Designed by Bill Diaz of Pontiac, Illinois, the "Atlanta: Midway on Illinois' Mother Road" mural captures the spirit of Atlanta's place on Rt. 66. Located approximately 150 miles from both Chicago and St. Louis, Atlanta occupies a central spot in . . . — — Map (db m160819) HM
Take a sip of Atlanta's refreshing water and enjoy a "bubbler" fountain. 1894 brought drinking fountains into downtown, a convenience for "a thirsty public" and "man and beast" as mentioned in the Atlanta Argus. — — Map (db m293923) HM
During the 1890s J.M. Judy operated his grocery store on the first floor of this, the Union Building. As the 70' x 15' mural attests, Mr. Judy also dealt in Queensware, a popular china pattern of the day, notions, and musical merchandise. Bill Diaz . . . — — Map (db m160820) HM
In its early days, weekly dances and bingo nights accompanied the blue-plate specials served at the Palms Grill Cafι. The "Grill" was also Atlanta's Greyhound bus-stop. You just turned the light on above the door if you wanted the bus to pick you . . . — — Map (db m160588) HM
"Reisch Beer will Give You Health and Strength" - or so claimed the original "Reisch Beer" mural still faintly visible on the second story, opposite side, of this building. Franz Reisch erected the building in 1894 as an outlet for the product of . . . — — Map (db m160822) HM
Political parties in 1860 often served as social clubs, as well as electoral organizations. One such group established to support Abraham Lincoln was the "Wide Awakes" - a chapter of which was formed in Atlanta, Illinois on June 22, 1860, . . . — — Map (db m160708) HM
In the 1920s the place in Atlanta for a cool ice cream soda, a fresh cigar, or a "fancy" candy treat was the Wisteria Cafι & Confectionary. Using original advertising copy from The Atlanta Argus, Nancy Bennett of Centerville, Iowa designed the . . . — — Map (db m160821) HM
This stone is from the faηade of the Atlanta Public School constructed in 1870 to replace the town's original Seminary Building. The 1870 school included 10 schoolrooms, a spacious recital hall, and an office. An $800 Seth Thomas, four-dial clock . . . — — Map (db m162539) HM
The 1870 Public School Stone is the only remnant of the town's second school. The school, destroyed by a fire in 1908, housed 10 schoolrooms, recital hall, and an office. — — Map (db m266941) HM
You may recognize this 1909 Seth Thomas clock from the former Atlanta High School. The installation occurred on May 29, 1909 and the 5 original faces ticked along until the early 1980s with the demolition of the school building. In 1979 . . . — — Map (db m293938) HM
This was the cornerstone of the Atlanta High School, constructed in 1909. When the Atlanta Community Unit School District #16 consolidated with the Olympia Community Unit School District #16 in the early 1970s, the Atlanta High School was . . . — — Map (db m162540) HM
From 1909-1980s Atlanta High School proudly stood in Atlanta, only closing its doors when Atlanta Community Unit School District #16 consolidated with the Olympia Community Unit School District #16. The demolition of the school occurred in the . . . — — Map (db m293931) HM
The Atlanta public library was founded in 1873 by public spirited citizens who realized the importance of books. In 1973, the museum was added for the purpose of preserving Atlanta's heritage. In 1979, this octagonal structure was listed on the . . . — — Map (db m56326) HM
Atlanta High School Graduate: Walter White
Walter White graduated valedictorian as the first African-American graduate in 1884. Deemed by the Atlanta Argus as a "fine scholar for his age," upon graduating. White began work as a . . . — — Map (db m293934) HM
How Did Grain Reach the Markets Where it was Sold?
By the time my Elevator was built, wooden boxcars were used to transport grain to the wholesalers and processors I sold it to. Boxcars were kept in train yards, usually in larger cities . . . — — Map (db m163163) HM
During the heyday of Rt. 66, travelers passed hundreds of signs, murals, and other forms of roadside advertising, each hoping to grab its share of attention. Among the more famous of these stood the fiberglass giants created during the 1960s by . . . — — Map (db m160586) HM
These millstones each weighing 1100 lbs. were unearthed from Kickapoo Creek (between Atlanta & Waynesville) by local residents in Aug 1988, a drought year. The mill was in operation from approx. 1848 until its collapse in 1915.
On loan by the . . . — — Map (db m160581) HM
This is one of four drinking fountains installed by the City of Atlanta in May of 1934. The fountains were located at the corners of Arch & Race Streets, Arch & Vine Streets, Vine & 1st Streets, and 1st & Race Streets. Upon the occasion, the . . . — — Map (db m160817) HM
What Powered the Elevator?
