May 6. 105 miles Pontiac to Springfield
We planned for a mostly straight through drive today as we wanted to get to Springfield by early afternoon to hit a few Lincoln related sites. That still meant some quick stops along the way - there's just too many things to see and do on Route 66!! First off was a stop at Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup. The Funk family has owned several hundred acres of native maple trees in Funks Grove for 200 years. They have produced sirup by boiling down the sap from their trees for generations. As required by earlier generations - the family would call their product sirup - an older Webster's term for the boiled sap of the tree without the addition of any sugars. Add sugar and it's syrup. We've become true maple sirup fans on our pancakes and waffles - no Log Cabin or Aunt Jemima in our house - only the good stuff. So a half gallon jug of the Funk's finest now resides in the car trunk.
Next stop was Atlanta. Small town centrally located half-way between Chicago and St. Louis that has embraced the hiway. The hiway has not always reciprocated. The original hiway was laid through town in 1923. Commerce developed around it. Then the "new" Route 66 rerouted slightly so a new commercial area developed. Only to be replaced when Interstate 55 again bypassed the town. Interestingly all 3 roads still exist within close proximity.
This section of "Original" Route 66 dates to 1923.
The hotdog giant across from Palms Grove Grill (now the town museum)
Off to Lincoln, IL to see the world's largest rail splitter covered wagon. Driven by Lincoln himself. Pretty self explanatory. (At first glance it looks like Abe is checking his iphone, but it's actually a book!)
This section of Route 66 dating from the 40's is interesting as many miles of it run right alongside the interstate that replaced it in the 60's. What is more surprising is that the older original Route 66 from the 20's and 30's can still be seen in between these two roads running abandoned for miles. So there's essentially 3 generations of roads all running parallel. Many sections of it, especially when closer to towns, has been turned into walking/biking trails.
Finally made it to Springfield. The ultimate Land of Lincoln. It's where he had his law practice, argued cases in the nearby old state capital building (undergoing a restoration), raised his family before heading to the White House as President, and where his remains were eventually brought back after a long ceremonial funeral train ride. His tomb is here which also contains the remains of his wife and children. The Lincoln Museum and Lincoln Library are both downtown. The museum gives a very detailed and honest perspective on his life. As revered as he became after his assassination, he was pretty roundly ridiculed and mocked when elected and serving as president. A few blocks away the Lincoln home and surrounding properties have been restored and developed as a national historic site. And of course, about any other place he touched in town has been preserved or has an historical marker.
This is the Illinois State Capital as seen from our hotel in Springfield
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