Posted by I decided to head to the town of Gardner, IL; home the famous Streetcar Diner.
The current location was not the original one of this relic. In fact, it was a working Pullman streetcar in Kankakee, IL. When electric streetcars became the newest rage, those that could not be converted (such as this one) were sold as scrap. George Kaldem bought the car in 1932 in hopes of opening a roadside diner along Route 66.
During this time, the diner became an “unofficial Greyhound bus stop.” The popular spot ran as a business for 7 years. After that time, it was moved in 1937 where it served as cottage and a children’s playhouse.
In 1955, the streetcar diner was once again moved, this time to its present location behind the Riviera Roadhouse. Unfortunately, the forgotten little diner was left to deteriorate in the elements of Gardner’s weather.
Luckily for us history buffs, the Route 66 Association of Illinois Preservation Committee saw the streetcar as valuable to the story of the old road. It took 5 years for the preservation efforts of the Committee to be realized and the trolley was restored to its former glory. It still remains behind the Riviera, has a working trolley bell and been named the “66 Cafe.” So keep on eye on the road and visit the hidden gem; the Historic Streetcar Diner of Gardner, IL.
