By Eric Stock
NORMAL – The former Sprague Super Service in Normal is one of eight Route 66 sites that’s getting funding through the National Park Service.
The Depression-era, two-story service station and cafe has been undergoing a restoration for nearly a decade.
“There’s been a great deal of work, blood, sweat and tears by Terri Ryburn and her crew to keep Sprague going and to try and get it into the kind of fully restored shape that will make it one of the unique spots anywhere on Route 66,” Bill Kelly, director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, said.
The $31,398 grant through the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Cost Share program will help complete the historic site’s transformation into a Route 66 visitors center.
“I think there’s now the opportunity to get all the work done that’s needed to restore what is truly unique… there aren’t many two-story gas station for the traveling public to stop and take advantage of,” Kelly said.
The town took over the property earlier this year.
“That’s great strategic news, and we’ve got a significant Route 66 asset that’s going to be preserved now with this new relationship with the city,” Kelly said.
The town is providing matching funds.
The other grant winners were the Mill Restaurant in Lincoln, Del Rhea’s Chicken Basket sign in Hinsdale and Rialto Square Theater Marquee restoration in Joliet.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
