Gray's Garage in Pontiac, Ill., a member of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame, marked its 50th year in business on Friday, according to the Pontiac Daily Leader newspaper. Roger and Betty Gray opened the garage March 23, 1963, in a lot where Big R is now located, at the intersection of routes 66 … Continue reading Pontiac repair garage marks 50th year
Category: Businesses
Bethany’s downtown may be poised for revival
A recent story in The Oklahoman newspaper about a new business indicates the long-stagnant downtown of Bethany, Okla., may be poised for a revival. The story focused onTreasure Chest on Route 66, an antique store in a century-old building that opened about a month ago. Owner Stacey Carter, who also owns the adjacent Cedarburg Square gift … Continue reading Bethany’s downtown may be poised for revival
Longtime co-owner of historic Girard drugstore dies
Bob Deck, longtime co-owner of the historic Deck's Drug Store in Girard, Ill., that later became Doc's Soda Fountain, died Thursday at a hospital in Springfield, according to an obituary by Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes. He was 82. This recent video, produced by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, captures the memorable atmosphere of Doc's Soda … Continue reading Longtime co-owner of historic Girard drugstore dies
New Gold Dome owner files for demolition permit
The new owner of the historic Gold Dome building along Route 66 in Oklahoma City has filed for a demolition permit -- a reversal of his earlier pledge to keep the structure, according to a report in The Oklahoman newspaper. David Box, who bought the building in September, said renovating the Gold Dome would be … Continue reading New Gold Dome owner files for demolition permit
It’s maple sirup time
Mark Rivera, a reporter at WAND-TV, paid a recent visit to Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup in the Route 66 town of Funks Grove, Ill. This is about the time of year that the Funk family begins its annual harvest. https://youtu.be/H2mpvQwkS_Y You can order their delicious products here. UPDATE: The Chicago Tribune also posted a … Continue reading It’s maple sirup time
Vintage fashion shopping in Amarillo
Andrew Evans of National Geographic's Digital Nomad site is spending the next month or so traveling in the state of his birth, Texas. One of his first dispatches comes from Rag and Bone Antiques, along the Sixth Street (aka Route 66) corridor of Amarillo, where Keitha Jones and Ash Marie show him vintage clothing. It's … Continue reading Vintage fashion shopping in Amarillo
A closer look at the Elbow Inn
Take a look at a recent "Discover the Ozarks" spot by KRBK-TV in Springfield, Mo., about a Route 66 landmark -- the Elbow Inn Bar & BBQ in Devil's Elbow, Mo. https://youtu.be/SF1z_wdV2B4 One of my favorite stories about the Elbow Inn is this one, by Sandi Wheaton. Believe it or not, her story about the … Continue reading A closer look at the Elbow Inn
Crystal City Shopping Center sells for much less than anticipated
The main building that largely comprises the Crystal City Shopping Center in southwest Tulsa sold today for $435,000, which was less than half what was anticipated, according to several Tulsa media outlets. KTVI-TV reported that City Councilor Jeannie Cue said the new owner had a good reputation for maintaining its buildings -- a major issue … Continue reading Crystal City Shopping Center sells for much less than anticipated
Historic Tulsa shopping center soon will be auctioned
The historic but long-stagnating Crystal City Shopping Center along Route 66 in southwest Tulsa soon will be auctioned, reported KJRH-TV in Tulsa. The property will be auctioned by Williams & Williams on Feb. 27. With the date will be new hopes the property will be reborn. Tulsa city councilor Jeannie Cue is a passionate supporter … Continue reading Historic Tulsa shopping center soon will be auctioned
Albuquerque proposes incentives for more neon along Route 66
Mayor Richard Berry and the City of Albuquerque are considering proposals that would lead to more and bigger neon signs along the city's Route 66 corridor, reported the Albuquerque Journal. According to the newspaper, the ideas include: -- Allowing bigger signs. A free-standing neon sign, for example, could be up to 50 percent bigger than … Continue reading Albuquerque proposes incentives for more neon along Route 66