The Riviera-- Gardner, Illinois-- Part 2

John and Lenore Weiss, Mr. and Mrs. Route 66 in Illinois, had an article on the Riviera in the Spring issue of the Route 66 Association of Illinois' 66 News.

There were quite a few pictures, including ones of the place in the past, one of the Krafts shortly after they took over in 1973 and a recent one from December 2008.

Some interesting facts about the Riviera from their article:

** Opened by Jim and Rose Girot to service the needs of people traveling the new hard road called Route 66 in 1928.

** The building originally was made of a Methodist church and school from Braidwood and the other a payroll mining office from South Wilmington.

** Named Riviera by Rose because of its location on the Mazon River.

** Gasoline pumps were once located on the property.

** During Prohibition, a speakeasy located in the basement. Al Capone and his brother Ralph were often seen at the place. (Of course, it seems any place standing back in the 20s were visited by Al Capone.)

** The basement tap room built to resemble a cool cave, even to false stalactites hanging from the ceiling. This being before air conditioning, the coolness of the basement was a welcome respite to hot travelers on 66.

More to Come. --RoadDog