Route 66-based story
written by OC,SH’s founder, inspired by his September 2009 Route 66 road trip

CHAPTER 55: OF SELLING & KNOWING

“What’s up with all of the homes for sale around here?”

The eldest’s query broke what had been silence in the car so far. The eldest & the cousin were on their way in the youngest’s tan 1976 Caprice to visit the historic train station in Dwight IL & then to walk along the tracks where IL Route 47 & US Route 66 share pavement.

“I don’t know,” started the cousin, “but you might say it’s a buyer’s market. So many choices.”

“I almost sold the business a while back, around the time Mom died,” the eldest reflected. “I’m glad I didn’t.”

“Yeah?” the cousin half-asked half-said.

“Yep,” the eldest offered. “I can’t imagine not having it. I wonder if any of the sellers have any pangs of not wanting to sell.”

“Probably some,” the cousin said. “After all, it’s a cool community. Tough to leave it, for some, I’d suspect.”

“Well, here we are,” the eldest unnecessarily stated.

The cousin was glad since it halted what seemed like an odd & awkward conversation.

“Yes, indeed,” the cousin replied.

The eldest steered the tan 1976 Caprice into a parking spot.

“So much history in so many towns along this Mother Road,” the eldest lamented. “I don’t understand why more people don’t want to explore these places.”

“They just don’t understand,” the cousin replied. “But, it’s not for everyone. I’ve learned that myself. Not everyone in this town is big on Route 66. Heck, some of them still don’t even realize it runs right through Dwight here.”

At the last sentence, the eldest turned his head to look at his cousin.

“Really? You can’t be serious!”

“Oh, I’m afraid I am,” the cousin said. “It’s mostly the younger crowd, of course.”

The eldest nodded & turned his head back to look out the windshield at Dwight’s train station: “Well, that makes sense, I guess. It’s just, well, there are signs of it in several places.”

“I know,” the cousin said. “That noted, though, the movie CARS from a few years ago seemed to spark a lot of younger interest in it, so those who love to road trip & explore in their own backyard are coming around, as I’m sure you’ve witnessed yourself.”

“Oh, yeah,” the eldest said, looking over at his cousin once again. “CARS was huge in sparking interest. I still marvel, though, at those who don’t know about Route 66 when they live in a Route 66 town, no matter where along the road.”

“I know,” the cousin said.

“Well, look, let’s get out & explore this place then get over to that Casey’s you mentioned.”

At the eldest’s last statement, the 2 got out of the tan 1976 Caprice to explore Dwight’s historic train station, which was erected in 1891 & placed on the National Register of Historic Places in December 1982.