♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] When the Transcontinental Lincoln Highway was dedicated in 1913, it was still a dirt path through Benton County.

Paving a coast-to-coast route took time and early travelers could expect the cross-country journey to last up to a month.

Among the advice given to road trippers, don't wear new shoes.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] As the highway gained popularity, so did the demand for services along the way.

Good morning!

Welcome!

We're glad you came.

[Kohlsdorf] In 1931, Youngville Cafe opened its doors ready to serve hungry travelers a welcomed meal.

(intermittent chatter) [Mike Kelly] When the traffic was increasing and the facilities were increasing, kind of the dawn of the highway facilities, this was always a Skelly station.

You would try and draw attention to your facility.

So, it is built in kind of an English Tudor style that would stand out.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] West of Cedar Rapids, this stretch of highway once had rest stops on every corner.

Today, Youngville is the last one standing.

Okay, I've got your tenderloins here.

[Mike Kelly] We're open on Tuesdays.

It's all volunteers.

Everything look good?

[Mike Kelly] We serve loose meat sandwiches and grilled tenderloin and pies.

Only being open that one day, we get a surprising number of people, oh I saw you were open and stopped in, I'm traveling the Lincoln Highway.

[Kohlsdorf] Now, the Lincoln Highway lives on in the memories of those who lived and traveled along it.

And the Youngville Cafe stands as a reminder of what this monumental highway once was.

[Mike Kelly] People are very appreciative that it's open again.

Some people remember coming here the first time when they were younger.

A lot of times it's parents and grandparents that told them about coming here.

♪♪