Gaylord Building

ROUTE 66 100 Year Road Trip

The Gaylord Building

The Gaylord Building
The Gaylord Building
ABOUT THE HOST BUSINESS

A National Trust Treasure!

Originally constructed in 1838 from locally quarried limestone and served as a warehouse and headquarters for the Illinois & Michigan Canal.
Part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, making it one of the most historically significant landmarks along Illinois Route 66.
Over the years, the Gaylord Building has served many purposes—including a grain warehouse, restaurant, museum, and cultural center.
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The Gaylord Building, constructed in 1838 in the downtown historic district of Lockport, Illinois, and on the canalside there, played a pivotal role in the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

200 West 8th Street / (815) 838-9400

Bettenhausen
Route 66 Sponsor

Thank you Bettenhausen for sponsoring
the Gaylord’s Route 66 bench!

Bettenhausen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Lockport is a trusted local dealership offering a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles backed by generations of family-owned service and automotive expertise. Located along I-355 in Lockport, Bettenhausen is known for combining modern vehicle technology with hometown customer care, helping drivers throughout the region find everything from rugged Jeep SUVs and powerful Ram trucks to dependable daily drivers. With a full-service maintenance department, financing assistance, and a longstanding reputation in the community.

Visit Bettenhausen Jeep

THE 100 YEAR ROAD TRIP BENCH

“Lots of Lincolns!”

John McDavitt
John McDavitt
MEET THE ARTIST

John McDavitt

Painter • Fine Artist

For over 35 years, John McDavitt has built his career and business around a deep love for art, especially drawing. He started out chasing dreams in the film industry as a special effects makeup artist. But along the way, John discovered a surprising path in toy and product development.

Clients often describe him as a chameleon, able to adapt, solve problems creatively, and bring their visions to life. John wears many hats, including muralist, airbrush artist, graphic designer, teacher, coach, and much more. A lifetime’s worth of lessons has been gained being self-employed, and now John finds immense joy in sharing that wisdom.

Whether he’s teaching a class or workshop, coaching a young or seasoned artist, or speaking at a professional event, John is passionate about helping artists build their own path in the art world, turning their talent into a sustainable, fulfilling career.

Lockport residents may already recognize John’s art from the Lockport Duck displays in 2021 (his commissioned piece was located outside Public Landing), as well as the Abraham Lincoln mural located in the White Oak Library – Lockport Branch, commissioned for the citywide unLOCK Multimedia Art Experience in 2018.