Although gravity provides the force that moves grain downward from the farmer's wagon into the receiving bin, another type of force is needed to run the conveyor belt that lifts grain up in order to place it in . . . — — Map (db m163161) HM
This field marker stone was moved in 2005 from it original location where it stood as a property line marker for a farm field adjacent to South Martin Street here in Atlanta. This particular marker is unusual per the details of its casting, most . . . — — Map (db m162543) HM
This field marker once stood as a property line marker for a farm field adjacent to South Martin Street in Atlanta. Concrete markers such as this marked the rural countryside, designating property lines. — — Map (db m293926) HM
This grain elevator was built between April and August 1904 by a local farmer and grain dealer, J.H. Hawes. This restored elevator demonstrates the general handling and storage of grain of that era. Grain was dumped into a pit and, by a system of . . . — — Map (db m162546) HM
Built in 1867, this prairie brick building nicknamed "Union Hall" holds the title as one of the oldest buildings in Atlanta. Throughout the decades, many businesses opened and closed, including J.M. Judy & Sons, a grocery store, in the 1890s. . . . — — Map (db m293954) HM
These two concrete posts were moved in 2015, from their original location at 60 NE Vine Street, where they functioned as property line markers for a lot purchased in 1906 by Mr. J.P. Hieronymus. It was there, that J.P. built his new home and the . . . — — Map (db m253208) HM
This stone was dedicated by the Atlanta, Illinois Knights of Pythias organization as a memorial to veterans of World War I. The stone was placed under a Memorial Tree on November 11, 1921. At some unknown date, the stone was removed from its . . . — — Map (db m162537) HM
Organized as Acme Lodge #332 in 1892, the Knights of Pythias's Atlanta chapter, hosted many local events. On November 11, 1921 the lodge dedicated the "Memory Tree to the memory of the unknown soldier of the domain" (Atlanta Argus). The World War . . . — — Map (db m266931) HM
Known as the "Great Illini Boulevard," Illinois State Road 4 was laid through Atlanta in 1922-23. It was the first paved road connecting Chicago and St. Louis. In 1926, it was re-designated as U.S. Route 66 taking travelers all the way to Los . . . — — Map (db m266921) HM
The 1909 Seth Thomas clock housed in this 36 foot tall tower was originally located in the Atlanta High School building, and according to a May 29, 1909 Atlanta Argus article, was installed in the town's newly constructed high school thanks to . . . — — Map (db m160578) HM
Lumi Bekteshi had never baked a pie before she began managing the Palms Grill Cafι on Route 66 in Atlanta in the spring of 2009. Three months later, she earned two first-place Blue Ribbons at the Illinois State Fair for her peach and apple . . . — — Map (db m293721) HM
Inspiration for this mural comes from Atlanta's geographic location on Route 66, approximately 150 miles from both Chicago and St. Louis. Bill Diaz of Pontiac, IL designed the original mural in 2003 during "LetterRip on Route 66." The current . . . — — Map (db m293925) HM
This giant was first located at Wades 66 service station just south of Macon, GA off exit 155. He was a part of the Phillips 66 "The Gasoline That Won the West" mid-1960s ad campaign.
Next came a stint as "Mr. Finance Giant" at C&L Motor . . . — — Map (db m293709) HM
What Did a Farmer Do at the Scale House?
If you were a farmer delivering a load of grain here at my elevator, the scale house would be the first stop upon your arrival. This is where I would weigh your wagon with its load of grain so I . . . — — Map (db m163158) HM
This Eagle was carved during the Fall Festival on September 11, 2021, the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001, to honor our First Responders. — — Map (db m266932) HM
The resemblance to Alfred E. Newman of Mad Magazine fame notwithstanding, International Fiberglass called these figures its Mortimer Snerd line of giants - a reference to famed ventriloquist, Edgar Bergan's, Mortimer Snerd dummy. Others . . . — — Map (db m266928) HM
That was the claim of Texaco's mid-1960s ad campaign - and it meant to carry it out in a big way of hiring International Fiberglass to make 300 Texaco Big Friends for this nationwide marketing effort.
Roughly seven giants were deployed per . . . — — Map (db m293717) HM
In the 20th century, road travel became the predominant means of going from point a to point b. With the increase of cars on the road, attention getters, items attracting the attention of passengers and drivers with the intended result being to . . . — — Map (db m270597) HM
What does the windmill do?
