Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection - Gardner Edition
Crafted from ultra-soft 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this unisex jersey tee pairs classic comfort with a taste of roadside nostalgia. Featuring the "Home of the Streetcar Diner" slogan, this shirt celebrates Gardner, Illinois: a town where a repurposed streetcar became one of Route 66's most charming and memorable attractions. Perfect for travelers, history lovers and collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, this tee keeps the diner spirit alive.
Celebrate Gardner: where a vintage streetcar and a tiny two-cell jail have turned this small town into a must-stop visit on the Mother Road.
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About Gardner, Illinois: Where History is Served on Rails
Gardner, Illinois is a quaint Grundy County town located along the 1926-1977 alignment of Route 66. Settled in 1853, and later incorporated in 1888, Gardener is most famously known as the "Home of the Streetcar Diner."
In 1932, a retired Kankakee streetcar was brought to Gardner and converted into a diner to serve hungry travelers stopping near the Greyhound bus station. For several years it provided meals and memories to motorists before being relocated behind the Riviera Roadhouse in 1955. When the roadhouse was tragically lost to fire in 2010, the Illinois Route 66 Association stepped in, restoring the streetcar and then moving it downtown in 2011.
Today, it stands proudly near Gardner's other roadside gem - The Two-Cell Jail, built in 1906 - making the pair a favorite stop for travelers seeking great photo opportunities and a taste of local history.
Gardner celebrates its Route 66 heritage each May as part of the Red Carpet Corridor, inviting visitors to experience its unique landmarks and small town charm. With its preserved streetcar diner, historic jail and dedication to keeping the Mother Road spirit alive, Gardner proves that even the smallest towns can serve up a big slice of Americana.
Product Features:
- 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for premium softness
- Side seams for added structure and durability
- Tear-away label for comfort
- Classic crew neckline with a flattering unisex fit - true-to-size for all day comfort (see size chart for details)
- Fulfilled in the USA
Care Instructions:
- Machine wash: cold (max 90°F / 30°C)
- Tumble dry: low heat
- Non-chlorine bleach as needed
- Iron or steam: medium heat
- Do not dry clean
