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

Automobile Love Affair

A Traveling Showroom

Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 1, 2020

1. Automobile Love Affair Marker

Inscription. Route 66 was a traveling showroom for new cars in the 1950s. Bold design, streamlining, chrome, and flaring fins captured people’s imagination. Ogden Avenue became a hub for automobile businesses in the Chicago area. In its heyday, the strip boasted over a dozen car dealerships. Today, Berwyn continues to celebrate its car culture.

A Car Culture is Born

Henry Ford made cars affordable in the 1920s, but by the 1930s General Motors made them fashionable and introduced new car designs every year. By 1960, Americans owned more cars than the rest of the world combined.

Ogden Top & Trim has provided nationally award-winning custom work since 1919 when Frank Nesdladek opened the firm. Three generations have helped auto lovers restore and customize their cars.

A Love Affair Continues

Many dealerships have closed, but Berwyn still celebrates its car culture. Each September, Ogden Avenue is closed to vehicle traffic as thousands flock to see the Route 66 Car Show.

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.

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41° 49.722′ N, 87° 47.335′ W. Marker is in Berwyn, Illinois, in Cook County. Marker is at the intersection of Ogden Avenue and Clarence Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Ogden Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6621 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. A Road Well Traveled (approx. 0.3 miles away); World War I Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Cruising the Strip (approx. 0.6 miles away); Berwyn, Illinois (approx. 0.6 miles away); Arthur J. Dunham Centennial Home (approx. 0.7 miles away); Eating on the Run (approx. 0.7 miles away); Illinois Open Space Lands (approx. ¾ mile away); Berwyn 9/11 Memorial (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berwyn.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 1, 2020

2. Automobile Love Affair Marker

Marker is next to the former Berwyn Route 66 Museum.

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 294 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.