100 Years of  DIVCO AMERICA’S FAVORITE MILK TRUCK DIVCO CONVENTION 2026

DIVCO (Detroit Industrial Vehicle Company) saw the start of DIVCO truck production in 1926. The iconic DIVCO that most people remember from the ’50’s and ’60’s, was first built in 1938 and the snub-nose design remained until the last truck was built in 1986. That style DIVCO became iconic and was known as “America’s Favorite Milk Truck”.

A Divco Convention, in commemoration of 100 Years of Divco, will be held in conjunction with a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, “Kickin’ on Route 66”. These celebrations will take place in Pontiac, IL, July 15-18, 2026.

Divco Convention registration begins on Wednesday, July 15, at the host hotel, Hampton Inn-Pontiac. A Meet and Greet for those registered will open the convention Wednesday evening at the Hampton Inn.

Thursday is a day of exploring downtown Pontiac museums as well at the iconic 1950’s gas stations and Crazy 80’s museum north of Pontiac. Thursday evening in downtown Pontiac is a concert, Rocking at the River, 6:30pm-8:30pm, as well as an all women motorcycle group, “Stilettos On Steel”, touring Route 66.

Friday is a trip to Peoria with a stop at Caterpillar, lunch at Pizza Ranch, and completing the day with a visit to Wheels O’ Time Museum in Dunlap. Friday evening activities are still being planned.

**Editor’s Note: If you find the story here of value, consider clicking one of the Google ads embedded in the story. It costs you nothing but Google will give the website owner a few cents. This is a way to help support local news at no cost to the reader.

Saturday, Divco trucks will travel along Route 66 to Odell with a stop at the 1932 Standard gas station for a photo shoot in front of the gas pumps and station. Then convoy back to Pontiac for a Divco display in downtown Pontiac. A Cruise-In show will begin at 3pm, closing the street, Cruise 5-8pm (keep in mind the Divco closing banquet starts at 6pm).Saturday evening, 6pm, the Divco closing banquet will be held at Baby Bulls Banquet Center. A buffet dinner will be served. After the meal, an auction featuring many very nice items is planned. Contributions are welcome.

Attendance to the Divco Convention is by reservation only. If you need a registration form, please contact Barbara Parmelee at 860-483-0558 (leave message or text) or email: barbgeoparm@sbcglobal.net (put Pontiac in the subject line). If you have questions, please contact Dale Jenkins at (217)413-6605 or email: dalejenkins@sbcglobal.net.

Activities are coordinated with the Pontiac Bureau of Tourism and the Route 66 Association to celebrate 100th anniversary of Route 66 and are still on-going.