Guns a Blazin'

Hello Everyone,

In my last blog, I introduced you to a must-stop-spot, The Route 66 Museum and Route 66 Hall of Fame.

Before leaving Pontiac I wanted to find at least a couple of geocaches. There are about a dozen Non-Route Related geocaches, so when I picked Big Bull (GC5F81E, placed by Boo 2) it was because it had 11 favorite points. When you get to ground-zero, you’ll see how it got it’s name. Not a difficult find, you just need to be warry of muggles.

The other geocache I picked was just outside of Pontiac, RT 66: IL- Old District 6 (GC12T8G, placed by Boo 2, 30 favorite points). It’s an old Police station. Doesn’t sound all that interesting, but it does have one characteristic about it. From above, it has the shape of a pistol. Here is what http://illinoisroute66.org  had to say about this spot.

“Built in 1941, the old Illinois State Police District 6 headquarters was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2000. The unique building was constructed in the shape of a pistol, and served as the base for state troopers who patrolled roads from Dwight to McLean. It was vacated in 2004 when a new state police headquarters was built nearby.”

I knew this information before coming to this place. I follow Roamin Rich on Facebook and he posted a video regarding the old station. He took his drone and flew over so we can all see how it’s shaped. His video is down below.

The find itself isn’t much of challenge, but I had to do some fake picture taking due to the fact that there was a city worker cutting the grass. I didn’t was to expose the cache just in case he didn’t know what Geocaching is and perhaps disposing it.

Further down Route 66 is a geocache at another historical spot, The Poor Farm (GC1AYJA, placed by Boo 2, 11 favorite points). I had a hard time finding this cache and ended up logging in a Did-Not-Find. Looking back, if I would have read the hint, I think I would have found it. Here is what the description on the geocaching webpage says,

“Years and Years ago counties had provided a place for people to live when they had fallen on bad times and were unable to pay their debts. These places were call The Poor Farm, Livingston Manor was such a place. Many people lived out the rest of their lives at the poor farm. Upon their death, if no relatives claimed their body for burial, the county buried the people in the Poor Farm Cemetery. Over the years this place was more or less forgotten. The small cemetery was nothing more than a weed patch in the middle of a corn field behind Livingston Manor. Few people even new of it's existence. Several years ago a group of volunteers from the historical society organized a clean up and restoration of the burial plot. Because of these peoples efforts the cemetery has become a tranquil and beautiful place in honor of those poor soul who lie in peaceful eternal rest there. Take time to look around and read the names and dates on the stone memorial.”

When you enter the cemetery you’ll see a monument with the names and dates of the people buried here. Instead of headstones, there are little stone markers no bigger then a tissue box.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. If you like it, I am asking you to share this blog on your favorite social media. 

Speaking of social media, look for me on Facebook and hit the friend request. I am also on Twitter (@richhavlik) and hit the follow button and I’ll hit it back.

I had the time of my life on Route 66. I have a feeling you’ll love it too. But don’t take my word for it...Go Experience It For Yourself.

Rich