I've started this new thread about the Pig Hip Museum fire and its aftermath for the stories that keep coming in. I also updated the previous thread about the Pig Hip clear into early Wednesday morning. Today, Dave Hoekstra of the Chicago Sun-Times has some interesting musings about the Pig Hip in his Travel Dispatches … Continue reading Pig Hip updates
Category: History
Litchfield cafe-motel complex named to National Register
The Belvedere Cafe and Motel on 817 Old Route 66 in Litchfield, Ill., was named to the National Register of Historic Places on March 2. The Belvedere is better-known as the former home of the Route 66 Cafe before it moved down the street a few years ago. Last I heard, the restaurant building was … Continue reading Litchfield cafe-motel complex named to National Register
Storm blows down “Rattlesnakes” sign
Bob "Crocodile" Lile, president of the Texas Old Route 66 Association, reported that a severe storm blew down the historic "Rattlesnakes -- Exit Now" sign which stood for decades off old Route 66 near the Lela exit of Interstate 40. The sign advertised the Regal Reptile Ranch, which has been in ruins for many years … Continue reading Storm blows down “Rattlesnakes” sign
Historic house placed on endangered list
The former Duncan Manor farmhouse, aka Towanda Meadows, near old Route 66 in Towanda, Ill., has been placed on Landmarks Illinois' Ten Most Endangered Historic Places because the structure's deterioration, reports the Bloomington Pantagraph. The report says that a porch has collapsed, and that the eaves have sustained serious damage. It is hoped that the … Continue reading Historic house placed on endangered list
Joplin barbershop designated a historic landmark
Dale's Ole 66 Barber Shop, at Utica Street and Euclid Avenue in Joplin, Mo., was designated a historical landmark by the Joplin Historic Preservation Commission, reports the Joplin Globe. The city will put up a sign outside the shop denoting its status. Any further changes planned for the building must be approved by the commission. … Continue reading Joplin barbershop designated a historic landmark
Filling Station marks 25 years
The Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph recounts the history of The Filling Station, just off Route 66 in Lexington, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The restaurant has been a strong Route 66 supporter for years and has its legions of fans. The Filling Station also is listed in the Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide, published … Continue reading Filling Station marks 25 years
Jealous over Joplin?
Hank Billings' column today in the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader, often filled with interesting historical tidbits, struck me as a bit of unseemly whining. He makes the dubious claim that "Does Joplin have a better press agent than Springfield or what?" by citing just two examples: A "Beverly Hillbillies" television episode in which Granny and Jed … Continue reading Jealous over Joplin?
New “Cars” video game being produced
Author and Route 66 expert Michael Wallis, who portrayed the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in the hit Disney-Pixar movie "Cars," provided some interesting news to me this week via e-mail: This week I spent several hours in studio recording a brand new CARS video game featuring the Sheriff, Mater, Lightning and many of the other … Continue reading New “Cars” video game being produced
Rally ’round Red Fork
Today, I was sent this link to a video produced by Webster High School students in Tulsa and broadcast on a local TV station. The film is about the Red Fork Main Street revitalization program, and Route 66 plays a prominent part in those plans for Tulsa's west side. The fledgling program is giving Red … Continue reading Rally ’round Red Fork
Thinkin’ about Lincoln
The Lincoln (Ill.) Courier has a couple of good stories about tourism. One is about how towns close to Springfield want to cash in on the overwhelming success that is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. The towns on Route 66 seem to be doing well, but they certainly want to take advantage. The other story … Continue reading Thinkin’ about Lincoln