Bloomington, Illinois - Name Origin

 Bloomington, Illinois, got its name because the area was originally known as "Blooming Grove" due to the abundance of flowers in the region. The settlement of "Keg Grove" was later renamed "Blooming Grove" by early settlers, who were drawn to the area's natural beauty and "haven of blooms," according to the City of Bloomington, Indiana.

Here's a more detailed look:

• Early Native Inhabitants:

  The Kickapoo people were the original inhabitants of the area, which was later referred to as "Keg Grove". 
• "Blooming Grove":

  As Euro-American settlers arrived in the 1820s, they changed the name to "Blooming Grove" to reflect the area's abundance of flowers and lush greenery. 
• County Seat:

  Bloomington was officially named as the county seat of McLean County on December 25, 1830, when McLean County was created. 
• Continued Growth:

  The city of Bloomington continued to grow and develop, particularly during the first two decades of the 20th century. 
• Modern Bloomington:

  Today, Bloomington is a vibrant community with a rich history and a strong sense of identity, largely due to its origins as "Blooming Grove". 

Small Solar Flowers

 

https://xtremetals.com/product/large-solar-flower-blue-red/

Ideas for Downtown Bloomington

 

Solar panels shaped like flowers, often referred to as "SmartFlower," are a unique and visually appealing solar energy solution. These systems, inspired by the sunflower's ability to track the sun, feature "petals" that open and rotate to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the day. They are designed to be more efficient than traditional, fixed solar panels and offer a visually striking alternative to traditional solar panel designs.

Here's a more detailed look:

Functionality:
SmartFlower panels open in the morning and rotate to follow the sun across the sky, capturing more sunlight than fixed panels. They automatically close at night and can also be folded and cleaned.

Efficiency:
By tracking the sun, these panels can produce up to 40% more energy than traditional, stationary solar panels.

Design and Aesthetics:
The flower-like design provides a unique and visually appealing alternative to standard solar panel aesthetics.

Installation and Relocation:
SmartFlower systems are typically ground-mounted and can be installed quickly and easily, and they can also be relocated if needed.

Cost:
SmartFlower systems can be more expensive than traditional solar panels, with prices ranging from around $39,950 for a standard model to $65,500 for a model with an integrated battery, before installation and shipping.

Models:
SmartFlower offers residential and commercial models, catering to both homes and businesses.

https://kmea.com/garden-city-to-install-smart-flower-solar-system-at-lee-richardson-zoo/

Beautiful Downtown Bloomington - Saturday May 31, 2925

Farmers Market in the Morning, Wine Tasting in the Afternoon, Rock Concert in the Evening.

Beautiful Downtown Bloomington Rocks! 

Memorial Day Parade Downtown Bloomington, Illinois

 

Back Home on May 23, 2025. Got My Kicks On Route 66. Drove 3,100 Miles. Home is in Downtown Bloomington on Route 66

 

The Ensenberger building on Route 66, at 212 N Center Street is a classic building in the center of downtown Bloomington, Illinois. 

 

The colorful terra-cotta medallions and ornate indoor decorations make the seven-story an attractive addition to the city.

In 2008 the original 1910 building plus the 1926 seven-story addition was re-opened as a residential condo complex.

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Route 66, famously known as "The Mother Road" and "Main Street of America," was a historic highway stretching approximately 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. Established in 1926, it played a pivotal role in American history and culture for nearly six decades.

Its diagonal course connected hundreds of rural communities across eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. This made it a vital artery for farmers transporting produce and grain, and by the 1930s, for the burgeoning trucking industry.

During the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl era, Route 66 became a symbol of hope and a pathway to a better life, as thousands of families migrated west to California in search of work. This mass exodus was famously chronicled by John Steinbeck in his 1939 novel, "The Grapes of Wrath," where he dubbed it "the mother road, the road of flight"—a nickname that endured.

Beyond its utilitarian purpose, Route 66 became a vibrant hub of American roadside culture. It was dotted with countless "mom-and-pop" businesses—motels, diners, gas stations, and quirky roadside attractions—that catered to travelers and came to define Americana. Its allure was further amplified by popular culture, including Bobby Troup's hit song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" and the 1960s television series "Route 66."

However, with the advent of the Interstate Highway System in the mid-20th century, Route 66 gradually became obsolete. Faster, more efficient interstates bypassed many of its original sections, leading to its eventual decline. The highway was officially decommissioned in 1985.

Despite its decommissioning, the legacy of Route 66 lives on. Portions of the original road have been designated as "Historic Route 66" and are preserved, allowing travelers to experience a nostalgic journey through a significant piece of American history.

Downtown Bloomington in the reflection of the wine glass

McClean

 

McClean is a small town in McClean County, Illinois.  The County has constructed a county wide bikepath in the Route 66 right of way.

On The Road In Illinois May 23, 2025. Almost Home

 

Too tall For the Camera

There were various alignments of Route 66 that evolved over the years.

Springfield Getting Close to Home May 23, 2025