Day 5: October 11, 2026
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With all conference events over, Don headed home early to see his cat and watch the Bears. I got a little work done on this website before heading across the expressway for the Sunday breakfast buffet at Motorheads. At some point I learned that there was an omelet station, but it was unoccupied when I when through the line. Otherwise, my plate might have looked a little different.
Amanda Bryden, one of the conference presenters, had offered to meet anyone interested at her work place, the Illinois State Museum. The primary interest for this group was the temporary Miles of Memories exhibit. Many of the signs and other items, including that beautiful 1949 Polly gas pump, are on loan from collector Steve Rider. The Bunyan Muffler Man head is on loan from the American Giants Museum which we'll see more of later. The bedspread is on loan from Mary Alice Davis whose parents owned the A. Lincoln Motel. Miles of Memories continues through April 4, 2027.
I did a walk through of the rest of the museum as did several other conference attendees. The last photo is of the Dia de los Muertos exhibit, with a bit of explanation here.
I told you we would see more of the American Giants Museum and here we are. It's about forty miles northeast of Springfield in Atlanta, IL. I've been here a few time in the past but two new giants have been added just since my visit last year. I parked across the street and my first move was taking a picture that included the two new guys. I last saw the Indian Brave in Bemidji, MN, in 2018. I'd never seen the Astro Oil giant. He is a replica made, I believe, by Mark Kline. The museum also has new owners since I was here, and when I learned that they were in their store just up the street, that's where I headed. That gave me a chance to snap a picture of the whole museum.
By taking advantage of the name of mutual friend Mike Curtis, I introduced myself to Lee and Diane Wood and had a delightful conversation ranging from giant statues and Futuro houses to spinning signs. In addition to shirts, hats, and other souvenirs, Giants Route 66 Stop has snacks, drinks, and a full shelf of road trip related medications. It also holds some giants and pieces of giants that may be rotated with those in the museum over time. The Woods also own Giants Garage in Arkansas, where I stopped last year on Christmas Day.
When I stepped out of Giants Route 66 Stop, I could hardly believe my eyes. Almost directly across the street a building identified itself as Midway 154 Brewery. I checked it out, of course, and am happy to report that this is indeed a brewery (with a very good porter) that opened in August. Giants galore, T-shirts, snacks, Dramamine, and beer. Atlanta has it all.

I didn't make it all the way home before stopping for the night, but I did make it almost to the Indiana border, then scooted home without further adventure from there.

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