Pontiac in Livingston County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Original Route 66 Wishing Well & Sign Countryside, Illinois 1941-2007

66 Roadside Attraction

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020

1. Original Route 66 Wishing Well & Sign Countryside, Illinois 1941-2007 Marker

Inscription. Route 66 has become a nostalgic symbol of Americana. This display honors just one of the many mom & pop businesses that served weary travelers on the Mother Road. At it's original location, many thousands of people from around the world stopped to make a wish at this famous well. Even though it has been moved, the magic remains.

"Yes dreams do come true on Route 66. All you have to do is believe!"

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Route 66 Roadside Attractions, and the U.S. Route 66 series lists.

Location. 40° 52.857′ N, 88° 37.746′ W. Marker is in Pontiac, Illinois, in Livingston County. Marker can be reached from North Main Street. Marker is located behind the Illinois Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum (110 West Howard Street). There is a parking lot accessible to the outdoor exhibits in the back. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 321 N Main St, Pontiac IL 61764, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Original Washington Street Route 66 Bricks (here, next to this marker); The Bob Waldmire Road Yacht (a few steps from this marker); Pontiac City Hall and Fire Station (a few steps from this marker); Historic Route 66 Illinois

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); Pontiac, Illinois (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Memorial - Livingston County Illinois (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Livingston County War Memorial (about 300 feet away); Desert Storm - War Memorial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pontiac.

Regarding Original Route 66 Wishing Well & Sign Countryside, Illinois 1941-2007. The Wishing Well Motel was located on the northeastern corner of Joliet Road at Brainard Avenue in Countryside, Illinois (west of Chicago), built in 1941. It was run by Zora Vidas and her husband until it closed in 2006. It was knocked down as it became a fire risk and many vagrants lived in it.

The motel had 10 cabins which later became one unified building with 19 units. There was a stone well here in the hotel's front yard, hence the name.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020

2. Original Route 66 Wishing Well & Sign Countryside, Illinois 1941-2007 Marker

Mounted on the back of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, with the original sign and well, which once stood in Countryside

Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 364 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 26, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.