Illinois Route 66 Interpretive Exhibits
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Wheels of Fortune on 66

Picture
Business followed the Highway

Atlanta boomed when Route 66 was built in the 1920s.  It didn’t last. By 1947 the busy road was rebuilt to bypass town to the east. New businesses flourished on the bypass only to fail again when I-55 replaced the Mother Road in 1977. Recently, a rebirth of interest in historic Route 66 has pumped life back into Atlanta.

Opening in 1934, the Palms Grill attracted travelers on Route 66. Downtown cafes and gas stations did more than serve highway travelers. They were places where townsfolk gathered to share gossip, negotiate deals, and fall in love.

Bright Memories… Faded Dreams

Opened around 1920, the Deep Rock Station on Arch Street was alive with customers when Route 66 traveled through downtown Atlanta. Businesses were abandoned when Route 66 bypassed downtown Atlanta in 1947.

Waiting for the Greyhound Bus

As a stop for the Greyhound Bus Line, many journeys began and ended at the Palms Grill. Passengers flipped a switch to light the bottom of the neon sign alerting the bus driver to stop.
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