The "End of the Trail" sign on the Santa Monica Pier that has become a popular photo op for Route 66 travelers is being taken down for about two weeks while work is being done on the pier itself, said Dan Rice, owner of the 66-to-Cali stand on the pier. The sign, a replica of … Continue reading “End of the Trail” sign temporarily removed
Category: Businesses
Galena’s remarkable comeback story
It's not out of the woods yet, but the long-moribund Route 66 town of Galena, Kan., is looking more prosperous these days. The Joplin Globe newspaper, based in nearby Joplin, Mo., published a long story about the town's comeback. The whole thing is worth reading, but I'll highlight what has happened in Galena in recent … Continue reading Galena’s remarkable comeback story
A close shave
If you're very lucky (and happen to be a guy), Angel Delgadillo might have time to give you a shave at his barbershop on Route 66 in Seligman, Ariz. https://youtu.be/JzAgmoGJQP4 "The Angel of Route 66" is more known for greeting tourists and selling tons of Route 66-related souvenirs at his gift shop. But, at one … Continue reading A close shave
Kickstarter campaign launched to restore Roy’s sign
A Kickstarter campaign aims to raise $16,000 to restore the historic Roy's sign at the Route 66 town of Amboy, Calif. The restoration is part of the newly christened Amboy Foundation of Art's eventual goal to turn the motel at the Roy's complex into an artist's colony. According to the Kickstarter page: Restoration of this neon … Continue reading Kickstarter campaign launched to restore Roy’s sign
Former 4 Women on the Route should reopen this month
Cars on the Route, formerly known as the 4 Women on the Route in Galena, Kan., should reopen sometime in May after months of renovations, reported the Joplin (Mo.) Globe newspaper. We previously reported on the overhaul of the Route 66 landmark in March. At the time, principal owner Renee Charles hoped to have the … Continue reading Former 4 Women on the Route should reopen this month
Evicted dinosaur coming to Route 66 in Arizona
A huge dinosaur statue that was evicted from a Southern California neighborhood over a zoning dispute is being moved to Route 66 at Grand Canyon Caverns in Arizona. The 40-foot-long apatosaurus was installed at the Zoomars petting zoo in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. However, city officials nixed the statue. According to the Los Angeles Times: … Continue reading Evicted dinosaur coming to Route 66 in Arizona
Fire destroys former reputed brothel used by Al Capone
A brush fire destroyed two homes Saturday in the Route 66 town of Godley, Ill., including one structure that reputedly was a brothel used by notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone, reported the Joliet Herald News. Kalvin Noonan, who owned the homes, said the fires started when township workers burned debris nearby. Noonan said the property … Continue reading Fire destroys former reputed brothel used by Al Capone
De Anza project may be in jeopardy
The main developer of the historic De Anza Motor Lodge along Route 66 in Albuquerque says the revitalization project may be scuttled if historic tax credits aren't approved soon by the federal government, reported Albuquerque Business First. The newspaper said: Developer Rob Dickson said the approval of historic tax credits, which represent almost 15 percent of the project’s … Continue reading De Anza project may be in jeopardy
New owner of Crystal City Shopping Center revealed
The new owner of the long-moribund Crystal City Shopping Center in southwest Tulsa is the same one who tried to negotiate a deal for months, but wound up buying it for much less money at an auction. A new story by the Urban Tulsa alternative newspaper gave the details about the Route 66 property's new … Continue reading New owner of Crystal City Shopping Center revealed
New Gold Dome owner backs off from demolition efforts
The new owner of the Gold Dome in Oklahoma City has halted efforts to demolish the historic structure along Route 66, reported The Oklahoman newspaper on Tuesday. Earlier this month, David Box filed a demolition permit for the geodesic dome structure. When he bought it last fall for $800,000, he pledged to preserve it. When … Continue reading New Gold Dome owner backs off from demolition efforts