Looping Route 66: May 5 Finally on Route 66

May 5 105 miles Chicago to Pontiac, IL.

Our first real full day on Route 66. Out of Chicago before 9AM. Traffic not too bad but we travel the first 1-1/2 hours through urban congestion with constant stop and go due to relentless traffic lights that are never in sync. We finally arrive in Joliet. This was a major crossroads during the heyday of Route 66 as it crossed Hiway 30 (The Lincoln Hiway) in the center of town. Couple of quick stops for photo ops.

The Dancing Blues Brothers atop the Rich and Creamy ice cream stand.

The Rialto Square Theatre - a beautifully restored 1926 Neo-Baroque Styled Theatre

Next stop in Joliet was the Illinois State Prison at Joliet later called Joliet Correctional Center but now just referred to as The Old Joliet Prison. Opened in 1858 and finally closed in 2002. Built with prison labor using native limestone quarried on site. The building itself is architecturally foreboding but gorgeous. It's recent claim to fame for most people was it's starring role in The Blue's Brother's movie. It starts with John Belushi's character Joliet Jake leaving the prison to meet his brother Elwood Blues played by Dan Aykroyd. The city recently took over ownership of the site from the state and they're working hard on restorations efforts with the end result being an historical landmark, tourist attraction, and museum. In the meantime, the city has fully embraced their Blues Brothers connection.

Joliet is sort of the dividing line where you leave the urbaness surrounding Chicago and finally start getting more into open 2-lane roads. Our next stop was Wilmington, IL . Home to The Launching Pad Restaurant. They make an awesome chocolate malt milkshake, but even better it's the home to the iconic 28' tall Gemini Giant. Large structures like these helped lure tourists to stop for a quick bite while passing through these small towns. There are a number of "giants" we'll see of all description in the weeks ahead.

The Gemini Giant at The Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant

Next up was Gardner, IL. Small town where the original Route 66 went through the center of "town". Quick photos of the 2-cell jail built in 1906 which primarily was used to house hobo's off the nearby railroad line. An old streetcar diner from the burned down Riviera restaurant was moved next to it. Then it was on to Dwight, IL and a look at a beautifully restored era Texaco Service Station.

Quite a change from the Old Joliet Prison

Streetcar diner

Final destination for the day and our overnight stay is Pontiac, IL. - not to be confused with Pontiac,MI. although both were named in honor of Pontiac the Odawa Indian war chief. Quaint downtown. Beautiful old courthouse dating from 1875 on the square. There's a diverse museum housed in their old municipal building that originally held the fire and police depts. and city hall. A section dedicated to Bob Waldmire who was an artist, illustrator, environmentalist and iconic constant traveler in his VW van on Route 66. The VW van in the Pixar movie "CARS" was originally to be called "Waldmire" based on him, but financial terms could never be worked out and they ultimately changed the name to "Filmore". Also on hand was a display about "walldog" artists - the artists who historically painted commercial murals on the walls of buildings, but who in modern times paint murals of various artistic items on walls. Final stop for today just a bit out of town are two pedestrian swinging bridges across the Vermilion River. The first was constructed in 1898 to help shoe factory workers get from their homes on the south side to the factories on the north side.