In a Springfield (Ill.) Journal-Register story about the city of Lincoln’s attempt to revive The Mill, a dilapidated, long-closed restaurant on Route 66, there is some good news:
Now, the foundation chairman says more of the structure can be saved than was first thought, including the original portion of the building.
“It’s in better shape than we thought,” said Geoff Ladd, who is also executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County. Plans are to convert the building to a Route 66 museum.
He explained that The Mill – named after its Dutch theme and signature windmill at the entrance of the restaurant – was constructed in four sections, beginning with the original Blue Mill in 1929. Soon after World War II, a former Army barracks from Camp Ellis, near Havana, was converted for use as the second section of the restaurant.
“We were thinking that would have to go as well, but we decided we’re going to be able to leave that because of its historical significance,” said Ladd.
He said the former kitchen and a back section will have to be demolished.
It’s hoped that The Mill can be reopened as a Route 66 museum in 2008. For more, go to the The Mill preservation site here.