The 80-year-old Front Door building on Route 66 in Strafford, Mo., which once was cited by Ripley's Believe It or Not as having two fronts, is now being used as an after-school hangout for latchkey teens, according to the Springfield News-Leader. The Front Door Student Center is a project led by Alter Student Ministries and … Continue reading Old building on Route 66 finds new life
Category: Businesses
Ace Jackalope reaches the end of Route 66
Ace Jackalope of The Lope blog meets the end of the trail on his Route 66 trek at Santa Monica, Calif., including the Santa Monica Pier. Again, many nice photos are taken, including of the pier's attractions. And I'm not sure how I missed this, but here's another Ace Jackalope entry from his adventures in … Continue reading Ace Jackalope reaches the end of Route 66
In defense of neon signs
Several towns along Route 66 have restrictive zoning codes against neon signs -- rules that seem nonconducive to the Mother Road experience. One of the reasons some municipalities restrict the use of neon signs is traffic safety. Apparently there is concern that the vivid light of neon lighting will distract motorists and cause accidents. I … Continue reading In defense of neon signs
Historic building in Arizona being restored
The historic Beck Furniture Building in the Route 66 town of Holbrook, Ariz., is being restored to be a restaurant and gift shop, according to the Holbrook Tribune-News. The couple fixing up the building hope to have it open by late May.
In Funks Grove, it’s spelled “sirup,” not “syrup”
The Daily Vidette, which is the student newspaper of Illinois State University, has posted a story on its online edition about Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup, which is a family business near the tiny Route 66 hamlet of Funks Grove, south of Bloomington. The story explains the unique spelling of the maple product: A sign … Continue reading In Funks Grove, it’s spelled “sirup,” not “syrup”
Good for him
Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., is encouraging communities and businesses along Route 66 to apply for cost-share grants from the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, according to the Quay County Sun in Tucumcari. Applications and guidelines can be found here or by calling (505) 988-6701. Deadline to apply for the fiscal year is … Continue reading Good for him
“Bugs Bunny should have stayed in Albuquerque”
So writes the blogger The King of Today. When he touched down in the Duke City via airplane, he wasn't impressed. But the Nob Hill neighborhood converted him. He now says that "Albuquerque, NM, is my new girlfriend." King also has a nice slide show of pictures from his visit.
Rose Bowl in Tulsa is sold
KOTV Channel 6 in Tulsa reports that the scorched-and-shuttered Rose Bowl on Route 66 has been sold to businessman Steve Baker. Baker says he hasn't figured out what to do with the former bowling alley, which suffered at least two arsons. One thing it can't be is a bowling alley again because of a non-compete … Continue reading Rose Bowl in Tulsa is sold
State approves money to fight fake crafts
The New Mexico Legislature approved earmarking $70,000 to the state regulation and licensing department to create a state "certification" mark that will be placed on arts and crafts made by American Indians in New Mexico, according to the Gallup Independent. It's interesting to read this story from the Gallup perspective. Gallup, along with Santa Fe, … Continue reading State approves money to fight fake crafts
A look back, a look now, and looking forward
Erik Siemers of the Albuquerque Journal takes a look at Route 66 in the Duke City as the highway is about to mark its 80th anniversary. It's an interesting overview of what the Mother Road once was, what it is, and what to do in the future to keep it around. Recommended reading.