Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announced the second round of the Byway Project Funds program to provide financial assistance to their members.

Byway Project Funds support events, marketing and advertising efforts and projects that help preserve the heritage of Illinois Route 66 and promote travel to Illinois Route 66 communities and sites. Byway Project Funds cannot be used for general operating or construction expenses. The funds range from $500 to $1,000 and up to 10 members may receive the funds.

Over the past couple of months, the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway received many exceptional applications, and DeCamp Station in Staunton is one of the four recipients of this round of funding. They received $1,000.

DeCamp Station is a historical roadhouse located on Route 66 that specializes in dining, drinks, and sports. They are open year-round and have a host of activities indoors and out. DeCamp Station prides itself on their lighted baseball field and sand volleyball courts. They provide local musicians a venue every Saturday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. during the winter and extended hours during the summer. The roadhouse is a community landmark and has been in continuous business since 1931.

Since the new owners obtained the roadhouse in March of 2017, they have made many improvements to the building and have many more exciting projects planned.

DeCamp Station will utilize the Byway Project Funds to waterproof the basement to preserve the foundation and allow additional storage space for restaurant supplies.

Once the basement has been waterproofed, they will install several light fixtures, paint the interior walls, purchase additional shelving, and build a dry storage room. The waterproofing will prevent future basement flooding and reduce maintenance costs.

Other projects that received funding during this round are O'Brien Auto & Tire Care in Granite City ($1,000), Logan County Tourism Bureau/The Mill Museum on 66 ($1,000), and City of Atlanta Tourism ($1,000).