On Old Route 66 North just south of West Kirkham Street, on the left when traveling south.
The cornerstone of the American Radiator plant was laid on June 9, 1904. The plant occupied 28 acres on the southeast edge of town and produced cast iron radiators. During World War II, it converted to the manufacture of sand-molded magnesium . . . — — Map (db m147469) HM
On Old Rte 66 N, on the right when traveling south.
Satisfying local patrons and international travelers since 1924, this landmark stop continues to attract diners who "remember where good food is served"
Route 66 Roadside Attraction Recognized by Hampton Hotels Save-A-Landmark program as . . . — — Map (db m138435) HM
On Old Route 66 N, on the right when traveling north.
During intermission, hotdogs dance across the screen, luring moviegoers to the Sky View's concession stand.
Like most outdoor theaters, the Sky View always had a busy playground below the screen where the children played before the movie began. . . . — — Map (db m138390) HM
On Old Route 66 N, on the right when traveling south.
The Shifting Highway
In 1924, Pete Adam opened the first Ariston in Carlinville next to the original alignment of Route 66. When the highway was rerouted in 1929, Pete moved his cafe next to the new 66 in Litchfield (across the street from . . . — — Map (db m147474) HM
On West Kirkham Street east of Old U.S. 66, on the right when traveling east.
George Gustavus Lafferty served as the principal of Litchfield High school from 1924-1926. He died in 1926 at the age of 53. Reports say he "brought order out of chaotic conditions in his two years' work in Litchfield. Mr. Lafferty left this . . . — — Map (db m229507) HM
In the 1800's and early 1900's, hitching posts, made of granite, concrete or cast iron, were a very common feature lining city streets. Litchfield was no exception.
This hitching post was originally in front of a house located at 718 North . . . — — Map (db m281205) HM
On West Kirkham Street east of Old U.S. 66, on the right when traveling east.
In 1876, the Litchfield Car and Machine Company was formed by David Orr Settlemire. The company was a reorganization of the Litchfield Car Manufacturing Company and the machine shops and foundry of H.H. Beach and Company which had consolidated in . . . — — Map (db m229511) HM
On Old Route 66 North south of West Kirkham Street, on the left when traveling south.
The cornerstone for the Litchfield Community High School was laid in the fall of 1923. By the spring of the next year, the building was near completion and the class of 1924 held commencement exercises in the spacious new auditorium.
The . . . — — Map (db m147471) HM
On North Old Route 66, on the right when traveling north.
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, you can still "get . . . — — Map (db m144543) HM
On Old Route 66 North south of West Kirkham Street, on the right when traveling north.
Dave Jackson, lifelong resident, and former editor of the Litchfield News Herald, wanted Litchfield to have a museum. Jackson had a large collection of Litchfield memorabilia which he hoped to share and preserve. He died in May of 2010 before his . . . — — Map (db m159654) HM
On East Union Avenue (Illinois Route 16) at North Monroe Street, on the right when traveling east on East Union Avenue.
United States Air Force Integrity First •
United States Army This We'll Defend •
United States Navy Not Self But Country •
United States Marine Corps Semper Fi •
United States Merchant Marine Act Don't Talk •
United . . . — — Map (db m237329) WM
Near Old Route 66 North south of West Kirkham Street.
In the late 1800's in Shelby County, Illinois, William W. McDaniel and his son John H. started the McDaniel & Son blacksmith and livery store. John began developing an idea to harness the abundant Illinois wind to improve farm production and rural . . . — — Map (db m159650) HM
On Old Route 66 North south of West Kirkham Street, on the right when traveling north.
Route 66, one of the original highways in the US Highway System, was established on November, 11, 1926. It became one of the most famous roads in the US, passing through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and . . . — — Map (db m159643) HM
On West Kirkham Street east of Old U.S. 66, on the right when traveling east.
The Schutt mosaic was donated to the Museum by the City of Litchfield in September of 2020. Before arriving at the Museum, it was embedded in the entryway of the building located at 409 N. State Street.
William A. Schutt established the . . . — — Map (db m229510) HM
On West Union Street at North State Street, on the right when traveling east on West Union Street.
Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. In grateful and loving memory this monument is dedicated to Litchfield's sons who died in their country's defense to preserve the freedom its citizens enjoy
Their . . . — — Map (db m237457) WM
On Old Route 66 North at West Kirkham Street, on the left when traveling south on Old Route 66 North.
Vic Suhling first leased this property from Charles and Maude Modlin. He built a new gas station and erected this Vic Suhling/Gas for Less sign. He later purchased this property from them in 1961. The business closed in 1968…. but not for long. It . . . — — Map (db m147386) HM
On Old Route 66 North west of West Kirkham Street, on the right when traveling south.
William Roy Bost came to Litchfield in the winter of 1903-1904
He owned several businesses over the years including a farm implement and buggy business. For more information, visit the display inside the museum.
Wagon donated . . . — — Map (db m281208) HM