From the mid-1800s most farms around Atlanta and throughout the Midwest had a windmill on them. Windmills were used to generate the power needed to pump water into a tank for livestock to drink. Wind turns the . . . — — Map (db m162547) HM
This International Fiberglass giant started his journey in Delmar, MD where he advertised Viking Kitchen Carpet atop a store there. Sometime in the 1970s he was moved to Crisfield, MD where his new owner turned him into a Viking/Pirate by . . . — — Map (db m293719) HM
Welcome
I'm John Hardin Hawes and I built this grain elevator back in 1904. It's sixty feet tall, was in business for nearly 75 years, and is one of the few wooden grain elevators still standing in the United States. These days we aren't in . . . — — Map (db m163151) HM
As a respite for Rt. 66 travelers and other visitors, the City of Atlanta invites you to relax and enjoy the Atlanta Route 66 Park.
This Information Booth is here to provide you with information about sites to see and things to do in . . . — — Map (db m162544) HM
Atlanta boomed when Route 66 was built in the 1920s.
It didn't last. By 1947 the busy road was rebuilt to bypass town to the east. New businesses flourished on the bypass only to fail again when I-55 replaced the Mother Road in 1977. . . . — — Map (db m162545) HM
Operated for over 54 years by Ernest L. Edwards, Jr. & Family
Home of the celebrated Pig Hip Sandwich - baked fresh pork with tomato & lettuce on a toasted bun with the secret sauce
The Pig Hip Restaurant Museum with Ernie's fine personal . . . — — Map (db m156868) HM
This is a 1917 Krupp K-14 Light Artillery Cannon which was brought to the Elkhart community in the early 1920s where it was displayed at the Elkhart Community High School until the mid 1970's. The High School closed and the cannon was moved to the . . . — — Map (db m159584) HM
Northeast of this site on Elkhart Hill is Oglehurst, home and burial place of Richard J. Oglesby (1824-1899) the only three time Governor of Illinois. (1864-1872-1884) He was also a U.S. Senator and a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln. Oglesby . . . — — Map (db m156873) HM
In 1888, Mrs. Lemira Gillett promised to build a library for the citizens of Elkhart if the town was voted dry for three years. This was done, and the townspeople met in 1891 to form a Library Association. The Library was first established in a room . . . — — Map (db m159585) HM
Elkhart City in Logan County is typical of the many Illinois villages whose growth was spurred by the arrival of the railroad. Founded by John Shockey in 1855, two years after the coming the Alton and Sangamon Railroad, now the Gulf Mobile and Ohio. . . . — — Map (db m159582) HM
(left panel:)
Village History
For many years, several Indian tribes populated the area around Elkhart Hill. When James Latham, the first white settler, arrived in 1819, the area became known as Elk Heart Grove. Elkhart City was . . . — — Map (db m162651) HM
One of the three men who were responsible for the founding of the City of Lincoln, Illinois, was John D. Gillett of Cornland and Elkhart. Gillett was the primary financier of the town of Lincoln, Illinois, which was named for Gillett's personal . . . — — Map (db m159587) HM
Abraham Lincoln and later political opponent, Stephen A. Douglas, converse in front of Richard Latham's Kentucky House located on the southwest slope of what is known as Elkhart Hill. The Kentucky House was built by Latham (center) in 1828 on what . . . — — Map (db m159588) HM
(left:)
Elkhart's central location, superb soil and timberland attracted the first settlers in 1818. James Latham and his son, Richard, chose the hill's western slope to settle. Robert Latham, the youngest son, would later play a . . . — — Map (db m156859) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m156874) HM
(front of the base, the following are plaques:)
In honor of those of Elkhart community who gave much in winning the World War and in memory of those who gave their all, this memorial is dedicated.
Dedicated to those of the Elkhart . . . — — Map (db m163372) WM
Near this site Abraham Lincoln christened the Town with the juice of a watermelon when the first lots were sold on August 27, 1853.
