Lenore Weiss passed away on February 22, 2010 after a battle with cancer.

Cameo of Lenore

- John Weiss

Illinois Route 66 Events

Filming The Famous Three Highways In Illinois

Paul Taylor filming at Chicago's Art Institute

 

John and Lenore hosted Paul and Sandi Taylor of the ROUTE 66 MAGAZINE. Paul and Sandi are filming for a national network with affiliates in over 30 states reaching over 40 million homes partially sponsored by Suzuki. They approached the Weiss’ with the idea of filming Rt. 66 and two of the original 'blue'  highways based on their popular book, "Traveling the Historic Three."  This is a 110 mile triangular journey that covers the Lincoln Hwy, the Dixie Hwy into Chicago and Route 66 south to Joliet. Numerous stops were made along the way. An array of interviews showed that true hospitality in the small towns along these blue highways is alive and well.

John interviewing Dave Clark at the Art Institute

Lincoln and Dixie Highway intersection

John interviewing Pat Rhea of  Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

Historic downtown Frankfort, the town with the 1890s charm, the Arche Fountain, world’s largest pizzeria, a doll house and Rainbow Cone were just a few of many places visited along the way. The Buckingham Fountain was beautiful, as Lake Michigan served as a beautiful backdrop. The food at Del Rhea’s Chicken Basket was roadie fare at its best. Castle Eden couldn’t be missed, nor the charm of the eclectic museum and outdoor petting zoo located at White Fence Farm where seating is available for 1100 folks. The Lincoln Landing, recently dedicated, showcases a unique sculpture of Abe. The Route 66 Visitors Center inside the Joliet Area Historical Museum was fun and memorable for all!

The show should air in 30 to 45 days and an article about our adventure will be published in the next edition of ROUTE 66 MAGAZINE.

  Mark Harmon of Lincoln Landing in Lockport

And... after the filming Lenore and Sandi volunteered at the downtown information booth on the original Rt. 66 alignment during Joliet's Race Fan Rally event prior to the Chicagoland Speedway's NASCAR races. 

Lenore and Sandi

The Walldogs create something that doesn't exist on Route 66 in Pontiac...

...you can only get bricks of ice cream, hard candy,...here.

Walldogs and volunteers busy at work (Lenore creating 'door')

The Walldogs Movement is an artist group that reaches back into history to create murals. This illusion, one of 18 murals created in Pontiac, Illinois was done during the Walldog Festival, June 24-28, 2009.

Illinois Route 66 Preservation Events

Meramec Caverns Barn, Cayuga, IL
October 12, 2008

Spruced up!

By John Weiss

On Sunday, October 12^th, four preservation members gathered paint, brushes, scrapers and ladders in order to spruce up this historic barn sign. The work went very well. In no time we had the doors all repainted. The hearty crew consisted of John Weiss, Dean Kelley, Joe Gniadek and our newest volunteer from Dolton, Emmie Bates.

The original restoration of the Meramec Caverns advertising barn in Cayuga was completed on 1998. The signage has held up very well. The majority of the wall is black shingles that we replaced in 1998, and the lower part is concrete. There are also four wooden doors. These, however, were showing their age. The paint was peeling, the wood was extremely dry, and especially noticeable were the two loft doors near the peak.

Directions to the Meramec Caverns barn are: 

It is located approx. 3 to 5 miles north of Pontiac along the Historic Route 66. There is a brown sign there indicating a turnout.

The Mill - Installing The Sails
Saturday, August 30th, Lincoln IL

By John Weiss

 We are proud to announce "The exterior of The Mill in Lincoln, Illinois is now photo ready!"

Our crew of 17 volunteers completed some carpentry and painting. We then finished the cosmetic work that we did not finish on the last work session at The Mill on Saturday, May 10th.
The ultimate experience of the day was the installation of the four new sails we built on July 19th at our home a number of these same volunteers.

The temperature was near 90 degrees, but that did not keep us from completing our goals. We vowed not to leave until the job was complete. Seven hours of hot, dirty, sometimes dangerous work produced a completed project that we are extremely proud of!

We only stopped twice. Once to have lunch - Hallies on the Square restaurant provided humongous schnitzels sandwiches with all of the trimmings. (Hallies is run by the grandson of the original owner of The Mill.) This sandwich was the trademark of the original Mill. Later, a lovely lady came over with cups of homemade ice cream for all of us. That went wonderful with the home made cakes. (Thus the reason for our motto - WE WORK FOR FOOD!)

The inside windows and rear section of the building still needs to be completed. But for now, The Mill is an extraordinary new Roadside Attraction on Route 66!

Historic Illinois Route 66 Talk, Tours & Preservation In Action

   It is hard to find anyone who has not heard of Route 66. Most older folks have stories to tell about this beloved road. Route 66 represents mom, pop, and apple pie. It is a real slice of American history. What is so wonderful is that you can still see, feel, travel, and experience this unique icon of Americana.

Talks

   Many like to reminisce, and a younger generation is showing an inquisitive awareness for the mystique of this very magical road. Hundreds of speaking and slide show engagements have been conducted. This 45 minutes to 1-hour program is always a crowd pleaser. It is a fun and informative journey down memory lane.
   Our experience enables us to present the program in a lively, exciting and fun manner. It is a nostalgic step back in time for many. Our goal is to spark memories in seniors and create interest and curiosity in the younger generation. We try to have something for everyone!
We also offer guest speaking for your event. Entertaining Route 66 stories and preservation themed programs are available. John has been a motivational style speaker for many years. He has given programs in most states and Canadian provinces.

Route 66 talk at the Joliet Area Historical Museum

Tours

We can organize

* Customized luxury bus tours of Route 66
* Customized car, motorcycle or other cruises of the historic route.
* Historic themes to small town shopping. Or a mix of all that makes Route 66 one of the most
sought after adventures by folks from around the world.
* We can travel with you or simply organize and arrange your touring adventure.

   Regardless of what kind of tour you choose, we will have people and places included that are an exclusive addition to our personalized tours.
   For the ultimate adventure, John will organize, travel and narrate luxury bus tours of Illinois Route 66 for your group. This extremely enjoyable experience is very popular with bank travel clubs, historical societies, library and park districts. Our extensive knowledge and contacts on Route 66 presents opportunities not available in any other way. Your only responsibility is simply to arrange the group participants and hire the bus. We can even recommend bus companies that have drivers who are familiar with our programs.
   Private tours for documentaries, travel writers, travel directors, film crews and free lance companies are available. We have participated in numerous projects and understand your requirements and needs.
   Please call for additional details on a presentation or tour of historic Route 66 in Illinois.

Tour bus in Wilmington

We found the turkey tracks