The neon sign for the closed Uranium Cafe in Grants, New Mexico, was taken down several weeks ago and placed in storage, with the hopes it eventually will be restored and placed in a neon park in the city. Blue Miller initially reported on the Historic Route 66 group about the sign's disappearance. A few … Continue reading Uranium Cafe sign in Grants taken down, placed into storage
Category: History
Local man launches fundraising effort to save Gemini Giant from demolition
A man who hails from the Launching Pad Drive-In's home base of Wilmington, Illinois, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to save its Gemini Giant fiberglass giant from possible destruction by its owner. The closed Route 66 restaurant's owner, Holly Barker, said on Twitter a few days ago she was putting the Gemini Giant up for … Continue reading Local man launches fundraising effort to save Gemini Giant from demolition
Sixty-year-old Mel-O-Cream Donuts shop in Lincoln moves to new location
The Mel-O-Cream Donuts shop that dated to 1964 and was located on Route 66 in Lincoln, Illinois, moved to a new location in town but away from the Mother Road. The Mel-O-Cream moved after making its last batch of doughnuts Sunday at 704 Keokuk St. (aka Route 66) to a newer, larger space at 227 … Continue reading Sixty-year-old Mel-O-Cream Donuts shop in Lincoln moves to new location
Missourinet interview delves into the history of the Red Cedar Inn in Pacific
Missourinet with its regular Show Me Today segment recently interviewed Ryan Lowry, the chief curator of exhibits at the Red Cedar Inn Museum and Visitor Center in Pacific, Missouri. Lowry reveals a lot of history of the former Route 66 restaurant you might not have been aware of. The Red Cedar Inn Museum and Visitor … Continue reading Missourinet interview delves into the history of the Red Cedar Inn in Pacific
Albuquerque Laundromat used in “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul” destroyed by fire
The Wash Tub Laundromat along Route 66 in Albuquerque, used in scenes in the "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" television dramas, was destroyed by fire Sunday. No one was reported hurt in the blaze, but the 75-year-old building at 1105 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) probably is a total loss. The owner has vowed … Continue reading Albuquerque Laundromat used in “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul” destroyed by fire
Repairs to Arcadia’s Round Barn were completed this month
A weeks-long project to repair the 120-year-old Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma, was finished on Feb. 9. The general contractor, Holman Construction, said the repairs would add another 30 years of life to the Route 66 landmark. The cost was a little more than $110,000, with $30,000 coming from a grant from the Route 66 … Continue reading Repairs to Arcadia’s Round Barn were completed this month
Pig hip sandwiches predated Ernie Edwards’ restaurant in Broadwell along Route 66
A few online sources claim Ernie Edwards (sometimes listed as "Earnie") of the Pig Hip Restaurant along Route 66 in Broadwell, Illinois, was the inventor of his famous pig hip sandwiches. However, recent research effectively refutes that claim. First, a little background. Edwards ran what was the Pig Hip Restaurant in Broadwell from 1937 until … Continue reading Pig hip sandwiches predated Ernie Edwards’ restaurant in Broadwell along Route 66
White Fence Farm Restaurant in Romeoville begins 70th year in business
The landmark Original White Fence Farm Restaurant along Route 66 in Romeoville, Illinois, earlier this month began its 70th year in business under the Hastert family, though its roots go back about a century. The original restaurant at 1376 Joliet Road (aka Route 66) and its three other locations in the Chicagoland area closed for … Continue reading White Fence Farm Restaurant in Romeoville begins 70th year in business
Then-and-now slideshow of Albuquerque added to Central Avenue buses
Riders on Albuquerque Rapid Transit buses have a chance to glimpse at the city's past with a slideshow of Central Avenue (aka Route 66) and other landmarks from many decades ago to the current day. According to the Albuquerque Journal, the slides show Central Avenue when it was just a dirt road, then in the … Continue reading Then-and-now slideshow of Albuquerque added to Central Avenue buses
Great Rivers & Routes video features Doc’s Just off 66 in Girard
The Great Rivers & Routes tourism bureau recently began a "Main Street of America" video series. The first video, which dropped in the last few days, features Doc's Just Off 66 soda fountain and restaurant in downtown Girard, Illinois. The video's hosts, Kevin and Emily, are understandably agog at the historic memorabilia on display at … Continue reading Great Rivers & Routes video features Doc’s Just off 66 in Girard