Benld, IL
Benld used to rock out. There was gambling and prostitution. Al Capone operated distilleries there.
The 1924 Coliseum had a 10,000 square foot dance floor. It featured all of Belnd's illicit activities and first rate music. Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Guy Lombardo and Tommy Dorsey played there. More recently, the Everly Brothers, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Johnny Rivers, Tina Turner and Chuck Berry were headliners. In its waning years it hosted local rock bands. The Coliseum burned down in 2011.
Belnd's other claim to fame is that in 1938, a meteorite went through the roof of Ed McCain's garage and wound up in his 1937 Pontiac coupe. The car and meteorite are on display in the Museum of Natural History in Chicago.
From Benld, follow Hwy 4 toward Staunton - Enter Staunton on Edwardsville St - Go left on Hibbard - Go right on Pearl - Go left on Hackman/Hwy 4
From Benld follow Hwy 4 to Gillespie
View Route66mc.com - Benld to Gillespie in a larger map
