Trinity Travels on Route 66!

A group of 11 of us from Auburn Trinity Lutheran Church headed out for a day of exploring the Mother Road. We started with a prayer by our pastor, Martin Kauffman. We were honored to also have our former Pastor, Richard Harre and his wife Pauline along as well. During the day along Route 66 we learned a lot, and saw several sites.

The Mother Road

I had always heard that Route 66 in Illinois begins in Chicago and goes to California. But, I never knew exactly where it originated. During the day we saw this sign that gave the details. Not long ago I was in Chicago visiting a friend that lives along the Lake Shore Dr. I didn’t realize how close I was to the beginning of this iconic road that will be turning 100 in 2026. There have been lots of new murals, and happenings getting ready for this big celebration. The Route 66 Centennial website shares their plan. “The strategy of the Route 66 Centennial is to celebrate and commemorate the historic milestone of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 – and leverage it to honor the road by helping the millions who live, work, and travel along it.”

Murals in Auburn

We began our trip in Auburn checking out the Route 66 murals. We all enjoyed the new mural on the grain bin. This is located on the Route 66 brick road. This grain bin belongs to David Moose. This portion of Route 66 is historic. Enjoy Illinois, shares the road is “Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this beautiful 1.4-mile-long piece of restored hand-laid brick road is a segment of 66 done in 1931 and placed over a concrete roadbed.“

The project was completed by Greetings Tour. They share on their story! “Greetings Tour is a nationwide mural project creating interactive & timeless landmarks through public art. Using the classic large letter postcard style, our artwork captures the pride of locals for their hometowns and sparks the interests of visitors alike. At each stop, we collaborate with local artists, businesses and residents to create
a piece of true public art that engages the local community. “

Now their work is on display in Central Illinois.

Murals in Chatham

We continued and enjoyed the Route 66 murals in Chatham. According to the Chatham Clarion, “The Village of Chatham is the latest central Illinois community to have its own Route 66-themed mural, which was recently added to the side of the building on the west side of Route 4 at West Mulberry Street. It is part of a series of murals connecting cities and villages along the Illinois & Michigan National Heritage Corridor (Chicago area).”

We drove past an early Lutheran church that is now another denomination. Next, we headed for the amazing Ace Sign Museum.

Tour at the Ace Sign Museum

Keith and I visited the Ace Sign museum when Playing Tourist in our own backyard. A visit to the Ace Sign Museum is a glittering experience.  Depending on your history, you will be looking up, you will remember this and that because, this visit is literally a walk-through time. 

Trinity members were looking every which way as Dennis Bringuet shared stories of the signs on display. Dennis is now retired from Ace Sign Museum. He was the 5th generation working at the company.  During the tour, my husband Keith, and I saw signs that had personal memories for us. There was Arts Restaurant and Motel where we ate almost once a week. That was back when our landlord Bob Reichert and his wife Betty were alive, and still farming.

Ace Sign brings back memories!

Recalling blasts from the past was true for others on the tour as well. The Ace Sign Museum is filled with over 85 historic signs from Springfield and Route 66. Although hard to see, there is a signature of the Ace Sign Museum by Dennis’s grandfather. Dennis joked that their hand painted lettering lasted longer than Chevrolet’s paint job!

The museum features several notable signs including a 12’ tall 1953 Neon Pepsi Bottle Cap. There was a sign that once identified the Great Western Depot where Lincoln gave his farewell speech.  Another outstanding sign is the WATCH sign from the Illinois Watch Co. and many more. I was enthralled with the disco ball looking “sputnik” sign from the Bel-Aire Manor that has a retro neon vibe.

Dennis provided us with an excellent tour. You can tour twice daily at 10:00am and 2:00pm Monday-Friday. Trinity Travel had a great time learning about Route 66 and beyond!

Cozy Dog Drive In!

What could be more iconic than lunch at the Cozy Dog Drive In on South Sixth Street? The Cozy Dog Drive In has a long history with Route 66. Then there is the Cozy Dog that Ed Waldmire created. Today they are still serving up great diner food.

Cozy Dog offers a museum type experience for Route 66 lovers.  Several Trinity members tried out the Cozy Dog invented at the diner. Keith and I opted for the double cheeseburger special of the day.

Art by Bob Waldmire is also on display. He was an artist who created pictures up and down Route 66 in a van. The vehicle is now on display in Pontiac, Illinois at the Route 66 Museum.  Several examples of Bob’s art is on display at Cozy Dog, along with Route 66 history and items for sale.

If nothing else, the Cozy Dog is a place begging for photo ops. Who doesn’t want their picture taken in front of this Cozy Dog sign?

Route 66 Experience

This past summer, Keith and I checked out the Illinois Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Today was a perfect sunny day to check out the Experience. The Fairgrounds doesn’t require a reservation. The Experience is free and open every day of the year. While early evening is the best time to enjoy the colorful neon signs, we were there in broad daylight. Still, it was great fun seeing everyone check out the stories, signs, and road history!

Details of the Route 66 Experience

The Experience highlights businesses in the 92 communities along the Illinois Route. The Mother Road begins in Chicago and ends at the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison.

The signs at the Experience were designed by the Ace Sign Co. Museum. The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience was led by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway in coordination with Visit Springfield, Ace Sign Company, Illinois Department of Agriculture and Enjoy Illinois.  Funding was provided by two DCEO tourism grants.  The Route 66 Centennial will be celebrated nationwide in 2026!

Trinity Travels enjoyed a day of fun. What stops have you been too? Where did you get your kicks on Route 66?