US Tidbits

This week's American Profile Magazine, in its "Tidbits: Did You Know... section had several interesting bits.


ILLINOIS-- "Built in 1932 along US Route 66, the Standard Oil Station in Odell (pop. 1,014) has been fully restored. It doesn't serve gas, but serves as a visitors center and a reminder of the many gas stations that once flourished along the famous highway."

Made my day to see this, as it is one of my favorites and a real credit to John and Lenore Weiss' efforts to restore things along the Mother Road. Great place to start or end a 66 trip.

Most every year, the Route 66 Association of Illinois' Preservation Committee meets there to work on the place for food. "We work for food" as they say.

There is also a neat old travel trailer on the grounds.

North of this, there is the Ambler-Beckler station in Dwight, and south of Odell is the Meramec Caverns sign painted on the side of a barn, one of the few remaining along 66 and I-55. This also is maintained by the Preservation Committee. Then there is that great town of Pontiac with all its Route 66-related things.

It's a Red Carpet Thing, You Know. --RoadDog