Category: Businesses

Vintage gas station being restored

KOTV in Tulsa has a short article about a vintage Phillips 66 gas station in downtown being restored to its former appearance, including photos. The Vickery Phillips 66 station is located at 602 S. Elgin Ave.  It's going to be converted into a rental-car business. In September 2006, it was awarded a grant from the … Continue reading Vintage gas station being restored

Joplin’s Seventh Street may see a rebirth

The Joplin (Mo.) Globe reports an upswing in developer interest in Seventh Street, a prominent alignment of historic Route 66. In the past three years, the city has issued 38 commercial building permits for work on Seventh Street — for a total of more than $6 million in new construction and renovation of existing structures. … Continue reading Joplin’s Seventh Street may see a rebirth

Moriarty takes a shot at beautification

Here's another Route 66 town in addition to the previously mentioned Victorville, Calif., that's trying to spruce itself up -- Moriarty, N.M., east of Albuquerque. A firm presented a master plan to the Moriarty City Council, reported the Mountain View Telegraph. "The big idea behind it is looking at ways to use landscaping and public … Continue reading Moriarty takes a shot at beautification

Victorville’s Old Town tries to lure artists

This is rather bold. Tired of vacant storefronts in the Old Town area, the City of Victorville, Calif., recently purchased a laundry business so it can tear it down and erect a complex of 10 artist-friendly lofts in an effort to spark residential and retail development, the Victorville Daily Press reports. Developers already are showing … Continue reading Victorville’s Old Town tries to lure artists

Route 66 development encounters opposition

The Arbors at Route 66 is a planned mixed-use development along Foothill Boulevard (Route 66) and Grove Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. But the project is encountering resistance from residents, mostly because of traffic concerns, reports the Ontario (Calif.) Daily Bulletin. The proposal is for 23 single-family homes, 75 townhomes and more than 12,600 square … Continue reading Route 66 development encounters opposition

Litchfield cafe-motel complex named to National Register

The Belvedere Cafe and Motel on 817 Old Route 66 in Litchfield, Ill., was named to the National Register of Historic Places on March 2. The Belvedere is better-known as the former home of the Route 66 Cafe before it moved down the street a few years ago. Last I heard, the restaurant building was … Continue reading Litchfield cafe-motel complex named to National Register

Route 66 root beer maker bought out

According to a news release, Route 66 Soda & Bottling Co. of Wilmington, Ill., was acquired by Route 66 Sodas LLC on March 1. The company was founded by Larry Tarantolo in 1996, a longtime supporter of the road. The rechistened company is led by Scott A. Cameron. The acquisition includes the soft drink formulas … Continue reading Route 66 root beer maker bought out

Memories of Missouri’s Route 66

David Holsted, a writer for the Harrison (Ark.) Daily Times, shares vivid childhood memories of his family traveling across Route 66 in Missouri, including his fervent wishes to stop at the Mule Trading Post near Rolla. Here's an excerpt: All manner of vehicles shared the road with us – rusty pickups, log trucks, semis, station … Continue reading Memories of Missouri’s Route 66

Solar-powered beer on Route 66

Only this would happen in an alt-energy state like New Mexico. The Mountain View Telegraph has the story. This at least gives me another reason to stop here in Moriarty to wet my whistle the next time I'm Mother Roading near the Duke City. "I'm not not just a drinking a beer. I'm helping prevent … Continue reading Solar-powered beer on Route 66