The historic Coliseum Ballroom, located on the 1926-34 alignment of Route 66 in Benld, Ill., is for sale, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The asking price: $210,000. And maybe, just maybe, the Coliseum will be returned to its original incarnation -- a live-music venue. And both of two prospective buyers would like to see … Continue reading Coliseum Ballroom in Benld is for sale
Day: April 6, 2006
State Farm is touting “Cars”
It looks like State Farm Insurance has become a major sponsor of Pixar's "Cars" movie, according to the Auto Channel. This makes some sense, as State Farm is based in the Route 66 town of Bloomington, Ill. State Farm's CARS promotion is underway with this week's launch of the "State Farm Countdown to CARS" Giveaway, … Continue reading State Farm is touting “Cars”
Funks Grove general store will reopen
This is great news. The Bloomington Pantagraph is reporting that the long-closed general store near the railroad tracks in the Route 66 settlement of Funks Grove, Ill., will reopen this weekend as Anna Rey's at Funks Grove Country Store. The store, which opened in 1913, had been shuttered for about 30 years. It will be … Continue reading Funks Grove general store will reopen
The countdown begins …
ComingSoon.net has an exclusive look at a countdown poster for Pixar's "Cars" movie, which roars into theaters on June 9. In related news, "Cars" will be a sponsor for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Calif., this weekend, according to ILikeRacing.com.
Illinois Route 66 bike trail project may be delayed
The Bloomington Pantagraph is reporting that funding delays may put two major bicycle trail projects in Illinois on hold -- including the Route 66 Bikeway. I've excerpted a chunk of the story here, but it looks like you can blame the state and Washington for the problems. Officials expected IDOT to announce grants by late … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 bike trail project may be delayed
Help wanted
Our good friend Jack Patel, who runs the well-preserved Desert Hills Motel on Route 66 in Tulsa, is looking for part-time office help (answering phones, checking in guests, etc.) for evenings. Apply in person; make an appointment by calling 918-834-3311.
Here are damage photos of Pacific Liquors sign
Kent Sanderson sent photos of the former 66 Liquors sign in Pacific, Mo., after it was heavily damaged by the severe storms that wreaked havoc in the Midwest last week. Damage to the sign was initially reported here. Here's a "before" shot of the sign: Here are the "after" shots: The Route 66 Association of … Continue reading Here are damage photos of Pacific Liquors sign