Many, many Route 66 enthusiasts know about the landmark Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Smithsonian Magazine once called the 1939 establishment "the last, best and friendliest of the old-time motels." But the Texas Old Route 66 Association recently went through the files of longtime Texas Route 66er Delbert Trew and found an intriguing … Continue reading Did another Blue Swallow Motel exist near Shamrock, Texas?
Pony Bridge to reopen to traffic the evening of May 10
The landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, is hosting a reopening celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. on May 10, with vehicular traffic being allowed to cross shortly after 5. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association had the details about the party: The gathering starts at 3:00 with music, food, and tours from the Oklahoma Department … Continue reading Pony Bridge to reopen to traffic the evening of May 10
Former Pour Richard’s in Odell now is Hobart’s on Tremont restaurant
Longtime roadies may remember the Pour Richard's restaurant and bar in downtown Odell, Illinois, a hangout for tourists after they checked out the landmark Odell Station and the former pedestrian tunnel under Route 66 in town. It's now the Hobart's on Tremont establishment, according to a story in the Bloomington Pantagraph. Because it's in a … Continue reading Former Pour Richard’s in Odell now is Hobart’s on Tremont restaurant
Progressively warmer winters affect harvest at Funks Grove Maple Sirup
CBS News in Chicago recently did a story about Funks Grove Maple Sirup in Shirley, Illinois, and how repeatedly warmer winters are shortening the sap flow of the family farm's maple trees. The gist is that climate change definitely is affecting Funks Grove's annual harvest. https://youtu.be/N6OKuhKXwZA?si=mBzoSoN9uBL6hNwy Funks Grove tends to sell out of its maple … Continue reading Progressively warmer winters affect harvest at Funks Grove Maple Sirup
Massive collection of St. Louis-area neon signs expected to be auctioned later this year
Greg Rhomberg's gigantic collection of vintage neon signs -- including a few from Route 66 -- and memorabilia are expected to be auctioned later this year after his unexpected death in early 2023. Rhomberg had hoped to build a neon museum at the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis by 2025 -- just before … Continue reading Massive collection of St. Louis-area neon signs expected to be auctioned later this year
Albuquerque designates Central Avenue Bridge as a historic landmark
The Albuquerque City Council last week voted to designate the Central Avenue Bridge that carries Route 66 as a City Landmark. A news release from the city has the bridge's historical details: Before 1937, the original Route 66 passed through Albuquerque in a north-to-south direction and was located on 4th Street. The Central Avenue Bridge was … Continue reading Albuquerque designates Central Avenue Bridge as a historic landmark
Celebration of life for Munger Moss owner includes cleanup, fundraiser for National Register
The Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri, is hosting a celebration of life on May 3-5 for its longtime co-owner that will include a cleanup of the site and a fundraiser to list the property on the National Register of Historic Places. The celebration of life is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 5 that will … Continue reading Celebration of life for Munger Moss owner includes cleanup, fundraiser for National Register
Severe storm lops off head of Muffler Man at Uranus Missouri complex
A severe storm a few days ago ripped off the head of the Muffler Man at the Uranus Missouri complex near St. Robert, Missouri. The head will be remade and reattached. The American Giants page on Facebook initially reported the damage that occurred Monday night. It reported Mark Cline will make a new head. Laura … Continue reading Severe storm lops off head of Muffler Man at Uranus Missouri complex
City of Tulsa to try again to develop area near Route 66 and the Arkansas River
The City of Tulsa once again is issuing requests for proposals to develop a Route 66 roadside attraction, development and an interactive experience near the Arkansas River. One of the requests for 815 S. Riverside Drive is on the city's website. This area is known as Cry Baby Hill, coined by spectators and participants in … Continue reading City of Tulsa to try again to develop area near Route 66 and the Arkansas River
Highland Theatre in Los Angeles closes after almost a century of operation
The Highland Theatre, which operated for 99 years along the Figueroa Street alignment of Route 66 in Los Angeles, unexpectedly closed its doors a few weeks ago. The EastsiderLA initially reported the shuttering of the theater, the last remaining movie house on Figueroa. On Thursday night, the theater was dark, the gate drawn closed, the … Continue reading Highland Theatre in Los Angeles closes after almost a century of operation