The long-closed Lurvey Courts cabins that stood along Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, finally were being torn down Monday by the city after appeals to the owner to preserve them bore no fruit. Here is some video from the Ozarks First television station in Springfield: The station said the cabins at 2939 E. Kearney St. … Continue reading Lurvey Courts cabins in Springfield being torn down
The Globetrotter Lodge in Holbrook, Arizona, announced it has a new owner, and the deal will close July 8. Peter and Mona Hoeller, natives of Austria, announced in November 2018 they had put the Route 66 motel up for sale. They originally said the 10-room hotel would be listed for $598,000. According to a comment … Continue reading Globetrotter Lodge in Holbrook has new owner
New Mexico's governor announced she was imposing up to a 14-day quarantine for all travelers coming into the state until at least July 15 to tamp down a coronavirus surge there. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said during the health briefing Wednesday she was deeply troubled by a higher COVID-19 caseload in her state and big … Continue reading New Mexico imposes 14-day quarantine to all travelers in the state
A fire first reported Tuesday afternoon destroyed the long-closed Palmer Hotel along Route 66 in Afton, Oklahoma. The Joplin Globe in Missouri reported the fire was reported at 4 p.m. Tuesday. About 20 fire departments and 125 firefighters were called to battle the blaze, which continued to smolder 24 hours later. So much water was … Continue reading Fire destroys long-closed Palmer Hotel in Afton
Prolific author Stephen H. Provost this spring released two books barely two months apart about the early history of American roads and the so-called golden age of U.S. highways. "America's First Highways" delves into the pre-1926 era when the nation's main roads -- including a precursor to Route 66 -- were named and not numbered. … Continue reading Books review: “Yesterday’s Highways” and “America’s First Highways”
The owners of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced Tuesday the Route 66 landmark property was under contract after being on the market for more than 18 months. The deal with "a delightful couple" is expected to close later this month. Co-owners Kevin and Nancy Mueller posted this message on Facebook: They … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari is under contract
The Meteor City Trading Post eventually will reopen for the first time since 2012 after its new owners have received a hand up from nearby Route 66 businesses and enthusiasts. The Arizona Daily Sun in a feature story recounts the three-year saga of Joann and Michael Brown of Indiana, who bought the abandoned and vandalized … Continue reading Meteor City Trading Post being restored with a little help from their friends
Two conditional use permits approved by the city planning commission for the city of Monrovia, California, indicate the historic Aztec Hotel will reopen as a lodging establishment with a restaurant after being closed for about nine years. Keith Johnson reported on the Route 66 Los Angeles page on Facebook that the planning commission on May … Continue reading Permits to city of Monrovia indicate Aztec Hotel may reopen in coming months
Pierce Pennant Terminal in Tulsa Steve Clem, operations director at Public Radio Tulsa for 11 years, retired last week from his post and is planning two books about defunct theaters and Route 66 motels in that city. During a Q&A session with his now-former employer, Clem revealed about projects he has in the hopper: PRT: … Continue reading Retiring Public Radio Tulsa director plans books on Route 66 motels, theaters in Tulsa
Because the coronavirus has made air travel less attractive, U.S. tourists may turn more to road trips for their vacations in the coming months. The Pontiac Daily Leader, citing tourism officials in Illinois, said travelers are looking more toward driving destinations for vacations instead of far-flung spots by plane. “I think we’re going to see … Continue reading Tourists’ bigger commitment to road trips may help Route 66 in a COVID-19 world
