 Built in 1929 as a take-out sandwich shop along historic Route 66,
this Dutch windmill-inspired structure is a classic example of early
American roadside architecture. The large addition is a former Army
barracks that was moved from Camp Ellis in Fulton County after World
War II and converted into a dance hall and dining space for The
Mill.
The restaurant was abandoned in 1996, but despite years of
vacancy and general deterioration, the historic site remains a
nostalgic landmark along the "Mother Road." In 2006, the Route 66
Heritage Foundation of Logan County acquired the property and
stabilized the building, but its future remains uncertain.
"This quirky building represents a fascinating part of America's
architectural history" said David Bahlman, president of Landmarks
Illinois. "To let The Mill decay into ruins would mean the loss of a
symbol of America's entrepreneurial spirit and our love of the open
road."
The purpose of the Ten Most list is to focus attention on sites
threatened by deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds
or inappropriate development. Since the program's inception in 1995,
143 properties have been identified on the endangered list, calling
attention to statewide resources in need of preservation. Less than
20 percent of these sites have been lost to demolition, but many
remain in need of preservation.
This year's list also includes a site along the Underground
Railroad, a parochial school constructed by Civil War veterans,
Chicago's first riverfront plaza, early examples of American
skyscrapers, a mid-century modern building designed for the Navy, U
of I's flying saucer and a friendly confine.
Landmarks Illinois is celebrating its 37th year as a statewide
advocacy and education organization. The not-for-profit works with
citizens and communities throughout Illinois to preserve, protect
and promote historic places through advocacy and education. In
addition to the Ten Most Endangered list, the organization also
sponsors the Chicagoland Watch List and the Richard H. Driehaus
Foundation Preservation Awards.
The complete
list and photos
of the Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois are available
at www.landmarks.org.
[Text from
Landmarks Illinois file received from
Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of
Logan County]
[to top of second column]
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 Comments from Geoff Ladd, chairman of Route 66 Heritage
Foundation of Logan County:
We are excited about The Mill making Landmarks Illinois' Ten Most
Endangered List this year. I feel it helps to validate the project
on a local and national level. Even though it has been "saved," the
structure remains vulnerable until restoration is complete. We
continue to have reports of attempts at vandalism, and the Lincoln
Fire Department still has a specific response plan in place in case
of fire.
There also have been cost overruns in the rebuilding process. Of
concern also has been the natural decline in initial interest in the
project, and that means fundraising to complete it has declined.
Those efforts are being addressed, and this designation will help
bring attention. We are also pursuing a new round of grants for the
project with the help of this prestigious designation.
This structure exemplifies why Route 66 was placed on the
national endangered list last year -- the unique attractions along
the route are disappearing. We are determined to not let that happen
with The Mill. Please visit
www.savethemill.org.
Thank yous:
-
Local media for
coverage and support
-
Abraham Lincoln
Tourism Bureau of Logan County
-
All the directors and
volunteers of Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County
-
Rep. Rich Brauer and
Sen. Larry Bomke
-
Route 66 Association
of Illinois
-
Illinois Route 66
Heritage Project
-
Patty Ambrose
-
John and Lenore Weiss
-
Carl Johnson
-
Ernie Edwards of the
Pig Hip
-
Paul Gleason, Logan
County historian
-
Bruce Huskins
-
Jan Schumacher
-
Shirley Bartelmay of
Postville Courthouse
-
Mayor Beth Davis-Kavelman
of Lincoln
-
City of Lincoln
-
County of Logan
-
People of Lincoln and
Logan County
-
Route 66 fans everywhere
[Text from file received from
Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of
Logan County]
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