Romeoville in Will County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Good Eating on Route 66
The White Fence Farm Story
Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 1, 2020
1. Good Eating on Route 66 Marker
A prominent Chicago citizen, Stuyvesant Peabody, had a theory: “People would enjoy a simple menu of superior food served in an attractive farm atmosphere.” In the early 1920s, he built White Fence Farm in present-day Romeoville on twelve acres of a 450-acre farm. It was an instant success with suburban Chicago. In 1926, Joliet Road was designated Route 66 and the farm became a favorite stop for travelers.
The Owners
Stuyvesant Peabody, President of Peabody Coal Company, founded the White Fence Farm. The Currier and Ives prints in the restaurant are from his private collection.
Robert and Doris Hastert bought the business in 1954. Their son, Robert, Jr., continues the tradition. The menu still features “The World’s Greatest Chicken” served family style.
(photo caption:)
Chicagoans could take a 40 minute drive on Route 66 for fine dining in a country setting.
“…I am sure you will like this place to eat. One of the pleasant features is that while awaiting a table or after eating you can play shuffleboard, croquet, ping-pong, pitch quoits, or simply sit on the terrace and enjoy the music…” – Duncan Hines, Food Critic, 1935.
Erected 2011 by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
Topics and series. This historical
this page online
Location. 41° 40.551′ N, 88° 3.423′ W. Marker is in Romeoville, Illinois, in Will County. Marker can be reached from Joliet Road (Old U.S. 66) south of Bluff Road. Marker is in front of the restaurant. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1376 Joliet Rd, Romeoville IL 60446, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. North View Elementary School (approx. 1.6 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Du Page (approx. 4.1 miles away); The McDonald Farm (approx. 5.1 miles away); Romeoville, Illinois (approx. 5.3 miles away); Patrick Fitzpatrick House (approx. 5.3 miles away); Lockport Works World War II Memorial (approx. 5.7 miles away); Gaylord Donnelly Canal Trail Mile Marker 29.1 (approx. 5.9 miles away); Abraham Lincoln (approx. 5.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Romeoville.
More about this marker. Marker was dedicated on June 30, 2011.
Also see . . .
1. White Fence Farm. Wikipedia entry:
In addition to the main location
Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 1, 2020
2. Good Eating on Route 66 Marker
White Fence Farm website homepage:
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
2. Village of Romeoville - Route 66 Marker White Fence Farm. YouTube video (5m 43s):
From the Village of Romeoville (VOR-TV), this was uploaded on August 2011, which features the opening of this marker in front of the White Fence Farm restaurant. Many locals showed up for the event. (Submitted on February 17, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 207 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 1, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
