Gearhead Curios in Galena plans a ‘Big A the Texaco Man’ fiberglass giant by summer

The owner of Gearhead Curios of Galena, Kansas, is commissioning a new, nearly 20-foot-tall Muffler Man called "Big A the Texaco Man" that he hopes will be standing at his business by summer 2024. "Big A" is being made by Enchanted Castle Studios, which has made other Muffler Men or fiberglass giants around the country … Continue reading Gearhead Curios in Galena plans a ‘Big A the Texaco Man’ fiberglass giant by summer

National Trust offering the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund

The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently launched the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund which generally will offer grants of $5,000 to $10,000, with no match required. The fund aims to help business owners advance projects in Capital improvements; Planning; Marketing and outreach. Eligible projects will be located in the broader Route 66 … Continue reading National Trust offering the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund

Buck Atom statue in Tulsa will have a companion sometime next year

It appears Buck Atom has a girlfriend. The namesake fiberglass giant at Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66 in Tulsa will have a companion statue coming sometime in 2024. Mary Beth Babcock, owner of the souvenir shop at 1347 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66), announced last week that Stella Atom, a 19-foot-tall space cowgirl, … Continue reading Buck Atom statue in Tulsa will have a companion sometime next year

More details revealed of proposed renovations for Blue Whale site in Catoosa

Now we know better where that proposed $6 million for the Blue Whale would go. The City Council of Catoosa, Oklahoma, last week unveiled a proposed master plan for the iconic Blue Whale site along Route 66 as envisioned by Hampton Creative of Tulsa. Among the additions would be a mini-golf course, a new visitors center, … Continue reading More details revealed of proposed renovations for Blue Whale site in Catoosa

Tulsa Route 66 organization aims to restore historic buildings in the Red Fork District

The Tulsa Route 66 Main Street organization wants to restore historic buildings in the Red Fork District in southwest Tulsa before Route 66's centennial in 2026. The Red Fork neighborhood runs south of the Arkansas River and ends at 33rd West Avenue, with Route 66 right in the middle. News on 6 in Tulsa reports: … Continue reading Tulsa Route 66 organization aims to restore historic buildings in the Red Fork District

Neon sign at Webb City Florist is restored

The restoration of the historic neon sign for Webb City Florist in Webb City, Missouri, was unveiled during a ceremony last week hosted by the Route 66 Association of Missouri. Association President Rich Dinkela hosted a brief Facebook Live event from the night: Here are more images from the association: And here's an image from … Continue reading Neon sign at Webb City Florist is restored

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

Groundbreaking scheduled for Oct. 30 for a huge RV park near Vinita

Groundbreaking is scheduled for Oct. 30 for a gigantic campground near Vinita, Oklahoma, that will feature 750 RV spaces and 300 cabins. The Three Ponies RV Park and Campground is the first part of a planned $2 billion theme park just off Route 66, reported the Tulsa World. The groundbreaking for the RV park was … Continue reading Groundbreaking scheduled for Oct. 30 for a huge RV park near Vinita

Buc-ee’s store may open in Springfield later this year; Amarillo site to break ground this month

The first Buc-ee's store on Route 66 reportedly is set to open late this year in Springfield, Missouri. Another Buc-ee's site in Amarillo, Texas, will break ground on Oct. 26. The Springfield News-Leader reports the Buc-ee's on the northeast side of the city is holding a mass hiring event this week. The company expects to … Continue reading Buc-ee’s store may open in Springfield later this year; Amarillo site to break ground this month

City of Tulsa now offering facade matching grants for historic buildings along Route 66

The City of Tulsa announced it is offering matching grants of up to $40,000 to help restore the facades of historic buildings along its Route 66 alignments. The grant program was established with the help of the Tulsa Route 66 Commission. The announcement was made at the historic Circle Cinema, which undoubtedly would be eligible … Continue reading City of Tulsa now offering facade matching grants for historic buildings along Route 66