Ariston Cafe

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name = Ariston Cafe
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location = 413 Old Route 66, Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois, USA
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built = 1935
architect = Henry A. Vasel (builder)
architecture = No particular style; allusions to Art Deco
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added = May 5, 2006
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refnum = 06000380
mpsub=Route 66 through Illinois MPS
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The Ariston Cafe is an historic restaurant located in Litchfield, Illinois, USA along Old U.S. Route 66. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

History

The Ariston Cafe was built in 1935 for original owners Pete Adam and Tom Cokinos, two experienced restaurateurs. Work began on April 4, 1935 by hired contractor Henry A. Vasel and the building was completed on July 5, 1935.Thomason, Philip and Douglass, Teresa. " [http://gis.hpa.state.il.us/hargis/PDFs/223415.pdf Ariston Cafe] ", (PDF), National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, "Illinois Historic Preservation Agency", November 8, 2005, accessed May 9, 2008.]

Design

The design of the Ariston Cafe does not reflect any particular architectural style. Instead, it was built in a utilitarian style, common for small commercial buildings of its time. Despite being non-stylistic, the building does contain echoes of the popular Art Deco style of the time period in its interior booths. On its exterior the Ariston's most distinguishing features are the curved parapet wall on the front facade and its fine and varied brick work. Originally, the Ariston, like many Route 66 businesses, had two fuel pumps fronting it.

Historic significance

The Ariston Cafe is the longest-operating restaurant along the entire stretch of U.S. Route 66.Hoekstra, David. " [http://www.route66university.com/study/inthenews/151.php Dining With the Locals on Illinois 66] ," "Chicago Sun-Times", 13 July 2006, via "Route 66 University", accessed May 9 2008.] It is representative of the types of businesses that once met with great success along historic Route 66. Despite a few alterations, including the addition of a banquet room, the building still maintains a historic character from the era of its construction. The Ariston Cafe was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on May 5, 2006. [http://www.nr.nps.gov/iwisapi/explorer.dll?IWS_SCHEMA=NRIS1&IWS_LOGIN=1&IWS_REPORT=100000039 National Register Information System Query - State and city=Litchfield, IL] , National Register of Historic Places, "National Park Service", accessed May 9, 2008.]

ee also

*U.S. Route 66 in Illinois

References