Berwyn in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Cruising the Strip

Route 66 on Ogden Avenue

Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 1, 2020

1. Cruising the Strip Marker

Inscription. Ogden Avenue was designed for automobiles when the car was king of American culture. A wide street lined with drive-through businesses and convenient parking served both travelers and residents. Drive-in restaurants, service stations, and auto dealerships sprang up on Ogden to cater to a mobile society.

Drive-ins, like Mac’s in Berwyn, became popular hangouts for kids cruisin’ the Ogden strip. Patrons paid just $1 for 8 burgers in 1957.

“Teenagers” and Cars

After World War II, new cars flooded the market. Teenagers (a new term in the 50s) embraced the car culture. Rock music, movies, and drag racing romanticized cars, individualism, and rebellion.

Serving the Car Culture

Ogden Avenue has served drivers since its earliest days. The Hendry Sinclair Station, on the corner of Ogden and Harlem, offered 24-hour service as early as 1932. White Castle, on that same corner, was open for a fast burger in 1939.

Erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list.

Location. 41° 49.519′

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N, 87° 47.92′ W. Marker is in Berwyn, Illinois, in Cook County. Marker is at the intersection of Ogden Avenue and Wenonah Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Ogden Avenue. Marker is in front of Berwyn's Toy & Trains store. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7025 Ogden Ave, Berwyn IL 60402, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eating on the Run (approx. 0.2 miles away); Automobile Love Affair (approx. 0.6 miles away); Arthur J. Dunham Centennial Home (approx. 0.7 miles away); Berwyn 9/11 Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); World War I Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); A Road Well Traveled (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named World War I Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Illinois Open Space Lands (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berwyn.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 1, 2020

2. Cruising the Strip Marker

Marker, or Wayside Exhibit, is in front of Berwyn's Toy & Trains store on Ogden.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 349 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.