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Illinois Vintage signs
The weather is beautiful so let's take a short trip to.....Illinois. Ah, Illinois, my old stompping ground. Let's start off in Wilmington, up in the Northeast corner on I-55 & 53. Here, on old Route 66, is the Launching Pad Cafe with the Gemini Giant.
Right across the street from the Launching Pad is Lombardi Buick. Buick & Chevy are both in neon & I believe the vertical bars are as well. I currently have no history on the sign.
A little farther south of Wilmington is Braidwood. Here you'll find the Sands Motel (Or what is left of it) right along I-55. To my knowledge the sign is no longer working.
Head back north on I-55 until you come to I-80. Head west on into Morris. Here you'll find the Park Motel (1923 Division St ).
Once you get into downtown Morris, be sure to eat at the Weitz Cafe. I'm not sure how old the cafe is, but one waitress said that she thought it was from the mid to late 40's. The food here is great.
Next trip to Illinois, I'll try to get pictures of all of these signs while they are lit. Next on the agenda is to expand the collection of Oklahoma signs, particularly those here in the OKC area, including Horn Nursery, Bev's Pancake Corner & the Hi-Lo club.
Please write back concerning your Sands Motel photo from Braidwood IL. I
collect Sands photos at my Museum of Sands Motel Photographs
(www.kgrombacher.com; click on the Sands Motel CD; follow the links; also,
view my Sands Motel video)
Kerry Grombacher [kgrombacher@yahoo.com]
What say me? I say you come to Rockford to find some great vintage signs!
