Meramec Caverns Barn: Cayuga, IL

Cayuga, IL is one of those places that can be describe as forgettable. There isn't much to this tiny town in Livingston County. All that dot the countryside are fields, barns and more farmland. But look closely and you can discover a hidden treasure of Route 66's golden days; a newly restored Meramec Caverns barn.



Meramec Caverns owner Lester Dill found a new way to advertise his attraction in Stanton, Missouri. He offered to paint various barns across the country with the name of his establishment. Many farmers accepted his offer and the the famous Meramec Caverns advertising was born. Today, Cayuga and Hamel are the only two Illinois towns along Route 66 with Meramec barns. This barn in Cayuga was restored by the Route 66 Association of Illinois Preservation Committee in 1998. Illinois Department of Transportation has even made a turnout near the site where passerbys can safely exited and view the barn.

Historic Streetcar Diner: Gardner, IL

I decided to head to the town of Gardner, IL; home the famous Streetcar Diner.



The current location was not the original one of this relic. In fact, it was a working Pullman streetcar in Kankakee, IL. When electric streetcars became the newest rage, those that could not be converted (such as this one) were sold as scrap. George Kaldem bought the car in 1932 in hopes of opening a roadside diner along Route 66.



During this time, the diner became an "unofficial Greyhound bus stop." The popular spot ran as a business for 7 years. After that time, it was moved in 1937 where it served as cottage and a children's playhouse.



In 1955, the streetcar diner was once again moved, this time to its present location behind the Riviera Roadhouse. Unfortunately, the forgotten little diner was left to deteriorate in the elements of Gardner's weather.



Luckily for us history buffs, the Route 66 Association of Illinois Preservation Committee saw the streetcar as valuable to the story of the old road. It took 5 years for the preservation efforts of the Committee to be realized and the trolley was restored to its former glory. It still remains behind the Riviera, has a working trolley bell and been named the "66 Cafe." So keep on eye on the road and visit the hidden gem; the Historic Streetcar Diner of Gardner, IL.

Prelude

As a child, I grew up seeing the "Historic Route 66" signs up around town. I would ask my dad, "What was that?" He would often reply, "Oh, it's just an old road." I never really thought much more of it. Eventually I moved away from the old road. It was out of my sight and thoughts.



But it wasn't until recently, that the interest took shape once again. I had just started at Loyola University and frankly I became a little overwhelmed. I needed to get away. I hopped in the car and drove south. As I breezed past the numerous cornfields that helped to clear my head, I stumbled past the town of Gardner, IL. I knew I was far from home, but then another curious thing happened: I came across a "Historic Route 66" sign. So on a whim, I followed it. It led me through the towns of Odell and Pontiac. My first photo opportunity came by the way of the Odell Standard Oil station. Unfortunately, it was time to go. But that short trip re-sparked an interest in the Old Road. Ever since that day, I try to go down there as often as possible. As a result, I have decided to document my travels and dedicate this blog to the Historic Route 66.