Odell to Towanda, Illinois - Small Town Charm on Route 66

ILLINOIS LEGENDS

Odell to Towanda - Small Town

Charm on the Mother Road

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About 85 miles into your Route 66 journey, you will come to the small and quaint town of Odell, Illinois. Here, you’ll see a number of classic Mother Road structures and other historic buildings in this picturesque community.

When you first enter Odell, look for the old Mobil Station on the west side of the highway. Long closed, this old station, with its galloping red winged horse, speaks of better times along the old route. Next to the station sits a very attractive home where vintage gas pumps decorate the yard. Obvious Route 66 fans, these people know how to make the most of their location right along the Mother Road.

1950s Mobile Station in Odell, Illinois, September,

2004, Kathy Weiser

While in Odell, an absolute must see is the historic Odell Standard Oil Station, built in 1932. Once upon a time, this historic station sold gas at 20 cents per gallon to the many travelers of Route 66. The station continued to operate until the 1960's when it discontinued selling gas and was used as a body shop until 1975. After sitting neglected for years, the building was saved by the Illinois Route 66 Association. Fully restored, the old station at 400 S. West Street serves as Route 66 information center. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in November, 1997, it was also the first recipient of the Cyrus Avery Award, which recognizes preservation projects on Route 66.

Gas pumps adorn this yard in Odell, Illinois,

September, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

This 1932 Standard Oil Station now serves as a

Route 66 Visitor's Center in Odell, Illinois,

September, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

As you continue the dozen or so miles to Pontiac, keep your eyes open for the restored Meramec Caverns barn on the right side of the road about five miles before you enter Pontiac.

Welcome to Pontiac, Illinois Pontiac, Illinois

Named for the Ottawa Indian Chief, Pontiac was platted in 1837 and soon became the population center of the area. The first industry was established the next year when a sawmill was opened for the many new settlers building homes in the region. In 1851 a grain mill was opened and in the 1870's, Pontiac became an important regional trading center due to its strategic location on the railroad between Chicago and St. Louis.

When Route 66 barreled through in 1926, the town happily provided services and amenities to the many travelers of the historic road.

Today, this city of some 12,000 people provides several historic points of interest including the Livingston County Courthouse built in 1875, the Jones House built in the 1850's, and the Old City Hall Shoppes, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

While in Pontiac, make sure you stop by the Route 66 Museum and Hall of Fame, which provides Route 66 artifacts, pictures, and literature capturing years of adventure on the old route. The museum was built inside a refurbished firehouse, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Old Route 66 bridge south of Pontiac, Illinois.

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Return to Route 66

To Dwight

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