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Murals on Main Street
18 of our murals were painted by the Walldogs, a collection of sign painters and muralists who came to town in the summer of 2009. The more than 150 artists painted the entire set of 18 murals in just four days.
1926 - Route 66 & the Pontiac Auto
Painted by Tang Dongbai in 2015, this mural celebrates the birth of two important American legends - General Motors' Pontiac automobile brand and Route 66. The mural is located in the 400 block of West Madison St.
Abe Lincoln & Strevell House Mural
Designed by Mike Meyer and Adam May and painted as part of the Walldog event in 2009. This mural is located in the 100 block of East Washington St.
Allen Candy Mural
This mural was designed by Jay Allen of Machesney Park, IL and is located in the 200 block of West Madison St.
Bloomington, Pontiac, & Joliet Interurban Railroad
The mural design comes from Rob Estes of Brushstroke Signs in Paducah, KY. It is located in the rear parking lot of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in the 300 block of North Main St.
Chautauqua Assembly
The mural was designed by David and Susie Butler and Dan Sawatzky. It can be found in the 100 block of East Madison St.
Daniels Oil
The mural recalls a time in the past when gas stations provided full service to their customers and were a place to gather all of the community news and gossip. This mural is located in the rear parking lot of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in the 300 block of North Main St.
Drink Coca-Cola
The artist for this mural was Sonny Franks, who lives near Atlanta, Georgia. It can be found in the 300 block of North Main St.
Fire House
This mural was designed by Stephan Connor of Blackstone, IL. It is painted on the center door of our current Fire Station, and can be seen in the 200 block of West Howard St.
Ghost Mural
In the back room of the Museum of the Gilding Arts is a unique opportunity to see a ghost mural. A ghost mural is a mural that was painted any number of years ago and over time has faded, leaving behind a "ghostly" appearance. This mural was discovered during building renovations when some paneling was removed from the wall, revealing what had once been the exterior brick of the building next door. This building was built in 1905 meaning the mural was painted at some point prior to 1904. As seen in the picture below, you can still see most of the word "clothing." Research indicates that this mural was an advertisement for a men's clothing store.
Humiston Heritage
The mural was designed by Gary Anderson, a sign painter from Bloomington, Indiana. It can be seen in the 300 block of West Howard St.
Jesse Fell & Chief Pontiac
Judy Grossman of Sonora, California designed both of these murals. They celebrate the history of Pontiac and can be seen in the 300 block of North Mill St.
Palace of Sweets
The mural was designed by Cam Bortz of Pawcatuck, CT. This mural is located in the rear parking lot of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in the 300 block of North Main St.
Pontiac on Route 66
The mural was designed by Tom and Kathy Durham of St. Louis Missouri. It is located in the 100 block of West Washington St.
RCA Victor
This sign pays tribute to the "walldogs" of earlier years. It was designed by the Triple Bernies - Bernie Gietl, a postal carrier in Carlinville, IL, Bernie Lohmeyer, a sign painter from Osage City, KS, and Bernie Poff, owner of Bernie's Signs in Prairie Du Sac, WI. It is located in the 200 block of West Howard St.
Roszell's Soda Shop
This mural was designed by Pontiac's own Joe Diaz. Although the representation here is fictional, it recalls an earlier time when soda fountains were staples in almost every American small town. It is located in the rear parking lot of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in the 300 block of North Main St.
Route 66 Preservation
This mural is the only indoor mural. It is located in the lobby of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. It can be found at 110 W Howard St.
Route 66 Shield Mural
This is our first mural in Pontiac. It was designed and painted by Pontiac's own Diaz Sign Art. The mural is located on the back of the Route 66 Museum. In front of the mural you can drive your car, motorcycle, or other mode of transportation, or just stand on original Route 66 bricks for a photo. Access to the mural is from Main Street in the 300 block, just off of Howard Street (IL Rt 116).
Scatterday Soda
This mural was designed by Carole Bersin. This mural is located in the alleyway leading to the rear parking lot of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum and can be seen from the 300 block of North Mill St.
Tradition of Farming
The mural was designed by Michael Clark, a resident of Aleda, Illinois where he has a sign business which he began in 1983. It can be seen in the 300 block of West Howard St.
Vermilion River & Old Mill
The Vermilion River flows in a northerly direction from its origin in Livingston and Ford Counties in north central Illinois, eventually emptying into the Illinois River, near Oglesby. This mural was designed by Francisco Vargo in his trademark postage stamp style and is fittingly located next to the Vermilion River. It can be seen from the public parking lot at the corner of Mill St and Water St.
Waldmire Memorial
Designed by Route 66 artist and icon, Bob Waldmire, this mural features a map of the entire length of Route 66. It is located in the 300 block of North Main St.
Weekly Sentinel
This mural design is by Nancy Bennett of Dannco, Inc. It can be seen from the 100 block of East Howard St.
Welcome to Downtown
This mural is painted on the reverse side of the Vermilion River and Old Mill billboard. Mural designed and painted by the Diaz Sign Art company. It can be found in the public parking lot at the corner of Mill and Water Streets.