Structural engineer says Joplin Union Depot’s condition is good

A structural engineer who recently assessed the Joplin Union Depot in Joplin, Missouri, reported that the bones of the long-abandoned building are good. According to the Joplin Globe, Lori Haun, director of the Joplin Downtown Alliance, told the city council the engineer who specializes in restoring historic properties “felt very confident it could be rehabilitated.” … Continue reading Structural engineer says Joplin Union Depot’s condition is good

Joplin group awarded a grant to have an engineer assess Union Depot

The Downtown Joplin Alliance recently announced it given was $5,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to pay for an engineer to assess the long-abandoned Union Depot building. According to the Joplin Globe: That engineer’s report will enable the alliance to formulate more targeted marketing aimed at preserving and developing the 110-year-old train station.The … Continue reading Joplin group awarded a grant to have an engineer assess Union Depot

Kiddieland, a tradition in Carthage for 70 years, reopens for the summer

What's cool about Route 66 is you never stop learning something about it. That includes Kiddieland in Carthage, Missouri, which has been run by the local Kiwanis Club for more than 70 years. Kiddieland at 2000 Oak St. (aka Route 66) opened for the season during Memorial Day weekend. It opens each Saturday, and Sunday … Continue reading Kiddieland, a tradition in Carthage for 70 years, reopens for the summer

City of Joplin hires firm to help find a developer for Joplin Union Depot

The City of Joplin, Missouri, has tapped a commercial real-estate firm to help market the century-old Joplin Union Depot with the hope someone can redevelop and renovate it. The city announced the effort Wednesday. The real-estate company, Glenn Group, will work with the Downtown Joplin Alliance through its Endangered Properties Program and the Missouri Department … Continue reading City of Joplin hires firm to help find a developer for Joplin Union Depot

Book review: ‘Tucumcari Tonite!’

There's a moment early in David Stratton's new book, "Tucumcari Tonight" (Amazon link), that signals this isn't going to be a dull history tome. In the introduction, the author, who was 95 years old when the University of New Mexico Press published the book earlier this month, recalls his personal memories of the first owners … Continue reading Book review: ‘Tucumcari Tonite!’

Bristow wants to restore four Route 66 landmarks, including Chrysler Plymouth tower

The Bristow (Oklahoma) Historical Society has compiled a wish list of landmarks along or near Route 66 it wants to beautify and restore, including the Chrysler Plymouth tower. According to the Sapulpa Times, the society has placed these landmarks on the renovation list before Route 66's centennial in 2026: The 100-foot-tall Chrysler Plymouth tower just … Continue reading Bristow wants to restore four Route 66 landmarks, including Chrysler Plymouth tower

First Avenue Bridge in Barstow closed indefinitely after an accident

The First Avenue Bridge that leads to a Route 66 museum in Barstow, California, was closed to traffic after an accident last week and will remain off-limits indefinitely. The Victorville Daily Press reports the city is keeping the historic span closed as it assesses damage from a head-on crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon. It left … Continue reading First Avenue Bridge in Barstow closed indefinitely after an accident

A closer look at the closed MacArthur Bridge in St. Louis

It's hard to believe, but the MacArthur Bridge that once connected Route 66 from East St. Louis to St. Louis has been closed to vehicular traffic for more than 40 years but still is standing. KHMO radio recently flagged this video by urban explorer Tattoo Tony Alton where he and a pal explored the bridge, … Continue reading A closer look at the closed MacArthur Bridge in St. Louis

California Historic Route 66 Association to celebrate its historic byway on Feb. 12

The California Historic Route 66 Association will hold a Route 66 Byway celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 12 at the historic El Garces in Needles, California. Attendees include Atlanta, Illinois, tourism director Whitney Ortiz as well as authors and photographers. Area car clubs are planning to attend, and free tours of El … Continue reading California Historic Route 66 Association to celebrate its historic byway on Feb. 12

Sky Railway makes its first run between Santa Fe and Lamy

Railroad buffs have a new attraction to check out if they're in northern New Mexico. The Sky Railway made its debut Dec. 3 from downtown Santa Fe to Lamy with a dragon-painted locomotive. It was the first run on those 16 miles of tracks in eight years, though Amtrak makes regular stops in Lamy. A … Continue reading Sky Railway makes its first run between Santa Fe and Lamy