The commissioning of Route 66 in 1926 helped develop the gas and
service stations that we take for granted today. Back then, however,
these fixtures of the highway didn't exist. If you wanted gas for
your new automobile, you had to go to the local hardware or grocery
store, where you'd find a single gas pump the owner had put in to
earn a little extra cash. With the huge increase in automobile
traffic created by Route 66, the need for businesses dedicated
solely to serving the traveling public arose -- and service stations
were born. Now another kind of transportation infrastructure needs
to be developed: charging stations for electric vehicles. Atlanta,
along the original Mother Road, is interested in helping other Route
66 communities discover how to better serve the traveling public
that will be searching not for a pump, but a plug-in.
At the EV cruise-in, there will be space for 40-plus vehicles.
Two Level 2 Eaton charging stations will be available by advance
reservation with no fee. In addition, 16 Level 1 charging stations
will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, also at no
fee.
While in Atlanta, visitors can stop at the Palms Grill Café for a
piece of blue-ribbon homemade pie, tour the J.H. Hawes Grain
Elevator Museum, get their picture taken with the Bunyon Giant, pick
up a Route 66 souvenir at the Gunnar Mast Trading Post, have a
cheeseburger at Chubby's, visit the Atlanta Museum, enjoy a cold one
at The Korner, buy some homemade candy or a one-of-a-kind item at
the Arch Street Artisans shop, then stroll around and see the
assembled cruise-in cars.
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The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in historic downtown
Atlanta and will include vintage music, food, a 50-50 drawing and
hourly drawings.
Overnight accommodations are available at the Atlanta Route 66
Inn, 217-648-2322.
The EV cruise-in is sponsored by the Atlanta Betterment Fund.
For more information or to make advance reservations to use a
Level 2 charger, contact Bill Thomas, Atlanta Betterment Fund, P.O.
Box 166, Atlanta, IL 61723;
wthomas@teleologic.net; or 217-648-5077.
[Text from file received from Bill
Thomas, Atlanta Betterment Fund]
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