In 1879, Leslie E. Keeley, M.D., a Civil War surgeon; Major Curtis J. Judd, a retired Army officer and bookkeeper; and John R. Oughton, a chemist, formed the first institution to recognize and medically treat alcoholism as a disease. The Leslie E. . . . — — Map (db m158335) HM
The architecture of Dwight has always attracted Route 66 travelers. The Keeley Institute for treating alcoholism was founded here and brought the Village national attention. As the institute gained popularity, Dwight became a “model . . . — — Map (db m158401) HM
Built in 1933, Ambler's Texaco was the longest operating service station to pump gas on historic Route 66.
Recognized by Hampton Hotels Save-A-Landmark program as a site worth seeing — — Map (db m189147) HM
The village of Cardiff was built on this site in 1899, after the discovery of
underground coal deposits. A mine was sunk and a relatively large town developed
within months. The town, originally known as North Campus, incorporated as the
Village . . . — — Map (db m47311) 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 m158308) HM
The Ambler-Becker Texaco Station operated longer than any service station on Route 66. It was run by local families for 66 years, from 1933-1999. Flats were fixed, breakdowns towed, and at times, the spirits of weary travelers restored. . . . — — Map (db m158375) HM
During the heyday of Route 66 from the 1930s to the 50s, there were no motel chains. Instead, local families operated small campgrounds, cabins, and motor courts. The Paulsen-Strufe Motel, built in 1935, was more than just a place to stay; it . . . — — Map (db m158384) HM
The Pioneer Gothic Church was built in 1857. The Architecture is called Carpenter Gothic Architecture. One of Dwight's founders Richard P. Morgan, Jr. donated the land for the church. The Historical Society raised $29,000 to completely renovate the . . . — — Map (db m158331) HM
Lions Lake is a testament to the changing face of Route 66. Dwight started as a farming community on the Chicago & Alton Railroad. When automobiles began replacing horses, people demanded better roads. Borrow pits, like Lions Lake, supplied the . . . — — Map (db m158382) HM
The Windmill is located on what was formerly the Oughton Estate. It was built in 1896 to supply water to the Oughton Estate. In 1977 the Ohlendorf family replaced the head with a new one shipped from South America. This head was again repaired in . . . — — Map (db m187600) HM
(center:)
In Honor and Memory
of those from the
Dwight Area who died
while serving their country.
(left:)
Albert Tunberg - Army - WWI
Harald Christopher - Navy - WWII
Marion Asa - Navy - WWII
Thomas Wiemken . . . — — Map (db m158334) WM
The Citizens of Dwight would like to invite you to visit not only the four Historic Landmarks pictured above, but to view the many other historic sites nestled within our village. The Pioneer Gothic Church was built in 1857 and is presently used as . . . — — Map (db m158336) HM