[November 16, 2018]      

Pictures by Curtis Fox

 Mr. Lincoln browses the artifacts in the Atlanta Library History Museum before the “Illinois Turns 200” event in Union Hall Friday evening, Nov. 2nd.

Connie Harris grew up in rural Atlanta, and she had some stories to tell the podcast audience about a local group of young women called The Powder Puff Bandits who raised a ruckus in the 1920’s and 30’s... in a good way.

 

One of Illinois’ best known musicians Chris Vallillo and the Orpheus Mandolin Orchestra prepare to perform.

A full house attended the presentation of “Illinois Turns 200” at the Union Hall in Atlanta.

 

The Orpheus Mandolin Orchestra from Bloomington gathers to strum a few tunes for the Illinois Bicentennial event.

 

Chris Vallillo, music director for the “Illinois Turns 200” road show, tunes up with the Orpheus Mandolin Orchestra.

 

Bill Thomas starts things off with an introduction for the evening’s activities.

 

Elise Star is the daughter of Hamlet Arthur Stevens, who bought the Bunyon Giant for his hotdog shop on Route 66 in Cicero, Illinois. Bunyon Giant took a road trip of its own after Stevens retired, and ended up on Route 66 in downtown Atlanta.

 

Lori Cotton(L) and Peggy Payne(R) speak about their experiences greeting visitors to Atlanta doing a Route 66 road trip from all over the world. Small town America and the welcoming residents is the main draw.