The Route 66 Chick

Friday afternoon found me headed north for Atlanta, Illinois, to give a program for the "Dinner Programs at the Palms Grill Cafe" winter series. I almost never mind driving, and it was an easy cruise up the interstate to Atlanta. (Well, as I usually do, I headed out of Edwardsville on Route 66 up to Hamel - doesn't that count?) I arrived in Atlanta just at dusk, parked across the street from the Palms Grill Cafe, and snapped a couple photos.  Many people had already arrived and settled in for dinner. The lovely Mrs. Rachel Neisler of the Atlanta Museum welcomed me warmly and helped me get set up. I was seated for dinner with three delightful people who had grown grandchildren, stories to tell, and great conversation to share. And then...to my right, the lady's story came out! I was sitting next to a former Harvey Girl! She was one of a group of four that had traveled from Illinois to Santa Fe in the 1940s. Oh, yes! I'm headed back to Atlanta soon for an inter...

Atlanta's beautiful library was the site of our Sunday "Route 66 in Illinois" program and book signing. The classical style octagonal building was built at the intersection of Arch and Race Streets in 1908 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been beautifully maintained and contains the original book stacks. Recent restoration work has enhanced the structure and made the lower level more functional for a variety of activities. Bill Thomas and Rachel Neisler, directors, were gracious hosts. An attentive crowd assembled and stayed engaged with our tales as we ran a bit long with the program, as we tend to do. There are so many great Illinois Route 66 stories and we want to share as many as we can! Nice people, a pretty day, and one of our favorite towns on the Illinois section of Route 66 all contributed to a very pleasant afternoon. Atlanta has one of the shortest but sweetest streetscapes on the Illinois route. The restored Palms Grill Ca...

Yesterday and today I spent in Williamsville and Atlanta, Illinois. Although still tired from the whirlwind Carthage MO trip over the weekend, I took off yesterday morning from Edwardsville. This trip, it was just me and my Prius. In Sherman, I met up with Josh and Wendy Friedrich at a newer restaurant, Fire and Ale , for an excellent lunch and good conversation. Then it was on up the road a few more miles to the Williamsville Historical Museum - the "Box Car Museum." Josh grew up in Williamsville plus earlier this year he researched and wrote the nomination for the Fawns family's service stations for the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame. Between Josh and the helpful staff at the museum, I acquired more information and photos for our (Joe Sonderman and me) upcoming "Route 66 in Illinois" book. Josh took me on both a walking and a driving tour. Here are a few scenes from small but charming Williamsville.     This morning I actually slept in. In fact, ...