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 Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. at each event, and
there is a cost involved with the meal. The program afterward
starts at 7 p.m. and that portion of the evening is free.
There is limited seating, with a capacity of approximately 50
people at the Palms, reservations are required.
Phone 217-648-5077 to make a reservation for any of the
scheduled Dinner Programs.
Remaining programs for the season are as follows:
Friday, January 26, 2017 – "The Curious History of General
Santa Anna’s Leg and Atlanta, IL”
After the Mexican War of 1846-48, the wooden leg of Mexican
General Santa Anna ended up in the United States, and in
Atlanta, Illinois to be specific. It now resides in the Illinois
State Military Museum in Springfield. Join Bill Lear, Curator of
the ISMM, as he recounts the leg’s origin and its travels
throughout the United States and the world, including its
connection to Atlanta.
Friday, February 9, 2018 – Riding the Interurban – the Story
of the Illinois Traction Railroad
All aboard for what’s sure to be an enjoyable evening, as Dale
Jenkins, with the Illinois Traction Society shares stories of
the history and operation of the Interurban. This electric rail
line provided frequent, cheap, and comfortable transportation to
folks who – prior to widespread automobile access – had no other
convenient way of getting from town to town.
Valentine’s Day Special – Wednesday February 14, 2018
Chicken 'n Pickin' Dinner Program Added to Schedule at the Palms
Grill Cafe
Due to popular demand, another Dinner Program is being added to
this year's series sponsored by the Atlanta Public Library.
"Danny Tackett's Chicken 'n Pickin' Orchestra" will return to
the Palms Grill Cafe on Wednesday, February 14th for a special
Valentines Day Dinner Program, following a sold-out event
earlier this January. The evening will include some great gospel
and county music, along with a buffet featuring crispy fried
chicken, homemade mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, homemade
pie and a special Valentine's Day dessert.
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Friday, February 23, 2018 – “Duncan Manor – A Story of
Historic Preservation Through Community Involvement”
Just outside Towanda, Illinois and clearly visible from Historic Rt. 66, sits
Duncan Manor - a stately circa 1866, Italianate home, where David and Randi
Howell now reside. As a couple, they recognize the benefits of restoring and
leveraging historic buildings in small towns and have embarked on a creative
path for raising funds through community involvement for their restoration
efforts. Together they will share their passion for preservation, as they relate
their experiences at Duncan Manor.
Friday, March 9, 2018 – “The Old “Three Eye”
In the first half of the 20th century, the Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League was
one of the more respected low minor leagues in professional baseball.
Bloomington, Decatur, Springfield, Quincy, and other downstate Illinois
communities fielded teams at one time or another. Cooperstown inductees that
passed through the Three-I League (also known as the “Three Eye” or “Triple
Orb”) included Carl Hubbard, who played for Decatur in 1927, Warren Spahn
(Evansville, IN, 1941), and Lou Boudreau (Cedar Rapids, IA, 1938). Join Bill
Kemp for an evening of baseball history as he recounts stories of The Old Three
Eye league. Bill has served as librarian of the not-for-profit McLean County
Museum of History in downtown Bloomington for the past fourteen years.
Friday, March 23, 2018 – “Saving Sprague’s Super Service: A Route 66 Icon”
Dr. Terri Ryburn worked to restore Sprague's Super Service for ten years before
the Town of Normal bought it from her. It now houses Ryburn Place, a gift shop
featuring Route 66 and local art. Hear how Terri saved the 1930s building as
well as the Town of Normal’s future plans for it.
[Bill Thomas]
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