Red Carpet Corridor Weekend in Normal

Make your way to Ryburn Place at Sprague’s Super Service (305 Pine Street), a restored 1930s Tudor-style gas station that serves as one of the most photogenic stops along Route 66. Snap a picture with the vintage-style gas pumps, explore the gift shop, and connect with local Route 66 expert Terri Ryburn.

Additionally, Cheryl Eichar Jett will sign her latest book, Aprons Away: Women’s Work on Route 66, at Ryburn Place at Sprague’s Super Service, Normal, on Saturday, May 2, from 1-3pm, during the Red Carpet Corridor Festival (https://ilroute66redcarpetcorridor.com/).

We’ve all heard of Route 66, but did you ever stop to think of all the women who worked along the 2,448-mile length of the most famous highway in the world? From Chicago to Los Angeles, in cities and small towns, women pumped gas, held elected offices, painted public art murals, joined the military, reported news, and designed buildings, theme parks, fashion, and toys. Just in time for this year’s 100th anniversary of the iconic Mother Road, Jett examines the myriad roles women played at the crossroads of Route 66 and women’s history in this new book published by Reedy Press.