A new billboard usually isn't anything special. But this one for the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M., boasts a retro look that's difficult to ignore. Richard Talley, owner of the Motel Safari in Tucumcari, said in an e-mail: We’re helping to celebrate New Mexico’s Centennial 1912-2012 this time, with a turquoise colored background, much … Continue reading New “Tucumcari Tonite!” billboard
Category: Gas stations
From eyesore to eyeful
Ed Klein at Route 66 World made a very good video about the recent repainting of an abandoned gas station in Tucumcari, N.M., into an old-time Phillips 66 station. https://youtu.be/EaXNYHfwid0 I've been told that the Tucumcari volunteers will repaint another building in the coming weeks.
Plan for Route 66 / Lincoln Highway park stalls
A plan to convert land in Plainfield, Ill., into a park that pays homage to Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway has run aground after an effort to secure a National Park Service grant failed, reported the Plainfield Patch. The property known as the old Carlson house at the corner of U.S. 30 and Route … Continue reading Plan for Route 66 / Lincoln Highway park stalls
Normal may declare gas station a historic landmark
The town council of Normal, Ill., may declare the Sprague's Super Service station on Route 66 a historic landmark at its next meeting, reported WJBC radio in Bloomington, Ill. The recommendation from the planning commission will help Terri Ryburn, who purchased the former Sprague Super Service building with a long term plan: to restore the building … Continue reading Normal may declare gas station a historic landmark
A visit with Lucille Hamons
Here's a video that popped up on YouTube -- a television reporter interviews Lucille Hamons, owner of Lucille's on Route 66 in Hydro, Okla.: https://youtu.be/WgqEkU5xywk Lucille operated the gas station from 1941 until her death in 2000. However, the station was built in 1927. With the reporter mentioning that it celebrated its 69th birthday, that … Continue reading A visit with Lucille Hamons
A visit to Bill Shea’s station
Here's a feature from KHQA-TV in Quincy, Ill., about Bill Shea's gas station and petroliana collection (some of which is quite valuable) along Route 66 in Springfield, Ill. https://youtu.be/8hvEFd-HhTY I'm glad to see this. I believe this is the first YouTube video that's been posted about Shea and his station.
Pontiac museum gets about 100 petroliana artifacts
The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Ill., received a donation of petroleum memorabilia worth $10,000, according to a news release Tuesday from Pontiac Tourism. According to the release: The generous gift was made in memory of Robert Wainwright, a former field representative for ComEd in the Pontiac area. The donation … Continue reading Pontiac museum gets about 100 petroliana artifacts
Rose Bowl Events Center put up for sale
The Rose Bowl Events Center, formerly known as the Rose Bowl bowling alley in Tulsa, has been placed on the market for $1.1 million, according to a flyer received from Kevin Anderson & Associates. The distinctively shaped building at 7419 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66) was built as a bowling alley in 1961 until … Continue reading Rose Bowl Events Center put up for sale
2011 cost-share grant awards announced
Today, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced the awarding of 10 cost-share grants to Route 66 property owners for the 2011 fiscal year. Here's the listing, straight from the agency: Route 66 Motel sign and roof rehabilitation, Kingman, Ariz. ($10,319 federal grant, $10,319 match by owner) -- The Route 66 Motel has been a welcoming … Continue reading 2011 cost-share grant awards announced
Magic Lamp Inn will host preservation fundraiser
The historic Magic Lamp Inn on Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., is hosting the Cucamonga Classics Route 66 Car Show on July 30 to help benefit the California Historic Route 66 Association's preservation fund. The flyer for the event is at left (click to enlarge). It will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. … Continue reading Magic Lamp Inn will host preservation fundraiser