Elkhart in Logan County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Route 66 in Elkhart

Catering to Travelers

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 27, 2020

1. Route 66 in Elkhart Marker

Inscription. Downtown businesses thrived when Route 66 ran through Elkhart. In 1938, The House by the Side of the Road cafe had an unforgettable customer when actress Shirley Temple stopped for lunch. Afterward, owner J. Smith put a cardboard likeness of the child star and an autographed menu on the table and permanently roped it off.

(photo captions:)
Before stopping for lunch in Elkhart, Shirley Temple and her entourage attended the premiere of her movie "Little Miss Broadway" in Springfield.

Tierney's Shell Station and Roof Garden
Tierney's was one of four gas stations in Elkhart. The Roof Garden was a favorite place to play cards.

Erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Women. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.

Location. 40° 1.209′ N, 89° 28.911′ W. Marker is in Elkhart, Illinois, in Logan County. Marker is at the intersection of Governor Oglesby Street and North Bogardus Street, on the left when traveling east on Governor Oglesby Street. Marker is next to Village Hall. Touch for map

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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 209 Governor Oglesby St, Elkhart IL 62634, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lincoln-Latham-Douglas at the Kentucky House (a few steps from this marker); Heritage Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln With John Dean Gillett (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elkhart Public Library (about 400 feet away); 1917 Krupp K-14 Light Artillery Cannon (about 400 feet away); Elkhart Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); Lincoln's Elkhart Connection (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elkhart.

More about this marker. This is one of nine Wayside Exhibits erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byways that has an interpretive statue next to it.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 27, 2020

2. Route 66 in Elkhart Marker

Shown next to its supplemental interpretive statue. Shirley Temple is depicted as the little girl sitting down.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 27, 2020

3. Route 66 in Elkhart Marker

Next to Elkhart Village Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 266 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 27, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.