Landmarks Illinois today placed the John J. Murphy Filling Station, aka Castle Car Wash, on its 2008-2009 Chicagoland Watchlist of endangered historic properties. Twelve other properties in the Chicago area were listed. It is hoped the publicity will spur efforts to preserve the structures. The stone, castle-like station, on Route 66 at 3801 W. Odgen … Continue reading Castle Car Wash building placed on watch list
Category: Businesses
Berwyn tavern reopens after face-lift
Tiger O'Stylies, a tavern on Route 66 in Berwyn, Ill., has reopened after a $25,000 renovation, reports Suburban Life. With about $9,000 in help from the Berwyn Development Corp., owner Tiger Hiller has seen his nightclub turn into a popular spot: The BDC made the move to support Tiger O’Stylies’ renovation — with the City … Continue reading Berwyn tavern reopens after face-lift
The nighttime glow of Gay Parita
Gary Turner's faithful reproduction of the former Gay Parita gas station on old Route 66 in Paris Springs, Mo., recently had architectural neon lighting added. The lighting was installed free by Vernon Boyce, owner of Missouri Neon Co. of nearby Springfield, Mo. The company has been around since the 1940s and has installed neon lighting … Continue reading The nighttime glow of Gay Parita
Governor pledges more projects for Tucumcari
The city of Tucumcari made a strong bid but failed last month to gain a license for a casino and horse-racing track. But apparently the effort has created some positive side effects. Local officials who made a bid for the "racino" license met with Gov. Bill Richardson, and he pledged to bring future economic development … Continue reading Governor pledges more projects for Tucumcari
Animal Paradise’s future plans
Animal Paradise, a drive-through exotic animal park off Route 66 near Strafford, Mo., was taken over by a corporation earlier this year. KSPR-TV in Springfield, Mo., talked to the park's operators about future plans: “Black bears will be the next thing to come in,” said owner Jim Meikle. Exotic Animal Paradise is also planning to … Continue reading Animal Paradise’s future plans
Tulsa Monument Co. named to National Register
The Tulsa Monument Co. building, located at 1735 E. 11th St. (Route 66) in Tulsa, was named to the National Register of Historic Places effective Sept. 4, according to an e-mail received today from the National Park Service. According to the Tulsa Preservation Commission, the Art Deco building was built in 1936 by Harry H. … Continue reading Tulsa Monument Co. named to National Register
Notes from the road
The Gallup (N.M.) Independent has an article about Route 66 sights in town before members of the Society for Commercial Archeology come check them out today. The article laments about how little is left of Route 66 sites in Gallup. But you can say that about a lot of towns -- many Route 66 businesses … Continue reading Notes from the road
T for tenacious
The Western Horseman has an interesting article about the century-old T4 Cattle Co., based in the Route 66 town of Motoya, N.M. It's a fascinating story about how the ranch, now a whopping 180,000 acres, survived family tragedies, tough economic times, prairie fires and calamatous weather over the decades. It also provides a look into … Continue reading T for tenacious
Williams moves to close ‘The Gap’
It's hard to believe it's already been more than three years since a downtown fire destroyed a long abandoned century-old building and damaged the adjacent Canyon Club and Red Garter Bed & Bakery in Williams, Ariz. It's harder to believe the land where the building burned has been unused since -- especially when Williams' main … Continue reading Williams moves to close ‘The Gap’
Tribe offering aid to flood victims
Hualapai Tourism, the owners of Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk, is raising funds for the neighboring Havasupai tribe that was devastated by recent flooding in the Grand Canyon, reports Elizabeth Mitchell for About.com. Starting Labor Day weekend on Saturday, August 30, The Hualapai Tribe will donate 10% of proceeds gathered by Hualapai Tourism for … Continue reading Tribe offering aid to flood victims