A new but throwback-looking neon sign -- with a Route 66 shield featured prominently -- was installed Thursday for the forthcoming House of Speed shop at 610 S. Main St. (aka Route 66) in Joplin, Missouri. Here's a video of the sign being installed: The sign was designed by Sign Brothers of nearby Pittsburg, Kansas, … Continue reading New, retro-styled neon sign goes up in downtown Joplin
Category: Businesses
Nine new grants announced through Route 66 Black Experiences Program
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership announced nine projects through the Route 66 Black Experiences Grants program that were awarded $5,000 each. The 2024 recipients and the cities where they are based are: Choctaw Freedman Citizenship Footprints Inc. in Oklahoma City Black Business Alliance in Bloomington, Illinois Threatt Filling Station Foundation in Luther, Oklahoma Jack … Continue reading Nine new grants announced through Route 66 Black Experiences Program
Nominees sought for Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2025
The Route 66 Association of Illinois seeks nominees for the 2025 induction into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame. The association began recognizing people and places along Route 66 almost 35 years ago The Hall of Fame honors “those people and places along Route 66 whose blend of hardy individualism and grassroots community spirit … Continue reading Nominees sought for Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2025
Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla will close for good on Sept. 30
We've known for a few weeks the historic Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, Missouri, would close this fall. Now we have a firm date: The Totem Pole will shutter for good on Sept. 30. The Phelps County Focus published a story about the imminent retirement of longtime owners Tim and Alice Jones, who have … Continue reading Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla will close for good on Sept. 30
Uranus Missouri owner’s film to debut in Waynesville on Oct. 16
Don't look now, but Louie Keen, owner of the Uranus Missouri complex along Route 66 in St. Robert, Missouri, is getting into the movie biz. Keen and co-executive producer JR Anthony will debut "Uranus Attacks" at B&B Theatres Waynesville Patriot 12 (map here) in nearby Waynesville, Missouri, at 6 p.m. on Oct. 16. Based on the trailer, … Continue reading Uranus Missouri owner’s film to debut in Waynesville on Oct. 16
Barbecue restaurant opening in Wrinks Market building in Lebanon
Smokin Jones BBQ is moving into the historic Wrinks Market building along Route 66 in Lebanon, Missouri, a few weeks after its previous tenant announced it was closing. According to the Laclede County Record, Smokin Jones also will offer fresh-made salads, plus pies made by Wrinks' pie maker. Food will be sold to-go. Mike Jones … Continue reading Barbecue restaurant opening in Wrinks Market building in Lebanon
Panel seeks to remodel Ilfeld-Johnson Warehouse, apply for Route 66 grant to boost Santa Rosa
The Guadalupe County Development Corporation's board plans $730,000 in renovations for the historic Ilfield-Johnson Warehouse in downtown Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Local officials also are applying for a grant from the New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Grant Program to improve business facades along Route 66. Longtime Route 66 News readers probably remember previous efforts to … Continue reading Panel seeks to remodel Ilfeld-Johnson Warehouse, apply for Route 66 grant to boost Santa Rosa
Are Muffler Men undergoing a big revival?
The short answer is yes. The Chicago Tribune a few days ago took a look at what one Route 66 advocate, Bill Thomas, called "a bit of a Renaissance" for the fiberglass giants, colloquially known as Muffler Men. The Muffler Men, made primarily by International Fiberglass in Venice, California, during the 1960s to the mid-1970s, … Continue reading Are Muffler Men undergoing a big revival?
New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects
The Oklahoma Route 66 Commission announced more than $6.6 million in grants, including improvements to the Blue Whale in Catoosa, a 66-foot dinosaur in Tulsa and multiple neon-sign initiatives. The grants, initially reported by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, cover 13 Route 66-related projects in the Sooner State. More about the grants can be found … Continue reading New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects
Big A the Texaco Giant to be installed at Gearhead Curios in Galena on Sept. 8
The specially commissioned, nearly 20-foot-tall "Big A the Texaco Giant" will be installed at Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas, at 1 p.m. on Sept. 8. ReGiant, specializing in working on Muffler Men, will install the former Texaco station at 520 S. Main St. (Route 66). Enchanted Castle Studios made the figure itself. It has fabricated … Continue reading Big A the Texaco Giant to be installed at Gearhead Curios in Galena on Sept. 8