Uranium Cafe sign in Grants taken down, placed into storage

The neon sign for the closed Uranium Cafe in Grants, New Mexico, was taken down several weeks ago and placed in storage, with the hopes it eventually will be restored and placed in a neon park in the city. Blue Miller initially reported on the Historic Route 66 group about the sign's disappearance. A few … Continue reading Uranium Cafe sign in Grants taken down, placed into storage

Albuquerque Laundromat used in “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul” destroyed by fire

The Wash Tub Laundromat along Route 66 in Albuquerque, used in scenes in the "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" television dramas, was destroyed by fire Sunday. No one was reported hurt in the blaze, but the 75-year-old building at 1105 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) probably is a total loss. The owner has vowed … Continue reading Albuquerque Laundromat used in “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul” destroyed by fire

Imperial Inn in Albuquerque likely will reopen to overnight guests next month

The long-moribund Imperial Inn in east downtown Albuquerque probably will reopen to overnight travelers sometime next month after city officials hailed a $7 million redevelopment of the Route 66 motel. The Imperial, located at 701 Central Ave. (aka Route 66), now has 56 guest rooms, 16 residential suites and 4,400 square feet of commercial space … Continue reading Imperial Inn in Albuquerque likely will reopen to overnight guests next month

Distinctive muffler shop building in Holbrook torn down to make way for a dollar store

A distinctive but long-closed building that once housed a muffler shop in Holbrook, Arizona, was torn down in recent days. Local reports indicate the site will be used for a Dollar General store: It stood next to the landmark Wigwam Motel. As usual, the Route 66 Times website had information about the site at West … Continue reading Distinctive muffler shop building in Holbrook torn down to make way for a dollar store

Ten recipients named for Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants Program

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership a few days ago announced 10 recipients from its Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants Program. The Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant Program provides critical and flexible funding to businesses and attractions along Route 66 that are majority women-owned or operated. Dawn Federico in front of the Blue Swallow Motel's repaired neon … Continue reading Ten recipients named for Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants Program

Loss of Maplewood typewriter repair shop may be Rolla’s gain

A typewriter repair shop in the Route 66 town of Maplewood, Missouri, has closed after almost 60 years in business, but it appears its services and part of its collection will resurface later this year in Rolla, Missouri -- another Route 66 town. Jones Typewriter Co. recently closed after 81-year-old owner Vern Trampe decided to … Continue reading Loss of Maplewood typewriter repair shop may be Rolla’s gain

Application window opens for Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program

The initial application period for the Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program opened Friday, making $6.6 million available to municipalities, nonprofits and government entities on Route 66. Oversight for the grants will be by the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission, comprised of Oklahoma residents who live and work on the Mother Road. The application period will close at 5 … Continue reading Application window opens for Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program

Three named to Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame’s latest class

Three individuals will be inducted into the Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame during a ceremony next month. The Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society announced the third set of inductees last week. The ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 27 at the Cowan Civic Center in Lebanon, Missouri, during the society's … Continue reading Three named to Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame’s latest class

Gearhead Curios in Galena plans a ‘Big A the Texaco Man’ fiberglass giant by summer

The owner of Gearhead Curios of Galena, Kansas, is commissioning a new, nearly 20-foot-tall Muffler Man called "Big A the Texaco Man" that he hopes will be standing at his business by summer 2024. "Big A" is being made by Enchanted Castle Studios, which has made other Muffler Men or fiberglass giants around the country … Continue reading Gearhead Curios in Galena plans a ‘Big A the Texaco Man’ fiberglass giant by summer

National Trust offering the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund

The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently launched the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund which generally will offer grants of $5,000 to $10,000, with no match required. The fund aims to help business owners advance projects in Capital improvements; Planning; Marketing and outreach. Eligible projects will be located in the broader Route 66 … Continue reading National Trust offering the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund