The Decatur (Ill.) Herald & Review has a good article about Geoff Ladd, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County, and his efforts to save The Mill on old Route 66 in Lincoln, Ill. He was looking to promote connections and objects associated with Route 66 and his optimistic eye soon … Continue reading Tilting at the Mill
Category: Businesses
Activity in Arcadia
On Sunday, I took a drive on Route 66 to Arcadia, Okla., to check the progress of POPS, the bigger-than-life convenience store envisioned by Chesapeake Energy CEO and Route 66 fan Aubrey McClendon. The above photo is the 66-foot-tall pop bottle and straw, which will be swirled in LED tubing when it's finished. I spied … Continue reading Activity in Arcadia
Bent Door update
I e-mailed Ramona Kiewert, asking them how she and her husband, Roy, were coming on their plans of moving from Nacogdoches, Texas, to Adrian, Texas, so they could restore and reopen the historic Bent Door. The Kiewerts bought the long-closed Route 66 business last summer. Here is what she told me: We haven't moved as … Continue reading Bent Door update
Precious Moments park will close some attractions
The Joplin (Mo.) Globe reports today that the Precious Moments Inspiration Park, located in the Route 66 town of Carthage, Mo., announced it will close several attractions because of a steep decline in bus tours. Among the attractions slated to close and likely won't reopen are the Fountain of Angels, Wedding Island, an RV park … Continue reading Precious Moments park will close some attractions
Miniature Route 66
The Bowling Green (Ky.) Daily News has a story about David Malcolm Rose's exhibit of Route 66 sights in miniature at the National Corvette Museum. The article contains several photos shot at the exhibit, and the reporter talked to Rose, too. Reminding people of the landmarks through the use of models is important because “there … Continue reading Miniature Route 66
Tucumcari train station in line for $400,000 grant
The train station in Tucumcari, N.M., isn't on Route 66, but it and the railroad are so strongly linked to the Mother Road that any news about it is noteworthy. The Quay County Sun in Tucumcari reports that the historic train station is set for $400,000 worth of improvements to become a centerpiece of downtown's … Continue reading Tucumcari train station in line for $400,000 grant
Route 66 district fights street closure proposal
San Jacinto Christian Academy, a private school in Amarillo, Texas, wants to close adjacent streets, citing the safety of kids going to and from school, according to the Amarillo Globe-News (free registration required). The neighborhood is fighting the proposal, though. It fears the street closings will adversely affect businesses along the U.S. Route 66-Sixth Street … Continue reading Route 66 district fights street closure proposal
Route 66 business owner honored
I missed this somewhere, but this opinion piece in the Mountain View Telegraph reveals that Mike Anaya, owner of Mike's Friendly Store on old Route 66 in Moriarty, N.M., was inducted into the New Mexico Business Hall of Fame. Anaya is no absentee owner. He's easy to find at his supermarket and is not afraid … Continue reading Route 66 business owner honored
Historic service station in limbo
Here's an item from the Ontario (Calif.) Daily Bulletin that's a bit discouraging: RANCHO CUCAMONGA - The historic gas station on Foothill Boulevard west of Archibald Avenue, one of the last relics of the Route 66 days, has been fenced off for some time now but the city says no plans for the station have … Continue reading Historic service station in limbo
Two Route 66 towns to enroll in Main Street program
The Tulsa World reports today that the City Council is expected to allow part of southwest Tulsa, known as Red Fork, to participate in the Oklahoma Main Street revitalization and preservation program. It would last for three years and cost $150,000. It would recognize what is being called Red Fork Main Street, which encompasses two … Continue reading Two Route 66 towns to enroll in Main Street program