On Saturday, June 20, 2026, members of the Jaguar Association of Greater St. Louis (JAGSL) gathered for a memorable day trip to Springfield, Illinois, as part of the Route 66 centennial celebrations.
The event combined scenic driving, historic sites, classic cars, and warm hospitality, perfectly capturing the spirit of adventure that defines both Jaguar ownership and the legendary Mother Road.
The day began bright and early at the St. Louis Bread Co. in Westport, St. Louis. Jaguars rolled out for a straight shot via Interstate 270 to Highway 55. In Auburn, IL, the group met up with gracious hosts Trevor and Liz Orthmann. Despite a local parade creating some buzz in town, the convoy skillfully navigated around it and continued onward.
En route, drivers enjoyed one of the highlights of historic Route 66: the Brick Road portion, followed by a pass by the picturesque Historic Sugar Creek Covered Bridge. These stretches offered a wonderful blend of vintage pavement and timeless Americana, setting the perfect tone for the day's activities.
images by Mark Morgan
The group arrived in downtown Springfield for the kickoff of the 2026 Hemmings Great Race, an official Route 66 Centennial event. The race launched from the historic Old State Capitol building, with approximately 100 classic and specialty cars participating in this high-profile, time-speed-distance rally that spans thousands of miles. It was an inspiring sight for Jaguar enthusiasts surrounded by automotive history in motion.
After enjoying the race start, the group headed just a few blocks away to La Piazza Cucina Italiana (218 S. 6th Street), where Trevor and Liz had arranged an exclusive private lunch for JAGSL members. The authentic Italian fare was a hit, but the real showstopper was Trevor’s unbelievable homemade desserts, which provided a sweet finale to the meal.
The final stop of the day was a private tour of the Dana-Thomas House, a stunning Frank Lloyd Wright-designed masterpiece built in 1902 for Susan Lawrence Dana. This 12,000-square-foot Prairie-style home features the largest collection of site-specific original Wright art glass and furniture. It was a highlight for many, offering a deep dive into architectural history right in the heart of Springfield.
A huge thank you goes to Liz and Trevor Orthmann for organizing and hosting this fantastic event. Their local knowledge, warm welcome, and personal touches made the day truly special. Trevor serves as Executive Director of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and many JAGSL members expressed hope to return to Springfield soon for a concert performance.
Events like this strengthen the bonds within our club while celebrating the joy of driving beautiful Jaguars on historic roads. Here’s to more adventures on the open road—stay tuned for the next JAGSL driving tour!
images JAGSL
