Historic Williams lodge being converted into a winery

The old Wagon Wheel Lodge east of Williams, Ariz., on Route 66 is being transformed into the Wagon Wheel Winery by its new owners, reported the Grand Canyon News. More details from the newspaper about the 10-acre property at 7545 E. Old Route 66: Ann and Louie Serna planted about 1,200 grapevines on the property … Continue reading Historic Williams lodge being converted into a winery

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

On the trail of Ed Ruscha

Students from the University of Oklahoma traveled Route 66 to find the remnants of gas stations portrayed in photographer Ed Ruscha's influential 1963 art book, "Twentysix Gasoline Stations," according to the Kingman (Ariz.) Daily Miner. The effort is part of Road to Ruscha, a two-week course that offers three college credits and a road trip … Continue reading On the trail of Ed Ruscha

New Illinois Route 66 Hall of Famers announced

The Route 66 Association of Illinois will induct three new members to its Hall of Fame on June 8, during its annual Hall of Fame banquet in Lincoln, Ill., reported the Morris Daily Herald. The newspaper said the association received 17 nominations for the annual induction. The Class of 2013 in the Illinois Route 66 … Continue reading New Illinois Route 66 Hall of Famers announced

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

Library planned in abandoned Route 66 gas station in Mojave Desert

An artist and an author plan to establish a Philosopher's Library inside an abandoned gas station along Route 66 east of Amboy, Calif. The Philosopher's Library website contained these details: In our age of increasing distractions, the need for perspective and reflection is essential. Candy Chang and James A. Reeves will transform an abandoned gas station on Route 66 … Continue reading Library planned in abandoned Route 66 gas station in Mojave Desert

Dedication of Odell Station miniature

"Roamin' Rich" Dinkela produced this video of the recent dedication ceremony of Willem Bor's newly created miniature replica of Odell Station. The miniature is housed at the Pontiac Oakland Museum in Pontiac, Ill. https://youtu.be/pNzqoUd6ZaY Bor, a native of the Netherlands, has created several miniature replicas of Route 66 landmarks.

Nonprofit group seeks to restore Whiting Brothers signs

A nonprofit group that's trying to spur Route 66 tourism in the Albuquerque region is raising funds to restore signs at a Whiting Brothers gas station in Moriarty, N.M. -- the only one still operating. According to a report in the Mountain View Telegraph, a member of RETRO-Relive the Route asked for money from the … Continue reading Nonprofit group seeks to restore Whiting Brothers signs

Remnants of Bell gas station are demolished, but sign is saved

The deteriorating remains of the long-closed Bell gas station along Southwest Boulevard (aka Route 66) in southwest Tulsa were razed Wednesday. However, the rusty Bell sign was salvaged the day before the bulldozer arrived, and plans are to eventually restore and re-install it at the nearby Route 66 Village. Roy Heim, associated with the Route … Continue reading Remnants of Bell gas station are demolished, but sign is saved

Effort officially begins to restore Rancho Cucamonga station

Work to restore the historic Cucamonga Service Station on Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., officially started with a ceremony Wednesday, reported the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. A sign company deeded the property to the Route 66 Inland Empire California nonprofit group a few months ago. The nonprofit was formed to save the structure and … Continue reading Effort officially begins to restore Rancho Cucamonga station