President-Elect Lincoln spoke here, November 21, 1860, while traveling to Chicago, and Lincoln's Funeral Train . . . — — Map (db m12347) HM
(above title:)
This exhibit was donated to Postville Courthouse, State Historic Site by Bernard & Anastasia Behrends
May 2008
(below title:)
Judge Treat, Sheriff Deskins and Abraham Lincoln are shown conversing in . . . — — Map (db m159468) HM
In Eternal Memory of those from Lincoln and Logan County who served their country in all her wars, and of their Gold Star Mothers and Widows, we dedicate this park. From these grounds those who served entrained to answer their Countrys call. . . . — — Map (db m12443) HM
On this site Dr. John Deskins erected a tavern in 1836. Abraham Lincoln, David Davis and other lawyers frequently stayed overnight here while the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court was in session at the Postville Court House. The judge, lawyers, . . . — — Map (db m56327) HM
This property has been
placed on the
National Register
of
Historic Homes and Places
by the United States
Department of Interior
Built in 1874 — — Map (db m270604) HM
Deskins Inn was a stopping place for lawyers and judges who worked the old 8th Judicial Circuit in Central Illinois during the 1840s. This location was significant because it was directly across the street from the Postville Courthouse. A replica of . . . — — Map (db m159466) HM
In 1770, a group of Kickapoo Indians captured Ann Gilham and her 3 children from their cabin in Kentucky, and forced them to travel to this site known as Kickapoo Town, and was held in captivity for 2 years. Later, was ransomed by the husband, James . . . — — Map (db m159309) HM
George Washington was President in 1790 when a group of Kickapoo braves captured Ann Gilham, her daughter and 2 sons from their Kentucky cabin and forced them to travel overland to this place - known as Kickapoo Town, a major Kickapoo village in . . . — — Map (db m159311) HM
The Lincoln Chautauqua was a popular educational movement from 1902 to 1937. When Chautauqua came to town, it brought speakers, teachers, musicians and entertainers of the day. The grounds had approximately 100 private cottages with lights, water . . . — — Map (db m159310) HM
On Abraham Lincoln's last birthday, February 12, 1865, ground was broken for Lincoln University, now Lincoln College. The town proprietors, Robert B. Latham, John D. Gillett and Virgil Hickox, donated the tract of land for the original campus, and . . . — — Map (db m105968) HM
The Lincoln Public Library is a fine example of public neo-classical construction. This W.A. Otis structure was completed in 1903. A stained glass dome and oak woodwork highlight the interior. Major benefactors were Steven Foley who guided its . . . — — Map (db m105969) HM
Mr. Lincoln in Logan County
[Correspondence of the Press and Tribune, Chicago]
Lincoln, Logan Co., IL., Oct. 16, 1858
This is a glorious day for little Logan. Abe Lincoln has just closed one of his noblest efforts here. The crowd in . . . — — Map (db m159839) HM
In the Spring of 1876 a gang of counterfeiters plotted to steal the body of Abraham Lincoln from the Tomb in Springfield, Illinois. Hoping to be paid a ransom of $200,000.00 and the release of one of their gang, Ben Boyd, their engraver, who was in . . . — — Map (db m12319) HM
(front:)
Route 66, the Mother Road, is an American icon that symbolizes romance and freedom of the open road. Born in 1926, Route 66 was one of the first numbered U.S. highways, journeying 2,500 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Today, . . . — — Map (db m158187) HM
Town Christening Site
On August 27, 1853 the first sale of lots in the new town of Lincoln took place near this spot. In attendance was Abraham Lincoln, in whose honor the town had been named. Nothing with the name of Lincoln has ever . . . — — Map (db m12305) HM
Abraham Lincoln owned this lot here at 523 Pulaski Street. Lincoln acquired this original Town Lot Three in Block Nineteen from James Primm. Lincoln had endorsed a $400 note for Primm and on March 11, 1858, Primm deeded the lot to Lincoln to . . . — — Map (db m159467) HM
On this site stood two former Logan County Courthouses in which Abraham Lincoln practiced law from 1856 to until elected President. During the March term, 1859, Lincoln substituted for David Davis as the presiding judge of the Logan County Circuit . . . — — Map (db m105970) HM
Addy, George Allen, Charles C. Allen, I.N. Allen, John H. Allen, Levi Allman, Lewis J. Allsop, Edwin Ambrose, Levi P. Andrews, Nelson Applegit, Robert Asberry, Franklin Ashurst, John K. Atwell, Albert Ayers, Newton Baker, . . . — — Map (db m159838) HM WM
From 1839 to 1848 the seat of Logan County was Postville, which centered in the Court House located on this site. In this structure Abraham Lincoln, a member of the Traveling Bar of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, attended court twice a year. — — Map (db m12185) HM
Abraham Lincoln practiced law here from 1840-1847. This site is located on the original alignment of Route 66 through Lincoln, Illinois. Free admission. — — Map (db m156851) HM
In 1835 Russell Post, a Baltimore adventurer, laid out the town of Postville which became the first Logan County seat. The town square is now Postville Park. Here Abraham Lincoln and his friends played townball a predecessor of baseball, threw the . . . — — Map (db m106028) HM
Route 66 promised travelers fun and adventure along the road. The Railsplitter Covered Wagon honors Abraham Lincoln in the only town named for him before he became president. It holds the Guinness World Record as the largest covered wagon and . . . — — Map (db m159307) HM
On this site stood the home of Robert B. Latham who joined John D. Gillett and Virgil Hickox to found the town of Lincoln in 1853. Abraham Lincoln, judges and lawyers of the eighth judicial circuit were frequent guests in his home. — — Map (db m147790) HM
At this site was located the law office of Samuel C. Parks - a friend of Abraham Lincoln. Born in Vermont in 1820, he eventually moved to Logan County, where he served with Lincoln on the Eighth Judicial Circuit. The two men shared law offices in . . . — — Map (db m12352) HM
On this site during the senatorial campaign of 1858 Stephen A. Douglas spoke to a Democratic political rally in a circus tent on September 4th. Douglas' opponent for the Senate seat, Abraham Lincoln, was on the train from Bloomington to Springfield . . . — — Map (db m105971) HM
This internationally known African-American author (1902-1967) acknowledges in his autobiography The Big Sea that he wrote his first poem while attending Central School here in Lincoln. Ethel Welch, his eighth grade teacher, asked him to write . . . — — Map (db m105976) HM
On this site the Town proprietors erected the original Lincoln House in 1854.
