ILLINOIS

US 66 began in downtown Chicago, Jackson Boulevard at Michigan Avenue to be precise. Later the terminus was moved to Lake Shore Drive.

Although I do not have any cards for motels on the Chicago part of old 66 I thought you might like to see these four images anyway.

50^th On the Lake, with 401 rooms definitely a biggie. Situated on South Shore Drive at 50^th Street. This card was stamped in 1965.

Sands Motel, another rather large motel with 250 rooms. This one is at 5201 N. Sheridan,

a block or so from N. Lake Shore Drive.

Thunderbird Motel, this one on South Shore Drive at 75^th Street. 150 Rooms and an olympic size pool.

For LaGrange I do have several cards :

Colonial Motel, on US 12, 20 and 45. Although it does not say this has to be either on or very close to US 66 as well.

Sunnyside Motel. This is situated on US 66, 12, 20 and 45 according to the card.

Wishing Well Motel, on the junction of US 66 with US 12, 20 and 45 again. Mr. and Mrs. I.C. Bronson owned and operated this place.

A previous owner of the card wrote on the back that he or she stayed here in 1953 and 1954.

On to Joliet where we find :

the Holiday Inn. This card was sent in 1970 by some Dutch tourists with a short report of their trip so far.

Also in Joliet the Quality Motel Manor on the junction of I-55, US 66 and US 6. A manor indeed !

A panoramic view (from the air !) of the Fiesta Restaurant, Lounge and Best Western Motel in Pontiac. Situated at SR116 and US 66, it served the finest in steaks, chops, seafood and chicken. Also a Standard gas station on the premises.

The Coachman Motel and Coffee Shop at 408 E. Washington St. in Bloomington. As this is only two blocks off Main Street (which was US 66) it deserves a spot here. Great late fifties cars !

Streid’s had a Motel, Restaurant and a Standard station on SE US 66 in Bloomington.

The Crossroads Motel in Lincoln was one block west of US 66, close enough for me to include it here.

The Holiday Inn in East Springfield at 3100 South 31^st Street, the US 66 By-Pass and I-55. Looks like a general purpose card and not a representation of the actual motel.

Springfield then ! A number of cards which I will list alphabetically.

A. Lincoln Tourist Court at 2927 South Sixth Street or City 66. Owned by Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Posegate.

The card was stamped in 1955.

Broadview Motor Court at the junction of 54 and By-Pass 66. Card stamped in 1963

Holiday Inn at 625 St. Joseph Street or US 66 South. The cards is stamped in 1963, some nice old cars in the parking lot !

Lamp Liter Motel and Dining Room, 3 ½ mile south of Springfield on US 66. Owner – general manager was Mr. James R. Grady while Mr. Virgil Dial was the dining room manager.

Octo Modern Motel at Route 36,54,4 or 2965 S. MacArthur Boulevard. This stretch was part of the 1920’s alignment of US 66 through the city. Frank and Marie Williams owned and managed this place.

Parkview Motel at Route 125 and the By-Pass 66, 54, 36 or 3121 Clear Lake Ave.

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Harlow would check you in here.

Southern View Motel, just south of Springfield on US 66. Managed by Gene and Carman Schultz.

Springfield Motel, located on US 66 North. Cleanliness, Comfort and Quite were the keywords here.

This linen card was stamped in 1950

Carlinville was also on the 1920’s alignment of US 66, that is why I am showing you the Carlin – Villa Motel here. It is on SR 4.

In Staunton we find the 66 Terminal Motel. What a great card with the Phillips 66 truck and the wonderful neon sign of the palm tree ! J.C. and J.D. Meckles also served you 24 hours a day in the café !

Last stop in Illinois : Collinsville, part of Greater St. Louis.

the Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge was on I-50, I-70, US 66 and SR 157. Just look at that period furniture in the room !