Illinois State Police Office: Pontiac, Illinois Part 2 January 31, 2008
Posted by dr. gonzo in Architecture, History, National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Route 66.add a comment
Just south of Pontiac on Old U.S. Route 66 is an Illinois State Police Office, now abandoned, that was built during World War II and served as the Illinois State Police District 6 headquarters until it was vacated in 2004. The Art Moderne (closely related to Art Deco) building gives off a sleek, streamlined look through its use of glass bricks, curved corners and smooth surfaces.
1941 Illinois State Police Office – Pontiac
U.S. Route 66: Pontiac, Illinois January 30, 2008
Posted by dr. gonzo in Architecture, Courthouses, History, National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Route 66.4 comments
Leaving Dwight and Odell you next come to Pontiac along the historic stretch of Route 66, there are a couple old cafes to see for hardcore enthusiasts, but I went straight for the architecture along the route, and anyone who goes should see these sites.
U.S. Route 66: Cayuga to Chenoa, Illinois January 19, 2008
Posted by dr. gonzo in History, National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Route 66.2 comments
The 18.2 mile section of U.S Route 66 roadbed from the southwest corner of Odell Township to just north of Chenoa, Illinois, is one of several in the state listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We have taken a look at some of the structures that line The Mother Road over the past few days but the road itself holds important historic significance. This stretch goes through Pontiac, Illinois (home to a state correctional facility I once toured as a wee lad), but before you get to Pontiac, there’s The Mother Road.
U.S. Route 66: Odell, Illinois January 18, 2008
Posted by dr. gonzo in Architecture, History, National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Route 66.add a comment
It took me a minute to find it, the treasure that was off the beaten path in Odell. Odell is a small village south of Dwight along Old U.S. Route 66. Like Dwight, Odell is home to a fully restored house and canopy style gas station of an era when Route 66 meant a special kind of freedom. I absolutely loved this building, its shingled surface, contrasting blue and white paint and restored interior all brought the smell of petrol and burnt rubber wafting into my nostrils.
U.S. Route 66: Dwight, Illinois January 15, 2008
Posted by dr. gonzo in Architecture, History, National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Route 66.add a comment
We’ll get back to the extreme northern fringes of Illinois, including Belvidere, soon, for now we must jaunt southward, along Illinois 47 until we hit Livingston County, a place where we can get our kicks.
Route 66 through Illinois, St. Louis to Chicago — The Mother Road. I wrote up a bit for Wikipedia on this topic too, but I left it unfinished, you will find the link at the bottom of this page with several other useful resources. The topic of Route 66 likely conjures all sorts of imagery in your mind. But it needn’t remain melded to your brain, no! It can be seen, just a short drive from the stateline area. Livingston County is a great spot to see it, in all its glory. The communities of Dwight and Pontiac are particular gems. Other communites, such as Odell have their qualities too, and the wonders don’t cease at the Livingston-McLean County line. I doubt this can be covered in just one post, there are buildings and roads to discuss. Onward! Follow me on a little journey I took.
(more…)
From the Gonzo 