Editing Normal, Illinois (section)

===Historic sites===
[[File:Normal, IL Post Office mural, "Development of the State Normal School" by Albert Pels.jpg|thumb|The WPA mural "Development of the State Normal School", by Albert Pels, is on display in the Normal Post Office.]]
The [[Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's School]], operated from 1865 until 1979, when it was officially closed. The reasons for closure included a rising high per capita cost of care, the deterioration of many campus buildings, and dwindling numbers of children referred by state agencies. Though several of the original structures have been abandoned and left derelict, others have been converted for a number of uses. These include a seniors community, a commercial pool providing swim lessons, and a community football field.

These three locations are listed in the National Register of Historic Places:
* [[Camelback Bridge]]
* [[John W. Cook Hall]]
* [[Normal Theater]]

In December 2010, a [[U.S. Route 66|Route 66]] Wayside Exhibit was installed at the historic [[Sprague's Super Service]] building in Normal. The exhibit tells the story of Route 66's great significance and impact on the community. Visitors are welcome anytime during daylight hours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wjbc.com/new-route-66-wayside-exhibits-unveiled/ |title=New Route 66 wayside exhibits unveiled |publisher=Wjbc.com |date=December 15, 2010 |access-date=July 17, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308143704/http://wjbc.com/new-route-66-wayside-exhibits-unveiled/ |archive-date=March 8, 2012 }}</ref>