Today is a special day. One of my personal areas of interest since becoming involved with the historic highways of Chicago and the U.S. has been a little filling station located at 3801 W. Ogden Avenue on the city’s west side. (I have a story about the station on my website here.) Built in 1925 and operated by John J. Murphy for over 40 years, the building is often referred to as the Castle Car Wash. This is the name painted on the front—likely the last entity to attempt to use the building for commercial purposes. The building has been sitting vacant and deteriorating for the last 20 years or so. Subject to benign neglect during the long economic decay of the surrounding North Lawndale neighborhood, new commercial and residential improvements in the area puts new pressure on the historic structure’s survival. Today, Landmarks Illinois drew needed attention toward the Murphy Filling Station when they placed it on their 2009 Chicagoland Watch List of endangered historic structures. In operation for more than 30 years, Landmarks Illinois has saved countless architectural and historic treasures throughout the state of Illinois. For more information about Landmarks Illinois and the Chicagoland Watch List, visit http://www.Landmarks.org. The Watch List includes many structures, all worthy of preservation. Landmarks Illinois is also highlighting the importance of neon signs, another part of our commercial landscape that is disappearing. To see the entire watch list, click here.
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As I was out on the road in late May/early June, I stopped in at the Antique Toy Museum in Stanton Missouri on old Route 66. The proprietor informed me that he has decided to retire at the end of the current 2008 season. Although there is always a chance that he may change his mind, he seemed quite determined when I spoke with him. His children seem to have no interest in operating the Museum, so it is likely that this will be the last year that anyone can visit this marvelous place.
The museum contains a collection of 20th century toys worth an estimated $500,000. As the slogan of the Museum states, “If you were ever a kid, you’ll love the Antique Toy Museum.” If you are a member of the baby boomer generation, this Museum has virtually every toy you had as a child, or wished you had.
This post has two purposes. One, to inform all who care that the Upcoming Events page (link to the right) has been updated. I have added a few more dates for June library presentations of the Historic Route 66 PowerPoint slide show and lecture. Also added is the current schedule of events for July.
I recently received my copy of the Spring 2008 Route 66 Magazine. The cover story on the public art of Joliet, Illinois is great, since it showcases the great work that has been going on in that city over the last several years.
