Gearhead Curios in Galena plans to add neon lighting by April

The owners of Gearhead Curios along Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, said on social media Thursday they plan to install neon lighting at their former gas station by April 21. The social media post included a rendering of the neon added to an existing photo of the site: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1124595541308380&id=550734662027807 Gearhead Curios said anyone who wants … Continue reading Gearhead Curios in Galena plans to add neon lighting by April

POPS in Arcadia undergoes a change in ownership

The POPS convenience store and restaurant, renowned worldwide for offering more than 500 types of soda and its 66-foot-tall LED soda bottle that stands along Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma, quietly changed owners several weeks ago. US Star Properties LLC of nearby Edmond, Oklahoma, purchased the property on Nov. 19 for $2.22 million, according to … Continue reading POPS in Arcadia undergoes a change in ownership

Library of Congress puts Negro Motorist Green Book interviews online, including Threatt Filling Station’s

The Library of Congress recently posted online photographs and taped interviews of the owners of surviving African American businesses for Candacy Taylor's Negro Motorist Green Book research. One of the interviewees is Allen Threatt of the Threatt Filling Station along Route 66 near Luther, Oklahoma. The collection, found here, includes interview subjects from Miami, Florida; … Continue reading Library of Congress puts Negro Motorist Green Book interviews online, including Threatt Filling Station’s

Long-closed gas station in Miami to be converted into Route 66-themed restaurant

A long-vacant gas station at a prominent corner of Miami, Oklahoma, will be converted into a Route 66-themed bistro, tea house and ice cream shop. The Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma recently purchased the former Texaco station that dates to the 1920s, reported the Miami News-Record. The property sits at South Main Street and Steve Owens … Continue reading Long-closed gas station in Miami to be converted into Route 66-themed restaurant

Cash register from Threatt Filling Station to be part of Smithsonian exhibition

The original cash register used in the historic Threatt Filling Station on Route 66 near Luther, Oklahoma, is on display as part of the Smithsonian's "The Negro Motorist Green Book" exhibition at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. According to The Luther Register, the cash register is on loan during a three-year national tour … Continue reading Cash register from Threatt Filling Station to be part of Smithsonian exhibition

Some stucco repairs made to Painted Desert Trading Post

Volunteers recently spent a few days performing stucco repairs to the long-abandoned Painted Desert Trading Post building in eastern Arizona before winter sets in. When the group returns in the spring, it'll finish the stucco work, then Route 66 artist and researcher Jerry McClanahan eventually will repaint the faded letters on the building. Mike Ward … Continue reading Some stucco repairs made to Painted Desert Trading Post

Golf event by Oklahoma lieutenant governor to benefit Threatt Station

Some proceeds from Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell's annual Luau on the Green and golf tournament later this month will benefit the historic Threatt Filling Station along Route 66 near Luther, Oklahoma. The family that owns the station made the announcement on Facebook a few days ago. They stated: We are honored, thankful and excited … Continue reading Golf event by Oklahoma lieutenant governor to benefit Threatt Station

Standard Diner in Albuquerque closes, will convert to Range Cafe

The Standard Diner closed Monday after 14 years along Route 66 in Albuquerque but will be converted into a Range Cafe later this week. The Albuquerque Journal reported the restaurant's conversion into a Range Cafe will be complete by Friday. The Standard Diner announced the closing and conversion to a Range Cafe in a Facebook … Continue reading Standard Diner in Albuquerque closes, will convert to Range Cafe

Doc Hudson replica from ‘Cars’ movie unveiled at Gearhead Curios in Galena

A replica of the Doc Hudson character from the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated film "Cars" was unveiled Saturday at Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas. A local television station talked to Aaron Perry, proprietor of the shop that's housed in a former Texaco gas station: He thought Galena would be the perfect place to start Gearhead Curios … Continue reading Doc Hudson replica from ‘Cars’ movie unveiled at Gearhead Curios in Galena

Fire guts restaurant building at Road Runner’s Retreat near Chambless

A likely arson fire destroyed the restaurant building Wednesday at the long-closed Road Runner's Retreat complex near Chambless, California. Beth Murray reported the fire began about 4:15 p.m. The sign and service station remained intact, but the restaurant was "a total loss." After the bad news, Murray set up a fundraiser with a goal of … Continue reading Fire guts restaurant building at Road Runner’s Retreat near Chambless