 There is a little bit of history in every town you visit. In New York, you will find a very large statue of a woman. Philadelphia has a bell. There is a sad little mission church in San Antonio. And let's not forget the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. Our little bit of history in Sandwich, Illinois sits on the corner of Main Street and Route 34. It is now the home of Kelly's Pub and American Grill. But it has been around. Our little bit of history has a history of its own. In 1893, Chicago became hostess to one of America's proudest events - The Columbia Exposition (Chicago World's Fair). People came from all over America and the world to witness the introduction of many innovations that are still used today; the light bulb, the Ferris Wheel, Cracker Jack. Our train car also made its debut at the Exposition, costing about $25,000.00 - No. 4438, affectionately named Isabella. A Pullman Palace Car, with its wicker, mahogany, velvet and crystal, could very well have seated visiting royalty from anywhere in the world. When the fair ended, the car was employed by Burlington to serve as one of only four cars on the line's Crack Flyer "The Pride of the Burlington." Now that might be enough glory and excitement for an ordinary train car, but not for our Isabella. After a successful career, she entered the political arena. Our 26th president, Teddy Roosevelt, and our little train car shared the campaign trail during the presidential races in 1900, 1904 and the "Bull Moose" Campaign of 1912. "Bully!" Alas, we all know (or hope) that retirement is inevitable. In 1931, Isabella was sold (dare we say - as junk) to a gentleman from Sandwich, IL. For the wee sum of $75 and was moved to Sandwich. Did we say retirement? Not for our Isabella. Why not go into the diner business? After all, the location was perfect. Route 34 (then known as Route 18) was the main highway connecting Chicago and Denver and later extended all the way to California. Hollywood, here we come. Actually Hollywood came to Sandwich and had dinner in our little train car. Isabella was introduced to The Glen Miller Band, Max Baer, Cary Grant, Guy Lombardo, Princess Grace, just to name a few. Isabella has had more birthdays than most of us will every see. In 75 years, ownership of the diner has changed only four times. The diner grew to restaurant status in 1977 when owners Paul and Terry tePoole connected an existing house with the car creating the building that exists today. It now features the fine cuisine created and prepared for you by the Conover Family. The fully stocked bar is "Cheers" fully tended by Kelly and Jon. And, of course, Martha takes care of everything else. The deck was added in 2003 and is very pleasant when Mother Nature is feeling agreeable. The elite of yesteryear have enjoyed the comforts of our train car. Famous people have hung their hats on the brass hooks of "the dining car." And the most important person that has ever sat down to enjoy a meal in Kelly's Pub and American Grill is you. We're very glad you're here and we hope you enjoy the time you spend becoming part of our little bit of history. Adapted from information obtained from the Chamber of Commerce |