Historical marker added to Road Runner’s Retreat site near Chambless

The Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus recently added a big historical marker at the defunct Road Runner's Retreat restaurant and gas station near Chambless, California. The chapter describes itself as a "fun-loving, irreverent group dedicated to the preservation and documentation of the history of the west including native Americans, early settlers, the Gold … Continue reading Historical marker added to Road Runner’s Retreat site near Chambless

Latest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced six grants this year totaling about $165,000 to varying historic preservation, research, oral history, interpretative and educational projects. I noticed the grant awards this year were capped at $30,000. Still, 30 grand is 30 grand. Here are the grant awards: Round Barn siding repair in Arcadia, OklahomaApplicant: Arcadia Historical … Continue reading Latest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

Benjamin Moore Paints give materials donation to Road Runner’s Retreat project

Benjamin Moore & Co. recently donated a bunch of paint to the owner of the Road Runner's Retreat property so it could be used on its neon sign during the next workday on Oct. 21. Ryan Anderson, who runs the Facebook page for the defunct Route 66 restaurant near Chambless, California, said the donation came … Continue reading Benjamin Moore Paints give materials donation to Road Runner’s Retreat project

Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants

The restoration of the Hi-Way Cafe neon sign near Vinita, Oklahoma, was among the newest cost-share grants announced this week by the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Four of the grants involved neon signs. In addition to the Hi-Way, grants went to the Henning Motel sign in Newberry Springs, California; the Road Runner's Retreat sign … Continue reading Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants

Fundraising campaign launched to repaint Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign near Chambless

The owner and advocates for the long-closed Road Runner's Retreat restaurant near Chambless, California, have launched an online fundraiser to repaint its neon sign. Those who donate $35 or more to the effort through GoFundMe.com will receive a T-shirt and a reproduction bumper sticker from the 1960s when the restaurant still was in operation along … Continue reading Fundraising campaign launched to repaint Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign near Chambless

Road Runner’s Retreat begins restoration work on its long-dark neon sign

The owner of the closed Road Runner's Retreat restaurant near Chambless, California, began work last week on restoring its long-dark neon sign. The work was detailed in an Instagram post: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Road Runner’s Retreat (@roadrunnersretreatroute66) High winds forced an early end to the day's work, but "we’ll … Continue reading Road Runner’s Retreat begins restoration work on its long-dark neon sign

Volunteer cleanup effort at Road Runner’s Retreat set for Oct. 16-17

The historic but long-closed Road Runner’s Retreat complex on Route 66 near Chambless, California, is hosting its annual cleanup weekend on Oct. 16-17. According to the High Desert Daily: Former owner Duke Dotson will be on hand to share stories of his childhood growing up at Road Runner’s Retreat during Route 66’s heyday. The 1960’s Googie-Style … Continue reading Volunteer cleanup effort at Road Runner’s Retreat set for Oct. 16-17

Newest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

Six projects, including four historic sites, will receive more than $103,000 in cost-share grants from the Route 66 Corridon Preservation Program under the auspices of the National Park Service. The awards first were revealed Thursday in a social media post for the Road Runner's Retreat complex, which received a grant, near Chambless, California. Here are … Continue reading Newest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

Fundraiser launched for a new phase of Road Runner’s Retreat resurrection

The organizer of several cleanup weekends at the closed Road Runner's Retreat site near Chambless, California, has launched a fundraiser of T-shirt and pin sales to help finance the fourth stage of its eventual resurrection. The fundraiser via GoFundMe.com has a goal of $5,000, with incentives that include a Road Runner's Retreat T-shirt that states, … Continue reading Fundraiser launched for a new phase of Road Runner’s Retreat resurrection

Fire guts restaurant building at Road Runner’s Retreat near Chambless

A likely arson fire destroyed the restaurant building Wednesday at the long-closed Road Runner's Retreat complex near Chambless, California. Beth Murray reported the fire began about 4:15 p.m. The sign and service station remained intact, but the restaurant was "a total loss." After the bad news, Murray set up a fundraiser with a goal of … Continue reading Fire guts restaurant building at Road Runner’s Retreat near Chambless