Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Towanda Edition
Crafted from ultra-soft 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this unisex jersey tee combines classic comfort with a nod to prairie heritage. Featuring the "Gem of the Prairie" slogan, this t-shirt celebrates Towanda, Illinois: one of the most historically immersive stops along the Mother Road.
Perfect for Mother Road explorers, history buffs and collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, this tee captures the spirit of a town that keeps the road's early history up close.
Celebrate Towanda: home to one of the most unique walking paths on Route 66, where visitors can stroll half a mile of the original and preserved 1926 pavement, while enjoying vintage Burma-Shave signs that tell the story of the highway's past.
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About Towanda, Illinois: Where the Past is Paved in History
Towanda is a quiet McLean County community situated along the 1926-1977 alignment of Route 66. Settled in 1826 and later incorporated in 1870, the town is affectionately called the "Gem of the Prairie," a nod to its peaceful charm and enduring connection to Illinois' prairie landscape.
One of Towanda's most beloved attractions is its Route 66 Walking Path, a half-mile stretch of the original 1926 concrete alignment that was opened to the public in 2006. This trail takes visitors back in time with interpretive kiosks and nostalgic Burma-Shave signs, offering a truly immersive Route 66 experience.
Burma-Shave was a brand of brushless shaving cream which existed until 1966. The company used innovative advertising campaigns which included rhymes posted throughout the nation's roadways. This usually consisted of six consecutive signs, with each of the first five containing a line of verse, followed by the sixth sign which displayed the brand name.
Towanda's community pride is reflected in its Community Building at 103 S. Jefferson St., which hosts local events and preserves the town's history. One of Towanda's architectural treasures is Duncan Manor, an Italianate farmhouse built in 1866. Once listed among Illinois' most endangered historic properties, it has been lovingly restored under private stewardship.
Today the Manor serves as a community hub for tours, garden events, weddings and more. The exquisite grounds echo the lavish style and pastoral charm of its era.
Towanda also celebrates its Route 66 heritage in a hands-on way. The Towanda Historic Route 66 Parkway (also called the Towanda Trail) preserves and showcases several miles of old Route 66 roadway and the scenic Money Creek Bridge. The parkway includes picnic areas, interpretive signage and garden spaces, turning what was once an abandoned stretch of roadway into a meaningful trail for explorers.
The village may be small, with a population around 430, but its community spirit is big. Each year Towanda hosts the Rt-66 Cruise-IN, where cars, families and nostalgia lovers gather to celebrate the road's legacy with classic vehicles and local hospitality.
Local culture continues through the Towanda District Library, which offers regular events such as story times, crafts and community programs, helping to keep the town connected. With its preserved pavement, educational displays, and serene prairie setting. Towanda remains a jewel on the Route 66 journey.
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
