In May, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Gov. JB Pritzker announced $4 million in grants for various projects along Route 66, including one to Springfield for an "interactive metaverse exhibit" that would focus on "the lived experiences of Black Americans traveling or living in communities along Route 66 throughout its history." Last week, … Continue reading “Interactive metaverse exhibit” coming to Springfield involves Negro Motorist Green Book
Category: Gas stations
New owners of Sunflower Station in Adrian reveal more plans for the site for 2023
The new owners of Sunflower Station next door to the landmark Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, announced plans for the site when they plan to reopen it in spring 2023, including placing guest cabins in the back of the property. Jason and Kelly Snyder, enthusiasts of Route 66 and motorcycles, acquired the property last year … Continue reading New owners of Sunflower Station in Adrian reveal more plans for the site for 2023
Lucille’s Service Station in Hydro sustains moderate damage from a tornado
The landmark Lucille's Service Station along Route 66 near Hydro, Oklahoma, sustained moderate damage from a tornado, but a nearby office building designed to look like the original motel was more ravaged. KFOR-TV in nearby Oklahoma City shot footage from a helicopter of the site. As you can see, the original station suffered a little … Continue reading Lucille’s Service Station in Hydro sustains moderate damage from a tornado
Route 66 Association of Missouri plans event to repaint big road shield at Gary’s Gay Parita
The Route 66 Association of Missouri is planning a May 28 event to repaint "the largest Route 66 shield in Missouri" at Gary's Gay Parita Sinclair Station in Paris Springs, Missouri. Roamin' Rich Dinkela, now president of the association, in 2018 painted the large shield onto the roadway, and it has become faded with weather … Continue reading Route 66 Association of Missouri plans event to repaint big road shield at Gary’s Gay Parita
Burglars break into Threatt Filling Station near Luther
Burglars apparently broke into the historic Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma, that's undergoing renovations. A local police agency said it is calling the FBI to help investigate. According to a Facebook post from the Luther Police Department, the thieves broke into the station to steal power tools. They stole a trailer and in the … Continue reading Burglars break into Threatt Filling Station near Luther
Roy’s of Amboy makes an appearance in new Nissan commercial
If you've watched any NCAA basketball tournament games on television in recent days, you might have spotted the Route 66 landmark Roy's gas station, cafe and motel in Amboy, California, in a Nissan ad. The Roy's footage, which features the Nissan Z sports car, begins about the 15-second mark; https://youtu.be/yR6mx_VkXEk I went back more than … Continue reading Roy’s of Amboy makes an appearance in new Nissan commercial
Illinois tourism bureau applies for grant for Route 66 visitor center, reopening Cannonball Jail
A tourism bureau in southwest Illinois has applied for a state grant that would create a new Route 66 visitor center and reopen the Cannonball Jail in Carlinville, among other projects. According to Riverbender.com, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois applied for the grant under the state's Route 66 Grant Program administered … Continue reading Illinois tourism bureau applies for grant for Route 66 visitor center, reopening Cannonball Jail
Second Buc-ee’s store coming near Route 66 corridor, this time in Amarillo
A second Buc-ee's convenience store near the Route 66 corridor soon will be built, this time on the east side of Amarillo, Texas. Barely three weeks ago, the city council of Springfield, Missouri, approved incentives for the construction of a Buc-ee's on the city's northeast side. That one will be open 12 to 15 months … Continue reading Second Buc-ee’s store coming near Route 66 corridor, this time in Amarillo
First Buc-ee’s travel center along Route 66 planned in Springfield, Missouri
The Route 66 corridor appears to finally be getting a Buc-ee's convenience store, and it's coming to Springfield, Missouri. The Springfield News-Leader reported the huge travel center will be built at Mulroy Road and Interstate 44 on the city's northeast edge. Mulroy Road intersects with old Route 66 on the south side of the interstate. … Continue reading First Buc-ee’s travel center along Route 66 planned in Springfield, Missouri
Ground broken on Olive Oils 66 Service Station in Chelsea
A ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held at the future site of Olive Oils 66 Service Station, a 1930s-style auto repair shop in Chelsea, Oklahoma, one block off Route 66. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, attended the ceremony, where you can see a small-model mockup of the shop. Project Chelsea also posted … Continue reading Ground broken on Olive Oils 66 Service Station in Chelsea