LINCOLN - The Mill, a Dutch-themed building in Lincoln once was a restaurant and bar, and members of the Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Lincoln hope to open it in 2009 as a museum.

"We are about a fourth of the way there with the donations of time and money we have received so far," said Geoff Ladd, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County.

Ladd said local residents want to preserve the "iconic landmark." The site was famous for a schnitzel sandwich and decorations that included armor and a mechanical leg.

"People fall in love with the place," said Ladd. "It's a quirky thing that sucks you in."

Route 66 enthusiasts are interested in saving the Mill. Ladd said that when The Mill opened in 1929, that section of the route was filled with businesses. Now, only The Mill is left.

Restoring the building, which sat vacant for 11 years, is a "monumental task," Ladd said. This fall, the roof will be replaced, followed by the hardwood floor.

For Phillip Hopper of Hopper's All Around Hardwood Floors and More, the decision to contribute was an easy one. "Route 66 has played a huge role in the lives of so many generations. If we lose these buildings, there will be nothing left to remind us of those times," Hopper said.

When Ladd announced Hopper's donation, he also made a plea for someone to help with replacement of 43 windows.

"As we get the word out, we continue to have businesses, groups, and individuals step forward to help," said Ladd.

The initial restoration estimate was roughly $250,000. However, donations of time and materials have "systematically brought the cost to under $100,000."

On the Net: www.savethemill.org