Crossroads Again! Driving the Dixie in the Heights

The annual "Driving The Dixie" vintage automobile caravan took place on Saturday June 16. This event begins in Blue Island and ends in Momence with numerous stops along the way.

One the stops was in Chicago Heights -- "The Crossroads of the Nation" where the 1st two all-weather transcontinental highways -- the Lincoln and The Dixie -- intersected. The Arche Fountain, erected in 1916, on the southwest corner of this intersection celebrates this juncture.

The stop in Chicago Heights was at Union Street Gallery -- housed in the 1926 Elks Lodge Building at 1527 Otto Boulevard, two blocks southeast of the crossroads. Nearly two hundred vintage automobiles and hundreds of participants and auto enthusiasts of all ages were on Otto boulevard over the course of several hours.

It was a great day for a drive and for viewing -- and a lot of fun to be part of the scene! Otto Boulevard was bustling, filled with cars and pedestrians. The Gallery had a special, but temporary, exhibition of Chicago Heights memorabilia and history.

It was a special and successful event which brought back memories of youth and more prosperous times. That this event is successful is a tribute to the dediication of many volunteers, organizations and communities. The prime of which is the "Driving The Dixie" Committee chaired by Elaine Egdorf of Homewood.

The successful stop in Chicago Heights was made possible by the City itself, especially the Police and Street Departments, The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and the staff, board and volunteers of Union Sreet Gallery. 

Now enjoy the pictures and mark your calendars for next year!