BROADWELL - An unknown electrical problem likely caused the fire that destroyed a restaurant-turned-museum Monday afternoon along old Route 66 in Broadwell.

The Pig Hip restaurant, which opened nearly 70 years ago, burned in a fire first reported about 3:35 p.m. in the town just south of Lincoln along Interstate 55. It took about 45 minutes for firefighters to control the blaze, and much of the building was destroyed.

Patty Thompson, spokeswoman from the Office of the Illinois Fire Marshal, said an investigator told her it appears the fire was caused by an unknown electrical problem. The investigation is mostly complete, and she said it's not likely the exact cause will be determined.

Building owner Ernie Edwards, who opened the restaurant when he was 20 years old, said he and relatives watched the remains of the building Tuesday morning to prevent looting.

Logan County Chief Deputy Rick Bacon said he is not aware of anything being taken from the ruins. But he said sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Broadwell on Tuesday afternoon after Edwards' call about problems with onlookers and concerns they would be hurt while looking through what was left of the building.

Bacon said his department would secure the site however possible, and there will be an extra patrol around the former business.

Edwards opened his restaurant in 1937, and it spent two years as the Harbor Inn before becoming the Pig Hip, taking its name from his trademark sandwich, he said. The Pig Hip remained open until 1991, and Edwards later refurbished the interior and opened it as a museum.

Edwards remained upbeat Tuesday despite the loss of his former restaurant.

"I think everything's going to work out fine," he said.

Edwards was concerned Monday about whether the place was insured. He later found out it was.

"I thought my luck was pretty much shot, but there's hope. I'm not sure what I'm going to do though about rebuilding," said Edwards.

Rather than only focusing on loss Edwards spent much of Tuesday with friends reminiscing about all the good memories.

"I'm doing good. I even got a full night's sleep last night," said Edwards on Tuesday.

Edwards said he is still planning for the combined celebration in June of his 90th birthday, the town's 150th anniversary and the annual Route 66 Motor Tour.

"I'm going to try to have Pig Hips there," Edwards said. "Now I don't know. It's going to be quite a chore. But if I get the right help, I'll do it."

The Pig Hip sign still stands. And the former service station attached to the restaurant and Edwards' nearby house were not damaged in the fire.

As for the restaurant, Edwards said it may become part of his yard.

"I'm not sure, but I just imagine we'll bulldoze it out of there," Edwards said.

Connie Seastedt contributed to this story.