Leonard Volk met Abraham Lincoln on the sidewalk in front of the hotel on July 16, 1858, and arranged to make Lincoln's life mask later. — — Map (db m12349) HM
The Mill opened in 1929 on the original alignment of Route 66, it became famous as a sandwich stand and then a Bar/Restaurant. The Mill is now being restored as a museum. Open by appointment. — — Map (db m156855) HM
The Niebuhr family, called “The Trapp Family of Theology” by Time magazine, produced four distinguished professors of Christian studies. In 1902, the Rev. Gustav and Lydia Niebuhr came to Lincoln, where he became pastor of St. Johns . . . — — Map (db m105975) HM
A Family Business - The Early Years
Vince Schwenoha opened the Tropics in 1950, naming it in remembrance of his military tour of duty spent in Hawaii. In 1951, Lewis Lee Johnson came to Lincoln from Macomb, Illinois as a meat cutter with . . . — — Map (db m159304) HM
William Maxwell (1908-2000), author and editor, lived in this home from 1910-1920. He often returned to this home and Lincoln in his novels and short stories. His Midwestern childhood, particularly his mother's death in the Spanish influenza . . . — — Map (db m106025) HM
(United States Marine Corps:)
Jon D. Baker
James A. Collins
David L. Jones
Ronnie R. Landers
Andrew G. Richard
Michael T. Scroggin
(United States Army:)
Carson G. Culleton
Raymond L. Gee Jr.
Charles E. . . . — — Map (db m160248) WM
The oldest brick building in Logan County.
Imagine Abe Lincoln, with his long legs stretched to the pickle barrel, swapping tall tales. — — Map (db m267009) HM
The village of Middletown was founded by Hiram S. Allen on October 13, 1832. It is the oldest town in Logan County. Logan County was created out of Sangamon County in 1839.
Abraham Lincoln, then living in New Salem, witnessed the deed to the . . . — — Map (db m267006) HM
Oct. 9, 1911-Vin Fiz, built by the Wright Brothers, piloted by Calbraith Perry Rodgers, Armours sponsored, landed on Harmon Hinck's farm. This first transcontinental flight, also carried first Illinois air mail from Peoria to Springfield.
1926 . . . — — Map (db m267017) HM
Middletown was founded in 1832 by Hiram S. Allen. Middletown was an excellent business location because stagecoaches already ran through the area, going from Springfield to Galena, carrying both passengers and mail. The first lot to be sold in . . . — — Map (db m41279) HM
(front plaque:)
In memory of the men and women of Middletown and the surrounding community who served with honor in World War II
1941-1946
Albert Johnson Earl Baker James Howell Wilbur Mann George Harris Homer Harris . . . — — Map (db m267015) WM
The historic race between a Wright Brothers bi-plane (2 wings) and an Illinois Central Steam train took place September 29, 1910 from Washington Park in Chicago to the State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
Wilbur Wright was a passenger on the train. . . . — — Map (db m12323) HM
Mid-19th Century Lawyers riding the eighth judicial circuit sometimes found that local accommodations left much to be desired. If they were lucky, a prosperous local resident would invite them into their home. If not, they were at the mercy of . . . — — Map (db m41239) HM
Lincoln illustrator Lloyd Ostendorf imagined this scene in connection with Mt. Pulaski's "cast iron tombstone" case that Lincoln handled on appeal in the Illinois Supreme Court in Springfield (1859). Two local residents separately sued Reuben Miller . . . — — Map (db m41242) HM
Mt. Pulaski served as the seat of Logan County from 1848 to 1853. The First County Court was at Postville, now part of Lincoln, Illinois.
In 1848 Logan County voters approved the removal of the Court from Postville to Mt. Pulaski. Local citizens . . . — — Map (db m12327) HM
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