On the Road to See the Eagles-- Part 9-- Lincoln Highway

As usual, we missed the route to I-88 and ended up on I-80 going east. They should really put up directional signs along I-280. We ended up driving through some mighty pretty farmland and small towns to get north to I-88. A real winter wonderland all decked out in white.

Took I-88 to Dixon, then cruised the Lincoln Highway (Il-38) the rest of the way to Dekalb.


FRANKLIN GROVE

Finally got the opportunity to stop at the Lincoln Way Cafe in Franklin Grove. It's been closed the last several times. They are open for breakfast and lunch and have really great prices. Liz and I had the $6.25 perch dinner which came with soup or salad, rolls, two big filets, steamed vegetables, potatoes, and ice cream. All the sandwich meals were under $5!!

They have a map of the whole Lincoln Highway along one wall with Franklin Grove in big print. There is also a picture of downtown Franklin Grove in the twenties or thirties. Well worth a stop.

Went across the street to the H.L. Lincoln store which now serves as the visitors center for the Lincoln Highway. I was told that the recent PBS special on the road has drawn a lot of inquiries and interest as well as 30 new members to the LHA. The story behind the paintings in the cafe was that they were done by a guy named Barnum who is related to famous circus guy P.T. Barnum. So, the Lincoln Highway has its own artist like Route 66 has Bob Waldemire.

Several trains rumbled by while in the cafe and Lincoln building. Imagine trains in this part of Illinois? Of course, Rochelle, train capital of Illinois, is right down the road.

Liz did not want to take the old unpaved stretch of the Lincoln between FG and Ashton, however.

More to Come, But About Home. --RoadDog