Baseless. That was the conclusion I reached after reading a copy of the formal appeal filed by new El Vado Motel owner Richard Gonzales. He's protesting the Albuquerque Landmarks Commission's recommendation to designate El Vado at city landmark. I'll address Gonzales' complaints one by one briefly: That El Vado is not economically and socially viable. … Continue reading El Vado Motel owner’s appeal is a big zero
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
Muffler Man on the block
A reader, Maj. Nelson, alerted me to this: A man is selling on eBay a Muffler Man that claims ties to Route 66. If you're in the dark, the Muffler Man is a 30-foot-tall fiberglass figure used to help draw attention to businesses. Many of these giants have their forearms out at an angle to … Continue reading Muffler Man on the block
Flagstaff’s city fathers see red
The Arizona Daily Sun is reporting about a culture (and color) clash between an Asian business owner and the Flagstaff Historic Preservation Committee. The business owner painted her business, The Golden Triangle, red with black trim because it reflects on her Asian culture, plus it's an attention-getter to customers. But Flagstaff's historic district along Route … Continue reading Flagstaff’s city fathers see red
Claremore spruces up its Mother Road artery
The Claremore Progress reports on the erecting of three memorials along the median of Lynn Riggs Boulevard, which is Route 66, in Claremore, Okla. The memorials pay tribute to native son Will Rogers and Route 66. Check it out.
Lexington, Ill., needs items for its time capsule
The Route 66 town of Lexington, Ill., was going to bury a time capsule during its sesquicentennial in July last year. But the committee that organized the event decided to allow the residents more time to gather items for the capsule. Among the items will be information from the Route 66 Biking Trail. According to … Continue reading Lexington, Ill., needs items for its time capsule
Grain elevator at Route 66 ghost town razed
The Associated Press reports that the old grain elevator at now-defunct Route 66 town of Ballard, Ill., northeast of Bloomington-Normal, was demolished Friday. The 80-foot-tall structure had been closed since the 1960s. Randy Smith a few years ago contributed an article to the Illinois Route 66 Association newsletter about the history the elevator (picture above). … Continue reading Grain elevator at Route 66 ghost town razed
Better book your room now near Grand Canyon
This is a press release, but it probably contains good advice for winter and early spring travelers. Because the 250-room Maswik Lodge near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed for renovations until March, tourism officials recommend booking alternate lodging now. Some of those alternates sit on Route 66: Want to “get your … Continue reading Better book your room now near Grand Canyon
Pixar-Disney merger by next week?
Reuters is reporting that Disney bosses are meeting to decide Sunday or Monday whether to buy Pixar Animation Studios, the maker of the upcoming Route 66 movie "Cars."
Spy photos from “Cars”
Now this is funny. I don't know whether these photos featured Friday on ComingSoon.net are legitimately from Pixar Animation Studios to add buzz for its upcoming Route 66-themed movie, "Cars," or from someone who's good with PhotoShop. I'd say the former seems likely. Either way, the "photos" serve as a clever parody of car magazines … Continue reading Spy photos from “Cars”
Atlanta, Ill., isn’t resting on its laurels
In another story today from the Bloomington Pantagraph, the Route 66 town of Atlanta, Ill. -- already a swell little place to visit -- is seeking more ways to preserve the town's past, including forming a historic preservation commission. "We want to figure out how we can do more for Route 66," said local businessman … Continue reading Atlanta, Ill., isn’t resting on its laurels