Two Cell Jail: Gardner, IL



The earliest historical site located within Gardner is the Two Cell Jailhouse. Built in 1906 and was in operation until the late 1950s. The white brick structure is probably the most "advertised" attraction in Gardner but the most forgotten thanks to the Riviera roadhouse and streetcar. As you enter the downtown, signs will point you in its direction.



It has been restored by the community and holds a strong presence near Gardner's downtown area.

Vistitors are now encouraged to "go behind bars" and have their own photo taken.

The Christian Christiansen Memorial is alos located on the property. Christiansen was a Norwegian man who was pivotial in preventing the Nazis in WWII  from obtaining atomic weapons. The King of Norway even issued a letter praising his accomplishments.

Dwight, IL: Ambler's Texaco Station

Ambler's Texaco Station was built in 1933 by Jack Shore. It featured the common architectural gas station design know as the "house and canopy" or domestic style.



The filling station had many owners over the years, but the most prominent one remains Basil "Tubby" Ambler who owned and operated the station between 1938-1966. Today the station is still refered to as the "Ambler's Texaco Station."



Even with that, the Station is also known as Becker's Marathon Gas Station when Phil Becker took over in 1970. For 26 years, Becker and his wife Debbie operated the station. In 1996, the couple leased the building to an auto repair business.



The station last dispensed gasoline in 1999 and was the longest operating gas station along the Route.



The building was donated to the village of Dwight. It took between to 2005-2007 for the station to be restored to its 1940s look. The station was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 2001. Today, it serves as a welcome center to travelers on the Route.