Let’s celebrate The Mill’s 80th year

The Mill, a former restaurant on Route 66 in Lincoln, Ill., will mark its 80th anniversary on July 25 with several events, reports the Springfield Journal-Register.

Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County is hosting the festivities that day, beginning at noon. Music and food will be served beginning at 1 p.m., with an informal car and motorcycle show, door prizes and a drawing.

Then there’s this:

At 4 p.m., there will be a free presentation featuring “Coon Hound” Johnny and “Old Mill” Blossom recalling the “broads and bootlegging” of Logan County.

At 8 p.m., Spirits of … Tours will host a paranormal investigation at The Mill. The cost is $20 per person, and advance reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling (309) 846-4306 or e-mailing info@spiritsoftours.com.

The paranormal probe should be entertaining, even if it’s something that shouldn’t be taken too seriously.

Hallie’s on the Square in Lincoln also will be having specials at 6 p.m. on schnitzels, a longtime specialty at The Mill before it closed.

The event undoubtedly will be something of a celebration of The Mill being rescued from a death sentence. In 2006, the long-neglected structure was condemned by the city and was about to be torn down. Logan County Tourism Director Geoff Ladd, other area residents and Route 66 roadies saw the potential in The Mill, moved to acquire the property, and have been restoring it ever since. It eventually will be converted into a tourism center. Just a few weeks ago, The Mill was inducted into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame.