal-Register. Another Route 66 landmark in Springfield, Joe Rogers' The Chili Den Parlor, also faces an uncertain future since a "closed for repairs" sign was posted … Continue reading Shea’s Route 66 Museum faces uncertain future
Tag: Springfield IL
Bel-Aire Motel slapped with more code violations
The city of Springfield, Illinois, reported more than 700 building-code violations for the troubled Bel-Aire Motel along Route 66, reported the State Journal-Register. That's on top of the $114,000 in fines levied last year against the Florida-based landlord for nearly 400 code violations. Owner Gopal Motwani is challenging those fines in court. The violations range … Continue reading Bel-Aire Motel slapped with more code violations
Donations may be sought to fix Illinois State Fairgrounds
A proposal seeks donations instead of taxpayer money to make badly needed repairs to the historic Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, reported the State Journal-Register. The newspaper said: Legislation filed by state Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, would allow the agriculture department to form a state fairground foundation that would solicit private funds from individuals … Continue reading Donations may be sought to fix Illinois State Fairgrounds
Vic’s Pizza in Springfield closes
Vic's Pizza and Pub, a mainstay on old Route 66 on the north side of Springfield, Ill., since 1948, recently closed its doors, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. The closing must have happened shortly after Valentine's Day. Its Facebook page shows normal postings through that date, then nothing. The newspaper reported: “Business was slow and … Continue reading Vic’s Pizza in Springfield closes
A feature on Maldaner’s, one of Route 66’s oldest restaurants
The Springfield State Journal-Register in Springfield, Ill., soon will publish a section on area businesses that are at least 100 years old. One of them is Maldaner's Restaurant in downtown Springfield, which has operated since 1884. It sits on Sixth Street (aka Route 66), which makes it one of the rare still-operating restaurants that predate … Continue reading A feature on Maldaner’s, one of Route 66’s oldest restaurants
Bill Shea, owner of Shea’s 66 Gas Station Museum, dies at 91
Bill Shea, a longtime owner of a gas station in Springfield, Ill., and then curator of a gas-station museum on Route 66, died in his sleep today at age 91, according to a post on the Shea's Route 66 Museum Facebook page. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Shea started in the gas-station business shortly … Continue reading Bill Shea, owner of Shea’s 66 Gas Station Museum, dies at 91
Repairs being made on historic Route 66 near Springfield
A 1.3-mile stretch of old Route 66 near Springfield, Ill., that is on the National Register of Historic Places is being carefully repaired this week by county road crews, according to the Springfield State Journal-Register. The 1920s section, called Olde Carriage Way, is south of East Lake Shore Drive south of Lake Springfield. Much of … Continue reading Repairs being made on historic Route 66 near Springfield