The Route 66 Association of Kingman has begun the restoration of several historic neon signs and created new signs for businesses in Kingman, Arizona. According to a recent news release from the association: Through a partnership with Legacy Signs, they have provided new signage for various organizations and businesses such as the non-profit Luv of … Continue reading Several vintage signs soon will be restored in Kingman
Month: September 2016
Two Oklahoma properties added to National Register
Two areas of Route 66 in Oklahoma recently were named to the National Register of Historic Places, according to an email Thursday from the National Park Service. First, the register recognized the Downtown Claremore Historic District that includes a couple of blocks of Lynn Riggs Boulevard (aka Route 66) and the historic Will Rogers Hotel … Continue reading Two Oklahoma properties added to National Register
Oklahoma may close two Route 66 bridges, leave them as monuments
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation likely will close two historic and unique Route 66 bridges because of deterioration, but it is considering keeping the structures as monuments to travelers, according to a report from a television station and an Oklahoma Route 66 historian. The state's bridge plan calls for replacing several bridges on Route 66 … Continue reading Oklahoma may close two Route 66 bridges, leave them as monuments
More about the Western Host Motel restoration
A few weeks ago, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced its annual cost-share grants. One of them was a property of which I was unfamiliar -- the Western Host Motel in Grants, New Mexico. The $12,500 grant went towards buying 50 new doors for the motel. I had meant to contact the new owners … Continue reading More about the Western Host Motel restoration
A look at “Route 66: Radiance, Rust and Revival on the Mother Road”
The "Route 66: Radiance, Rust and Revival on the Mother Road" show at the Albuquerque Museum ends in about 10 days. If you are unable to see it, this well-produced and remarkably comprehensive video from the city's television channel may suffice: https://youtu.be/O_zNQQQVhMY The show's curator said something notable, which is quoted here without irony: "You can see how things like signage have … Continue reading A look at “Route 66: Radiance, Rust and Revival on the Mother Road”
A tragedy on Route 66 in 1968
I stumbled onto this recent video about a car accident in October 1968 that killed four teenagers on Foothill Boulevard (aka Route 66) in Fontana, California.. Two other teens died on Foothill in other accidents the same weekend. https://youtu.be/4FSmC_wKMx8 The video isn't shot by a professional, so you'll have shakiness and typical other things from … Continue reading A tragedy on Route 66 in 1968
Speakers lineup announced for Miles of Possibility Conference
The Route 66 Miles of Possibility conference recently announced its speakers for the Oct. 20-23 event at the McLean County Museum of History/Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center and the Ensenberger Building in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. Last year's Miles of Possibility in Edwardsville, Illinois, contained a slew of speakers, and this lineup looks no less abundant. Cory … Continue reading Speakers lineup announced for Miles of Possibility Conference
Book review: “Portrait of Route 66”
"Portrait of Route 66" provides many colorful or obscure images from the massive Curt Teich Postcard Archive, and it offers a look at the Mother Road from the mid-1920s to the early 1950s. But one of the most enjoyable parts of "Portrait of Route 66" (280 pages, cloth, illustrated, University of Oklahoma Press) turns out to be … Continue reading Book review: “Portrait of Route 66”
Joplin may resurrect Mother Road Marathon
Joplin may revive the Mother Road Marathon -- a 26.2-mile footrace through parts of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri discontinued in 2013 after declining participation and complaints about its promoter. Tom Rogers of TwelveOne Race Management and Marketing in Joplin, who helps run 35 events a year, wants permission from the city council to use its license for the copyrighted name, data … Continue reading Joplin may resurrect Mother Road Marathon
Albuquerque task force takes over Desert Sands Motel
Albuquerque's Safe City Task Force took over control of the Desert Sands Motel after the property experienced a third fire there since May. The Route 66 motel faces an Oct. 1 deadline to make a good-faith effort to repair the property or the city will demolish it, reported KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. The city acted less than a … Continue reading Albuquerque task force takes over Desert Sands Motel