The First Dairy Queen Was on Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois-- Part 1

From the Dec. 31, 2010, Chicago Tribune "Joliet makes site of 1st Dairy Queen a landmark" by Caryn Rousseau.

Joliet is known for its old prison, munitions plant, churches, that great old theater and, of course, the Blues Brothers. But, not many people know the city was also the site of the very first Dairy Queen right there on 501 N. Chicago Street, which at one time was also known as Route 66.

The former site was recently given landmark status by Joliet. This spring there will be a ceremony to dedicate a plaque at the building.

The 100+ year-old two-story peppermint green building still stands, but today is home to apartments and a Spanish-language store front church.

I'm glad the city did this. I know John Weiss has been working a long time to have the city do this, so thank you John.

Too bad Dairy Queen doesn't come back, buy it and turn it into a museum/store to mark their heritage.

Cont. Jan. 24th.

Way to Go, Joliet!! --RoadDog