Route 66 in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois-- Part 1

May 1st.

Towanda was the southernmost town on the Red Carpet Corridor and we decided to spend the night in Normal, just to the south.

We took Route 66 out of Towanda even though we almost always get on I-55 and bypass B-N. We did this even though every time in the past that we have tried to take 66 through the two towns, we have gotten lost, usually in the subdivision north of Normal.

Even though 66 signage in Illinois is the best along the whole route, B-N for some unknown reason is the worst stretch. It is almost like the towns do not want heritage travelers driving through.

We passed the wonderful Route 66 trail created by Fred Walk and his Normal High School students and into the aforementioned subdivision. We were shocked, neigh, flabbergasted, to be able to follow signage through the subdivision.

We were able to see the Sprague Super Service Station at 305 Pine Street, a two-story Tudor revival building dating to 1932 when it was a combination gas station, cafe and garage with living quarters on the second floor. It closed in 1976 and was in danger of falling apart, but recently efforts have been made to save it, although it looks as if little has been done.

Just down the street, at 208 Pine Street is another former gas station now being used for other purposes. Both former stations are on the 1926-1940 alignment.

We continued on Route 66 past part of Illinois State University and some fraternity houses to Business US-51 which was aligned with 66 at one time. Took it past Monical's Pizza in Normal at 1219 S. Main Street, which is in the original 1934 Steak 'n Shake building. Too bad Steak 'n Shake can't buy it back and turn it into a restaurant like the one in Springfield, Missouri.

(This information taken from David Wickline's "Images of 66 Vol. 2.)

Could B-N Be starting to get 66 Crazy? --RoadDog