The Town of Normal has announced several projects commemorating the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
Projects include a 1950s-themed picnic at One Normal Plaza on June 7, a commemorative logo and a mural at Sprague's Super Service.
“Route 66 is more than just a road or stretch of pavement. For our community, it’s a symbol of progress, connection and hospitality,” said Mayor Chris Koos.
A grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will allow the Town of Normal to refurbish Sprague's Super Service, a historic landmark on Pine Street, with a mural. The mural portrays a night in Normal. The grant was secured by VisitBN and will support enhancements to attractions and visitor experiences throughout McLean County.
Sprague’s Super Service was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008 and designated as a local landmark in 2011. Constructed between 1930-31 by William W. Sprague, it serviced vehicles passing through Pine Street along Route 66. There was an office and mechanical space on the first floor, with apartments for the owner and service attendant on the second floor.
Normal's Route 66 commemorative logo portrays President Lincoln tipping his top hat alongside a white Rivian R1.
“The logo is a fun nod to the kitsch of Route 66 and the many ways the world embraced Abraham Lincoln as a symbol of America at its best,” said Beth Whisman, cultural arts director, Town of Normal. “We pitched the idea to Rivian and were thrilled when they joined the effort.”
Rivian plans to showcase its vehicles at the June 7 Centennial Celebration. It will run from noon to 4 at One Normal Plaza. The event will be a picnic featuring vintage music and fashion from the 1950s.
